Recent Advances In Epidemiology Research Articles

A Overview on Lumpy Skin Disease: A Review

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically devastating emerging viral disease of cattle and it is caused by the virus which belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. It is a transboundary illness with serious economic implications that affects cattles and water buffaloes. The illness has a high morbidity and low mortality are caused by arthropod-borne transmission. LSD has made its first appearance in India with a 7.1% morbidity rate among cattle. The disease typically manifests clinically as fever, anorexia, and distinctive nodules on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nostrils, udder, genital, and rectum. Abortion, infertility, and occasionally death can also occur. On examination, nodules are frequently seen on the mucosa of the oropharynx, udder, genitalia, and rectum. The disease is endemic to countries in Africa and the Middle East, but it has recently begun to spread to Asia and other continents. Recently China and Bangladesh have been reported who shareboundary with India. For the first time, we have compiled a list of LSD epidemics that have occurred in Asian nations during the past ten years the disease's epidemiological situation is still unclear in India. It may be possible to stop the disease from spreading by vaccination and enforcing rigorous quarantine rules and vector control measures. This study seeks to summaries recent advances in epidemiology with a particular disease's etiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment and its transboundary dissemination. Due to poor conditions in farming communities and limited availability to efficient immunizations, the dissemination of capripoxviruses appears to be spreading. This is mostly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic's negative economic repercussions, the devastating sanctions imposed in endemic areas, the rise in both legal and criminal commerce in live animal and animal product, as well as the effects of global climate change.

The Evolving Landscape of Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: Pathogenic Insight, Clinical Challenges, and New Frontiers in Therapy.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology characterized by accumulation of granulomas in affected tissue. Cutaneous manifestations are among the most common extrapulmonary manifestations in sarcoidosis and can lead to disfiguring disease requiring chronic therapy. In many patients, skin disease may be the first recognized manifestation of sarcoidosis, necessitating a thorough evaluation for systemic involvement. Although the precise etiology of sarcoidosis and the pathogenic mechanisms leading to granuloma formation, persistence, or resolution remain unclear, recent research has led to significant advances in our understanding of this disease. This article reviews recent advances in epidemiology, sarcoidosis clinical assessment with a focus on the dermatologist's role, disease pathogenesis, and new therapies in use and under investigation for cutaneous and systemic sarcoidosis.

A Contemporary Update on the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated autoimmune disease with female susceptibility. It is characterized by over-activation of the immune system and deposit of autoimmune complex in multiple organs. High heterogeneity, unpredictable disease course of SLEas well as the lack of specific and sensitive biomarkers posed diagnostic challenges to clinicians.Despite the complicated clinical presentation and pathogenesis of SLE, research regarding this disease has made many significant breakthroughs over the past decades. Some new learning can potentially be translated into clinical practice. In addition, new classification criteria to increase diagnostic accuracy were defined in 2019 by the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR). Real-world studies have accumulated evidence for the adoption of thisnew classification criteria. Abundant classification criteria, improved recognition of organ-specific manifestations, and updated knowledge about lupus autoantibodies enable earlier diagnosis andmore personalized medicine. Thus, it is important to update our knowledge about the latest clinical practices for lupus diagnosis. This review provides new insight into the diagnosis of SLE by summarizing recent advances in epidemiology, etiology, classification criteria, clinical manifestations, and study of autoantibodies.

Update on gout management: what is old and what is new.

The global burden of gout is rising, as are the prevalence of associated comorbidities, all-cause mortality and societal costs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in epidemiology and treatment strategies for gout. Genetic factors and obesity are prominent contributors to hyperuricemia and gout, while dietary factors contribute to less variance in serum urate, though can still have some contribution to population attributable risk. A consensus statement by the Gout, Hyperuricemia and Crystal-Associated Disease Network outlined appropriate terminology regarding gout, which will aid in communication about various aspects of the disease. The 2020 American College of Rheumatology gout guideline offers comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for the management of hyperuricemia using urate-lowering therapy, prophylaxis when initiating urate-lowering therapy, treatment of gout flare and adjunctive management strategies. There is improved understanding of risk factors for allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome and well tolerated use of allopurinol in chronic kidney disease. Trial data have provided new insights regarding cardiovascular risk with febuxostat. Several new drug therapies are being tested for both urate-lowering efficacy and gout flare management. Although there have been significant advances in understanding of risk factors and treatment approaches, gout remains suboptimally managed. There is substantial need for improving gout management efforts and gout education among patients and clinicians.

Update on Pulmonary Cryptococcosis.

Pulmonary cryptococcosis is a common but underdiagnosed opportunistic fungal infection in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The causal agents include at least eight evolutionary distinct haploid lineages as well as their hybrids of the human pathogenic Cryptococcus complex. In this update, we review recent advances in epidemiology, mode of transmission, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and therapy of pulmonary cryptococcosis. Our review suggests significant challenges and opportunities for research, from bedside to benchside and back to bedside.

Hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which seriously affects the quality of life and shortens the survival time of affected patients. By reviewing the recent studies on the risk factors of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus, we aimed to explicitly present the pathogenesis of acute and chronic hydrocephalus after aSAH and make a comprehensive list of the associated risk factors of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. It would help us to better explain the occurrence of hydrocephalus after aSAH, especially hydrocephalus caused by inflammation after bleeding. Many studies have recently suggested that high mobility group box 1 may be an early upstream promoter of inflammatory response after aSAH, which also provides important ideas for us to look for potential drug treatments. The surgery, such as external ventricular drain and lumbar drainage, is the most common and effective treatment. Yet, there are often complications, such as rebleeding and intracranial infection, and the optimal timing of intervention is controversial. Besides, this is also a systematic review of the recent advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of aSAH-associated hydrocephalus.

COVID-19: Recent advances in epidemiology, virology, etiopathogenesis, clinical trials and vaccine development

Background:The causative virus of COVID-19 has been named SARS-CoV-2. It is the seventh coronavirus that is pathogenic to humans and the third in the series of human pathogenic beta coronaviruses. Patient zero was identified to have contracted the virus in Wuhan, China. Shortly after the initial identification of the virus and its symptoms, multiple studies concluded that the virus originated from the “Wuhan seafood market”, a notorious market place for illegal wildlife trade based in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei region of the People’s Republic of China. Globally, as of 7:02 pm CEST, 29 May 2020, there have been 5704736 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 357736 deaths, reported to the WHO. The transmission of COVID-19 is primarily by way of respiratory droplets, which can be developed via means of coughing or sneezing, hence spreading the disease from one person to another person. The research proposed indicates the possibility of bats as being the natural cistern of SARS-CoV-2, hence making COVID-19 a zoonotic disease. The most suspected intermediate host is the Malayan pangolin. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus that has an affinity for ACE2 receptors in humans, causing severe pathological symptoms. Symptoms like anorexia, dyspnea, fatigue, pyrexia, cough, headache, dizziness, nausea, productive sputum, abdominal pain, myalgia, sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting. Vaccines that are currently in the clinical evaluation are the Adenovirus type 5 vector, mRNA-1273, Inactivated alum, ChAdOx, LNP-mRNA, DNA plasmid vaccine with electroporation and Inactivated vaccines. A Phase III randomized multicountry clinical trial comprising of 100 countries known as “Solidarity” (ISRCTN83971151) has been initiated by the WHO to achieve the unified goal of producing an adequate treatment for COVID-19. The present Solidarity trial focuses on the following drugs: Remdesivir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir with or without interferon beta-1a, Chloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine.
 Conclusion: It is invariably essential to promote research in this field of study and find an appropriate solution to the virus to allow individuals worldwide to lead a secure and healthy life.

Renal transplantation and predisposition to opportunistic infections.

Infections represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation in children. We review recent advances in epidemiology, assessment, prevention and treatment for several different infections. Infections, such as bacterial urinary tract infection or opportunistic viral infection remain common, may be increasing and represent a large proportion of hospitalization. Extended antiviral agent use reduces the incidence of cytomegalovirus disease but its efficacy to reduce Epstein-Barr virus disease remains controversial. Human herpesvirus-6 and hepatitis E virus represent new infections to keep in mind. Ureteral stenting increases the rate of early UTI. Several new vaccines are now available, but rates of complete vaccination pretransplant are low. Infections remain a critical posttransplant issue associated with significant medical burdens. Emerging data on associated risk factors, assessment of and treatment for infections provide clinicians with new knowledge.

Invasive Candidiasis in Infants and Children: Recent Advances in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

This paper reviews recent advances in three selected areas of pediatric invasive candidiasis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Although the epidemiological trends of pediatric invasive candidiasis illustrate a declining incidence, this infection still carries a heavy burden of mortality and morbidity that warrants a high index of clinical suspicion, the need for rapid diagnostic systems, and the early initiation of antifungal therapy. The development of non-culture-based technologies, such as the T2Candida system and (1→3)-β-d-glucan detection assay, offers the potential for early laboratory detection of candidemia and CNS candidiasis, respectively. Among the complications of disseminated candidiasis in infants and children, hematogenous disseminated Candida meningoencephalitis (HCME) is an important cause of neurological morbidity. Detection of (1→3)-β-d-glucan in cerebrospinal fluid serves as an early diagnostic indicator and an important biomarker of therapeutic response. The recently reported pharmacokinetic data of liposomal amphotericin B in children demonstrate dose–exposure relationships similar to those in adults. The recently completed randomized clinical trial of micafungin versus deoxycholate amphotericin B in the treatment of neonatal candidemia provides further safety data for an echinocandin in this clinical setting.

What is new in severe sepsis in the critically ill patient?

Severe sepsis is common in critically ill patients and is responsible for high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this special issue is to highlight recent advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in the critically ill patient.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and growth of children

According to the “environmental obesogen hypothesis”, early-life (including in utero) exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may disturb the mechanisms involved in adipogenesis or energy storage, and thus may increase the susceptibility to overweight and obesity. Animal models have shown that exposure to several of these chemicals could induce adipogenesis and mechanisms have been described. Epidemiological studies are crucial to know whether this effect could also be observed in humans. We aimed at summarizing the literature in epidemiology on the relationship between EDCs exposure and child's growth. Overall, epidemiological studies suggest that pre- and/or early postnatal exposure to some EDCs may increase the risk of overweight or obesity during childhood. In that review, we present some limitations of these studies, mainly in exposure assessment, that currently prevent to conclude about causality. Recent advances in epidemiology should bring further knowledge.

Zika Virus Infection in Pregnancy, Microcephaly, and Maternal and Fetal Health: What We Think, What We Know, and What We Think We Know.

-The global epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has emerged as an important public health problem affecting pregnant women and their infants. -To review the causal association between ZIKV infection during pregnancy and intrauterine fetal infection, microcephaly, brain damage, congenital malformation syndrome, and experimental laboratory models of fetal infection. Many questions remain regarding the risk factors, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and timing of maternal-fetal transmission and disease. These include mechanisms of fetal brain damage and microcephaly; the role of covariables, such as viral burden, duration of viremia, and host genetics, on vertical transmission; and the clinical and pathologic spectrum of congenital Zika syndrome. Additional questions include defining the potential long-term physical and neurobehavioral outcomes for infected infants, whether maternal or fetal host genetics influence the clinical outcome, and whether ZIKV infection can cause maternal morbidity. Finally, are experimental laboratory and animal models of ZIKV infection helpful in addressing maternal-fetal viral transmission and the development of congenital microcephaly? This communication provides current information and attempts to address some of these important questions. -Comprehensive review of published scientific literature. -Recent advances in epidemiology, clinical medicine, pathology, and experimental studies have provided a great amount of new information regarding vertical ZIKV transmission and the mechanisms of congenital microcephaly, brain damage, and congenital Zika syndrome in a relatively short time. However, much work still needs to be performed to more completely understand the maternal and fetal aspects of this new and emerging viral disease.

Guest Editors' Introduction to the Special Issue: Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a significant cause of visual loss among older adults throughout the world. This comprehensive, special issue integrates recent advances in epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, classification, clinical diagnosis, and treatments with the parallel progress in understanding of disease mechanisms.

Chikungunya virus: recent advances in epidemiology, host pathogen interaction and vaccine strategies.

The Chikungunya virus is a re-emerging alphavirus that belongs to the family Togaviridae. The symptoms include fever, rashes, nausea and joint pain that may last for months. The laboratory diagnosis of the infection is based on the serologic assays, virus isolation and molecular methods. The pathogenesis of the Chikungunya viral infection is not completely understood. Some of the recent investigations have provided information on replication of the virus in various cells and organs. In addition, some recent reports have indicated that the severity of the disease is correlated with the viral load and cytokines. The Chikungunya virus infection re-emerged as an explosive epidemic during 2004-09 affecting millions of people in the Indian Ocean. Subsequent global attention was given to research on this viral pathogen due to its broad area of geographical distribution during this epidemic. Chikungunya viral infection has become a challenge for the public health system because of the absence of a vaccine as well as antiviral drugs. A number of potential vaccine candidates have been tested on humans and animal models during clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, we mainly discuss the host-pathogen relationship, epidemiology and recent advances in the development of drugs and vaccines for the Chikungunya viral infection.

Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare disorder occurring more frequently in obese women of childbearing age, resulting in increased intracranial pressure (ICP) from an unknown cause. Recent advances in epidemiology, imaging, and treatment have provided a better understanding of IIH in recent years, with better identification of visual risk factors and atypical forms of IIH, including fulminant IIH and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and a randomized clinical trial providing the rationale for the use of acetazolamide. In addition, a revised version of the modified Dandy criteria for the diagnosis of IIH was suggested in 2013, with better definition of IIH in adults and children; however, controversy regarding nomenclature has precluded its acceptance among IIH experts. Finally, questions regarding the best surgical strategy, the indications for venous sinus stenting, and the diagnostic role of the radiologic findings commonly seen in IIH have remained unanswered.

Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which frequently arises in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. PBL shows diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic cells resembling B-immunoblasts/plasmablasts, or with plasmacytic features and an immunophenotype of plasma cells. PBL remains a diagnostic challenge due to its peculiar morphology and an immunohistochemical profile similar to plasma cell myeloma (PCM). PBL is also a therapeutic challenge with a clinical course characterized by a high rate of relapse and death. There is no standard chemotherapy protocol for treatment of PBL. Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP-like regimens have been the backbone while more intensive regimens such as cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, high-dose methotrexate/ifosfamide, etoposide, high-dose cytarabine (CODOX-M/IVAC), or dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (DA-EPOCH) are possible options. Recently, a few studies have reported the potential value of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and thalidomide in PBL patients. The introduction of genes encoding artificial receptors called chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and CAR-modified T cells targeted to the B cell-specific CD19 antigen have demonstrated promising results in multiple early clinical trials. The aim of this paper is to review the recent advances in epidemiology; pathophysiology; clinical, pathologic, and molecular characteristics; therapy; and outcome in patients with PBL.

Recent advances in epidemiology and prevention of atopic eczema.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), named also atopic eczema, is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease with a considerable social and economic burden. The primum movens of AD is in most cases a genetic and/or immune-supported defect of the skin barrier, facilitating penetration and sensitization to food or airborne allergens, as well as infections by Staphylococcus aureus, herpes simplex virus, or other microbes. New pathogenetic concepts have generated new approaches to prevention and therapy of AD. In particular, the daily use of emollients in newborns at high risk of AD has shown interesting results, with a reduction in the cumulative incidence of AD ranging from 32% to 50% of the treated infants. On the other hand, the AD preventive efficacy of food and/or inhalant allergen avoidance has been questioned, and supplementation strategies (vitamin D, probiotics, or other compounds) need to be further investigated.

Sleep Hypoventilation: A State-of-the-Art Overview.

The association between obesity and hypoventilation has long been recognized. Of historical interest, obesity hypoventilation syndrome was described well before obstructive sleep apnea was recognized in 1969. Since then, we have made great strides to advance our understanding of sleep hypoventilation syndromes. Sleep hypoventilation, particularly obesity hypoventilation syndrome, should no longer be considered a rare condition in the current global epidemic of obesity. Despite the increased recognition of this condition by health care providers, a significant proportion of the population afflicted by sleep hypoventilation remains undiagnosed and untreated, and the potential societal, health-related, and economic consequences remain poorly defined. It therefore gives me great pleasure to see the outstanding contributions from a cast of highly qualified experts and researchers who discuss in great detail the recent advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of adult and pediatric sleep hypoventilation syndromes. While extensive research spanning several decades has increased our understanding of sleep hypoventilation syndromes, the specific purpose of this issue of Sleep Medicine Clinics is to provide a forum that allows a group of internationally recognized experts in the field to thoroughly and critically review the current state of knowledge and to provide insight and guidance on important questions that require further investigation. My most fervent hope is that the state-of-the-art discussions in this issue will stimulate the readership and provide a focused assessment of the current state of knowledge on sleep hypoventilation. I am confident that the outstanding contributions by my colleagues will help current and future investigators and clinicians to formulate many probing questions waiting to be asked and help us find the answers in this exciting and important area of respiratory and sleep medicine. The issue begins with an article providing a historical perspective on sleep hypoventilation syndromes. The following article provides an overview of the pathophysiology of sleep hypoventilation and how it can progress from hypoventilation during sleep to hypoventilation during wakefulness. This is followed by an in-depth discussion regarding diagnostic considerations and technological limitations related to capnometry. The next article provides an update of advances in various modalities of positive airway pressure therapy. Scoring respiratory events during noninvasive ventilation can be challenging, and a systematic description of these events has been summarized in the following article. The next three articles provide a detailed and up-to-date summary of diagnosis, epidemiology, and treatment of obesity hypoventilation syndrome. These three articles are followed by a series of outstanding reviews covering the spectrum of hypoventilation, such as the overlap syndrome, neuromuscular disorders, hypoventilation due to opioids and sedatives, as well as the interaction between anesthesia and sleep hypoventilation syndromes. The last two articles provide a comprehensive review of pediatric hypoventilation syndrome and treatment with noninvasive ventilation in children. I am indebted to my colleagues who graciously accepted my invitation to make exceptional contributions to this issue of Sleep Medicine Clinics. I am also grateful to Dr Teofilo Lee-Chiong for providing a forum that allows an in-depth analysis and discussion of the topic. I hope you will enjoy reading these outstanding articles.

Review article: the epidemiology and prevention of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer can be divided into cardia and noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma (NCGA). Non cardia gastric cancer is a disease that has declined in global incidence but has remained as an extremely lethal cancer. To review recent advances in epidemiology and strategies in prevention of non cardia gastric cancer. A rapid literature search strategy was developed for all English language literature published before March 2013. The search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE. The search strategy included the keywords 'stomach neoplasms', 'gastric cancer', 'epidemiology', 'risk factor', 'early detection of cancer', 'mass screening', 'cancer burden', 'prevention' and 'cost-effectiveness'. The search strategy was adjusted according to different requirements for each database. The specific search was also performed in cancer-related websites for country-specific information. The search was limited to past 10 years. Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer but the third leading cause of cancer death. The case fatality rate is 75%. Screening by radiological or endoscopic methods has limited success in prevention of gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori has been identified as a carcinogen, accounting for 60-70% of gastric cancer globally and eradication is a potential preventive measure. A meta-analysis in 2009 demonstrated that individuals treated with H. pylori eradication therapy can reduce gastric cancer risk. The extended Shandong Intervention trial that lasted 14.3 years showed that H. pylori eradication therapy significantly reduced gastric cancer incidence by 39%. Consensus groups from Asia, Europe and Japan have recommended H. pylori eradication as primary prevention in high-risk areas. Following eradication therapy, endoscopic surveillance of pre-malignant lesions using enhanced imaging appears to be another promising preventive strategy. Gastric cancer remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. There is emerging evidence that H. pylori eradication in high gastric cancer regions can lead to a decline in the incidence of this highly lethal disease.

Skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria

Skin and soft tissues infections (SSTIs) caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are underrecognized and difficult to treat. Controversies exist for optimal medical management and the role of surgery. Defining the epidemiology in the environment, in animals and in healthcare aids disease prevention. This review focuses on recent advances in epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostics and therapy. The increasing consumer appetite for cosmetic and body-modifying procedures (e.g. tattooing, mesotherapy, liposuction) has been associated with rises in sporadic cases and outbreaks of NTM SSTIs. In mainstream healthcare, recent epidemiological studies have helped to quantify the increased risk of NTM infection related to anti-tumour necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody therapy. Cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children poses management dilemmas, but recent studies and resultant algorithms have simplified decision-making. Molecular studies have led to a better understanding of the epidemiology, therapy and course of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) that remains prevalent in many areas including sub-Saharan Africa and southeastern Australia. Apart from molecular methods, the widespread adoption of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry by routine laboratories has potential to simplify and expedite the laboratory identification of NTMs. An improved understanding of the epidemiology of NTM SSTIs indicates a need to apply effective infection control and ensure regulation of cosmetic and related procedures associated with nonsterile fluids. Broader access to newer diagnostic methods will continue to improve recognition of NTM disease. Along with a paucity of therapeutic agents, there is need for more reliable methods to assess susceptibility and selection of effective combination therapy.