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Background Patients with mental disorders have a high risk of intestinal parasitic infection due to poor hygiene practices. Hence, to better clarify this overlooked phenomenon, the current study is conducted to determine the global prevalence of protozoan parasite infections in patients with mental disorders and investigate the associated risk factors. Methods Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were searched for papers published until December 2022. The fixed effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall odds ratio (OR) and pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 131 articles (91 case-control and 40 cross-sectional studies) met the eligibility criteria. Patients with mental disorders were significantly at higher risk for protozoan parasites than healthy controls (OR: 2.059, 1.830-2.317). The highest pooled OR (2.485, 1.413-4.368) was related to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, and the highest pooled prevalence was detected in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (0.341, 0.244-0.446), followed by bipolar and related disorders (0.321, 0.000-0.995). Toxoplasma gondii was the most prevalent protozoan parasite (0.343, 0.228-0.467) in cross-sectional studies and the highest pooled OR was related to Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.719, 1.352-16.474) followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (4.618, 2.877-7.412). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that individuals afflicted with mental disorders are significantly more susceptible to acquiring protozoan parasites in comparison to healthy individuals. Preventive interventions, regular screening, and treatment approaches for parasitic diseases should be considered for patients with mental disorders. Keywords: Protozoan parasites, Mental disorders, Prevalence, Meta-analysis, Worldwide, Author(s): Amir Abdoli[sup.1,2], Meysam Olfatifar[sup.3], Aida Vafae Eslahi[sup.4], Zeinab Moghadamizad[sup.5], Rasoul Samimi[sup.4], Mohammad Amin Habibi[sup.6,7], Amir Sam Kianimoghadam[sup.8], Milad Badri[sup.4] and Panagiotis Karanis[sup.9,10] Background Over the past few decades, protozoan [...]

Background: Despite remarkable progress in contemporary medical technology and enhanced survival outcomes for various cancer types, pancreatic cancer (PC) continues to stand out as a particularly deadly gastrointestinal malignancy. Given a persistent rise in both incidence and the corresponding mortality rates of PC globally, evaluations of PC burden by sex are of great importance. Here, we used the illness‐death multi‐state model (IDM) to forecast the prevalence of PC through the year 2040. Methods: IDM was established based on obtainable data to predict the future prevalence of PC on global, regional, and national scales from 2019 to 2040. Analyses were also performed regarding sex and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented for all estimates. Results: The projected prevalence rate for 2040 is anticipated to be 6.093 ([95% CI 5.47–6.786] per 100,000) worldwide, indicating a significant increase of 31.45% since 1990, and a 12.29% increase since 2019. The estimated average annual increase since 2020 was 0.5%. Considering sex differences, females are expected to have a steeper slope in prevalence rate than males. Intriguingly, when considering the percentage changes between the periods of 2019–2040 and 1990–2019 for both sexes, females exhibited 29% and 11% increase relative to males (2.6‐fold greater increase). Conclusions: By 2040, it is predicted that the prevalence of PC will increase globally, with women being at higher risk of developing the disease. Considering the percentage changes, regions with lower socioeconomic status are anticipated to face a greater risk of experiencing PC compared to other geographical areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that occurs in two phases: primary and secondary injury. These phases contribute to changes in blood vessels and the influx of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. The biomarker known as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested as being highly valuable in predicting outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, acute ischemic stroke, and traumatic spinal cord injury. Therefore, this review study aims to investigate the prognostic value of the NLR in predicting outcomes for patients with SCI. Materials and Methods: A thorough review of relevant articles was conducted using Mesh keywords in Medline via Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from 2000 to 2023. The search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. After reviewing the articles and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, only relevant articles were included in the study. Results: In the initial search, 41 papers were identified. After applying exclusion criteria, only three clinical studies remained for review. It is still debatable whether the NLR can serve as a cost-effective, readily available, and independent predictive factor for both mortality and recovery outcomes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that NLR, a readily available and inexpensive marker, can serve as an independent predictor of both mortality and recovery outcomes in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. To reach a conclusive decision, additional data are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines show promise for glioma treatment, but optimal use remains uncertain. This meta‐analysis examined DC vaccine efficacy and safety for gliomas. Methods: This systematic review and meta‐analysis study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. From the date of inception to October 23, 2023, electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus have been thoroughly evaluated. Results: A total of 12 studies with 998 patients and a mean age ranging from 40.2 to 56 years were included. Across 12 articles, DC vaccine 6‐month overall survival (OS) was 100% [95% confidence interval {95%CI}: 100%–100%]. Respectively, 12‐month OS reported 75% [95%CI: 65%–85%] but declined to 32% [95%CI: 20%–43%] for 24‐month OS. 6‐ and 12‐month progression‐free survival reached 49% [95%CI: 21%–77%] and 19% [95%CI:8%–30%]. Studying radiological outcomes shows that complete response and partial response rates were 13% [95%CI: 17%–42%], and 26% [95%CI: 10%–42%], though stable disease reached 33% [95%CI: 15%–51%], suggesting predominant antineoplastic effects. The progressive disease rate also was 24% [95%CI: 9%–57%]. Conclusions: In gliomas, DC vaccinations show a temporary efficacy; stability is more prevalent than regression. Impacts favor decreased resistance to early disease. Enhancing efficacy remains critical. Early therapy can be enhanced by appropriate supplementary therapy integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Early effective treatment and appropriate coverage are vital for full-thickness wounds. Amnion membrane-derived products have recently emerged in tissue engineering. However, the optimal concentration, carrier for controlled release, and handling have remained challenges. This study aims to develop and optimize an in situ forming, amniotic-based hydrogel for wound healing. Materials and Methods: Here, a composite matrix was fabricated with gelatin hydrogel modified with methacrylate functional group conjugated (GelMA) and keratose (wt.1%), loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, 1×105 cell/ml) and optimized soluble amniotic membrane (SAM, 0.5 mg/ml). The physicochemical properties of the final subject were evaluated in vitro and in vivo environments. Results: The results of the in vitro assay demonstrated that conjugation of the methacryloyl group with gelatin resulted in the formation of GelMA hydrogel (26.7±1.2 kPa) with higher mechanical stability. Modification of GelMA with a glycosaminoglycan sulfate (Keratose) increased controlled delivery of SAM (47.3% vs. 84.3%). Metabolic activity (93%) and proliferation (21.2 ± 1.5 µg/ml) of MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel improved by incorporation of SAM (0.5 mg/ml). Furthermore, the migration of fibroblasts was facilitated in the scratched assay by SAM (0.5 mg/ml)/MSCs (1×105 cell/ml) conditioned medium. The GelMA hydrogel groupes revealed regeneration of full-thickness skin defects in rats after 3 weeks due to the high angiogenesis (6.3 ± 0.3), cell migration, and epithelialization. Conclusion: The results indicated in situ forming and tunable GelMA hydrogels containing SAM and MSCs could be used as efficient substrates for full-thickness wound regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]