Re-emergence of canine Leishmania infantum infection in mountain areas of Beijing

Canine Leishmaniasis(CanL)is an endemic infectious disease in China,causing visceral Leishmaniasis(VL)and result-ing in important public health problem.However,in the last 3 y,endemic trends have changed considerably and spa-tial-temporal aggregation areas have shifted from northwestern to central China.Although Beijing was an endemic area for CanL in the last century,this disease has not been reported in Beijing since control programs were imple-mented in the 1950s.In the present study,PCR and immunochromatographic(ICT)were used to estimate prevalence of Leishmania infection in domestic dogs living in Beijing,a VL re-emergencearea.In total,4420 canine blood samples were collected at vet clinics in 14 districts of Beijing.Overall prevalence(percentage of dogs seropositive and/or PCR positive)of CanL infection in Beijing was 1.22%(54/4420).However,prevalence of CanL in the western mountain areas was 4.68%(45/961),significantly higher than that(0.26%,9/3459)of the plains.In addition,multilocus sequence typing(MLST)of seven enzyme-coding genes was used to examine phylogenetic relationships of CanL strains.Forty-one Leishmania infantum isolates were well separated from the other strains and divided into five major clades(A to E)by MLST analysis.All clades were closely related to strains from Sichuan Province and Gansu Province.A phylogenetic tree,based on the MLST,revealed that L.infantum in Beijing was genetically related to strains from western endemic of Mountain type VL in China.In conclusion,CanL has re-emerged in Beijing,and almost 5%of dogs living in Beijing’s mountain areas were infected with L.infantum.The phylogenetic tree based on MLST effectively distinguished species of Leishmania and reflected geographical origins.Because dogs are considered a natural reservoir,comprehensive control measures including surveillance,phylogenetic analyses and management should be implemented to mitigate or eliminate Leishmaniasis.

Factors influencing the surveillance of re-emerging intracranial infections in elective neurosurgical patients:A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND At present,many studies have reported the risk factors for postoperative intracranial reinfection,including age,sex,time to surgery,duration of postoperative catheterization,emergency procedures,type of disease and cerebrospinal fluid leakage,but the academic community has not reached a unified conclusion.AIM To find factors influencing the surveillance of re-emerging intracranial infections in elective neurosurgical patients.METHODS Ninety-four patients who underwent elective craniotomy from January 1,2015 to December 31,2022 in the Department of Neurosurgery,First Hospital of Jilin University,were included in this study.Of those,45 patients were enrolled in the infection group,and 49 were enrolled in the control group.The clinical data of the patients were collected and divided into three categories,including preoperative baseline conditions,intraoperative characteristics and postoperative infection prevention.The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software.RESULTS There were 23 males and 22 females in the infection group with a mean age of 52.8±15.1 years and 17 males and 32 females in the control group with a mean age of 48.9±15.2 years.The univariate analysis showed that the infection group had higher systolic blood pressures and postoperative temperatures,fewer patients who underwent a supratentorial craniotomy,more patients with a history of hypertension and higher initial postoperative white blood cell counts than the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that a history of hypertension and a high postoperative body temperature were independent risk factors for postoperative infection in neurosurgical patients.CONCLUSION The results obtained in this study indicated that a history of hypertension and a high postoperative body temperature were independent risk factors for postoperative neurological symptoms.

Re-emergence of superconductivity via pressure-induced Lifshitz transition in preserved 6R-TaS_(2) crystal structure

Investigating the implications of interlayer coupling on superconductivity is vital for comprehending the intrinsic mechanisms of two-dimensional materials.Van der Waals heterojunctions have attracted extensive research owing to their exotic interlayer coupling.In this study,we investigated the natural heterostructure superconductor featuring 6R-TaS_(2) via measurements of electrical resistance,the Hall effect,and in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction(XRD)under various pressures.The study findings show that the superconducting transition temperature(T_(c))of 6R-TaS_(2) in the range of 0-32.5 GPa exhibits an unusual double-dome behavior as a function of pressure,with the first and second domes in the pressure range of 0-5.3 and 6.8-32.5 GPa,respectively.At 56.6GPa,a new superconducting phase with a T_(c) of 2 K was observed.The XRD results show that the singular evolution of the T_(c) is independent of the structural phase transition.Combining the XRD results,first-principles calculations,and Hall effect measurements,we found that different interlayer coupling effects resulted in double dome superconductivity and the re-emergence of superconducting.Our findings shed light on the pivotal role of interlayer coupling in driving the anomalous alterations in superconducting properties triggered by charge transfer and Fermi surface reconstruction and provide an alternative route for comprehending the mechanisms of superconductivity in transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs).

Multiple Cassava Viruses’ Co-Infections and Resurgence of Pests Are Leading to Severe Symptoms and Yield Losses on Cassava in the South-Kivu Region, Democratic Republic of Congo

A survey was completed during the last five years (2014-2018) to update and assess changes in the cassava pests and diseases occurrence as well as to understand how these changes occur regarding the recent new viruses spread under a climate change context in the South-Kivu region, Democratic Republic of Congo. The eight territories of South-Kivu were surveyed during the rainy seasons from 2015 until 2017 except for Uvira and Fizi where data were recorded in 2018 regarding the prevalence of unstable agro ecological factors which may influence pest and diseases dynamic in these two territories. During the data collection, pests and disease incidence and severity were recorded as well as the sampling of cassava leaves for molecular viruses’ detection. The recorded data showed that Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) remains the most encountered disease (75% - 80%) and its vector (the whitefly Bemisia tabaci) the most important pest (10 - 18 adult whiteflies per leaf). The major changes were recorded for Cassava brown streak disease, recently reported in the region, for which a significant increase was recorded, with not reports before 2012 to 70% - 80% incidence in 2018 in the Ruzizi plain area (Uvira and Fizi). Molecular detection revealed a coexistence of both two viruses, the cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) in single and mixed infections. Co-infections cassava mosaic and cassava brown streak diseases were frequently recorded resulting in severe expression leaves’ symptoms and tuber yields’ losses. Common pests and diseases considered as minor have drastically become serious threat to cassava production by increasing both their incidence and severity values. The cassava bacterial blight (20%), cassava green mite (20% - 70%), cassava mealy bugs and cassava grasshoppers were recorded as a great challenge in relation with an occurrence of long dry season resulting in four consecutive dry months without rain. The high occurrence of CBSD on new CMD-resistant varieties has enforced farmers to recover local CMD-susceptible varieties which revealed a relative CBSD-tolerance and moderate yield losses. This need for virus control is really challenging cassava crop in a region where the diseases pressure is high and people consume cassava and its products seven days a week. Research gaps identified in the study are the need for breeding new varieties with tolerance/resistance to both CMD and CBSD viruses as well as the extensive use of rapid multiplex diagnostic tools to ensure early diagnostic and availability of good quality planting material at farmers’ level.

Clinical and pathological findings of concurrent poxvirus lesions and aspergillosis infection in canaries

Objective:To investigate clinical,pathological and mycological findings in canaries,in which pox lesions and Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus)infection were observed simultaneously.Methods:This study was performed on a breeding colony(about 100 canaries)affected by fatal wasting disease.Necropsy was undertaken on 10 severely affected canaries,and gross lesions were recorded.Samples from internal organs displaying lesions were obtained for histopathological evaluation.Tracheal swap samples of internal organs of the all infected animals with lesions at necropsy were cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for mycological examination.Results:At necropsy,caseous foci were determined in the lungs,on the air sacs,liver,spleen,heart.Swelling of the eyelids,diffuse hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissue with small papular lesions of the skin were other typical necropsy findings.Histopathologically,pathognomonic eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies,which called Bollinger bodies,in both skin cells and vacuolated air way epithelial cells confirmed canary pox infection.Moreover,histopathological examination of the white-yellowish caseous foci revealed necrotic granulomatous reaction consisting of macrophages,heterophil leukocytes and giant cells encapsulated with a fibrous tissue.After the culture of the tissue samples,the formation of bluish green colonies confirmed A.fumigatus infection.Conclusions:Canary pox has been known as the disease that can result in high losses in a short time,as a re-emerging disease that has not been present during recent years in canary flocks in Iran.So,the current paper provides useful information to prevent misdiagnosed of canary pox disease which can cause secondary mycotic infection.

Pathogenesis of the Chikungunya virus and the host immunity response

Along with the running COVID-19 pandemic by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,the Chikungunya virus is already known as the causative agent of re-emerging Chikungunya fever in many countries after several years of latency;and it’s certainly one of the most important clinical issues possibly due to the lack of appropriate vaccination.Therefore,continuous study and monitoring of this disease outbreak demand attention by the relevant health professionals.Present review has been written in the light of the recently available reports on the Chikungunya virus infection.The genomic structure and its impact on the viral epidemiology,the possible protective immunity,and the infection mitigation strategies have been discussed.It’s already well known that the Chikungunya virus can start infection after getting entrance into the blood circulation through the mosquito bites followed by the dissemination into the major organs like liver,brain,eye,joints and lymph nodes in order to inaugurate the infectivity.Apparently,the occurrence of death is very rare but the extreme fatality and morbidity may occur if the patient has other underlying disease conditions.The molecular aspects of the virus,the site-specific damages caused by the viral infection,and finally,the public awareness of such viral infection as discussed in the current review would help to maintain the public health sustainability especially in the developing countries whereby the knowledge on the required hygiene is poor.

Development of small-molecule viral inhibitors targeting various stages of the life cycle of emerging and re-emerging viruses

In recent years, unexpected outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by emerging and re-emerging viruses have become more frequent, which is possibly due to environmental changes. These outbreaks result in the loss of life and economic hardship. Vaccines and therapeutics should be developed for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest progress in the development of small-molecule viral inhibitors against highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Ebola virus, and Zika virus. These viruses can interfere with the specific steps of viral life cycle by blocking the binding between virus and host cells, disrupting viral endocytosis, disturbing membrane fusion, and interrupting viral RNA replication and translation, thereby demonstrating potent therapeutic effect against various emerging and re-emerging viruses. We also discuss some general strategies for developing small-molecule viral inhibitors.

Monkeypox virus(MPXV):A Brief account of global spread,epidemiology,virology,clinical features,pathogenesis,and therapeutic interventions

The largest monkeypox virus(MPXV)outbreak of the 21st century occurred in 2022,which caused epidemics in many countries.According to WHO,physical contact with infected persons,contaminated surfaces,or affected animals might be a source of this virus transmission.A febrile sickness including few symptoms found in MPX disease.Skin rash,lesions,fever,headache,fatigue,and muscle aches symptoms were observed commonly for this disease.Animal and in vitro,studies have shown that the antiviral medications cidofovir and brincidofovir are effective against MPXV.The first-generation vaccinia virus vaccine was developed in 1960,and it helped to protect against MPXV with its side effects.A second-generation vaccination with limitations was launched in 2000.However,the CDC advised vaccinations for risk groups in endemic countries,including positive patients and hospital employees.The JYNNEOS vaccine,administered in 2 doses,also provides protection from MPX.This article presents concisely the most recent findings regarding epidemiology,genomic transmission,signs and symptoms,pathogenesis,diagnosis,and therapeutic interventions for MPXV,which may be helpful to researchers and practitioners.WHO declared that MPX was no longer a global health emergency due to its declining case rate,and a number of countries have reported new incidences.Further research-based investigations must be carried out based on the 2022 outbreak.

Porcine Coronaviruses: Overview of the State of the Art

Like RNA viruses in general,coronaviruses(CoV)exhibit high mutation rates which,in combination with their strong tendency to recombine,enable them to overcome the host species barrier and adapt to new hosts.It is currently known that six CoV are able to infect pigs.Four of them belong to the genus Alphacoronavirus[transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus(TEGV),porcine respiratory coronavirus(PRCV),porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus(SADS-CoV)],one of them to the genus Betacoronavirus[porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus(PHEV)]and the last one to the genus Deltacoronavirus(PDCoV).PHEV was one of the first identified swine CoV and is still widespread,causing subclinical infections in pigs in several countries.PRCV,a spike deletion mutant of TGEV associated with respiratory tract infection,appeared in the 1980 s.PRCV is considered nonpathogenic since its infection course is mild or subclinical.Since its appearance,pig populations have become immune to both PRCV and TGEV,leading to a significant reduction in the clinical and economic importance of TGEV.TGEV,PEDV and PDCoV are enteropathogenic CoV and cause clinically indistinguishable acute gastroenteritis in all age groups of pigs.PDCoV and SADS-CoV have emerged in 2014(US)and in 2017(China),respectively.Rapid diagnosis is crucial for controlling CoV infections and preventing them from spreading.Since vaccines are available only for some porcine CoV,prevention should focus mainly on a high level of biosecurity.In view of the diversity of CoV and the potential risk factors associated with zoonotic emergence,updating the knowledge concerning this area is essential.

Biological characteristics, biosafety prevention and control strategies for the 2022 multi-country outbreak of monkeypox

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus(MPXV),which is a potential biological warfare agent of bioterrorism and poses the greatest threat to the world’s public biosafety and health after variola virus(VARV).While the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has not ended yet,monkeypox is spreading menacingly.The first case of monkeypox in a nonendemic country was confirmed on May 6^(th),2022,while the first imported case from Asia was found on June 21^(st).There were more than 16 thousand reported cases as of July 23^(rd),the day the World Health Organization(WHO)declared the global monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern(PHEIC)at the same level as smallpox and COVID-19;while there were more than 53 thousand cases as of September 1^(st).Therefore,we will propose relevant biosafety prevention and control strategies after analyzing the etiology of the 2022 multi-country monkeypox outbreak from the biological feature,transmissibility,epidemic,and variability of MPXV.

Strategies supporting the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases represent a public health challenge of international concern.They include a large group of neglected tropical diseases(NTDs),many of which are of zoonotic nature.Coronavirus disease 201g(COVID-19),another emerging zoonotic disease,has just increased the stakes exponentially.Most NTDs are subject to the impact of some of the very same human-related activities triggering other emerging and re-emerging diseases,including COVID-19,severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS),bird flu and swine flu.It is conceivable that COVID-19 will exacerbate the NTDs,as it will divert much needed financial and human resources.There is considerable concern that recent progress achieved with control and elimination efforts will be reverted.Future potential strategies will need to reconsider the determinants of health in NTDs in order to galvanize efforts and come up with a comprehensive,well defined programme that will set the stage for an effective multi-sectorial approach.In this Commentary,we propose areas of potential synergies between the COVID-19 pandemic control efforts other health and non-health sector initiatives and NTD control and elimination programmes.