The epidemiology of oral human papillomavirus infection in healthy populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 82
Author(s): Samantha Tam, Shuangshuang Fu, Li Xu, Kate J. Krause, David R. Lairson, Hongyu Miao, Erich M. Sturgis, Kristina R. Dahlstrom
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a potentially oncogenic sexually transmitted infection. As the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) caused by oral HPV infections is rising, further investigation into the natural history of such infections is needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize data on the prevalence, incidence, clearance, and persistence of oral HPV infections in healthy individuals.A systematic review of literature published between January 1995 and August 2017 was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis of prevalence and incidence data was conducted. Clearance and persistence data were extracted. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated an overall prevalence of 7.7% for all types of HPV and 1.4% for high-risk HPV16. The overall incidence was 4.38 cases per 1000 person-months for all HPV types and 0.92 cases per 1000 person-months for HPV16.This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that oral HPV infection has a lower prevalence and incidence than cervicogenital HPV infection in healthy individuals. Nonetheless, oral HPV is still an important concern, given its oncogenicity and the rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancer. Consistency of methodology will allow for better future comparisons, particularly of infection clearance and persistence.



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Biochar reduces nitrate level in red beet

Abstract

Impacts of red beet consumption both on human and animal health are subject of intense research. In particular, products that are not heat-processed contain plethora of bioactive compounds that hold promise against numerous degenerative and aging-associated diseases. However, high level of nitrates (typically more than 2 g NO₃⁻ kg⁻¹) whose health effects are perceived with reasoned objections counterbalance these benefits. Following the above, from a certain level, the increased consumption of red beet has contrary impacts, creating a limiting factor not only from the economic point of view but also in terms of beneficial compounds intake. Reduction of NO₃⁻ levels (− 35%) has been achieved by soil amendment via increased doses of biochar. The data obtained indicates that the mechanism can be explained as follows. The soil improvement reduces soil density, increases soil temperature, improves water retention, and other prerequisites for increased activity of soil microorganisms. Accelerated metabolism of soil biota turned more nitrogen from fertilizers into organic forms. Hence, less mineral nitrogen is left for red beet intake.

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Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using immobilized Agrobacterium fabrum biomass along with iron oxide nanoparticles as biosorbent

Abstract

A nano-biosorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) was prepared by encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and Agrobacterium fabrum strain SLAJ731, in calcium alginate. The prepared biosorbent was optimized for the maximum adsorption capacity at pH 11, 160 rpm, and 25 °C. Adsorption kinetics was examined using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion (IPD) models. The kinetic data agreed to pseudo-second-order model indicating chemisorption of MB, which was also explained by FTIR analysis. The adsorption rate constant (k₂) decreased and initial adsorption rate (h, mg g⁻¹ min⁻¹) increased, with an increase in initial dye concentration. The dye adsorption process included both IPD and surface adsorption, where IPD was found to be a rate-limiting step after 60 min of adsorption. The adsorption capacity was found to be 91 mg g⁻¹ at 200 mg L⁻¹ dye concentration. Adsorption data fitted well to Freundlich isotherm; however, it did not fit to Langmuir isotherm, indicating adsorbent surfaces were not completely saturated (monolayer formed) up to the concentration of 200 mg L⁻¹ of MB. Thermodynamic studies proposed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Biosorbent showed no significant decrease in adsorption capacity even after four consecutive cycles. The present study demonstrated dead biomass along with NPs as a potential biosorbent for the treatment of toxic industrial effluents.

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New observations in tumor cell plasticity: mutational profiling in a case of metastatic melanoma with biphasic sarcomatoid transdifferentiation

Abstract

We describe a highly unusual case of metastatic melanoma in a 61-year-old female that manifested as a single groin lymph node metastasis accompanied by two distinct, subcutaneous sarcomatoid tumors on the same leg, without evidence of a primary tumor. Characterization encompassed extensive immunohistochemical staining as well as next-generation sequencing (NGS). The lymph node metastasis showed obvious features of melanoma. The two subcutaneous lesions, however, were morphologically and immunohistochemically consistent with high-grade myxofibrosarcoma and soft tissue mixed tumor, respectively. All three lesions were BRAF wild-type and found to harbor an identical NRAS p.Q61R mutation. Metachronic intestinal metastases, showing intermingled conventional and sarcomatoid morphology, as well as an identical genetic phenotype, corroborated these findings. The concordant genetic profile provided evidence of biphasic sarcomatoid transdifferentiation of melanoma. Interestingly, the lack of genetic heterogeneity between the three morphologically distinct tumors suggests factors other than genetic mutations to be involved in melanoma transdifferentiation.

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Cardiovascular Risk Models and Statin Therapy

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Smartwatch Algorithm for Automated Detection of Atrial Fibrillation

AbstractBackground

The Kardia Band (KB) is a novel technology that enables patients to record a rhythm strip using an Apple Watch (Apple, Cupertino, California). The band is paired with an app providing automated detection of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the KB could accurately differentiate sinus rhythm (SR) from AF compared with physician-interpreted 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and KB recordings.

Methods

Consecutive patients with AF presenting for cardioversion (CV) were enrolled. Patients underwent pre-CV ECG along with a KB recording. If CV was performed, a post-CV ECG was obtained along with a KB recording. The KB interpretations were compared to physician-reviewed ECGs. The KB recordings were reviewed by blinded electrophysiologists and compared to ECG interpretations. Sensitivity, specificity, and K coefficient were measured.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled (age 68 ± 11 years). Eight patients did not undergo CV as they were found to be in SR. There were 169 simultaneous ECG and KB recordings. Fifty-seven were noninterpretable by the KB. Compared with ECG, the KB interpreted AF with 93% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and a K coefficient of 0.77. Physician interpretation of KB recordings demonstrated 99% sensitivity, 83% specificity, and a K coefficient of 0.83. Of the 57 noninterpretable KB recordings, interpreting electrophysiologists diagnosed AF with 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and a K coefficient of 0.74. Among 113 cases where KB and physician readings of the same recording were interpretable, agreement was excellent (K coefficient = 0.88).

Conclusions

The KB algorithm for AF detection supported by physician review can accurately differentiate AF from SR. This technology can help screen patients prior to elective CV and avoid unnecessary procedures.

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Antithrombotic Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease: Recent Advances

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects over 200 million people globally and is a cause of significant morbidity, mortality, and disability due to limb loss. Although secondary prevention with antithrombotic therapy is a mainstay of treatment to prevent adverse cardiovascular events, PAD patients are often undertreated with antithrombotic agents. Furthermore, there is a paucity of high-quality data from randomized controlled trials of PAD patients, leading to wide variations in clinical practice and guideline recommendations. Recently, there have been important advances that have further increased the number of antiplatelet and anticoagulant choices potentially available for patients with PAD. In this context, this paper aims to summarize the current available evidence for the safety and efficacy of various antithrombotic agents in PAD, and discuss how to integrate this emerging evidence into actual clinical practice. An evidenced-based approach to PAD patients is essential to achieve optimal outcomes, weighing cardiovascular and limb benefits against bleeding risks.

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