DNA barcoding promises to be a useful tool to identify pest species assuming adequate representation of genetic variants in a reference library. Here we examined mitochondrial DNA barcodes in a global urban pest, the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Our sampling effort generated 284 cockroach specimens, most from New York City, plus 15 additional U.S. states and six other countries, enabling the first large-scale survey of P. americana barcode variation. Periplaneta americana barcode sequences (n = 247, including 24 GenBank records) formed a monophyletic lineage separate from other Periplaneta species. We found three distinct P. americana haplogroups with relatively small differences within (≤0.6%) and larger differences among groups (2.4%–4.7%). This could be interpreted as indicative of multiple cryptic species. However, nuclear DNA sequences (n = 77 specimens) revealed extensive gene flow among mitochondrial haplogroups, confirming a single species. This unusual genetic pattern likely reflects multiple introductions from genetically divergent source populations, followed by interbreeding in the invasive range. Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive reference databases in DNA barcoding studies, especially when dealing with invasive populations that might be derived from multiple genetically distinct source populations.

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Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with various skin conditions including vitiligo. However, the association between these 2 conditions has yet to be determined by quantitative meta-analysis. Objective The aim of this paper was to determine the association between vitiligo and metabolic syndrome via systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science was performed for all published literature prior to August 16, 2020. Case control and prospective cross-sectional studies analyzing the association between vitiligo and MetS were included in this review. The primary outcome measures include the type of vitiligo, diagnostic criteria for MetS, components of MetS (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glycemic index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and BMI. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence and association of MetS in patients with vitiligo. Results A total of 6 studies (n=734 participants) meeting eligibility criteria were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of MetS in patients with vitiligo was (0.296, 95% CI 0.206, 0.386; P<.001). Patients with vitiligo were no more likely to develop MetS compared to control patients (odds ratio 1.66, 95% CI 0.83, 3.33; P=.01). A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed a significant association between MetS and vitiligo (P<.001). Significant elevations in fasting glycemic index (mean difference 5.35, 95% CI 2.77, 7.93; P<.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference 1.97, 95% CI 0.02, 3.92; P=.05) were observed in patients with vitiligo compared to control patients. Conclusions The association between vitiligo and metabolic syndrome carries important clinical implications. Dermatologists and other multidisciplinary team members should remain vigilant when treating this patient population in order to prevent serious cardiovascular complications that may arise as a result of metabolic disease.

BACKGROUND Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) has been associated with various skin diseases including vitiligo. However, the association between these two conditions is yet to be determined by quantitative meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE To determine the association, if any, between vitiligo and metabolic syndrome via meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic review was performed for published literature prior to August 16, 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence and association of MetS in patients with vitiligo. RESULTS Six studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of MetS in patients with vitiligo was (0.296 [95% CI: 0.206, 0.386]; P<.001). Patients with vitiligo were not more likely to develop MetS compared to control patients (OR=1.66 [95% CI: 0.83, 3.33]; P=.005). A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis showed a significant association between MetS and vitiligo (P<.001). Significant elevations in fasting glycemic index (MD=5.35 [95% CI: 2.77, 7.93]; P<.001) and diastolic blood pressure (MD=1.97 [95% CI: 0.02, 3.92]; P=.05) were observed in patients with vitiligo compared to control patients. CONCLUSIONS There does not appear to be a significant association between MetS and vitiligo. However, vitiligo patients had higher mean levels of fasting glycemic index and low density lipoprotein when compared to control patients. Further research is required to elucidate the extent of cardiometabolic derangements in vitiligo patients.

BACKGROUND Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly manifests with facial flushing, skin irritation, and acne. Rosacea and cancer are thought to be linked by the commonality of inflammatory and immune response dysfunction. Studies in the literature that have looked into this possible association have generated mixed results. OBJECTIVE Given the conflicting literature on this topic, our paper seeks to evaluate the overall association between rosacea and several commonly investigated cancers in the literature. METHODS A systematic review was performed using Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID. Studies were screened for inclusion of rosacea and glioma, breast, thyroid, hepatic, or skin cancers independently. Using information from the articles, rosacea and each respective cancer were categorized as being likely associated, unlikely associated, or as having an unclear association. RESULTS Our systematic review resulted in the inclusion of 35 full-text papers, which investigated the association between rosacea and various malignancies. Among the malignancies of concern, 14 studies reported an association with basal cell carcinoma, 11 studies reported an association with squamous cell carcinoma, 3 studies reported an association with breast cancer, an association with melanoma and thyroid carcinomas were reported in 2 studies each, and an association with non-melanoma skin cancers, hepatic cancer and glioma were reported in 1 study each. According to our review, patients with rosacea appeared to statistically be more likely to have basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, hepatic cancer, and glioma. Rosacea was not found to be significantly associated with melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. A clear association between rosacea and thyroid cancer was not able to be made due to conflicting results. CONCLUSIONS The current literature displays that rosacea is significantly associated with an increased odds of basal cell carcinoma, glioma, and hepatic cancer. Rosacea does not appear to be associated with melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Further studies should be conducted to clarify an association between thyroid cancer and rosacea.

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