Human Population Worldwide Research Articles

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN GOATS FROM SOUTHWESTERN MISSISSIPPI, USA.

Parasitic infection with Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in human and animal populations worldwide. Goat production for food and fiber has increased in popularity, and consumer demand for meat and dairy products has led to higher rates of human consumption in the United States. This trend has increased the importance of assessing the public health significance of these dietary commodities. The occurrence of T. gondii and its relevance to commercial goat production for the human food market in Mississippi has not been previously addressed. This study estimated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in breeding-age goats raised for human consumption from 4 counties in southwestern Mississippi. One hundred and forty-four goat serum samples were collected between August 2007 and April 2008 from Hinds (n = 55), Adams (n = 36), Yazoo (n = 36), and Copiah (n = 17) counties. The overall seroprevalence was 12.5% (18/144) and raises concern and justification for preventative measures including periodic surveillance of goat herds and production facilities to ensure a safe food commodity and food hygiene education for consumers.

Mannose-Binding Lectin Gene Variants as Disease Susceptibility Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by progressive destruction of peripheral joints. About 1% of the human population worldwide is suffering from this disease. The pathophysiology of RA is largely being influenced by immune dysregulation. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an acute-phase protein, has been reported to play an important role in pathogenesis of RA by the activation of complement pathway. Various studies documented the established the role of MBL in pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including RA. MBL protein is encoded by gene MBL2, mapped on chromosome 10q11.2-q21. Objective: Both MBL serum levels and activity are mainly determined genetically by its variants. So considering the putative clinical role of MBL2, this case-control association study was designed to assess its six functional variants in a northwestern Indian cohort. Methods: Genetic typing of six MBL2 variants was done by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tools. Results: Significant difference has been observed in genotypic and allelic distribution between cases and controls for rs11003125. Comparison of allelic distribution for rs1800450 showed significantly high prevalence of A allele in cases than controls. Conclusion: These results indicate that MBL2 variants may act as plausible marker for susceptibility toward RA. Keeping this in view, it is pertinent to screen these variants in other population groups of India.

In vitro determination of antifungal susceptibility and virulence factors in Candida species causing candidemia in North India Region

Candidiasis is the most incessant fungal disease affecting human population worldwide. In this research work, we explored the characteristics contributing to pathogenicity of Candida infections, from serious bloodstream conditions like candidemia. Candida spp. were isolated from the blood of 120 suspected patients and assessed their susceptibility to antifungal treatments via MIC measurements. Enzyme activities (phospholipase, proteinase, hemolysin, and esterase) were examined alongside biofilm formation, with surface analysis conducted via SEM. Statistical analysis, facilitated by GraphPad Prism 8.4.2, identified correlations among data points. Results reveal that non-albicans spp. like Candida auris heightened resistance to antifungal treatments compared to Candida albicans. Candida tropicalis exhibited no phospholipase activity but shows activity to proteinase and esterase. Conversely, C. albicans show a case of elevated hemolysin activity. Non-albicans Candida i.e. C. tropicalis and Candida krusei were isolated as high biofilm formers in comparison to C. albicans. Statistical analysis yielded a highly significant p-value (< 0.001), affirming the robustness of our results. In conclusion, non-albicans species exhibit a broader spectrum of resistance mechanisms compared to C. albicans in pathogenicity. This investigation sheds light on diverse virulence strategies employed by different Candida species, informing future treatment approaches.

The timeline of overseas imported cases acts as a strong indicator of dengue outbreak in mainland China.

The emergence of dengue viruses in new, susceptible human populations worldwide is increasingly influenced by a combination of local and global human movements and favorable environmental conditions. While various mathematical models have explored the impact of environmental factors on dengue outbreaks, the significant role of human mobility both internationally and domestically in transmitting the disease has been less frequently addressed. In this context, we introduce a modeling framework that integrates the effects of international travel-induced imported cases, climatic conditions, and local human movements to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue transmission. Utilizing the generation matrix method, we calculate the basic reproduction number and its sensitivity to various model parameters. Through numerical simulations using data on climate, human mobility, and reported dengue cases in mainland China, our model demonstrates a good agreement with observed data upon validation. Our findings reveal that while climatic conditions are a key driver for the rapid dengue transmission, human mobility plays a crucial role in its local spread. Importantly, the model highlights the significant impact of imported cases from overseas on the initiation of dengue outbreaks and their contribution to increasing the disease incidence rate by 34.6%. Furthermore, the analysis identifies that dengue cases originating from regions, such as Cambodia and Myanmar internationally, and Guangzhou and Xishuangbanna domestically, have the potential to significantly increase the disease burden in mainland China. These insights emphasize the critical need to include data on imported cases and domestic travel patterns in disease outbreak models to improve the precision of predictions, thereby enhancing dengue prevention, surveillance, and response strategies.

Baitouweng decoction suppresses growth of esophageal carcinoma cells through miR-495-3p/BUB1/STAT3 axis.

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in human populations worldwide. Baitouweng decoction is one of the most important Chinese medicine formulas, with the potential to treat cancer. To investigate the role and mechanism of Baitouweng decoction on EC cells. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EC tissues and normal tissues were screened by the cDNA microarray technique and by bioinformatics methods. The target genes of microRNAs were predicted based on the TargetScan database and verified by dual luciferase gene reporter assay. We used Baitouweng decoction to intervene EC cells, and detected the activity of EC9706 and KYSE150 cells by the MTT method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of BUB1 mRNA and miR-495-3p was measured by qRT-PCR. The protein levels of BUB1, STAT3, p-STAT3, CCNB1, CDK1, Bax, Caspase3, and Caspase9 were measured by Western blot analysis. The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were measured by wound-healing assay and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. DEGs identified are involved in biological processes, signaling pathways, and network construction, which are mainly related to mitosis. BUB1 was the key hub gene, and it is also a target gene of miR-495-3p. Baitouweng decoction could upregulate miR-495-3p and inhibit BUB1 expression. In vitro experiments showed that Baitouweng decoction significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of EC cells and induced apoptosis and G2/M phase arrest. After treatment with Baitouweng decoction, the expression of Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9 in EC cells increased significantly, while the expression of BUB1, CCNB1, and CDK1 decreased significantly. Moreover, the STAT3 signaling pathway may play an important role in this process. Baitouweng decoction has a significant inhibitory effect on EC cell growth. BUB1 is a potential therapeutic target for EC. Further analysis showed that Baitouweng decoction may inhibit the growth of EC cells by upregulating miR-495-3p targeting the BUB1-mediated STAT3 signal pathway.

A Screening of 10,240 NatureBank Fractions Identifies Nematicidal Activity in Agelasine-Containing Extracts from Sponges.

Nematode infections affect a fifth of the human population, livestock, and crops worldwide, imposing a burden to global public health and economies, particularly in developing nations. Resistance to commercial anthelmintics has increased over the years in livestock infections and driven the pursuit for new drugs. We herein present a rapid, cost-effective, and automated assay for nematicide discovery using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to screen a highly diverse natural product library enriched in bioactive molecules. Screening of 10,240 fractions obtained from extracts of various biological sources allowed the identification of 7 promising hit fractions, all from marine sponges. These fractions were further assayed for nematicidal activity against the sheep nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus and for innocuity in zebrafish. The most active extracts against parasites and innocuous toward vertebrates belong to two chemotypes. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that the most abundant compound in one chemotype is halaminol A, an aminoalcohol previously identified in a small screen against H. contortus. Terpene-nucleotide hybrids known as agelasines predominate in the other chemotype. This study reinforces the power of C. elegans for nematicide discovery from large collections and the potential of the chemical diversity derived from marine invertebrate biota.

Visual training after central retinal loss limits structural white matter degradation: an MRI study

BackgroundMacular degeneration of the eye is a common cause of blindness and affects 8% of the worldwide human population. In adult cats with bilateral lesions of the central retina, we explored the possibility that motion perception training can limit the associated degradation of the visual system. We evaluated how visual training affects behavioral performance and white matter structure. Recently, we proposed (Kozak et al. in Transl Vis Sci Technol 10:9, 2021) a new motion-acuity test for low vision patients, enabling full visual field functional assessment through simultaneous perception of shape and motion. Here, we integrated this test as the last step of a 10-week motion-perception training.ResultsCats were divided into three groups: retinal-lesioned only and two trained groups, retinal-lesioned trained and control trained. The behavioral data revealed that trained cats with retinal lesions were superior in motion tasks, even when the difficulty relied only on acuity. 7 T-MRI scanning was done before and after lesioning at 5 different timepoints, followed by Fixel-Based and Fractional Anisotropy Analysis. In cats with retinal lesions, training resulted in a more localized and reduced percentage decrease in Fixel-Based Analysis metrics in the dLGN, caudate nucleus and hippocampus compared to untrained cats. In motion-sensitive area V5/PMLS, the significant decreases in fiber density were equally strong in retinal-lesioned untrained and trained cats, up to 40% in both groups. The only cortical area with Fractional Anisotropy values not affected by central retinal loss was area V5/PMLS. In other visual ROIs, the Fractional Anisotropy values increased over time in the untrained retinal lesioned group, whereas they decreased in the retinal lesioned trained group and remained at a similar level as in trained controls.ConclusionsOverall, our MRI results showed a stabilizing effect of motion training applied soon after central retinal loss induction on white matter structure. We propose that introducing early motion-acuity training for low vision patients, aimed at the intact and active retinal peripheries, may facilitate brain plasticity processes toward better vision.

Prevalence of Malaria and Helicobacter Pylori Coinfection and Associated Sociodemographic Factors among Blood Donors in Douala General Hospital

Background: The malaria parasite Plasmodium is intra-erythrocyte hence can be transmitted by transfusion of any blood component containing infected red blood cells. Helicobacter pylori infection affects more than half of the human population worldwide. Infection remains asymptomatic in most individuals, although some individuals develop acute gastritis, peptic or duodenal ulcers, gastric cancer, and mucosa associated tissue lymphoma. H. pylori infection have been implicated in some haematological manifestations such as anaemia and micronutrient deficiency. Objective: This research was designed to determine the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and H. pylori coinfection in association with sociodemographic characteristics among donors in Douala General Hospital. Methodology: The study was a hospital-based study carried out from January to May 2022. The study population comprised of 106 donors who came to the hospital laboratory for blood donation. A structured questionnaire was used to get demographic and clinical data. Two ml of blood was collected from individuals to prepare a thick and thin blood film for malaria parasite determination and to centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma for H. pylori test strip. Results and Discussion: The overall prevalence of H. pylori in the study area was 70.8%. The female donors had a prevalence of 72.0%. A greater proportion of blood group O donors had H. pylori than groups A, AB and B but this difference was not significant (P-value = 0.571). The prevalence of malaria parasites infection was 36.8%. Those of blood group A had a higher prevalence rate of 42.3% (11/26). Out of the 106 donors, 23 (21.7%) had malaria and H. pylori coinfection. 68 (64.2%) donors had a mono-infection that is either having malaria mono-infection or H. pylori mono-infection and 15 (14.2%) had no infection. Malaria and H. pylori coinfection was higher in female donors than males (OR = 1.059, 95% Cl 0.359 -3.119, P =0.917), in donors aged below 25 years old (OR = 0.338, 95% Cl 0.075 - 1.535, P =0.160), replacement donors (OR = 1.350, 95% Cl 0.460 – 3.964, P =0.585); blood donors of blood group AB (OR = 0.654, 95% Cl 0.181 – 2.366, P =0.517) and Rhesus negative donors (OR = 1.500, 95% Cl 0.130 – 17.36, P =0.746). Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection and Malaria among blood donors in Douala General Hospital were high and coinfection was higher in females than males. Both malaria parasites and H. pylori infections have been implicated in blood parameters such as anaemia and micronutrient deficiency. It is therefore recommended that routine screening for malaria parasites and H. pylori be done in blood banks before transfusion for a high blood quality.

Aptamers-based Strategies for the Treatment of Microbial Infections

Background: Nowadays, infectious diseases caused by bacteria are one of the major risks for the human population worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance determined the necessity to develop both, new drugs and therapeutic approaches as alternatives to antibiotics and novel methods to detect bacteria. Aptamers have revealed their potential in combating antimicrobial infections. Aptamers are small singlestranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides obtained through an in vitro process able to bind several targets with high affinity and specificity. Objective: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the state of the art of aptamer-based antimicrobial therapeutic strategies, new methods of detection of bacteria, and their potential use as delivery systems. Conclusion: Recent applications on research about aptamers suggest their important potential in discovering novel pharmacological tools for the treatment of microbial infections.

Human bocavirus in Saudi Arabia: Molecular epidemiology and Co-infections among children with acute respiratory tract infections during 2014–2016

Respiratory tract infections due to a variety of viruses continue to threaten the human population worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Among the responsible viruses, Human Bocavirus (HBoV), a novel discovered virus, causes respiratory tract and gastroenteritis disorders in young children. In Saudi Arabia, data regarding virus molecular epidemiology and evolution and its implication in respiratory tract infection are scarce. In the current study, genetic diversity and circulation pattern of HBoV-1 among hospitalized children due to acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) during two consecutive years were charted. We found that 3.44% (2014/2015) and 11.25% (2015/2016) of children hospitalized due to ARTI were infected by HBoV-1. We have shown that HBoV was detected year-round without a marked seasonal peak. HBoV-1 also was co-detected with one or multiple other respiratory viruses. The multisequence analysis showed high sequence identity (∼99%) (few point mutation sites) between strains of each genotype and high sequence variation (∼79%) between HBoV-1 and the other 3 genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis showed the clustering of the study's isolates in the HBoV-1 subclade. Our data reveal that genetically conserved HBoV-1 was circulating among admitted children during the course of the study. Further epidemiological and molecular characterization of multiple HBoV-1 strains for different years and from all regions of Saudi Arabia are required to understand and monitor the virus evolution.

HEMATOLOGICAL VARIATIONS AND ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SIDH SPARROW (PASSER PYRRHONOTUS) AS A BIOINDICATOR IN PUNJAB AREAS OF PAKISTAN

Sindh sparrows, prevalent in Sindh region of Pakistan, are non-migratory birds abundant in human-inhabited areas globally, except Antarctica. Given their close association with human settlements, these birds serve as crucial indicators for biological monitoring in regions affected by pollution. This study focused on assessing the hematological parameters and heavy metal concentrations in various organs of Sindh sparrows in the Punjab regions of Pakistan. The collected blood samples underwent analysis for hematological indices and heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated variability in hematological analysis of sparrows. Fluctuations were observed in the concentrations of different heavy metals, with significant differences in zinc and iron, while chromium, cadmium, and nickel concentrations showed non-significant differences. The patterns of heavy metal accumulation revealed higher concentrations of chromium, nickel, and iron in the liver, contrasting with the cadmium and zinc in kidneys. In conclusion, significant correlations were observed among the concentrations of Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel, and Iron in kidney, liver, and muscles of both male and female Sindh sparrows. The findings underscore the need for further comprehensive studies to assess heavy metal accumulation in birds, highlighting the urgency to address environmental pollution that poses risks to avian species and human populations worldwide.

Carbon nanospheres dual spectral-overlapped fluorescence quenching lateral flow immunoassay for rapid diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in humans

Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic disease caused by a protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (Tox), approximately infecting one-third of human populations worldwide. This study developed the carbon nanospheres (CNPs) based dual spectral-overlapped fluorescence quenching lateral flow immunoassay (CNPs-FQLFIA) for detection of Tox antibodies (ToxAbs). The CNPs have been effectively coupled with Tox antigen (ToxAg), which can completely overlap the excitation and emission spectra of europium nanospheres (EuNPs) and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) in testing strips of CNPs-QDs-FQLFIA or CNPs-EuNPs-FQLFIA. The sensitivity of CNPs-EuNPs-FQLFIA or CNPs-QDs-FQLFIA was 4 or 8 IU/mL under natural light readout, or both 4 IU/mL ToxAbs under ultraviolet (UV) light readout by the naked eyes, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) of two types of CNPs-FQLFIA was both 1 IU/mL ToxAbs under UV light by a dry fluorescence analyzer, but no cross-reaction was found with other antibodies. The intra-assay coefficient variation (CV) of both CNPs-EuNPs-FQLFIA and CNPs-QDs-FQLFIA was less than 8%, while the inter-assay CV was less than 14%, respectively. The correlation coefficient (R2) of CNPs-EuNPs-FQLFIA or CNPs-QDs-FQLFIA to measure the different concentrations of ToxAbs spiked serum samples was 0.99712 and 0.99896, respectively. The CNPs-FQLFIA presented a characteristics of 94.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 98% accuracy for detection of ToxAbs in clinical serum samples. In conclusion, CNPs-FQLFIA with EuNPs or QDs fluorescence reporter was an easy, rapid, sensitive, precise and quantitative assay for detecting Tox antibodies in human blood samples.

Modelling of Constructed Wetland Using Numerical Methods

Purpose: This research intends to compare two numerical method models, which are Runge-Kutta and by using HYDRUS software. Theoretical reference: One of the consequences of human population that grows rapidly is the increase of human activity, along with the increase of pollutant that flows into water bodies. Water pollution is a significant environmental issue that threatens the health of ecosystems and human populations worldwide. Method: To determine a set of parameters of the mechanism in a constructed wetland, a numerical model may be of aid to acquire parameters which represent the mechanism of pollutant removal in it. Result and Conclusion: This study yields different efficiency of pollutant removal when simulated with HYDRUS and with Runge-Kutta. The differences in the effectivity results in HYDRUS and Runge-Kutta might be caused by the detail of simulated mechanism, where HYDRUS considers the mechanism happened in soil column, while Runge-Kutta only focuses on the water column. Implication of research: In order to observe the effectivity of a constructed wetland, a numerical model may be used. The parameters needed to represent the environment and properties of both the plants and soil can be obtained by building a demonstration plot. Originality/ value: to compare two numerical method models, which are Runge-Kutta and by using HYDRUS software.

Association of toxin-producing Clostridioides difficile with piglet diarrhea and potential transmission to humans.

The pathogenicity of Clostridioides difficile in piglets remains controversial. It is unknown whether C. difficile control helps protect piglet health. To clarify the association between C. difficile presence and piglet diarrhea, isolates were obtained from piglets with and without diarrhea. In addition, to determine the genetic relationship of C. difficile from pigs and humans, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of C. difficile isolates. Diarrheal and non-diarrheal stool samples were collected from neonatal piglets from five farms in Japan in 2021. To clarify the relationship between C. difficile derived from pigs and those from human clinical cases, WGS of C. difficile isolates was performed. Toxin-positive C. difficile were significantly more prevalent in piglets with diarrhea, although the overall frequency of C. difficile did not differ between piglets with and without diarrhea. This observation indicates an association between toxin-positive C. difficile and diarrhea in piglets. However, further studies are needed to establish a direct causal relationship and to explore other contributing factors to diarrhea in piglets. WGS results showed that C. difficile sequence type (ST) 11 including the hypervirulent PCR ribotype 078 isolates derived from Japanese pigs were closely related to ST11 of overseas strains (human clinical and animal-derived) and a Japanese human clinical strain. Toxin-positive C. difficile may cause diarrhea in piglets and hypervirulent C. difficile are spreading among pigs and human populations worldwide.

In Vivo: Anthelmintic Activity of Phyllanthus Emblica Against Larvae of Fasciola Gigantica

The research article illustrates the in vivo anthelmintic larvicidal activities of the Phyllanthus emblica against sporocyst, redia, and cercaria larvae of Fasciola gigantica. Fascioliases are distributed among cattle and human populations worldwide. The spreading of Fasciola can be controlled by the break of the life cycle in the host snail. The fresh-water snail Lymnaea acuminata is an intermediate host of the F. gigantica. The exposure of bark powder and, various preparations, of P. emblica, was observed in vivo for up to 8h at various concentrations against F. gigantica larvae. The toxic effect of various preparations of P. emblica was observed at 2, 4, 6, and 8h of the exposure period. The in vivo exposure of bark powder of P. emblica was more effective against redia larvae after 2h, 4h, 6h, and 8h the LC50 values were 74.63, 65.42, 72.16 and 71.03 mg/l, respectively. The column extract of bark powder of P. emblica against sporocyst, redia, and cercaria in 2h exposure the LC50 value was noted 65.36, 70.32, and 69.36 mg/l and 8h exposure the LC50 value was 56.23, 66.10, and 67.13 mg/l, respectively. The various formulations of P. emblica bark powder can be used for the control of fascioliasis.

Potential of Paulownia Leaves Silage in Lamb Diet to Improve Ruminal Fermentation and Fatty Acid Profile − An in vitro Study

Abstract Environmental impact, quality, and quantity of food products of ruminant origin (especially beef and mutton) are considered major challenges in meeting the nutritional requirements of the growing human population worldwide. Therefore, we conducted this in vitro study to explore the potential of Paulownia leaves silage to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot lamb production and improve ruminal fatty acids (FAs) profile by influencing ruminal biohydrogenation. In the present study, Paulownia leaves silage (PLS) and alfalfa silage (AAS) were mixed in a proportion of 1:0 (Control, PLS 0%), 0.75:0.25 (PLS 25%), 0.5:0.5 (PLS 50%), 0.25:0.75 (PLS 75%) and 0:1 (PLS 100%) on dry matter basis in the lamb diet. The experimental findings demonstrated that 100% replacement of AAS with PLS in the lamb diet significantly improved the ruminal fermentation by increasing the in vitro DM degradability (P&lt;0.01), total volatile fatty acid (P&lt;0.01), and propionate production (P&lt;0.01) while reducing the acetate: propionate (A/P) ratio (P&lt;0.01) and CH4 concentration (mM; L and Q P&lt;0.05) and CH4 production, mM/g DM (L and Q P&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, 100% PLS inclusion in the diet increased the total monounsaturated fatty acids (P&lt;0.05), total unsaturated fatty acids (P&lt;0.01) and total n-3 fatty acids (P&lt;0.05) particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3 n-3; P&lt;0.05) in the rumen fluid after incubation. Moreover, the total saturated fatty acids concentration was reduced (P&lt;0.01). These findings suggested that PLS could be a climate-friendly and sustainable alternative to AAS in the lamb feedlot diet for quality meat production.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatological Manifestations in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Results from the Major COVID Hospital in Serbia.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), includes a clinical spectrum of diseases from mild to severe progressive pneumonia, which has affected and still affects the human population worldwide. Most commonly, it is presented by respiratory symptoms, but studies have shown that about 50% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have at least one gastrointestinal symptom (GI), predominantly nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. In addition, abnormal liver functional tests are commonly present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of our study was to examine the GI and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in "COVID hospital Batajnica", University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. The study included 498 consecutive patients, and the data was obtained from the patient's electronic medical history. GI symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Collected laboratory values included baseline and peak values of blood count, inflammatory parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, and cardiac enzyme tests. The results have shown that GI symptoms occurred in 26% of cases at diagnosis, which indicates the great susceptibility of the GI system to SARS-CoV-2. There was a high risk of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (>60%). The level of AST is more often increased compared to ALT, which is different from other virus-induced liver lesions and may be a useful indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research should focus on the causes of liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact on treatment and outcome of COVID-19 disease.

The Buzz of Apiology and The Molecular Secrets of Vectors: Unraveling the Genetics and Physiology of Insects in Ecology

Insects, as some of the most diverse and ecologically influential organisms on our planet, continue to captivate the scientific community's attention. This abstract provides an overview of the fascinating world of apiology and the exploration of molecular secrets within insect vectors, shedding light on the genetics and physiology of these remarkable creatures in the context of ecology. Apiology, the study of bees and their intricate social structures, has experienced a resurgence of interest due to the critical roles that bees play in pollination and ecosystem health. Researchers have delved deep into the genetics and physiology of bees, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying their remarkable communication, navigation, and foraging behaviors. This knowledge is instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by bee population decline and its implications for global agriculture. In parallel, the study of insect vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, has gained prominence as they continue to transmit diseases that affect human and animal populations worldwide. This paper highlights the intersection of apiology and vector biology, emphasizing the importance of unraveling the genetics and physiology of insects in ecological contexts. By deciphering the molecular secrets of these insects, we can enhance our understanding of their roles in ecosystems, mitigate the impact of disease vectors, and implement conservation measures to protect vital pollinators. Ultimately, these endeavors contribute to a more comprehensive comprehension of the complex web of life on Earth and inspire innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges.

PROGRESS OF FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD PROCESSING BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The increase in human population worldwide has become a major threat to food security and nutrition. Food production and processing sector particularly the agriculture and food processing are asked to satisfy two apparently contradictory needs, to become more productive, and at the same time, more sustainable. Biotechnology is one of the sectors with significant contribution in modernizing agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Africa including Ethiopia has started research in agricultural-food processing biotechnology a few decades ago. However, research and public awareness on biotechnology is inadequate. This review appraises the agriculture/food production and food processing biotechnology progress in developing societies particularly in Africa so as to understand the roles which agricultural and food processing biotechnology could play therein. The paper concludes with the recommendation that individual countries need to identify their specific national priorities and preferences in food production and harness the growing body of science and innovations in genetic engineering and food processing to address specific issues.

Establishment of two assays based on reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification technology for rapid detection of H5 subtype avian influenza virus.

The avian influenza virus (AIV), a member of the type A influenza virus group, is harbored by avian hosts. The highly pathogenic H5 subtype of AIV has inflicted significant financial damage on the poultry industry and also presents a possible pandemic hazard to the worldwide human population. There is an urgent need for a detection method that is both rapid and accurate in identifying H5-AIV. In this study, two assays based on reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification technology (RT-RAA) have been developed to detect H5-AIV, namely, real-time fluorescence and reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RF-RT-RAA) and reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification combined lateral flow dipstick (RT-RAA-LFD). The completion of the two methods can be achieved in 30 min, and there was no cross-reaction with the nucleic acid of other avian pathogens. The results indicated that the lowest detectable limit of RF-RT-RAA and RT-RAA-LFD for H5-AIV detection was 1 copy/μL, which was 100 times higher than that of RT-PCR (102 copies/μL). A total of 376 samples, consisting of 350 clinical and 26 experimental samples, underwent testing utilizing virus isolation, RF-RT-RAA and RT-RAA-LFD methods, respectively. The results demonstrated a high degree of consistency between those assays. In summary, both the RF-RT-RAA and RT-RAA-LFD methods demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity, making them ideal for use in both laboratory and field settings.IMPORTANCEAvian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H5 is a highly contagious zoonotic disease and a serious threat to the farming industry and public health. Traditional detection methods, including virus isolation and real-time PCR, require tertiary biological laboratories and are time-consuming and complex to perform, making it difficult to rapidly diagnose H5 subtype avian influenza viruses. In this study, we successfully developed two methods, namely, RF-RT-RAA and RT-RAA-LFD, for rapid detection of H5-AIV. The assays are characterized by their high specificity, sensitivity, and user-friendliness. Moreover, the results of the reaction can be visually assessed, which are suitable for both laboratory testing and grassroots farm screening for H5-AIV.