Fever tree revisited:From malaria to autoinflammatory diseases

Over the centuries the idea of recurrent fevers has mainly been associated with malaria, but many other fevers, such as typhoid and diphtheria were cause for concern. It is only in recent times, with the more severe forms of fever from infectious origin becoming less frequent or a cause for worry that we started noticing recurrent fevers without any clear infectious cause, being described as having a pathogenesis of autoinflammatory nature. The use of molecular examinations in many cases can allow a diagnosis where the cause is monogenic. In other cases, however the pathogenesis is likely to be multifactorial and the diagnostic-therapeutic approach is strictly clinical. The old fever tree paradigm developed to describe fevers caused by malaria has been revisited here to describe today's periodic fevers from the periodic fever adenitis pharyngitis aphthae syndrome to the more rare autoinflammatory diseases. This model may allow us to place cases that are yet to be identified which are likely to be of multifactorial origin.

SEIR Model and Simulation for Vector Borne Diseases

An epidemic model is a simplified means of describing the transmission of infectious diseases through individuals. The modeling of infectious diseases is a tool which has been used to study the mechanisms by which diseases spread, to predict the future course of an outbreak and to evaluate strategies to control an epidemic. Epidemic models are of many types. Here, SEIR model is discussed. We first discuss the basics of SEIR model. Then it is applied for vector borne diseases. Steady state conditions are derived. A threshold parameter R0 is defined and is shown that the disease will spread only if its value exceeds 1. We have applied the basic model to one specific diseases-malaria and did the sensitivity analysis too using the data for India. We found sensitivity analysis very important as it told us the most sensitive parameter to be taken care of. This makes the work more of practical use. Numerical simulation is done for vector and host which shows the population dynamics in different compartments.

Numerical Control Measures of Stochastic Malaria Epidemic Model

Nonlinear stochastic modeling has significant role in the all discipline of sciences.The essential control measuring features of modeling are positivity,boundedness and dynamical consistency.Unfortunately,the existing stochastic methods in literature do not restore aforesaid control measuring features,particularly for the stochastic models.Therefore,these gaps should be occupied up in literature,by constructing the control measuring features numerical method.We shall present a numerical control measures for stochastic malaria model in this manuscript.The results of the stochastic model are discussed in contrast of its equivalent deterministic model.If the basic reproduction number is less than one,then the disease will be in control while its value greater than one shows the perseverance of disease in the population.The standard numerical procedures are conditionally convergent.The propose method is competitive and preserve all the control measuring features unconditionally.It has also been concluded that the prevalence of malaria in the human population may be controlled by reducing the contact rate between mosquitoes and humans.The awareness programs run by world health organization in developing countries may overcome the spread of malaria disease.

Participation of private general practitioners in disease management of malaria in Myanmar

Objective:Myanmar has been trying to improve the disease management of malaria through public health services. The involvement of private general practitioners(GPs) is recognized as one of the key contributory issues in malaria control,but no one has yet made an attempt to study the efficiency of their role.This study aimed to assess the participation of GPs in improvement of disease management.Methods:The study was conducted with all 32 GPs practicing at three randomly selected townships with high malaria load situated in Upper Myanmar from June 2006 to March 2007 using a pretest-posttest design to assess their knowledge of the disease management prior to and after intervention.The intervention package consisted of a one-day workshop on diagnosis and treatment of malaria and the supply of facilities for microscopy.Questionnaires filled in before and after tests were compared to assess the change of knowledge after the intervention.Diagnosis and treatment practice during the study period was analysed by review of registers kept by GPs,together with a follow-up survey of their patients for the reliability of data.Results:An overall improvement of knowledge was observed and significant changes were apparent for three variables:the criteria for referral of severe malaria,the effect of incomplete treatment and recommended treatment of Plasmodium vivax.Pre-test results showed that only 65.6%of GPs perceived microscopy or Rapid Diagnostic Test kits(RDTs) for confirmation of malaria necessary,while only 15.6%and 40.6%of the GPs knew the recommended treatments of falciparum and vivax malaria,respectively. However,after intervention 92%of the patients were diagnosed as malaria by RDTs and 3%by microscopy throughout the study.The GPs prescribed artemisinin-based combination therapy(ACTs) to 95%of confirmed falciparum cases and treated 82.4%of RDT confirmed falciparum negatives with chloroquine and primaquine.Concurrent with our study,an international NGO,Population Service International,supplied GPs with RDTs and ACTs at subsidized rate which was helpful.Conclusion:The study suggests that participation of GPs may help improve the disease management of malaria and thus assist in the country’s effort to control ma- laria.

Factors Associated with Splenomegaly amongst Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the world. Sickle cells are quickly fixed and destroyed by the elements of the reticuloendothelial system mainly in the spleen. It leads to a palpable increase in the volume of the spleen called splenomegaly. Splenomegaly is the cause of multiple complications that are relatively frequent and potentially serious in sickle cell disease, such as splenic sequestration seizures, spleen rupture, hypersplenism and splenic abscesses. We aimed at determining the prevalence of splenomegaly and to study the associated factors in patients with sickle cell disease. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 January to 30 April 2019, at the Mother and Child Center of the Chantal BIYA Foundation. Patients were grouped into two groups: patients with splenomegaly (PS1) and patients without splenomegaly (PS0). As soon as we obtained the informed consent of the parents, we examined the children and recorded socio-demographic data, disease history and follow-up, documented complications, and clinical findings;then we performed the Rapid Malaria Diagnostic Test. The statistical analyzes were carried out using SPSS20 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and Microsoft Excel 2010 software. Results: We examined 403 children with sickle cell disease and 142 had splenomegaly (35%). Almost all of the study populations were homozygous SS. The Hackett 2 stage of splenomegaly was the most frequent (56.7%). The most common physical sign among PS1 was the presence of abdominal scarring (50.7% vs. 19.4%). PS1 had significantly lower levels of Hb (6.94 ± 1.67 vs 7.62 ± 1.43 p = 0.003) and platelets (297.45 ± 146.25 vs 398.70 ± 163.73 p < 0.001) than patients without splenomegaly (PS0). However, the percentages of HbF (21.78 ± 10.48 vs 15.66 ± 9.20 p < 0.001) and malaria infection (74.6% vs 17.2% p < 0.001) were statistically higher among PS0. Logistic regression analysis determined that the factors associated with splenomegaly were: malaria, high fetal hemoglobin, low hemoglobin S, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Conclusion: Splenomegaly is a frequent physical sign of sickle cell disease in children and factors associated are malaria, high hemoglobin F, low hemoglobin S, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia and NSAID use.

Malaria Characteristics in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: The relationship between sickle cell disease and malaria is the subject of much controversy. However, there is a lack of data in our services. Our objective was to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and evolutionary characteristics of malaria in children with sickle cell disease followed in a specialized setting. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who presented with malaria and were followed at the Ambulatory Care Unit for Sickle Cell Children and Adolescents (USAD) at the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital in Dakar, from January 1st, 2017, to December 31th, 2019. We included all the followed pediatric patients, less than 16 years, with sickle cell disease who presented at least one episode of malaria, confirmed by a positive thick drop, during this 3 years. We did not include patients with incomplete records or those older than 16 years. The clinical and biological signs, the follow up was collected and analyzed with Excel package 2019. Results: Of 3773 patients followed for sickle cell disease, 21 had presented malaria. The frequency was 0.5% or 7 cases/year. However, we exploited the data of 14 of them. The sex ratio was 6 boys for a girl and the mean age at admission was 7.3 years. The highest number of malaria cases was observed in 2018 and the peak frequency was observed in November with 8 cases (57.1%). Fever was the most frequent symptom, observed in 10 patients (71.4%). All patients were SS homozygous, with a mean baseline hemoglobin level of 7.5g/dl. All patients had a positive thick blood smear and Plasmodium falciparum was the only species found in the blood smear, with a mean parasite density of 1693 parasites/ml of blood. All patients had anemia, with a mean hemoglobin level of 7.74 g/dl. Twelve patients (85.7%) were hospitalized and had all received injectable artesunate followed by oral Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT). Long-lasting insecticidal nets were used in 9 patients (69.2%). The evolution was favorable in all patients, any death was reported. NO REPRESENTATION OF YOUR DATA IN TABLES OR FIGURES: it was a little serial. Conclusion: The patients who presented the association of malaria and sickle cell disease were all SS homozygotes. However, malaria must be considered as serious in this chronic anemic setting. That’s why it is important to improve prophylaxis.

Incidence and mortality trends of neglected tropical diseases and malaria in China and ASEAN countries from 1990 to 2019 and its association with the socio-demographic index

Background People in China and the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)are affected by neglected tropical diseases and malaria(NTDM).In this study,we aimed to assess the current status and trends of NTDM burden from 1990 to 2019 in China and ASEAN countries,and also explore the association of NTDM burden with socio-demographic index(SDI).Methods The data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019(GBD 2019)results were used.Absolute incidence and death number,and age-standardized incidence and mortality rate(ASIR and ASMR)of NTDM in China and ASEAN were extracted.The estimated annual percentage change(EAPC)and join-point regression in the rates quantified the trends.Nonlinear regression(second order polynomial)was used to explore the association between SDI and ASRs.Results The ASIR of NTDM increased in China,Philippines,Singapore and Brunei,at a speed of an average 4.15%(95%CI 3.83-4.47%),2.15%(1.68-2.63%),1.03%(0.63-1.43%),and 0.88%(0.60-1.17%)per year.Uptrends of ASIR of NTDM in recent years were found in China(2014-2017,APC=10.4%),Laos(2005-2013,APC=3.9%),Malaysia(2010-2015,APC=4.3%),Philippines(2015-2019,APC=4.2%),Thailand(2015-2019,APC=2.4%),and Vietnam(2014-2017,APC=3.2%,all P<0.05).Children<5 had relatively low incidences but unexpectedly high mortality rates of NTDM in most ASEAN countries.Both incidence and mortality rates of NTDM were higher in older people.ASIR and ASMR of NTDM had a U-shaped association with SDI.Conclusions The burden of NTDM in China and ASEAN countries was still huge and affects vulnerable and impoverished populations’livelihoods,including children under the age of 5 and people aged 60 and older.Facing with the large burden and complex situation of NTDM in China and ASEAN countries,regional cooperating strategies are needed to reduce the burden of NTDM,so as to achieve the goal of elimination in the world.

Malaria parasite carbonic anhydrase:inhibition of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides and its therapeutic potential

Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) is responsible for the majority of life-threatening cases of human malaria,causing 1.5-2.7 million annual deaths.The global emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites necessitates identification and characterisation of novel drug targets and their potential inhibitors.We identified the carbonic anhydrase(CA) genes in P.falciparum.The pfGA gene encodes an α-carbonic anhydrase,a Zn^(2+)-metalloenzme,possessing catalytic properties distinct from that of the human host CA enzyme.The amino acid sequence of the pfCA enzyme is different from the analogous protozoan and human enzymes.A library of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides possessing a large diversity of scaffolds were found to be very good inhibitors for the malarial enzyme at moderate-low micromolar and submicromolar inhibitions.The structure of the groups substituting the aromatic-ureido-or aromatic-azomethine fragment of the molecule and the length of the parent sulfonamide were critical parameters for the inhibitory properties of the sulfonamides.One derivative,that is,4-(3,4-dichlorophenylureido)thioureidobcnzcnesulfonamide(compound 10) was the most effective in vitro Plasmodium falciparum CA inhibitor,and was also the most effective antimalarial compound on the in vitro P.falciparum growth inhibition.The compound 10 was also effective in vivo antimalarial agent in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei,an animal model of drug testing for human malaria infection. It is therefore concluded that the sulphonamide inhibitors targeting the parasite CA may have potential for the development of novel therapies against human malaria.

Infectious diseases in the aftermath of monsoon flooding in Pakistan

Pakistan is ranked 9th in terms of flood-affected countries worldwide.In the summer of 2010,the northern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa received more than 312 mm of rain in a 56 hour period.This resulted in over 1 600 deaths across the region.In addition,over 14 million people were directly affected by this record-breaking deluge.Flood affected regions serve as ideal breeding grounds for pathogens,leading to the spread of diseases.The poor standards of hygiene in camps set up for individuals displaced by the floods also contribute to this.It is essential that those involved in relief efforts are aware of the epidemiology of diseases that have historically seen a sudden upsurge after natural disasters.Keeping this in mind,we conducted a simple review of literature.An extensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed data base and online search engines.Articles published in the last 20 years were considered along with some historical articles where a background was required.Seven major diseases were identified to increase substantially in the aftermath of natural disasters.They were then classified into acute and sub-acute settings.Diarrhea,skin&eye infections and leptospirosis were identified in the acute setting while malaria,leishmaniasis,respiratory infections and hepatitis were identified in the sub-acute setting.

Assessment of the impact of climate change on the occurrences of malaria,pneumonia,meningitis,and cholera in Lokoja City,Nigeria

This study examined the impact of climate change on the occurrence of malaria,pneumonia,meningitis,and cholera in Lokoja City,Nigeria,with the aim of investigating the spatial distribution and prevalence of the four kinds of diseases as well as the coping strategies of people in the area.We collected the rainfall and temperature data of Lokoja City during 2000-2020 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA),and the medical records data of the four kinds of diseases from the Kogi State Ministry of Health.We also conducted a semi-structured questionnaire of 250 residents,who have experienced one of these diseases,to investigate their coping strategies with these diseases.The Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to research the relationship between the climate parameters and cases of diseases.The result showed annual variations in climatic parameters with R^(2)values of 0.0557,0.0009,and 0.4915 for rainfall,maximum temperature,and minimum temperature,respectively.A positive and significant relationship were observed between maximum temperature and malaria(r=0.80),rainfall and malaria(r=0.54),minimum temperature and meningitis(r=0.64),as well as rainfall and cholera(r=0.66)at P<0.05 level.For the regression analysis R^(2)=0.71,0.50,and 0.52 for malaria,cholera,and meningitis,respectively at P<0.05 level.During 2000-2020,cases of malaria were highest in Ward A with 15,422,while 715 cases of pneumonia were highest in Kupa North Ward.In Ward A,3787 cases of cholera were recorded to be the highest,while cases of meningitis were highest in Kupa North Ward with 2383 cases.Investigation revealed that malaria is more common in the wet season,while cholera and meningitis cases were highest in the dry season.The study revealed that the most practiced coping strategy is the use of medications by about 90%of the respondents.More studies are recommended in the study area to establish a causal link between climate change and disease occurrence,and intervention from government in form of prevention and control programmes should be vigorously implemented.

Dried-leaf Artemisia annua: A practical malaria therapeutic for developing countries?

Artemisinin from the plant Artemisia annua （A. annua） L., and used as artemisinin combination therapy （ACT）, is the current best therapeutic for treating malaria, a disease that hits children and adults especially in developing countries. Traditionally, A. annua was used by the Chinese as a tea to treat “fever”. More recently, investiga-tors have shown that tea infusions and oral consumption of the dried leaves of the plant have prophylactic and therapeutic effcacy. The presence of a complex matrix of chemicals within the leaves seems to enhance both the bioavailability and effcacy of artemisinin. Although about 1000-fold less potent than artemisinin in their antiplasmodial activity, these plant chemicals are mainly small molecules that include other artemisinic compounds, terpenes （mainly mono and sesqui）, favonoids, and polyphenolic acids. In addition, polysaccharide constituents of A. an-nua may enhance bioavailability of artemisinin. Rodent pharmacokinetics showed longer T？ and Tmax and greater Cmax and AUC in Plasmodium chabaudi -infected mice treated with A. annua dried leaves than in healthy mice. Pharmacokinetics of deoxyartemisinin, a liver metabolite of artemisinin, was more inhibited in infected than in healthy mice. In healthy mice, artemisinin serum levels were 〉 40-fold greater in dried leaf fed mice than those fed with pure artemisinin. Human trial data showed that when delivered as dried leaves, 40-fold less artemisinin was required to obtain a therapeutic response compared to pure artemisinin. ACTs are still unaffordable for many malaria patients, and cost estimates for A. annua dried leaf tablet production are orders of magnitude less than for ACT, despite improvements in the production capacity. Considering that for 〉 2000 years this plant was used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of fever with no apparent appearance of artemisinin drug resistance, the evidence argues for inclusion of affordable A. annua dried leaf tablets into the arsenal of drugs to combat malaria and other artemisinin-susceptible diseases.

A case of misdiagnose of malaria infection

A case of malaria infection in a 42-year-old woman in rural area of Mahmodabad,Mazandaran Province,North Iran was reported and discussed elaborately.She was complaining about recurrent fevers,sweating,headache and myalgia in back.After her first admission to hospital due lo misdiagnose she did not receive proper treatment and the patient suffered from clinical manifestations again.Eventually in the second admission to another hospital,after a precise examination on her thick and thin blood smear the agent of disease was recognized appropriately as Plasmodium vivax and treated accordingly.

Fever among Children with Sickle-Cell Disease: Findings from the General Pediatric Ward of the Owendo Pediatric Hospital in Libreville, Gabon

Sickle-cell disease (SCD) represents a substantial public health problem in Gabon. Fever is one of the principal reasons for the hospitalization of children afflicted by major sickle-cell disorder, since it can be a clinical reflection of severe infections that have the potential to become life threatening. Objectives: Identification of the main causes of fever in children with SCD in our clinical setting, with the aim of optimizing treatments. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the medical files for children with SCD that were admitted to our ward, over a two year period, due to fever (>38.5°C) lasting more than 24 hours. Only those files that contained at least the following five fundamental medical examinations were retained for further evaluation: Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood smear, blood culture, urine culture and chest X-ray. Out of a total of 118 admissions (103 patients), 87 (73.7%) were due to the incidence of fever. The medical files of 11 patients were deemed to be unusable. Seventy-six episodes of fever were observed among 69 children, of which 42 were male and 27 female (sex ratio of 1.5). Among these, seven (10%) were admitted twice. Results: The age groups that were most affected included 12 - 18 year-olds (30 cases: 43.5%) and 6 - 12 year-olds (26 cases: 37.7%). The most common accompanying symptoms were bone and joint pain (43.4%), asthenia (22.4%), cough (19.7%), vomiting (17%) and headache (15.8%). The specific cause of the fever could not be pinpointed in 29 cases (38.1%). Aside from these cases, the main causes of fever were malaria (30.3%) and bronchopulmonary infections (22.4%). The white blood cell count was >20,000/mm3 in 47% of respiratory infections, 43.5% of the cases involving malaria and 55.2% of cases of fever with unknown cause. Hemoglobin levels were <5g/dl for 52.2% of the cases involving malaria and 22.6% for those of unknown origin. For four patients, all less than 10 years of age, the disease was fatal. Conclusion: For the majority of fever episodes, the underlying cause could not be determined. Nonetheless, malaria was identified as one of the principal identifiable causes of fever among children with SDC in Libreville. Treatment for malaria upon admission, and the promotion of preventative measures, therefore seems to be appropriate for our clinical setting. In light of the large number of unresolved cases, systematic prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics may also be called for.

COVID-19 and Malaria: A Comparative Study of Epidemiology, Burden, and Challenges

Introduction: Assessing global health status includes tracking illness, disability, and mortality. Environmental and social factors as well as health initiatives impact people’s health. Assessing health outcomes in terms of mortality and morbidity, which are included in the global disease burden, is critical for monitoring progress in development and health, as well as for selecting how to allocate available resources effectively, to achieve positive health outcomes. Studies on the epidemiology, burden, and challenges of COVID-19 and malaria remain scarce. There isn’t much information on how malaria susceptibility and immune response are affected by co-infection with COVID-19, and vice versa. This article highlights the commonalities between malaria and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reviews the epidemiology, burden, and challenges of each, and outlines how global health authorities have responded to the burden and challenges. Methods: We used The World Health Organization Disease Situation Dashboard as the primary resource for obtaining information on malaria and COVID-19. The World Malaria Reports for 2020 and 2021 were used as the primary sources for the statistics on malaria. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Results: The number of malaria deaths and cases has decreased significantly worldwide since 2000, but the African region continues to bear the greatest burden of malaria. The highest number of deaths due to COVID-19 occurred in the Americas, followed by Europe. The burden is lighter in Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, the western Pacific, and Africa. There has been a decline in the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 in areas where malaria is endemic. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden of malaria in Africa. Conclusion: Public health authorities should consider taking necessary preventive measures to fight malaria and COVID-19 in a timely manner and ensure continuous healthcare for those who are affected by these diseases.

Factors Associated with the Infection by <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>in Children and Adolescents from the Brazilian Amazon Basin

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with malaria vivax infection in children and adolescents from an endemic area in the Eastern portion of the Brazilian Amazon basin. Methods: A case-control study was carried out in the municipality of Anajas, Brazil, from January 2016 to September 2017. Questionnaires were applied to the relative or the legal tutors of children and adolescents with questions regarding social and economic status, educational degree, knowledge about malaria, and the use of protective measures against mosquito bites. Anthropometric measures were performed in children and adolescents. Results: A total of 58 cases and 61 controls were included in the study. Most of the participants were male, eutrophics, and their relatives presented low educational degrees as well as low social and economic status. The knowledge of malaria was limited, but the percentage of individuals using long-lasting insecticidal nets was high. The presence of peri-domiciliary breeding sites for Anopheles vector was the most critical factor for malaria. Conclusion: The occurrence of malaria was associated with low social and economic status, a low educational degree, the unfamiliarity with malaria and the presence of breeding sites for Anopheles mosquito surrounding individual domiciles.

Therapeutic molecules for multiple human diseases identified from pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan L.Millsp.)through GC–MS and molecular docking

Molecular mechanism behind the therapeutic potential of pigeon pea over the human diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,breast cancer,type II diabetes,malaria,measles and sickle cell disease were revealed through docking of GC–MS identified phyto-compound ligands with candidate disease proteins.Of the 242 ligands,three dimensional structures of 47 compounds had to be drawn using ChemSketch and the remaining structures were retrieved from PubChem and docked with the active sites of candidate proteins.The molecules identified through docking were further subjected to ADMET analysis and promising drug candidates were identified for each disease.This paper presents a precise account of the chemoprofile of pigeon pea leaves,stems and seeds,interaction of these molecules with target proteins and suggests 26 highly potential molecules which are drug candidates for multiple human diseases.Pigeon pea seeds are especially proven as invaluable source for therapeutic molecules.

护理模式在输入性恶性疟疾中的临床应用及效果评价

目的探讨临床护理路径在输入性恶性疟疾护理中的应用价值。方法收集2020年1月至2022年1月就诊的40例输入性恶性疟疾患者临床资料作为研究分析对象,根据护理方法的不同将其分为参考组(n=18)和干预组(n=22)。参考组采用常规护理干预,干预组采用临床护理路径。观察两组患者疾病认知水平、住院时间及并发症发生情况。结果较之干预前,两组干预后各项疾病认知水平评分均有显著提高,且干预组较参照组高,差异明显(P<0.05);与参考相比,干预组治疗依从性各项评分明显更高,住院时间更短,差异明显(P<0.05);干预组随访3个月并发症发生率显著低于参考组,差异显著(P<0.05)。结论临床护理路径能够促进输入性恶性疟疾患者疾病认知水平及治疗依从性提高,缩短其住院时间,降低并发症发生率。

生理病理状态下PI4KⅢβ的调控机制

磷脂酰肌醇4激酶是磷脂酰肌醇信号通路的起始和关键分子。其中,Ⅲ型磷脂酰肌醇4-激酶β亚型(PI4KⅢβ)参与合成高尔基体PI4P库,在众多生理过程中发挥重要作用;同时,该酶是介导一些致病性RNA病毒复制的重要宿主因子,也参与了细菌感染以及疟疾等病理过程。研究表明,PI4KⅢβ的功能受众多因素调控,包括宿主和病毒蛋白结合伴侣等。该综述将对PI4KⅢβ的结构及其生理病理调控机制进行探讨。

Control of malaria and other vector-borne protozoan diseases in the tropics: enduring challenges despite considerable progress and achievements

Vector-borne protozoan diseases represent a serious public health challenge,especially in the tropics where poverty together with vector-favorable climates are the aggravating factors.Each of the various strategies currently employed to face these scourges is seriously inadequate.Despite enormous efforts,vaccines-which represent the ideal weapon against these parasitic diseases—are yet to be sufficiently developed and implemented.Chemotherapy and vector control are therefore the sole effective attempts to minimize the disease burden.Nowadays,both strategies are also highly challenged by the phenomenon of drug and insecticide resistance,which affects virtually all interventions currently used.The recently growing support from international organizations and governments of some endemic countries is warmly welcome,and should be optimally exploited in the various approaches to drug and insecticide research and development to overcome the burden of these prevalent diseases,especially malaria,leishmaniasis,Human African Trypanosomiasis(HAT),and Chagas disease.

Integrated Zoology calls for papers:special issue on wildlife diseases and parasitology

The VI International Conference on Malaria and Other Blood Parasites of Wildlife and the III International Symposium of the Wildlife Diseases Research Network are scheduled to be held in Medellín,Colombia,from November 26 to 30 of 2024(https://shorturl.at/lLW79).It will be hosted by the University of Antioquia’s Department of Biology and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia Department of Biology.