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.

Serological investigation of vector-borne disease in dogs from rural areas of China

Objective:To evaluate the Anaplasma phagocytophilum(A.phagocytophilum),Ehrlichia canis(E.canis,Dirofilaria immitis(D.immitis)(canine heartworm),Borrelia burgdorferi(B.burgdorferi)infections in countryside dogs from Yunnan,Hainan and Anhui provinces.Methods:Serum samples were collected from 26 dogs in Yunnan.Hainan and Anhui provinces.The samples were tested using a commercial ELISA rapid diagnostic assay kit(SNAP^(?)4Dx^(?);IDEXX Laboratories,Inc.U.S.A.).Meaiiwliile,indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA)recommended by WHO was conducted to delect IgG to A.phagocytophilum.Two methods were analyzed and compared.Results:The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A.phagocytophilum was only 2which was from Hainan province and none of the 26 dogs responded positive for E.canu.D.immitis(canine heartworm,and B.burgdorferi by ELISA rapid diagnostic method.The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A.phagocytophilum was 13(50%)by IFA method.Data of the two methods were analyzed by statistical software and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.002).Conclusions:It can be concluded that IFA method was more sensitive than ELISA rapid diagnostic method.However,we need conduct further and intensive epidemiology survey on tick-born diseases pathogens including.4.phagocytophilum,E.canis,D.immitis(canine heartworm),and B.burgdorferi which have public health significance.

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.

Effective Control Strategies on the Transmission Dynamics of a Vector-Borne Disease

In this paper, we have rigorously analyzed a model to find the effective control strategies on the transmission dynamics of a vector-borne disease. It is proved that the global dynamics of the disease are completely determined by the basic reproduction number. The numerical simulations (using MatLab and Maple) of the model reveal that the precautionary measures at the aquatic and adult stage decrease the number of new cases of dengue virus. Numerical simulation indicates that if we take the precautionary measures seriously then it would be more effective than even giving the treatment to the infected individuals.

Climate-influenced vector-borne diseases in Africa:a call to empower the next generation of African researchers for sustainable solutions

We look at the link between climate change and vector-borne diseases in low-and middle-income countries in Africa.The large endemicity and escalating threat of diseases such as malaria and arboviral diseases,intensified by climate change,disproportionately affects vulnerable communities globally.We highlight the urgency of prioritizing research and development,advocating for robust scientific inquiry to promote adaptation strategies,and the vital role that the next generation of African research leaders will play in addressing these challenges.Despite significant challenges such as funding shortages within countries,various pan-African-oriented funding bodies such as the African Academy of Sciences,the Africa Research Excellence Fund,the Wellcome Trust,the U.S.National Institutes of Health,and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as initiatives such as the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association,have empowered(or are empowering)these researchers by supporting capacity building activities,including continental and global networking,skill development,mentoring,and African-led research.This article underscores the urgency of increased national investment in research,proposing the establishment of research government agencies to drive evidence-based interventions.Collaboration between governments and scientific communities,sustained by pan-African funding bodies,is crucial.Through these efforts,African nations are likely to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of their systems and communities by navigating these challenges effectively,fostering scientific excellence and implementing transformative solutions against climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases.

Climate change and the emergence and exacerbation of infectious diseases:A review

Experts expressed severe concerns over the possibility of increasing burden of infectious diseases as the planet’s climate began to change years ago.There have been increased rates of climate-related catastrophes and as global temperatures rise,emergence of certain viruses has become a serious concern.Vectors are susceptible to changing temperatures as they exhibit innate responses to thermal stress to increase survivability.Climate change impacts virus reservoirs,increasing transmission rates of vectors.Vector-borne diseases have already witnessed increasing numbers compared to before.Certain non-endemic areas are encountering their first-ever infectious disease cases due to increasing temperatures.Tick-borne diseases are undergoing transformations provoking a heightened prevalence.Food-borne illnesses are expected to increase owing to warmer temperatures.It is important to recognize that climate change has a multivariable impact on the transmission of viruses.With climate change comes the potential of increasing interspecies interactions promoting jumps.These factors must be considered,and an informed strategy must be formulated.Adaptation and mitigation strategies are required to curb these diseases from spreading.Despite significant evidence that climate change affects infectious diseases,gaps in research exist.We conducted this review to identify the potential role climate change plays in the emergence of new viruses.

Asymptotic Analysis of a Stochastic Model of Mosquito-Borne Disease with the Use of Insecticides and Bet Nets

Ross’ epidemic model describing the transmission of malaria uses two classes of infection, one for humans and one for mosquitoes. This paper presents a stochastic extension of a deterministic vector-borne epidemic model based only on the class of human infectious. The consistency of the model is established by proving that the stochastic delay differential equation describing the model has a unique positive global solution. The extinction of the disease is studied through the analysis of the stability of the disease-free equilibrium state and the persistence of the model. Finally, we introduce some numerical simulations to illustrate the obtained results.

Microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in the development of neurodegenerative diseases

Cellular senescence and chronic inflammation in response to aging are considered to be indicators of brain aging;they have a great impact on the aging process and are the main risk factors for neurodegeneration.Reviewing the microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases will help understand the importance of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.This review describes the origin and function of microglia and focuses on the role of different states of the microglial response to aging and chronic inflammation on the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer's disease,Huntington's chorea,and Parkinson's disease.This review also describes the potential benefits of treating neurodegenerative diseases by modulating changes in microglial states.Therefore,inducing a shift from the neurotoxic to neuroprotective microglial state in neurodegenerative diseases induced by aging and chronic inflammation holds promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

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.

Vector-borne disease and climate change adaptation in African dryland socialecological systems

Background:Drylands,which are among the biosphere's most naturally limiting and environmentally variable ecosystems,constitute three-quarters of the African continent.As a result,environmental sustainability and human development along with vector-borne disease(VBD)control historically have been especially challenging in Africa,particularly in the sub-Saharan and Sahelian drylands.Here,the VBD burden,food insecurity,environmental degradation,and social vulnerability are particularly severe.Changing climate can exacerbate the legion of environmental health threats in Africa,the social dimensions of which are now part of the international development agenda.Accordingly,the need to better understand the dynamics and complex coupling of populations and environments as exemplified by drylands is increasingly recognized as critical to the design of more sustainable interventions.Main body:This scoping review examines the challenge of vector-borne disease control in drylands with a focus on Africa,and the dramatic,ongoing environmental and social changes taking place.Dryland societies persisted and even flourished in the past despite changing climates,extreme and unpredictable weather,and marginal conditions for agriculture.Yet intrusive forces largely out of the control of traditional dryland societies,along with the negative impacts of globalization,have contributed to the erosion of dryland's cultural and natural resources.This has led to the loss of resilience underlying the adaptive capacity formerly widely exhibited among dryland societies.A growing body of evidence from studies of environmental and natural resource management demonstrates how,in light of dryland system's inherent complexity,these factors and top-down interventions can impede sustainable development and vector-borne disease control.Strengthening adaptive capacity through community-based,participatory methods that build on local knowledge and are tailored to local ecological conditions,hold the best promise of reversing current trends.Conclusions:A significant opportunity exists to simultaneously address the increasing threat of vector-borne diseases and climate change through methods aimed at strengthening adaptive capacity.The integrative framework and methods based on social-ecological systems and resilience theory offers a novel set of tools that allow multiple threats and sources of vulnerability to be addressed in combination.Integration of recent advances in vector borne disease ecology and wider deployment of these tools could help reverse the negative social and environmental trends currently seen in African drylands.

Interventions for vector-borne diseases focused on housing and hygiene in urban areas:a scoping review

Background:Over half the world’s human populations are currently at risk from vector-borne diseases(VBDs),and the heaviest burden is borne by the world’s poorest people,communities,and countries.The aim of this study was to conduct a review on VBD interventions relevant to housing and hygiene(including sanitation and waste management)in urban areas.Main body:We conducted a scoping review,which involved systematically searching peer-reviewed and grey literature published between 2000 and 2016 using five scientific databases and one database for grey literature.Different data extraction tools were used for data coding and extraction.We assessed the quality of each study using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and extracted descriptive characteristics and data about implementation process and transferability from all studies using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication and ASTAIRE(a tool for analyzing the transferability of health promotion interventions)tools.We reviewed 44 studies.Overall,the studies were judged to be of high risk for bias.Our results suggest multifaceted interventions,particularly community-based interventions,have the potential to achieve wider and more sustained effects than do standard vertical single-component programs.The evaluations of multifaceted interventions tend to include integrated evaluations,using not only entomological indicators but also acceptability and sustainability indicators.Conclusions:This review highlighted the important need for higher quality research in VBDs and improved and standardized reporting of interventions.Significant research gaps were found regarding qualitative research and implementation research,and results highlighted the need for more interventions focus on sanitation and hygiene practices.

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.

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.

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.

Amyloid-beta and tau protein beyond Alzheimer's disease

The aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide and tau protein dysregulation are implicated to play key roles in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and are considered the main pathological hallmarks of this devastating disease.Physiologically,these two proteins are produced and expressed within the normal human body.However,under pathological conditions,abnormal expression,posttranslational modifications,conformational changes,and truncation can make these proteins prone to aggregation,triggering specific disease-related cascades.Recent studies have indicated associations between aberrant behavior of amyloid-beta and tau proteins and various neurological diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,as well as retinal neurodegenerative diseases like Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.Additionally,these proteins have been linked to cardiovascular disease,cancer,traumatic brain injury,and diabetes,which are all leading causes of morbidity and mortality.In this comprehensive review,we provide an overview of the connections between amyloid-beta and tau proteins and a spectrum of disorders.

Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Perianal disease in inflammatory bowel disease:Broadening treatment and surveillance strategies for anal cancer

The perianal disease affects up to one-third of individuals with Crohn's disease(CD),causing disabling symptoms and significant impairment in quality of life,particularly for those with perianal fistulising CD(PFCD).The collaborative effort between gastroenterologists and surgeons is essential for addressing PFCD to achieve fistula closure and promote luminal healing.Limited fistula healing rates with conventional therapies have prompted the emergence of new biological agents,endoscopic procedures and surgical techniques that show promising results.Among these,mesenchymal stem cells injection is a particularly hopeful therapy.In addition to the burden of fistulas,individuals with perianal CD may face an increased risk of developing anal cancer.This underscores the importance of surveillance programmes and timely interventions to prevent late diagnoses and poor outcomes.Currently,there is no established formal anal screening programme.In this review,we provide an overview of the current state of the art in managing PFCD,including novel medical,endoscopic and surgical approaches.The discussion also focuses on the relevance of establishing an anal cancer screening programme in CD,intending to propose a risk-based surveillance algorithm.The validation of this surveillance programme would be a significant step forward in improving patient care and outcomes.

Muscle strength and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/metabolicassociated fatty liver disease

This editorial comments on an article published in a recent issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology,entitled“Association of low muscle strength with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:A nationwide study”.We focused on the association between muscle strength and the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD),as well as the mechanisms underlying the correlation and related clinical applications.NAFLD,which is now redefined as MAFLD,is one of the most common chronic liver diseases globally with an increasing prevalence and is characterized by malnutrition,which may contribute to decreased muscle strength.Reduction of muscle strength reportedly has a pathogenesis similar to that of NAFLD/MAFLD,including insulin resistance,inflammation,sedentary behavior,as well as insufficient vitamin D.Multiple studies have focused on the relationship between sarcopenia or muscle strength and NAFLD.However,studies investigating the relationship between muscle strength and MAFLD are limited.Owing to the shortage of specific medications for NAFLD/MAFLD treatment,early detection is essential.Furthermore,the relationship between muscle strength and NAFLD/MAFLD suggests that improvements in muscle strength may have an impact on disease prevention and may provide novel insights into treatments including dietary therapy,as well as tailored physical activity.