Disease Prevention Strategies Research Articles

Innovative population-based strategies for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A 2-year randomised control trial evaluating behavioral change led by community champions versus brief advice.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused 17.9 million deaths worldwide in 2019. General CVD prevention should be developed whilst controlling health expenditure. The aim of the SPICES project was to assess the efficacy of a community support intervention for adults with intermediate CVD risk at 24 months, compared to repeated brief advice alone. A randomised, controlled study was conducted in a poor, medically underserved, rural area in France from November 2019 to November 2021. Community champions lead small group sessions. They were specifically trained in behavioural change techniques and CVD prevention. Participants chose their own small, feasible cardiovascular health goals. The primary outcome was the difference in the Non-laboratory Interheart risk score (INL) in intention-to-treat at 24 months. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF, diet using the DASH-questionnaire, physical activity using the IPAQ-short. Changes in BMI, smoking level, and self-declared alcohol consumption were recorded as health goals in the intervention group.1309 participants were eligible. 536 people were analysed. At 24 months, the difference Intervention-Control = -0.12 INL (95% CI -0.80 to 1.04) was not significant (p = 0.76). 257 people remained in the study. Most participants chose weight-loss as their objective. Although this study was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, pertinent observations were made. Participants spontaneously chose to lose weight, which was not an effective goal. The study was neglected by participants which suggests this population felt little concerned about CVD-prevention. Other awareness strategies should be developed. Public policies should be developed as individuals currently fail to improve their health. Trial registration: This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT0388606).

A Critical Review on Advancing Preventive Health Research in Ayurveda: Strategic Approaches and Imperatives

Preventive health research in Ayurveda offers valuable strategies for disease prevention and health promotion, particularly in the context of modern health challenges such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and pandemics like COVID-19. This review critically examines strategic approaches for advancing preventive health research within Ayurveda, emphasizing the need for evidence-based validation, integration with modern scientific methodologies, and global collaboration. Key practices, including Rasayana therapy, Dinacharya, and Ritucharya, demonstrate significant potential in enhancing immunity, promoting longevity, and mitigating lifestyle-related ailments. However, challenges such as limited clinical evidence, standardization issues, and underutilization of advanced research tools hinder progress. Addressing these challenges through rigorous clinical trials, interdisciplinary research, and policy advocacy can ensure Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary healthcare systems. The integration of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific approaches will enhance the global applicability of Ayurveda in preventive health.

Innovative public strategies in response to COVID‐19: A review of practices from China

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic presented unparalleled challenges to prompt and adaptive responses from nations worldwide. This review examines China's multifaceted approach to the crisis, focusing on five key areas of response: infrastructure and system design, medical care and treatment, disease prevention and control, economic and social resilience, and China's engagement in global health. This review demonstrates the effectiveness of a top‐down command system at the national level, intersectoral coordination, a legal framework, and public social governance. This study also examines medical care and treatment strategies, highlighting the importance of rapid emergency response, evidence‐based treatment, and well‐planned vaccination rollout. Further discussion on disease prevention and control measures emphasizes the importance of adaptive measures, timely infection control, transmission interruption, population herd immunity, and technology applications. Socioeconomic impact was also assessed, detailing strategies for disease prevention, material supply, livelihood preservation, and social economy revival. Lastly, we examine China's contributions to the global health community, with a focus on knowledge‐sharing, information exchange, and multilateral assistance. While it is true that each nation's response must be tailored to its own context, there are universal lessons to be drawn from China's approach. These insights are pivotal for enhancing global health security, especially as the world navigates evolving health crises.

Cardiovascular risk profile with SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP: comparing Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France using the new European predictive models

IntroductionThis study aims to characterize the cardiovascular risk profile in countries with low-to-moderate cardiovascular mortality risk (Italy, Portugal, France, and Spain) using the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP models. It also examines regional variations and the involvement of healthcare professionals in performing risk assessments.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted using data from 24,434 cardiovascular risk assessments performed between December 2022 and July 2023 through a digital application used by physicians. The assessments used the SCORE2 model for individuals aged 40–69 and the SCORE2-OP model for those aged 70 and older. Risk stratification into “low-to-moderate,” “high,” and “very high” categories was analyzed based on individual risk factors such as age, smoking habits, systolic blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.ResultsApproximately 50%–60% of individuals in these countries were classified as having “high” or “very high” cardiovascular risk. The highest proportions were observed in Portugal (62.44%) and Italy (64.05%), while lower proportions were found in Spain (46.65%) and France (52.74%). Regional analysis identified areas with the highest cardiovascular risk, such as Portalegre in Portugal and Apulia in Italy. Key risk factors included older age, smoking, high systolic blood pressure, and high non-HDL cholesterol. General practitioners were the primary healthcare professionals conducting these assessments.DiscussionThe study highlights a significant proportion of individuals with “high” or “very high” cardiovascular risk in countries with low-to-moderate mortality risk. These findings underscore the need for targeted cardiovascular disease prevention strategies and the crucial role of general practitioners in managing cardiovascular risk.

Comparative Genome Analysis of Piscine Vibrio vulnificus: Virulence-Associated Metabolic Pathways

Vibriosis caused by Vibrio vulnificus is a major problem in aquatic animals, particularly brown marble groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). V. vulnificus biotype I has recently been isolated and classified into subgroups SUKU_G1, SUKU_G2, and SUKU_G3 according to the different types of virulence genes. In a previous study, we have shown that biotype I V. vulnificus strains were classified into three subgroups according to the different types of virulence genes, which exhibited different phenotypes in terms of growth rate and virulence. To gain insight into the different genetic features revealed by the potential virulence mechanisms of V. vulnificus in relation to a spectrum of pathogenesis, comparative genomic analyses of three biotype I V. vulnificus strains belonging to different subgroups (SUKU_G1, SUKU_G2, and SUKU_G3) were performed. The V. vulnificus genome is composed of two circular chromosomes with average sizes of 3 Mbp and 1.7 Mbp that are evolutionarily related based on the analysis of orthologous genes. A comparative genome analysis of V. vulnificus revealed 5200 coding sequences, of which 3887 represented the core genome and the remaining 1313 constituted the dispensable genome. The most virulent isolate (SUKU_G1) carries unique enzymes that are important for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) synthesis, as well as flagellar glycosylation, and harbors another type of repeat in toxin (RTX) and bacterial defense mechanisms. The less virulent isolate (SUKU_G2) shares enzymes related to CPS biosynthesis or flagellar glycosylation, while the avirulent isolate (SUKU_G3) and a less virulent isolate (SUKU_G2) share enzymes related to the production of rare sugars. Interestingly, the isolates from the three subgroups containing specific CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-producing enzymes that are correlated with their growth abilities. Collectively, these observations provide an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and support the development of strategies for bacterial disease prevention and control.

Population health and public health: Commonalities and differences.

To explore the synergy between population health and public health by initiating a discourse about their interconnected roles, responsibilities, and approaches in achieving optimal health outcomes. Population health and public health, although distinct, are interconnected disciplines critical for enhancing health outcomes. Population health focuses on analyzing health determinants and outcomes within specific groups, employing data to guide targeted interventions and policies. Public health, on the other hand, prioritizes broader preventive measures and community-wide interventions to safeguard health. Both fields benefit from a transdisciplinary approach that integrates strategies to address and improve health. Such integration is essential for addressing health disparities and improving the efficiency of health systems. By combining the analytical strengths of population health with the implementation capabilities of public health, a more comprehensive framework can be developed. These collaborations will not only enhance the effectiveness of health programs but also promote health equity by leveraging collective expertise and resources. They will facilitate the development of interventions that are both preventive and responsive, capable of addressing the upstream determinants of health and the immediate needs of communities. Such transdisciplinary efforts were demonstrated within the oral health field during the COVID-19 pandemic. The synergy between population and public health can lead to robust health outcomes, fostering comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention strategies. By aligning research, practices, and policies, these integrated approaches will transcend traditional boundaries within the healthcare sector to build efficient health systems.

Applications of microfluidics in mRNA vaccine development: A review.

The transformative potential of microfluidics in the development of mRNA vaccines is explored in this review, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing easy-to-use functionality, efficacy, and production efficiency. Moreover, we examine the innovative applications of microfluidics in biomedical research, including its contribution to the rapid and cost-effective synthesis of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery and delve into the advantages of mRNA vaccines, such as targeted delivery and controlled expression. Furthermore, it outlines the future prospects of microfluidic devices, their cutting-edge examples in both research and industry, and the potential to revolutionize vaccine formulation and production. The integration of microfluidics with mRNA vaccine development represents a significant advancement in public health and disease prevention strategies.

Acyl hydrazone derivatives with trifluoromethylpyridine as potential agrochemical for controlling plant diseases.

Crops are consistently under siege by a multitude of pathogens. These pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, result in substantial reductions in quality and yield globally by inducing detrimental crop diseases, thus posing a significant challenge to global food security. However, the biological activity sepectrumof commercially available pesticides is limitedand the pesticide efficacy is poor, necessitating the urgent development of broad-spectrum and efficient strategies for crop disease prevention and control. The bioassay results revealed that certain target compounds demonstrated outstanding in vivo antiviral efficacy against cucumber mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. In particular, compound D6 showed remarkable antiviral activity against CMV, significantly higher than that of the control agent ningnanmycin. Mechanism of action studies have shown that compound D6 could enhance the activity of defense enzymes and upregulate the expression of genes related to disease resistance, thereby enhancing the antiviral effects in plants. In addition, these compounds displayed superior inhibitory activity against plant bacterial diseases. For Xoo, compound D10 showed an excellent inhibitory effect that was better than that of the control agent bismerthiazol. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence double-staining experiments revealed that compound D10 effectively inhibited bacterial growth by disrupting the cell membrane. A series of trifluoromethyl hydrazone derivatives were designed and synthesized, and it was found that they have control effects on plant viruses and bacterial diseases. In addition, this study revealed the mechanism of action of the active compounds and demonstrated their potential as multifunctional crop protectants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals genetic characteristics of orf virus F1L and B2L genes in the Fujian province.

This study investigates the molecular epidemiology of orf virus (ORFV) in the Fujian province in 2024, with the goal of gaining insights that can enhance disease prevention and control strategies. This experimental study was conducted from January 2024 through March 2024. The samples, showing suspected orf lesions, tested positive for ORFV via PCR. The ORFV059 (F1L) and ORFV011 (B2L) genes from these samples were cloned and sequenced. Analysis identified 3 ORFV strains: FJ-2401, FJ-2402, and FJ-2403. For the F1L gene, nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 95.7% to 99.6%, and amino acid identity ranged from 95.0% to 99.7% compared to the reference strain. These strains were closely related to others from Fujian, Guangzhou, and India but differed from the NZ2 reference strain, the German D1701 weak strain, and Chinese vaccine strains, which were in separate branches. For the B2L gene, nucleotide identity ranged from 97.4% to 99.6%, and amino acid identity ranged from 97.1% to 100%. Evolutionary analysis indicated potential recombination events with strains from Fujian, Jilin, and India. The B2L gene showed distinct branching from the German D1701 weak strain, Fujian GO strain, and Chinese vaccine strains, suggesting that current vaccines might be inadequate. Viruses are constantly evolving, and currently available commercial vaccines may not provide sufficient protection against emerging ORFV strains. This underscores the urgent need for updated vaccines and improved management strategies. The study reveals significant genetic diversity and potential recombination in ORFV strains in Fujian, highlighting their divergence from known references.

Obesity impact on bones and joints health

Introduction and objective Obesity, characterized by excessive fat accumulation, poses significant health risks. The WHO classifies overweight as a BMI of 25 to <30 kg/m² and obesity as a BMI of ≥30 kg/m², divided into three classes. This study examines the relationship between obesity and bone health, focusing on osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fracture risks. Review methods A review of epidemiological and clinical studies was conducted, including WHO statistics, U.S. obesity trends, and recent findings on the mechanisms linking obesity with bone health and joint diseases. Studies were selected for their relevance to understanding obesity's impact on skeletal health. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Obesity is influenced by sociodemographic, behavioral, and genetic factors. While excess weight was once considered beneficial for bones due to increased mechanical loading, recent research shows its harmful effects. Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation, altered adipokine levels, and higher risk of atypical fractures. In OA, obesity accelerates joint degeneration through mechanical and metabolic pathways. In RA, obesity is associated with increased disease activity and cardiovascular complications. Summary Obesity significantly affects bone and joint health, increasing the risk of OA, RA, and fractures. The paradox of obesity providing mechanical benefits while causing metabolic and inflammatory issues is crucial. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing effective prevention and management strategies for obesity-related skeletal diseases. Further research is essential to clarify the complex interactions between adipose tissue and bone health, aiming to improve outcomes for obese individuals.

Eating habits and carotenoid skin content among children based on their attendance at the school meals: A cross-sectional pilot study

ObjectiveThe promotion of a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), among childhood is of a particular importance, since eating behaviors learned early in life have been shown to be maintained into adolescence and adulthood. The most efficient intervention in childhood is the active involvement of the schools. DesignThe aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence to the MD model and the skin carotenoid levels among children divided by their school lunch attendance. MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 132 pupils (64 girls and 68 boys), divided between children who ate lunch at school (44%) and at home (56%). The children who had meals provided by the school participated in activities promoting the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and assessment of the MD adherence and the physical activity using KIDMED and PAQ-C questionnaires, respectively, and skin carotenoid content using the Veggie Meter®. ResultsWe found mean KIDMED and PAQ-C scores, while skin carotenoid content was below the normal range in our population sample. Interestingly, children who ate lunch provided by the school had significantly higher carotenoid scores with respect to those who had lunch at home (p = 0.005). In multiple regression analyses, we found that carotenoid scores were positively influenced by gender (p = 0.03), school lunch attendance (p = 0.01) and daily vegetable consumption (p = 0.0002) in our children population sample. ConclusionsOur results suggest the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle at the school to improve eating habits during childhood as a strategy for disease prevention across the lifespan.

Research note: Genetically diverse avian hepatitis E virus identified in chickens with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in Guangdong Province, China

Avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) is recognized as the primary causative agent of big liver and spleen disease, hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome, and hepatic rupture hemorrhage syndrome, resulting in substantial economic losses within the global poultry industry. Since its discovery in 1991, diverse strains of avian HEV have been extensively identified worldwide. Epidemiological investigations have demonstrated the wide distribution and genetic diversity of avian HEV strains in China. In this study, avian HEV strains were identified in chickens exhibiting hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome in Guangdong province, China. Sequence analysis indicated that these strains shared the highest nucleotide sequence identities with genotype 3 strains, and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that they clustered with strains belonging to avian HEV genotype 3. Moreover, a statistically supported recombination event was detected within one of the avian HEV strain identified in this study. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of avian HEV in chickens, providing new insights for disease prevention and control strategies.

Biobank.cy: the Biobank of Cyprus past, present and future

The Cyprus Biobank collects biosamples, medical and lifestyle information with the aim of reaching 16,500 Cypriots aged ≥ 18-years, by year 2027, as part of a multitasked EU funded project. Volunteers are both from the general population and from disease cohorts of focused research projects, who amongst others will contribute to canvas the architecture of the Cyprus human genome and study the healthy and morbid anatomy of Cypriots. The Cyprus Biobank is a research infrastructure pillar of the biobank.cy Center of Excellence in Biobanking and Biomedical Research. Within 3-years (November 2019–October 2022), 1348 participants of the general population who represent a subset of the Cyprus Biobank recruited individuals, were enrolled in the pilot study. The study did not include individuals from separate disease-specific cohorts. Extensive information was collected from each participant, including biochemistry, complete blood count, physiological, anthropometric, socio-demographic, diet, and lifestyle characteristics. Prevalent health conditions along with medication use and family history were recorded, including 58 biomarkers based on blood and urine samples. With a systematic recruitment campaign, the Biobank is continuously increasing the number of individuals in the general population cohort and is developing separate disease cohorts of the Cypriot population. The pilot study enrolled 579 men and 769 women, aged between 18 and 85 years (median 48-years). The enrollment takes 40 min on average, including the collection of biological samples and phenotypic information. More than half (n = 733, 55%) of the participants are educated to college level or above. Statistically significant differences were found between men and women regarding their education level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.01) and employment status (p < 0.001) but not their age (p = 0.29). The most prevalent medical conditions recorded are hypertension (17.2%), osteoporosis (6.9%) and diabetes (6.0%). In conclusion, the Cyprus biobanking pilot study has successfully collected extensive baseline information from enrolled participants. The Biobank will comprise a rich data resource used to examine the major risk factors leading to public health burdens and develop strategies for disease prevention.

Assessing the predictive efficacy of European-based systolic blood pressure polygenic risk scores in diverse Brazilian cohorts

Despite the identification of numerous genetic variants affecting SBP in European populations, their applicability in admixed populations remains unclear. This study evaluates the predictive efficacy of a systolic blood pressure (SBP) polygenic risk score (PRS), derived from the UK Biobank data, in two Brazilian cohorts. We analyzed 944 K genetic variants consistent across an independent UK Biobank dataset, Brazilian cohorts, and HapMap database. Results show a significant association between increased PRS and SBP, as well as hypertension, in each study groups analyzed. An increase of one standard deviation in the PRS showed a significant association with SBP (β [95% CI] (mmHg) = 5.2 [5.1–5.3], 2.8 [2.1–3.5] and 2.6 [2.2–3.0]) and hypertension (odds ratio (OR) [95% CI] = 1.56 [1.54–1.56], 1.28 [1.2–1.4] and 1.47 [1.3–1.6]) in an independent UKB dataset, Baependi, and Pelotas, respectively. The associations were weaker in the Brazilian samples and the reduced association was noticeable in the Pelotas vs. the UK comparison for hypertension stages 1 and 2 (OR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.5–3.1] and 3.0 [1.9–4.7] vs. 2.5 [2.2–2.8] and 4.9 [4.4–5.6]), whereas the Baependi data showed no significance for stage 1 hypertension. This trend mirrors findings in homogeneous African and Asian populations with diverse genetic architecture, highlighting the limitations of European-based PRS also in admixed populations. These insights are crucial for developing tailored disease prevention and management strategies in ethnically diverse groups.

Associations between sex and lifestyle activities with cognitive reserve in mid-life adults with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundFemales have a higher age-adjusted incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) than males, even when accounting for longer lifespan and, therefore, stand to benefit the most from dementia prevention efforts. As exposure to many modifiable risk factors for dementia begins in mid-life, interventions must be implemented from middle-age. Building cognitive reserve, particularly through stimulating avocational activities and occupational attainment presents a crucial, underexplored, dementia prevention approach for mid-life. It is currently unknown, however, whether modifiable lifestyle factors can protect against AD processes, from mid-life, differentially for females and males who carry inherited risk for late-life dementia. To address this gap, this study investigated the impact of biological sex and APOE4 carrier status on the relationship between stimulating activities, occupational attainment, and cognition in mid-life.MethodsWe leveraged the PREVENT–Dementia program, the world’s largest study investigating the origins and early diagnosis of dementia in mid-life at-risk individuals (N = 700; 40–59 years). Cognitive performance was measured using the Cognito Battery and the Visual Short Term Memory Binding task. Mid-life specific reserve contributors were assessed via the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire.ResultsFemales had significantly better episodic and relational memory (p < 0.001), and lower occupational attainment than males (p < 0.001). Engagement in stimulating activities was positively associated with episodic and relational memory, regardless of sex and APOE4 status (β = 0.05, CI 0.03–0.07, p < 0.001). APOE4 carriers showed significant sex differences in the association between occupational attainment and episodic and relational memory (β = 0.38, CI 0.12–0.63, p = 0.003). APOE4 carrier females with higher occupational attainment showed better cognition (β = 0.16, CI -0.002–0.32, p = 0.053), whereas APOE4 carrier males showed the opposite effect (β = -0.20, CI -0.40 – -0.001, p = 0.049).ConclusionOur findings suggest that occupational attainment in mid-life contributes to cognitive reserve against inherited risk of dementia in females, but not males. They highlight the need for high precision approaches that consider biological sex and APOE4 carrier status to inform Alzheimer’s disease prevention strategies and clinical trials.

Early prediction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission clusters using supervised learning models

Identifying individuals with tuberculosis (TB) with a high risk of onward transmission can guide disease prevention and public health strategies. Here, we train classification models to predict the first sampled isolates in Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission clusters from demographic and disease data. We find that supervised learning, in particular balanced random forests, can be used to develop predictive models to identify people with TB that are more likely associated with TB cluster growth, with good model performance and AUCs of ≥ 0.75. We also identified the most important patient and disease characteristics in the best performing classification model, including host demographics, site of infection, TB lineage, and age at diagnosis. This framework can be used to develop predictive tools for the early assessment of potential cluster growth to prioritise individuals for enhanced follow-up with the aim of reducing transmission chains.

Species Distribution Modeling of Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) Under Current and Future Climates, with a Special Focus on Latvia and Ukraine

This study assesses the impact of climate change on the distribution of Ixodes ricinus, which transmits Lyme disease, a growing public health concern. Utilizing ensemble models from the R package ‘flexsdm’ and climate data from WorldClim, ENVIREM, and CliMond, we project habitat suitability changes for the focus species. The models, validated against Lyme disease incidence rates, predict a 1.5-fold increase in suitable habitats in Latvia, contrasted with a 4.5-fold decrease in suitable habitats within Ukraine over the coming decades. SHAP values are analyzed to determine the most influential climatic features affecting tick distribution, providing insights for future vector control and disease prevention strategies. The optimal bioclimatic environment for I. ricinus seems to be an intricate balance of moderate temperatures, high humidity, and sufficient rainfall (bio7, 14, 18, 29). Also, radiation during the wettest quarter (bio24) significantly influences tick distribution in northern countries. This implies an increased presence of ticks in Scandinavian countries, Baltic states, etc. These findings largely coincide with our projections regarding bioclimatic suitability for ticks in Latvia and Ukraine. These shifts reflect broader patterns of vector redistribution driven by global warming, highlighting the urgent need to adapt public health planning to the evolving landscape of vector-borne diseases under climate change.

A multiplex qPCR followed by high-resolution melting analysis for the detection of blood-feeding sources in Culex sp. mosquitoes.

Culex species, such as Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex nigripalpus display a range of feeding habits and act as vectors for pathogens that can cause diseases in both humans and animals. Understanding their feeding habits is pivotal for enhancing disease prevention strategies. The present study introduces the application of two multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) as a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative. This investigation involved the development of two multiplex qPCR-HRM: assay 1 detects human, dog and chicken, while assay 2 detects cat, cattle and horse in Culex sp. engorged female mosquitoes. The qPCR-HRM reactions showed a detection limit of one copy of genomic DNA when performed as single and multiplex qPCR-HRM. The reaction efficiencies were 97.96% for human, 100.60% for dog, 99.03% for chicken, 99.92% for feline, 99.18% for cattle and 97.68% for horse. The qPCR-HRM method, employing multiplex 1 and 2, was applied to field-collected mosquitoes and demonstrated the ability to detect DNA from multiple blood sources within a single sample. By analysing both multiplexes, it was possible to identify up to five distinct blood sources in Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. nigripalpus, and up to two sources in Culex coronatus. Sequencing corroborated the qPCR-HRM results, confirming the presence of DNA from one to four different blood sources with 100% accuracy. The development of these molecular methods may contribute for identification of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes. It contributes to studies on the dissemination and transmission of pathogens among various animals and humans, thereby bridging the gap between epidemiology and vector monitoring.

Carbon dots modified hydrange-shaped ZnCo(OH)F used as a flexible electrode for sensitive detection of dopamine and uric acid

Dopamine (DA), widely recognized as the most prevalent catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain, functions as a vital regulator of various physiological processes within the central nervous system. Meanwhile, uric acid (UA) serves as the terminal product of purine metabolism, and hyperuricemia emerges as a significant risk factor for gout, with a steep escalation in risk as blood uric acid levels surge. Consequently, monitoring the concentrations of DA and UA in biological fluids is crucial not only for the treatment of related disorders but also for enhancing disease prevention strategies. In this work, the blooming hydrangea shaped ZnCo(OH)F/carbon dots (CDs) composite was grown on carbon cloth (CC) substrate by a simple hydrothermal method, which was used as a flexible sensor for the detection of DA and UA. The unique open structure and morphologic adjustment strategy of ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC provided a large surface area and highly exposed active site. After screening the experimental variables that affect the sensor performance, the optimal ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC flexible electrode achieved individual and simultaneous detection for DA and UA in the concentration ranges of 1.0220.0 µM and 1.0500.0 µM, the detection limits (LOD) of DA and UA were 0.0129 and 0.044 μM, respectively (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor exhibited good repeatability, stability and selectivity, realizing the detection of DA and UA in human serum with recovery rate of 95.20 % 105.3 %. Also, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explore the interaction between electrode material and detected substrate. A simple hydrothermal method was utilized to grow the ZnCo(OH)F/CDs composite onto the CC substrate. The presence of F− in ZnCo(OH)F can increase the charge mobility and improve the conductivity. ZnCo(OH)F/CDs/CC as flexible electrode material can determine DA and UA simultaneously in human serum with a satisfactory recovery rate. This flexible sensor has a broad application prospect in the manufacture of wearable devices.

Exploring Bioinformatics Solutions for Improved Leishmaniasis Diagnostic Tools: A Review.

Significant populations in tropical and sub-tropical locations all over the world are severely impacted by a group of neglected tropical diseases called leishmaniases. This disease is caused by roughly 20 species of the protozoan parasite from the Leishmania genus. Disease prevention strategies that include early detection, vector control, treatment of affected individuals, and vaccination are all essential. The diagnosis is critical for selecting methods of therapy, preventing transmission of the disease, and minimizing symptoms so that the affected individual can have a better quality of life. Nevertheless, the diagnostic methods do eventually have limitations, and there is no established gold standard. Some disadvantages include the existence of cross-reactions with other species, and limited sensitivity and specificity, which are mostly determined by the type of antigen used to perform the tests. A viable alternative for a more precise diagnosis is the application of recombinant antigens, which have been generated using bioinformatics approaches and have shown increased diagnostic accuracy. This approach proves valuable as it spans from epitope selection to predicting the interactions within the antibody-antigen complex through docking analysis. As a result, identifying potential new antigens using bioinformatics resources becomes an effective technique since it may result in an earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Consequently, the primary aim of this review is to conduct a comprehensive overview of the most significant in silico tools developed over time, with a focus on evaluating their efficacy and exploring their potential applications in optimizing the selection of highly specific molecules for a more effective diagnosis of leishmaniasis.