Rev Invest Clin
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The emergence of coronavirus disease 19 pandemic and novel research on the high transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised controversies over the use of face masks to prevent community transmission. Specific regulations need to be fulfilled to use a face mask as part of the personal protective equipment and high quality of evidence supporting its use to prevent respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, is lacking. However, its widespread use is becoming a standard practice in some countries and discrepancies between health authorities on their policy have led to controversy. The aim of this review is to provide an outlook on recent research in this matter and areas of opportunity.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix and cervical cancer (CC). Prophylactic HPV vaccination induces the development of a specific memory immune response that facilitates HPV elimination once the natural infection occurs. At present, in addition to the prophylactic vaccine, therapeutic vaccines are being developed and researched with the aim of inducing an immune response that allows the elimination of HPV-infected cells. ⋯ So far, the studies that have generated results have described a marginal beneficial effect of the prophylactic vaccine in the management of infection and pre-invasive lesions. Based on the evidence, continuing research on the efficacy and safety of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial lesions is recommended. The use of the HPV prophylactic vaccine as treatment for pre-existing lesions is not advised, but it is recommended to prevent new lesions.
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In the development of cervical cancer (CC), the immune response plays an essential role, from the elimination of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to the response against the tumor. For optimal function of the immune response, various factors are required, one of the most important being an adequate nutrition. The complex interaction between nutrients and microbiota maintains the immune system in homeostasis and in case of infection, it provides the ability to fight against pathogen invasion, as occurs in HPV infection. ⋯ The immunomodulatory role of microbiota is also discussed. A detailed analysis of the evidence leads us to recommend a nutritional pattern very similar to the Mediterranean diet or the prudent diet for an optimal immune response. Moreover, pre- and probiotics favorably modulate the microbiota and induce preventive and therapeutic effects against cancer.