Vector-borne diseases: Mosquito holobiont and novel methods for vector control

Female mosquitoes of several species require blood from warmblooded animals,including humans for the purpose of reproduction.In this process,several microbes residing in the salivary gland and midgut of mosquitoes also get transferred from one human individual to the other–a traditional model by which many vector-borne diseases(VBDs)get transmitted in the population through mosquitoes belonging to Anopheles,Aedes,Culex and other genera.

An Agent-Based Model for Studying the Impact of Herd Mobility on the Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases: The Case of Rift Valley Fever (Ferlo Senegal)

Vector-borne diseases are highly sensitive to environment and to environmental changes. Rift Valley Fever (RFV) is a mosquito-borne zootic virus associated with severe diseases in human beings and economic consequences to livestock sector. Animal and human movements have a fundamental impact on RVF transmission. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of mathematics and agent based models to represent and analyze the dynamic of RFV transmission. However, no previous study has taken into consideration animal herds’ mobility and precipitation factors to understand the disease spread. This limitation underlines the necessity to use computational model approach based on multi-agent system in the study of vector-borne diseases transmission and diffusion. In this paper, a multi-agent system combining conceptual model expressiveness is used to study animal herds’ mobility and the precipitation parameter impact on the Rift Valley Fever outbreak in Ferlo Barkedji in Northern Senegal. Simulation scenarios with various parameters, including rain quality, hosts, vectors, camp dispersal around ponds, etc., are unrolled. The different results we have obtained show that the evolution of the number of infected hosts and infected vectors depend on the degree of animal herds’ mobility and on precipitations. Our model provides a framework that permits predicting the spread of the disease associated with the mobility of animal herds.

Support for research towards understanding the population health vulnerabilities to vector-borne diseases:increasing resilience under climate change conditions in Africa

Background:Diseases transmitted to humans by vectors account for 17%of all infectious diseases and remain significant public health problems.Through the years,great strides have been taken towards combatting vectorborne diseases(VBDs),most notably through large scale and coordinated control programmes,which have contributed to the decline of the global mortality attributed to VBDs.However,with environmental changes,including climate change,the impact on VBDs is anticipated to be significant,in terms of VBD-related hazards,vulnerabilities and exposure.While there is growing awareness on the vulnerability of the African continent to VBDs in the context of climate change,there is still a paucity of research being undertaken in this area,and impeding the formulation of evidence-based health policy change.Main body:One way in which the gap in knowledge and evidence can be filled is for donor institutions to support research in this area.The collaboration between the WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases(TDR)and the International Centre for Research and Development(IDRC)builds on more than 10 years of partnership in research capacity-building in the field of tropical diseases.From this partnership was born yet another research initiative on VBDs and the impact of climate change in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa.This paper lists the projects supported under this research initiative and provides a brief on some of the policy and good practice recommendations emerging from the ongoing implementation of the research projects.Conclusion:Data generated from the research initiative are expected to be uptaken by stakeholders(including communities,policy makers,public health practitioners and other relevant partners)to contribute to a better understanding of the impacts of social,environmental and climate change on VBDs(i.e.the nature of the hazard,vulnerabilities,exposure),and improve the ability of African countries to adapt to and reduce the effects of these changes in ways that benefit their most vulnerable populations.

Priorities and needs for research on urban interventions targeting vector-borne diseases: rapid review of scoping and systematic reviews

This paper highlights the critical importance of evidence on vector-borne diseases(VBD)prevention and control interventions in urban settings when assessing current and future needs,with a view to setting policy priorities that promote inclusive and equitable urban health services.Research should produce knowledge about policies and interventions that are intended to control and prevent VBDs at the population level and to reduce inequities.Such interventions include policy,program,and resource distribution approaches that address the social determinants of health and exert influence at organizational and system levels.

Climate drivers of vector-borne diseases in Africa and their relevance to control programmes

Background:Climate-based disease forecasting has been proposed as a potential tool in climate change adaptation for the health sector.Here we explore the relevance of climate data,drivers and predictions for vector-borne disease control efforts in Africa.Methods:Using data from a number of sources we explore rainfall and temperature across the African continent,from seasonality to variability at annual,multi-decadal and timescales consistent with climate change.We give particular attention to three regions defined as WHO-TDR study zones in Western,Eastern and Southern Africa.Our analyses include 1)time scale decomposition to establish the relative importance of year-to-year,decadal and long term trends in rainfall and temperature;2)the impact of the El Niño Southern Oscillation(ENSO)on rainfall and temperature at the Pan African scale;3)the impact of ENSO on the climate of Tanzania using high resolution climate products and 4)the potential predictability of the climate in different regions and seasons using Generalized Relative Operating Characteristics.We use these analyses to review the relevance of climate forecasts for applications in vector borne disease control across the continent.Results:Timescale decomposition revealed long term warming in all three regions of Africa-at the level of 0.1-0.3°C per decade.Decadal variations in rainfall were apparent in all regions and particularly pronounced in the Sahel and during the East African long rains(March-May).Year-to-year variability in both rainfall and temperature,in part associated with ENSO,were the dominant signal for climate variations on any timescale.Observed climate data and seasonal climate forecasts were identified as the most relevant sources of climate information for use in early warning systems for vector-borne diseases but the latter varied in skill by region and season.Conclusions:Adaptation to the vector-borne disease risks of climate variability and change is a priority for government and civil society in African countries.Understanding rainfall and temperature variations and trends at multiple timescales and their potential predictability is a necessary first step in the incorporation of relevant climate information into vector-borne disease control decision-making.

Impact,economic evaluation,and sustainability of integrated vector management in urban settings to prevent vector-borne diseases:a scoping review

Background:The control of vector-borne diseases(VBD)is one of the greatest challenges on the global health agenda.Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization has heightened the interest in addressing these challenges through an integrated vector management(IVM)approach.The aim was to identify components related to impacts,economic evaluation,and sustainability that might contribute to this integrated approach to VBD prevention.Main body:We conducted a scoping review of available literature(2000-2016)using PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane,CINAHL,Econlit,LILACS,Global Health Database,Scopus,and Embase,as well as Tropical Diseases Bulletin,WHOLIS,WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme,and Google Scholar.MeSH terms and free-text terms were used.A data extraction form was used,including TIDieR and ASTAIRE.MMAT and CHEERS were used to evaluate quality.Of the 42 documents reviewed,30 were focused on dengue,eight on malaria,and two on leishmaniasis.More than a half of the studies were conducted in the Americas.Half used a quantitative descriptive approach(n=21),followed by cluster randomized controlled trials(n=11).Regarding impacts,outcomes were:a)use of measures for vector control;b)vector control;c)health measures;and d)social measures.IVM reduced breeding sites,the entomology index,and parasite rates.Results were heterogeneous,with variable magnitudes,but in all cases were favourable to the intervention.Evidence of IVM impacts on health outcomes was very limited but showed reduced incidence.Social outcomes were improved abilities and capacities,empowerment,and community knowledge.Regarding economic evaluation,only four studies performed an economic analysis,and intervention benefits outweighed costs.Costeffectiveness was dependent on illness incidence.The results provided key elements to analyze sustainability in terms of three dimensions(social,economic,and environmental),emphasizing the implementation of a community-focused eco-bio-social approach.Conclusions:IVM has an impact on reducing vector breeding sites and the entomology index,but evidence of impacts on health outcomes is limited.Social outcomes are improved abilities and capacities,empowerment,and community knowledge.Economic evaluations are scarce,and cost-effectiveness is dependent on illness incidence.Community capacity building is the main component of sustainability,together with collaboration,institutionalization,and routinization of activities.Findings indicate a great heterogeneity in the interventions and highlight the need for characterizing interventions rigorously to facilitate transferability.

The role of exosomes in adult neurogenesis:implications for neurodegenerative diseases

Exosomes are cup-shaped extracellular vesicles with a lipid bilayer that is approximately 30 to 200 nm in thickness.Exosomes are widely distributed in a range of body fluids,including urine,blood,milk,and saliva.Exosomes exert biological function by transporting factors between different cells and by regulating biological pathways in recipient cells.As an important form of intercellular communication,exosomes are increasingly being investigated due to their ability to transfer bioactive molecules such as lipids,proteins,mRNAs,and microRNAs between cells,and because they can regulate physiological and pathological processes in the central nervous system.Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process by which new neurons are generated and migrate to be integrated into existing neuronal circuits.In the adult brain,neurogenesis is mainly localized in two specialized niches:the subventricular zone adjacent to the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.An increasing body of evidence indicates that adult neurogenesis is tightly controlled by environmental conditions with the niches.In recent studies,exosomes released from different sources of cells were shown to play an active role in regulating neurogenesis both in vitro and in vivo,thereby participating in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders in patients and in various disease models.Here,we provide a state-of-the-art synopsis of existing research that aimed to identify the diverse components of exosome cargoes and elucidate the therapeutic potential of exosomal contents in the regulation of neurogenesis in several neurodegenerative diseases.We emphasize that exosomal cargoes could serve as a potential biomarker to monitor functional neurogenesis in adults.In addition,exosomes can also be considered as a novel therapeutic approach to treat various neurodegenerative disorders by improving endogenous neurogenesis to mitigate neuronal loss in the central nervous system.

Antisense therapy:a potential breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system.Currently,there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases and this means a heavy burden for patients and the health system worldwide.Therefore,it is necessary to find new therapeutic approaches,and antisense therapies offer this possibility,having the great advantage of not modifying cellular genome and potentially being safer.Many preclinical and clinical studies aim to test the safety and effectiveness of antisense therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the development of these new technologies to treat the most common neurodegenerative diseases,with a focus on those antisense therapies that have already received the approval of the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.

ATP-binding cassette transporters as possible targets for the intervention of neurodegenerative diseases

ATP-binding cassette(ABC)transporters are ubiquitous membrane-bound proteins that are responsible for the translocation of a broad spectrum of substrates across cellular membranes,including lipids,amino acids,nucleosides,sugars,and xenobiotics.Interestingly,ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain.While their functions in the brain still need to be elucidated,several members are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer’s disease(AD),Parkinson’s disease(PD),and frontotemporal dementia.In this perspective,we will review current knowledge of ABC transporters in the central nervous system in terms of physiological functions and pathology in neurodegeneration.Furthermore,we will explore the possibilities of ABC transporters as potential targets in the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Emerging roles of exosomes in oral diseases progression

Oral diseases, such as periodontitis, salivary gland diseases, and oral cancers, significantly challenge health conditions due to their detrimental effects on patient's digestive functions, pronunciation, and esthetic demands. Delayed diagnosis and non-targeted treatment profoundly influence patients' prognosis and quality of life. The exploration of innovative approaches for early detection and precise treatment represents a promising frontier in oral medicine.

Lactate metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases

Lactate,a byproduct of glycolysis,was thought to be a metabolic waste until the discovery of the Warburg effect.Lactate not only functions as a metabolic substrate to provide energy but can also function as a signaling molecule to modulate cellular functions under pathophysiological conditions.The Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle has cla rified that lactate plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system.Moreover,protein lactylation highlights the novel role of lactate in regulating transcription,cellular functions,and disease development.This review summarizes the recent advances in lactate metabolism and its role in neurodegenerative diseases,thus providing optimal pers pectives for future research.

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

Infectious diseases are the common enemies of mankind.In the course of historical development,they persistently threaten human health and safety.Even today,despite the developments in medical science,we cannot escape the fear and suffering caused by infectious diseases.Whether in ancient or modern times,the source of infection,route of transmission,and a susceptible population are the three key conditions for the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases.All factors closely related to these three conditions can affect the prevalence of infectious diseases.China is one of the cradles of world civilization.The ancient people accumulated a great deal of experience and lessons in the long struggle against infectious diseases.In the face of the current threat posed by widespread infectious disease,it is imperative to review and summarize ancient Chinese ideas and health policies on epidemic prevention and control to inspire contemporary efforts in the prevention and control of infectious disease.The combination of prevention-oriented epidemic prevention ideology and traditional medicine provides valuable insights,especially for impoverished and medically underserved regions.

Correlation between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases:a review of metagenomics evidence

A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.As a contributing factor,microbiota dysbiosis always occurs in pathological changes of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.High-throughput sequencing technology has helped to reveal that the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system is facilitated by the microbiota’s diverse microorganisms,and for both neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems.Here,we summarize the bioinformatics analysis and wet-biology validation for the gut metagenomics in neurodegenerative diseases,with an emphasis on multi-omics studies and the gut virome.The pathogen-associated signaling biomarkers for identifying brain disorders and potential therapeutic targets are also elucidated.Finally,we discuss the role of diet,prebiotics,probiotics,postbiotics and exercise interventions in remodeling the microbiome and reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Age-specific differences in the association between prediabetes and cardiovascular diseases in China:A national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,the global burden of which is rising.It is still unclear the extent to which prediabetes contributes to the risk of CVD in various age brackets among adults.To develop a focused screening plan and treatment for Chinese adults with prediabetes,it is crucial to identify variations in the connection between prediabetes and the risk of CVD based on age.AIM To examine the clinical features of prediabetes and identify risk factors for CVD in different age groups in China.METHODS The cross-sectional study involved a total of 46239 participants from June 2007 through May 2008.A thorough evaluation was conducted.Individuals with prediabetes were categorized into two groups based on age.Chinese atherosclerotic CVD risk prediction model was employed to evaluate the risk of developing CVD over 10 years.Random forest was established in both age groups.SHapley Additive exPlanation method prioritized the importance of features from the perspective of assessment contribution.RESULTS In total,6948 people were diagnosed with prediabetes in this study.In prediabetes,prevalences of CVD were 5(0.29%)in the younger group and 148(2.85%)in the older group.Overall,11.11%of the younger group and 29.59% of the older group were intermediate/high-risk of CVD for prediabetes without CVD based on the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China equation in ten years.In the younger age group,the 10-year risk of CVD was found to be more closely linked to family history of CVD rather than lifestyle,whereas in the older age group,resident status was more closely linked.CONCLUSION The susceptibility to CVD is age-specific in newly diagnosed prediabetes.It is necessary to develop targeted approaches for the prevention and management of CVD in adults across various age brackets.

Autophagy in neural stem cells and glia for brain health and diseases

Autophagy is a multifaceted cellular process that not only maintains the homeostatic and adaptive responses of the brain but is also dynamically involved in the regulation of neural cell generation,maturation,and survival.Autophagy facilities the utilization of energy and the microenvironment for developing neural stem cells.Autophagy arbitrates structural and functional remodeling during the cell differentiation process.Autophagy also plays an indispensable role in the maintenance of stemness and homeostasis in neural stem cells during essential brain physiology and also in the instigation and progression of diseases.Only recently,studies have begun to shed light on autophagy regulation in glia(microglia,astrocyte,and oligodendrocyte)in the brain.Glial cells have attained relatively less consideration despite their unquestioned influence on various aspects of neural development,synaptic function,brain metabolism,cellular debris clearing,and restoration of damaged or injured tissues.Thus,this review composes pertinent information regarding the involvement of autophagy in neural stem cells and glial regulation and the role of this connexion in normal brain functions,neurodevelopmental disorders,and neurodegenerative diseases.This review will provide insight into establishing a concrete strategic approach for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapies for brain diseases.

Genome-edited rabbits:Unleashing the potential of a promising experimental animal model across diverse diseases

Animal models are extensively used in all aspects of biomedical research,with substantial contributions to our understanding of diseases,the development of pharmaceuticals,and the exploration of gene functions.The field of genome modification in rabbits has progressed slowly.However,recent advancements,particularly in CRISPR/Cas9-related technologies,have catalyzed the successful development of various genome-edited rabbit models to mimic diverse diseases,including cardiovascular disorders,immunodeficiencies,agingrelated ailments,neurological diseases,and ophthalmic pathologies.These models hold great promise in advancing biomedical research due to their closer physiological and biochemical resemblance to humans compared to mice.This review aims to summarize the novel gene-editing approaches currently available for rabbits and present the applications and prospects of such models in biomedicine,underscoring their impact and future potential in translational medicine.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Bridging the gap:Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The BE-FIT-IBD study”published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroen-terology 2023;29(41):5668-5682.Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale,with detrimental impacts on quality of life.While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease,physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD.Chronic pain,fatigue,and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients,while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity.Physical activity(PA)is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life,while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study,focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy,revealed that a significant proportion(42.9%)were physically inactive.This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease.The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles.Moreover,physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients,having a great impact on employment status.Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood,reduce anxiety,and enhance mental health.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management,emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD.Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD,potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods.As such,it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients,dispel misconceptions,and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.

Pathological and therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases

Extracellular vesicles are released by all cell types and contain proteins,microRNAs,mRNAs,and other bioactive molecules.Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication and in the modulation of the immune system and neuroinflammation.The cargo of extra cellular vesicles(e.g.,proteins and microRNAs)is altered in pathological situations.Extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of many pathologies associated with sustained inflammation and neuroinflammation,including cance r,diabetes,hype rammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy,and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.Extracellular vesicles may cross the blood-brain barrier and transfer pathological signals from the periphery to the brain.This contributes to inducing neuroinflammation and cognitive and motor impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy and in neurodegenerative diseases.The mechanisms involved are beginning to be unde rstood.For example,increased tumor necrosis factor a in extracellular vesicles from plasma of hype rammonemic rats induces neuroinflammation and motor impairment when injected into normal rats.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases will help to develop new treatments and diagnostic tools for their easy and early detection.In contrast,extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have therapeutic utility in many of the above pathologies,by reducing inflammation and neuroinflammation and improving cognitive and motor function.These extra cellular vesicles recapitulate the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells and have advantages as therapeutic tools:they are less immunoge nic,may not diffe rentiate to malignant cells,cross the blood-brain barrier,and may reach more easily target organs.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have beneficial effects in models of ischemic brain injury,Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,hyperammonemia,and hepatic encephalopathy.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells modulate the immune system,promoting the shift from a pro-inflammato ry to an anti-inflammatory state.For example,extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells modulate the Th17/Treg balance,promoting the anti-inflammatory Treg.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells may also act directly in the brain to modulate microglia activation,promoting a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state.This reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function.Two main components of extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells which contribute to these beneficial effects are transforming growth factor-βand miR-124.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells induce the beneficial effects and the main molecules(e.g.,proteins and mRNAs)involved may help to improve their therapeutic utility.The aims of this review are to summarize the knowledge of the pathological effects of extracellular vesicles in different pathologies,the therapeutic potential of extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells to recover cognitive and motor function and the molecular mechanisms for these beneficial effects on neurological function.

Therapeutic utility of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells-based approaches in pulmonary diseases:Recent advancements and prospects

Pulmonary diseases across all ages threaten millions of people and have emerged as one of the major public health issues worldwide.For diverse disease con-ditions,the currently available approaches are focused on alleviating clinical symptoms and delaying disease progression but have not shown significant therapeutic effects in patients with lung diseases.Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells(UC-MSCs)isolated from the human UC have the capacity for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation.Moreover,in recent years,these cells have been demonstrated to have unique advantages in the treatment of lung diseases.We searched the Public Clinical Trial Database and found 55 clinical trials involving UC-MSC therapy for pulmonary diseases,including coronavirus disease 2019,acute respiratory distress syndrome,bron-chopulmonary dysplasia,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,and pulmonary fibrosis.In this review,we summarize the characteristics of these registered clinical trials and relevant published results and explore in depth the challenges and opportunitiesfaced in clinical application.Moreover,the underlying mole-cular mechanisms involved in UC-MSC-based therapy for pulmonary diseases are also analyzed in depth.In brief,this comprehensive review and detailed analysis of these clinical trials can be expected to provide a scientific reference for future large-scale clinical application.