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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Asprosin is a promising candidate for novel treatments for metabolic-endocrine disorders. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the existing evidence regarding asprosin levels in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and obesity. METHODS: Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched without restrictions. We only used the standardized mean differences (SMD) with their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) as the effect measure. A random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird method) was used for the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cross-Sectional Studies. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (n = 3,787) were included in the meta-analysis. Participants with T2D had higher asprosin values than those without T2D (SMD: 1.64; 95 % CI: 1.08-2.21; I2 = 97 %). Patients with MetS had higher asprosin levels compared to those without MetS (SMD: 0.99; 95 % CI: 0.34-1.64; I2 = 96 %). Patients with obesity had higher asprosin levels than participants without obesity (SMD: 1.49; 95 % CI: 0.23-2.76; I2 = 98 %). CONCLUSIONS: Asprosin is significantly higher in patients with either T2D, MetS, or obesity, compared with controls.

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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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Introduction: Dengue is a vector-borne disease, especially important in tropical and subtropical areas. The first presentation of many arboviral diseases occurred mainly in animals, including multiple Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses, such as dengue. Objective: To determine the serological and molecular frequency of the dengue virus in animals. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in five databases for the proportion of animals infected with dengue, defined by molecular and serological tests. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochran?s Q test and the I2 statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity between the two studies. Results: The presence of dengue in bats, primates, birds, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, rodents and buffaloes, according to serological methods, had a prevalence of 10%, 29%, 8%, 1%, 11%, 0%, 49%, 2%, 7%, respectively. According to molecular methods, the presence of dengue in bats had a seroprevalence of 6.0%. Conclusion: The present study confirms the presence of the Dengue virus in a large group of animal species, with potential implications as possible reservoirs of this virus, raising the possibility of zoonotic transmission.

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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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OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. No study conclusively recommends the use of medicinal plants to treat COVID-19 symptoms, and their indiscriminate use may present health risks. Main findings. Sixty percent of participants consumed medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19. This was particularly true for those living in the Peruvian highlands and individuals with family members diagnosed or deceased from COVID-19, who perceive a higher risk of infection and use medications or chlorine dioxide as preventive measures. Implications. Communication strategies emphasizing validated preventive practices and educating about the risks of consuming medicinal plants should be tailored to the predominant characteristics of the consumer. Determine the factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A population over 18 years of age, living in Peru and without a history of COVID-19 disease, was evaluated. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants were evaluated using a Poisson regression model with robust variances. RESULTS.: Of the 3231 participants included, 84.6% were young adults (18-29 years old), 62.7% were women, and 59.7% consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19 infection. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19 infection were residing in the Peruvian highlands, having had a family member diagnosed with COVID-19, having had a family member die from COVID-19, considering their family to be at increased risk of infection, having used medications or chlorine dioxide to prevent COVID-19, having medical information as the main source of information about COVID-19, thinking that medicinal plants are effective in preventing COVID-19 disease, or not being informed about their effectiveness. CONCLUSION.: Sixty percent of the participants reported having consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19. Authorities must apply communication strategies about the implications of consuming medicinal plants, prioritizing population groups with higher consumption patterns.

OBJETIVOS: Motivación para realizar el estudio. Ningún estudio recomienda de manera concluyente el uso de plantas medicinales para tratar los síntomas de la COVID-19, y su uso indiscriminado puede presentar riesgos para la salud. Principales hallazgos. El 60% de los participantes utilizó plantas medicinales para la prevención de la COVID-19. Especialmente aquellos de la sierra peruana y personas con familiares diagnosticados o fallecidos por COVID-19, que perciben mayores riesgos de contagio y utilizan medicamentos o dióxido de cloro como medidas preventivas. Implicancias. Las estrategias de comunicación esenciales para las prácticas preventivas validadas y la educación sobre los riesgos del consumo de plantas medicinales deben adaptarse a las características predominantes del consumidor. Determinar los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales como prevención de la COVID-19 en la población peruana. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se evaluó población mayor de 18 años, residentes en Perú y sin antecedentes de enfermedad por COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales se evaluaron mediante un modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianzas robustas. RESULTADOS.: De 3231 participantes incluidos, el 84,6% eran jóvenes (18-29 años), el 62,7% eran mujeres y el 59,7% consumía alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19 fueron residir en la sierra peruana, haber tenido un familiar diagnosticado con COVID-19, haber tenido un familiar fallecido por COVID-19, considerar que su familia se encuentra en mayor riesgo de infección, haber usado medicamentos o dióxido de cloro para prevenir la COVID-19, tener información médica como principal fuente de información sobre la COVID-19, pensar que las plantas medicinales son efectivas para prevenir la enfermedad COVID-19 o no estar informado sobre su eficacia. CONCLUSIÓN: . El 60% de los participantes reportó haber consumido alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Es importante que las autoridades apliquen estrategias de comunicación sobre lo que implica el consumo de plantas medicinales, priorizando los grupos poblacionales que tienen mayores patrones de consumo.

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Background and aims: The presence of fungal infections has been described in patients after recovering from COVID-19. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of studies that reported fungal infections (Mucor spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, or Aspergillus spp.) in adults after recovering from COVID-19. Methods: We performed a systematic review through PubMed, Web of Science, OVID-Medline, Embase, and Scopus. The study selection process was performed independently and by at least two authors. We performed a risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and case-control studies, and the Joanna Briggs Institute's Checklists for Case Series and Case Reports. Results: The systematic search found 33 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. There was a total population of 774 participants, ranging from 21 to 87 years. From them, 746 developed a fungal infection. In 19 studies, Mucor spp. was reported as the main mycosis. In 10 studies, P. jirovecii was reported as the main mycosis. In seven studies, Aspergillus spp. was reported as the main mycosis. Regarding the quality assessment, 12 studies were classified as low risk of bias and the remaining studies as high risk of bias. Conclusion: Patients' clinical presentation and prognosis after recovering from COVID-19 with fungal infection differ from those reported patients with acute COVID-19 infection and those without COVID-19 infection.

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Snakebites still constitute a significant public health problem in developing countries and are considered a neglected tropical condition by the WHO. Snake accidents are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and may produce secondary complications, such as severe infections. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of snakebite infections and characterize the bacteria isolated from these infections. A systematic literature review in five databases was carried out to assess the prevalence of snakebite infection. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% CIs. Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of infection due to snakebite was 27.0% (95% CI: 22.0-32.0%), with high heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 99.7%). The prevalence was higher in Asia (32%) than in the Americas (21%). Snakebite infections required surgical interventions in 68% (95% CI: 37.0-98.0%). The leading group of pathogens identified corresponded to Gram-negative bacteria (63%), particularly Morganella morganii (32%), but also, Gram-positive cocci (40%), especially Enterococcus spp. (23%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15%). However, multiple other pathogens, including anaerobes, were found. A high prevalence of snakebite-associated infection has been described, primarily due to M. morganii, with the corresponding implications for empirical therapy. Rational use of antimicrobials is recommended, and this should guide initial empirical treatment. Moreover, isolation and identification of the possible bacteria present in snakebite wounds is recommended in all cases to confirm or rule out associated infection.

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We summarize the clinical trials (CTs) main characteristics, including members of ethnic minorities from Latin America. We carried out a systematic search in six databases. We made a descriptive synthesis of CTs, summarizing the characteristics, interventions, main findings, results, and conclusions reported. 4411 studies were acquired in search strategy, leaving 24 CTs in the final selection. Of these, ten were randomized, four were non-randomized, and the remainder had other designs. Most of the studies were carried out in the population of infants and children (08), ten of the studies included only women, and two studies included men. Nine studies were conducted in Mexico, with the Mayan ethnic minority being mostly evaluated (05). In only 15 it was mentioned that their research was approved by a research ethics committee. Finally, half of the CTs reported funding from international agencies and third reported funding from government agencies. Our results show that that CTs in ethnic minorities are limited and reduced to a few native peoples of the continent.

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Background & aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with life-threatening conditions. Several studies have reported an association of vitamin B12, folic acid, or homocysteine (Hcy) levels with MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association of vitamin B12, folic acid, and Hcy levels with MetS. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science were searched up to February 13, 2023. Cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies were included. A random-effects model was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method to estimate the between-study variance. Effect measures were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. Results: Sixty-six articles (n = 87,988 patients) were included. Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14-1.24; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Folate levels were not associated with MetS (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66-1.03; p = 0.09; I2 = 90%). Conclusion: Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS, whereas higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS. Studies assessing the pathways underlying this association are required.

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Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the main form of acquisition of the infection both for definitive hosts, such as the dog and the cat, respectively and for paratenic hosts, such as humans and other vertebrates. Toxocariasis infection in humans causes visceral larva migrans syndrome. When deposited on park soils, environmental contamination becomes a risk for environmental, human, and animal health. Objective: To systemically estimate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in park soils in Latin America. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the prevalence of Toxocara eggs in park soils in Latin America, defined by copro-parasitological, molecular and immunological techniques. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Embase, LILACS and SciELO for studies published from 1900 through 28 January 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity was measured through I2 statistics. Results: Forty-nine studies (2,508 parks and 12,833 samples) were included, of whom 44 had a low risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of Toxocara eggs in parks in Latin America was 50.0% (95% CI: 40.0%-60.0%). Argentina had the highest prevalence of Toxocara eggs in parks (100%), followed by Brazil (66%) and Venezuela (63%). The pooled prevalence of Toxocara eggs in soil samples was 20.0% (95% CI: 14.0%-26.0%); in faecal samples, it was 13.0% (95% CI: 6.0%-23.0%). Conclusion: The presence of Toxocara canis eggs in public parks in Latin America is a zoonotic and public health threat for the people who go to these places, especially if children play on the ground with dirt or contaminated objects; since many pet owners and general public are not adequately informed about the mode of transmission of this parasite.