Top Disease Research Articles

Female aging: when translational models don't translate.

For many pathologies associated with aging, female patients present with higher morbidity and more frequent adverse events from treatments compared to male patients. While preclinical models are the foundation of our mechanistic understanding of age-related diseases, the most common models fail to recapitulate archetypical female aging trajectories. For example, while over 70% of the top age-related diseases are influenced by the systemic effects of reproductive senescence, we found that preclinical studies that include menopausal phenotypes modeling those seen in humans make up <1% of published aging biology research. The long-term impacts of pregnancy, birthing and breastfeeding are also typically omitted from preclinical work. In this Perspective, we summarize limitations in the most commonly used aging models, and we provide recommendations for better incorporating menopause, pregnancy and other considerations of sex in vivo and in vitro. Lastly, we outline action items for aging biology researchers, journals, funding agencies and animal providers to address this gap.

CSIG-11. LIN28B EXPRESSION IN DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the most lethal of all childhood cancers. LIN28B is a RNA binding protein expressed in a variety of cancers, which suppresses the let-7 family of microRNAs, which in turn suppresses a plethora of oncogenes. However, the role of LIN28B in DMG has not yet been explored. Therefore, we sought to determine the pattern of expression and potential function of LIN28B in DMG using rare DMG cell lines. METHODS All studies were performed on DMG cell lines (n = 6) and controls (normal human astrocytes n = 1, human neural stem cells n = 1). RNA-Seq was performed using single-read sequencing at 50bp on the Illumina NextSeq 500 Sequencing System. Cells were then treated with DMSO or the LIN28B inhibitor, LI71, and submitted to functional in vitro studies, as well as RNA-Seq and Western Blot analysis. Functional pathways analysis was subsequently performed on resulting gene expression values with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (Qiagen). RESULTS Differential LIN28B expression was demonstrated across cell lines, with DMG cells expressing greater LIN28B gene and protein levels compared to controls. LIN28B inhibition with small molecule inhibitor LI71 resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, in vitro. A total of 946 differentially expressed genes were identified between treatment groups (FC&amp;gt;2 or &amp;lt;-2, p&amp;lt; 0.05). Functional pathways analysis of differentially expressed genes implicated Cancer and Neurological Disease as the top disease processes, with Cellular Movement as the top molecular process in cell lines expressing LIN28B. Further, inactivation of Myc signaling was implicated in cells treated with LI71. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrates increased LIN28B expression in DMG cell lines compared with controls, with oncogenic effects on cell proliferation and migration. Further investigation of the LIN28B-let7 signaling axis is warranted in order to further explore LIN28B as a novel therapeutic target in DMG.

Abstract 13734: Gender Differences in Authorship of Top Congenital Heart Disease Publications

Introduction: Despite progress in the representation of women in medical training, men continue to dominate fields such as academic medicine and cardiology. The proportion of female cardiology trainees and physicians has increased over time; however, women continue to be underrepresented in published cardiology literature. Research Question: Our study aims to investigate whether there are gender disparities in authorship amongst the top congenital heart disease publications. Methods: We performed a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in PubMed from 2018 to 2022 from the top seven Cardiology and congenital heart disease (CHD) journals by impact factor and H5-index. The first authors, last authors, affiliations, and countries of origin were extracted. The genders of the authors were then determined from a database of name-to-gender mappings ( Gender API; gender-api.com ). One sample and independent sample t-tests were performed. Results: We identified 1058 CHD articles on PubMed which met the inclusion criteria. Female authors accounted for 38.1% of all first authors and 29.6% of all last authors, which was a statistically significant difference from the proportion of male authors (61.9% and 70.4%, respectively, p&lt;0.001). Europe showed a greater bias towards male first authors than the United States (p=0.010), whereas there was no significant gender difference seen in last authors between the two regions (p=0.170). Publications with a male senior author were more likely to have a male first author (67.1% male, p&lt;0.001), whereas there was no difference in first author gender in publications with a female last author (49.8% male, p=0.954). Conclusions: We analyzed the first and last author genders of publications in high-impact cardiology journals over the past 5 years and found that women are underrepresented in both first and last authorship positions. Patterns in underrepresentation emerged, both geographically and based on the gender of the senior author. Additional work is needed to address these gender disparities and identify concrete solutions to increasing female representation in CHD research, as it may elucidate obstacles to female representation in cardiology leadership, recruitment, and academic advancement.

Comparative RNA-seq analysis of resistant and susceptible banana genotypes reveals molecular mechanisms in response to banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) infection

Bananas hold significant economic importance as an agricultural commodity, serving as a primary livelihood source, a favorite fruit, and a staple crop in various regions across the world. However, Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), which is caused by banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), poses a considerable threat to banana cultivation. To understand the resistance mechanism and the interplay of host suitability factors in the presence of BBTV, we conducted RNA-seq-based comparative transcriptomics analysis on mock-inoculated and BBTV-inoculated samples from resistant (wild Musa balbisiana) and susceptible (Musa acuminata ‘Lakatan’) genotypes. We observed common patterns of expression for 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both genotypes, which represent the typical defense response of bananas to BBTV. Furthermore, we identified 99 DEGs exclusive to the 'Lakatan' banana cultivar, offering insights into the host factors and susceptibility mechanisms that facilitate successful BBTV infection. In parallel, we identified 151 DEGs unique to the wild M. balbisiana, shedding light on the multifaceted mechanisms of BBTV resistance, involving processes such as secondary metabolite biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and pathogen perception. Notably, our validation efforts via RT-qPCR confirmed the up-regulation of the glucuronoxylan 4-O-methyltransferase gene (14.28 fold-change increase), implicated in xylan modification and degradation. Furthermore, our experiments highlighted the potential recruitment of host's substrate adaptor ADO (30.31 fold-change increase) by BBTV, which may play a role in enhancing banana susceptibility to the viral pathogen. The DEGs identified in this work can be used as basis in designing associated gene markers for the precise integration of resistance genes in marker-assisted breeding programs. Furthermore, the findings can be applied to develop genome-edited banana cultivars targeting the resistance and susceptibility genes, thus developing novel cultivars that are resilient to important diseases.

Distribution of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Ekiti and Ondo states, Nigeria

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is one of the top infectious killer diseases in the world. The emergence of drug-resistant MTB strains has thrown challenges in controlling TB worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the states of Nigeria and the risk factors that can increase the incidence of tuberculosis. MethodsThe study is a cross-sectional epidemiological research carried out in the six senatorial districts of Ekiti and Ondo states, Nigeria, between February 2019 and January 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to 1203 respondents for socio-demographic information, and sputum samples were collected from them for TB investigation. GeneXpert technique was used to diagnose TB from the sputum samples, followed by bacterial isolation using Löweinstein-Jensen medium and antibiotic susceptibility testing. ResultsPrevalence of TB in the two states combined was 15 ​%; with 13.8 ​% for Ekiti state and 16.1 ​% for Ondo State. The distribution of TB in the senatorial districts was such that: Ondo South ​> ​Ekiti Central ​> ​Ekiti South ​> ​Ondo North ​> ​Ekiti North ​> ​Ondo Central. The risk factors identified for TB prevalence in two states were gender, male ​> ​female (OR ​= ​0.548, p ​= ​0.004); overcrowding (OR ​= ​0.733, p ​= ​0.026); room size (OR ​= ​0.580, p ​= ​0.002); smoking (OR ​= ​0.682, p ​= ​0.019) and dry and dusty season (OR ​= ​0.468, p ​= ​0.005). The prevalence of MDR-TB in Ekiti and Ondo States were 1.2 ​% and 1.3 ​% respectively. The identified risk factors for MDR were education (OR ​= ​0.739, p ​= ​0.017), age (OR ​= ​0.846, p ​= ​0.048), religion (OR ​= ​1.95, p ​= ​0.0003), family income (OR ​= ​1.76, p ​= ​0.008), previous TB treatment (OR ​= ​3.64, p ​= ​0.004), smoking (OR ​= ​1.33, p ​= ​0.035) and HIV status (OR ​= ​1.85, p ​= ​0.006). Rifampicin monoresistant was reported in 6.7 ​% of the rifampicin-resistant strains, while 93.3 ​% were rifampicin polyresistant strains. Two (13.3 ​%) of the MDR-TB strains were resistant to all the 3 first-line antimycobacterial agents. All the Rifampicin-resistant TB strains were susceptible to the aminoglycosides (Amikacin, Capreomycin and Kanamycin), also with high susceptibility to the fluoroquinilones: Moxifloxacin (100 ​%) and Levofloxacin (86.7 ​%). Sixteen (94.1 ​%) of the 17 Rifampicin-susceptible strains were susceptible to all the eight antibiotics tested, while one (5.9 ​%) was susceptible to Rifampicin and Isoniazid but resistant to the rest antibiotics. Conclusion: The study showed that there is high prevalence of TB and MDR-TB in Ekiti and Ondo States Nigeria, hence, to meet the SDG Target 3.3 of ending TB epidemic by 2030, culturing and antibiotic susceptibility testing should be carried out on every TB-positive sputum and the patients treated accordingly.

Top Alzheimer's disease risk allele frequencies differ in HABS-HD Mexican- versus Non-Hispanic White Americans.

INTRODUCTION: Here we evaluate frequencies of the top 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk alleles for late-onset AD in Mexican American (MA) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) American participants enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities Study cohort. METHODS: Using DNA extracted from this community-based diverse population, we calculated the genotype frequencies in each population to determine whether a significant difference is detected between the different ethnicities. DNA genotyping was performed per manufacturers' protocols. RESULTS: Allele and genotype frequencies for 9 of the 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (two apolipoprotein E variants, CR1, BIN1, DRB1, NYAP1, PTK2B, FERMT2, and ABCA7) differed significantly between MAs and NHWs. DISCUSSION: The significant differences in frequencies of top AD risk alleles observed here across MAs and NHWs suggest that ethnicity-specific genetic risks for AD exist. Given our results, we are advancing additional projects to further elucidate ethnicity-specific differences in AD.

Tumor Progression Reverses Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis in a Tetracycline-Regulated ATF3 Transgenic Mouse Model.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer are the top deadly diseases in the world. Both CVD and cancer have common risk factors; therefore, with the advances in treatment and life span, both diseases may occur simultaneously in patients. It is becoming evident that CVD and cancer are highly connected, establishing a novel discipline known as cardio-oncology. This includes the cardiomyocyte death following any anti-tumor therapy known as cardiotoxicity as well the intricate interplay between heart failure and cancer. Recent studies, using various mouse models, showed that heart failure promotes tumor growth and metastasis spread. Indeed, patients with heart failure were found to be at higher risk of developing malignant diseases. While the effect of heart failure on cancer is well established, little is known regarding the effect of tumors on heart failure. A recent study from our lab has demonstrated that tumor growth and metastasis ameliorate cardiac remodeling in a pressure-overload mouse model. Nevertheless, this study was inconclusive regarding whether tumor growth solely suppresses cardiac remodeling or is able to reverse existing heart failure outcomes as well. Here, we used a regulable transgenic mouse model for cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Cancer cell implantation suppressed cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis as shown using echocardiography, qRT-PCR and fibrosis staining. In addition, tumor growth resulted in an M1 to M2 macrophage switch, which is correlated with cardiac repair. Macrophage depletion using clodronate liposomes completely abrogated the tumors' beneficial effect. This study highly suggests that harnessing tumor paradigms may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for CVDs and fibrosis.

Literatur Review Peran Dukungan Keluarga pada Pasien Pasca Stroke dalam Latihan Rehabilitasi Medik

Introduction: According to the Indonesian Medium-Term Development Plan IV for the year 2020 - 2024, stroke is ranked as the top disease in Indonesia, with a 93.4% increase from the previous period. Additionally, data from the 2018 Riskesdas P2TM shows that out of 3 individuals who experienced a stroke, 2 of them suffered disabilities. Objective: To analyze the role of family support in post-stroke patients' engagement in medical rehabilitation exercises. Method: This study utilized data from a literature review based on previous research. High-quality secondary data sources such as Google Scholar, Mendeley, and Research Gate were used to search for data in the literature review. These databases facilitate access to reputable journals as the primary references. Results: Based on the analysis of 5 journals conducted by various researchers, it was found that family support plays a significant role in motivating post-stroke patients to engage in medical rehabilitation exercises. Conclusion: There is a correlation between family support and the motivation of post-stroke patients to participate in medical rehabilitation exercises. Families serve not only as sources of social support but also actively encourage and motivate patients to achieve optimal recovery levels.

ER-dependent membrane repair of mycobacteria-induced vacuole damage.

Tuberculosis still remains a global burden and is one of the top infectious diseases from a single pathogen. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent, has perfected many ways to replicate and persist within its host. While mycobacteria induce vacuole damage to evade the toxic environment and eventually escape into the cytosol, the host recruits repair machineries to restore the MCV membrane. However, how lipids are delivered for membrane repair is poorly understood. Using advanced fluorescence imaging and volumetric correlative approaches, we demonstrate that this involves the recruitment of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi lipid transfer protein OSBP8 in the Dictyostelium discoideum/Mycobacterium marinum system. Strikingly, depletion of OSBP8 affects lysosomal function accelerating mycobacterial growth. This indicates that an ER-dependent repair pathway constitutes a host defense mechanism against intracellular pathogens such as M. tuberculosis.

Prediction of Breast Cancer Through Random Forest.

8% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer. (BC) BC is the second most common cause of death in both developed and undeveloped countries. BC is characterized by the mutation of genes, constant pain, changes in the size, color (redness), and skin texture of breasts. Classification of breast cancer leads pathologists to find a systematic and objective prognostic; generally, the most frequent classification is binary (benign/malignant). Machine Learning (ML) techniques are broadly used in breast cancer classification. They provide high classification accuracy and effective diagnostic capabilities. Breast cancer remains one of the top diseases that lead to thousands of deaths in women yearly. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized to rapidly and accurately identify breast tumors and for early diagnosis. This paper aims to research, determine and classify these tumors. Machine learning algorithm such as Random Forest (RF) is used to classify medical images into malignant and benign. Moreover, Machine learning has been employed recently for the same purpose. The results showed that Random Forest achieved high accuracy; therefore, the researchers utilized various functions for this algorithm and added more features such as bagging and boosting to increase its efficacy. The random Forest algorithm achieved an enhanced accuracy of 98%.

Advancing Sugarcane Disease Detection through CNN-Based Deep Learning

Agriculture produce especially sugarcane crop is no exception to diseases as compared to the other crops. Sugarcane, a vital cash crop for the global sugar industry, faces numerous challenges, with the Top Borer disease. Disease prone sugarcane crop directly affects the production quality and quantity. Sugarcane infections are a cause of worry for the farmers because they can wipe out the entire crop field. Researchers are working on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, like Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL), to analyse the agricultural data (yield prediction, selling price forecasting, climate, and soil quality etc.) and prevent crop damage due to various reasons, diseases being one of them. Deep neural network which includes Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a modern technique for agricultural disease detection. Hence, this paper presents the feasibility study and the effectiveness of DL based CNN algorithm in the disease detection of crops with special reference to selective four diseases of sugarcane crop in India. The proposed system integrates state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms, leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and recurrent models, to analyze high-resolution images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or ground-based sensors. These images provide a comprehensive view of the sugarcane plantation, allowing for the identification of subtle symptoms and early-stage infections that may go unnoticed by the human eye. The key components of the developed system include a robust image preprocessing pipeline to enhance the quality of input data, a customized deep neural network architecture trained on a diverse dataset of sugarcane images, and a real-time monitoring system for timely intervention. The model's performance is evaluated on a large-scale dataset collected from sugarcane plantations across diverse geographic regions. The results demonstrate the system's high accuracy in detecting and classifying the Top Borer disease, outperforming traditional methods.

Effects of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) on viral disease of chili (Capsicum annum L.) under mixed crop cultivation

Chili is one of the important commodities in Indonesia. Chili cultivation faces many obstacles, leading to a decrease in production, such as virus infections. Yellow leaf curl and curly top viruses are groups of viruses that are often found in chili fields. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of intercropping (basil-chili) in suppressing viral diseases, especially yellow leaf curl and curly top viruses. A Randomized block design was used for this research, including intercropping and monoculture. The parameters observed in this study included disease incidence and intensity, the number and weight of chilies. Symptoms of virus infection include leaf curl, yellowing, and stunting. The disease has been reported to be transmitted by insect vectors, such as Aphis gossypii and Bemisia tabaci. The results showed that the incidence and intensity of yellow leaf curl and curly top virus diseases in chili pepper and basil plants were not significantly different in each treatment. The number of healthy chilies and their weight were also not significantly different. Damaged chilies are fruits that have been attacked by fruit flies. Basil intercropped with chilies attracts fruit flies, which affects the quantity and weight of the harvested chilies. The population of B. tabaci was significantly different in each treatment, while A. gossypii did not show significant differences among the treatments. Intercropping basil and chili increased the population of A. gossypii, while the population of B. tabaci decreased in this treatment. These two insect pests are vectors for yellow leaf curl and curly top viruses.

The aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa (Hemiptera: Aphididae) takes advantage from the quality change in banana plant associated with Banana bunchy top virus infection.

Viral diseases can change plant metabolism, with potential impacts on the quality of the plant's food supply for insect pests, including virus vectors. The banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, is the vector of the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), the causal agent of Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), the most devastating viral disease of bananas in the world. The effect of BBTV on the life-history traits and population dynamics of P. nigronervosa remains poorly understood. We therefore studied the survival rate, longevity, daily fecundity per aphid, tibia length, population growth, and winged morph production of a P. nigronervosa clone grown on healthy or infected, dessert, or plantain banana plants. We found that daily fecundity was higher on infected banana than on healthy banana plants (plantain and dessert), and on plantain than on dessert banana plants (healthy and infected). Survival and longevity were lower on infected dessert bananas than on other types of bananas. In addition, virus infection resulted in a decrease in aphid hind tibia length on both plant genotypes. The survival and fecundity table revealed that the aphid net reproduction rate (Ro) was highest on plantains (especially infected plantain), and the intrinsic growth rate (r) was highest on infected plants. Finally, the increase of aphids and alate production was faster first on infected plantain, then on healthy plantain, and lower on dessert banana (infected and uninfected). Our results reinforce the idea of indirect and plant genotype-dependent manipulation of P. nigronervosa by the BBTV.

Resistance of Musa balbisiana accessions of the Philippines to banana bunchy top virus.

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) is caused by banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), the most important virus affecting banana. Currently, no cultivar or accession of banana has complete resistance to BBTD. A total of 36 wild Musa spp. accessions, including 34 Musa balbisiana and two M. acuminata subsp. errans ('Agutay'), were screened for resistance against BBTV. In greenhouse tests using viruliferous banana aphids (Pentalonia nigronervosa), all M. balbisiana accessions remained symptomless and BBTV was not detected in any of these plants by PCR at three and six months post inoculation. In contrast, 100% disease incidence was recorded in M. acuminata subsp. errans and in cv. Lakatan susceptible control plants. The PCR-negative M. balbisiana plants were then transferred to a field with high BBTV inoculum pressure where theyremained symptomless and PCR-negative for up to five years, while all cv. Lakatan developed BBTD. Wild M. balbisiana accessions showed a high level of resistance, possibly immunity, to BBTV and are expected to provide a resource for conventional and marker assisted breeding.

Pseudomonas forestsoilum sp. nov. and P. tohonis biocontrol bacterial wilt by quenching 3-hydroxypalmitic acid methyl ester.

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum ranks the second top important bacterial plant disease worldwide. It is also the most important bacterial disease threatening the healthy development of Casuarina equisetifolia protection forest. 3-hydroxypalmitic acid methyl ester (3-OH PAME) functions as an important quorum sensing (QS) signal regulating the expression of virulence genes in R. solanacearum, and has been regarded as an ideal target for disease prevention and control. To screen native microorganisms capable of degrading 3-OH PAME, samples of C. equisetifolia branches and forest soil were collected and cultured in the medium containing 3-OH PAME as the sole carbon source. Bacteria with over 85% degradation rates of 3-OH PAME after 7-day incubation were further separated and purified. As a result, strain Q1-7 isolated from forest soil and strain Q4-3 isolated from C. equisetifolia branches were obtained and identified as Pseudomonas novel species Pseudomonas forestsoilum sp. nov. and P. tohonis, respectively, according to whole genome sequencing results. The degradation efficiencies of 3-OH PAME of strains Q1-7 and Q4-3 were 95.80% and 100.00% at 48 h, respectively. Both strains showed high esterase activities and inhibited R. solanacearum exopolysaccharide (EPS) and cellulase production. Application of strains Q1-7 and Q4-3 effectively protects C. equisetifolia, peanut and tomato plants from infection by R. solanacearum. Findings in this study provide potential resources for the prevention and control of bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum, as well as valuable materials for the identification of downstream quenching genes and the research and development of quenching enzymes for disease control.

DIPG-01. LIN28B EXPRESSION IN DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is the most lethal of all childhood cancers. LIN28B is an RNA binding protein expressed in a variety of cancers, which suppresses the let-7 family of microRNAs, which in turn suppresses a plethora of oncogenes. However, the role of LIN28B in DMG has not yet been explored. Therefore, we sought to determine the pattern of expression and potential function of LIN28B in DMG using rare DMG cell lines. METHODS All studies were performed on DMG cell lines (n=6) and controls (normal human astrocytes n=1, human neural stem cells n=1). RNA-Seq was performed using single-read sequencing at 50bp on the Illumina NextSeq 500 Sequencing System. Cells were then treated with DMSO or the LIN28B inhibitor, LI71, and submitted to functional in vitro studies, as well as RNA-Seq and Western Blot analysis. Functional pathways analysis was subsequently performed on resulting gene expression values with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (Qiagen). RESULTS Differential LIN28B expression was demonstrated across cell lines, with DMG cells expressing greater LIN28B gene and protein levels compared to controls. LIN28B inhibition with small molecule inhibitor LI71 resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, in vitro. A total of 946 differentially expressed genes were identified between treatment groups (FC&amp;gt;2 or &amp;lt;-2, p&amp;lt;0.05). Functional pathways analysis of differentially expressed genes implicated Cancer and Neurological Disease as the top disease processes, with Cellular Movement as the top molecular process in cell lines expressing LIN28B. Further, inactivation of Myc signaling was implicated in cells treated with LI71. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrates increased LIN28B expression in DMG cell lines compared with controls, with oncogenic effects on cell proliferation and migration. Further investigation of the LIN28B-let7 signaling axis is warranted in order to further explore LIN28B as a novel therapeutic target in DMG.

First report of Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) on Banana (Saba variety) in Cagayan Valley Region, Philippines

First report of Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) on Banana (Saba variety) in Cagayan Valley Region, Philippines

Banana bunchy top disease in Africa—Predicting continent‐wide disease risks by combining survey data and expert knowledge

AbstractAcross Africa, banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) severely impacts banana production and livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Mapping vulnerability of landscapes to monitor BBTD establishment and spread is crucial for proactive measures of disease exclusion. To highlight current and future risks of BBTD in Africa, the relationship between 1160 field observations from 14 BBTD surveys and environmental covariate maps was determined using logistic regression. From these relationships, we inferred the environmental suitability of the African landscape for the possible wider spread of BBTD. Using this information and expert knowledge, we generated a map highlighting the main banana production areas at risk of BBTD entry and establishment. We combined these maps to create a priority map that highlights the areas that need most attention in combating BBTD through surveillance and measures to prevent its spread. Our analysis shows that BBTD is widespread across tropical Africa, with dispersal over several hotspots. Central and Western Africa are most favourable for the development of BBTD. Central, West and South‐East Africa are most at risk of BBTD entry and initial establishment. Areas in West and Central Africa, in the Great Lakes Region in Eastern Africa and in South‐East Africa, particularly in Malawi and Mozambique, score high on the prioritization index for surveillance and mitigation efforts. Recent reports of BBTD presence in north‐western Uganda and western Tanzania support these risk predictions. For these and other not‐yet‐infected areas, measures for close surveillance and proactive management of the disease are needed.

An aphid transmitted banana bunchy top disease of banana and its detection: A Review

One of the most significant horticultural crops in the world, the banana is an edible fruit (technically a berry) produced by a variety of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. It is grown in about 120 different countries around the world. Particularly, virus intensification between subsequent plantings via contaminated planting material limits the banana crop yield. Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) control is challenging because it spreads vegetatively (through suckers or in vitro plantlets) and by an aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel, thus increasing the virus potential for dispersal within the fields. To propagate plants, exchange germplasm, breed better genotypes, and distribute them are challenging to use planting material that has been virus affected. Diagnosis of the BBTV, relies essentially only upon the symptom’s recognition of infection and, seldom, with additional affirmation by aphid transmission. At present, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based and non-PCR techniques are available for BBTV detection. Implementation of these diagnostic tools and procedure facilitates the identification of healthy ones of the germplasm that can be used in propagation systems.

Similarities in Pathobiology of Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Proof of Concept by a Case Study

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Developing countries will have &gt;3 times the prevalence of the developed countries by the year 2050. Our previous studies with a Pakistani population have suggested that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is strongly associated with impaired cognitive functioning, and genetic pathways showed strong resemblance to known AD patterns. The present case studies investigated two important pathways, i.e., Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing and Lipid Metabolism, using gene expression profiling arrays to compare and contrast AD and T2DM patients from Pakistan.MethodWe performed high‐throughput qRT‐PCR with preconfigured a TaqMan Low Density Profiling Array specific to Human Alzheimer’s Disease (ABI, CAT # 441887) to measure the altered gene expressions and their corresponding pathways (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, IPA®). Both the T2DM (n = 2; M/F each) and AD (n = 2, M/F each) patients (cases) were recruited from outpatient departments of a regional hospital, and were compared with their respective matched, healthy controls.ResultOverall, we observed a differential gene expression profile in AD and T2DM participants compared to controls. CYP46A1, MAPT, CAPNS1, GAL, AGER, CAPN1, PSENEN, ST6GAL1, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, GRIN2A, and GAP43 was downregulated in both T2DM and AD patients. ACHE, CHRM3, GRIN2C and GAP43 significantly (p value &lt;0.05) downregulated in all T2DM patients. CDC2, UCHL1, CTSG, CASP3, IDE, NAE1, CDK5R1, IL6, APBB2, GLS are the top 10 common genes that were upregulated in both AD and T2DM groups. The IPA analysis revealed important Canonical Pathways, that included, viz., Amyloid Processing, Neuroinflammation Signaling, ErB4 Signaling, nNOs Signaling. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer. The top disease and biofunctions included Metabolic Disease, Neurological disease, Organismal Injury and Abnormalities, Psychological Disorders, Cardiovascular Disease, with the top upstream regulators PHLPP2, IL33, APP, CRP, TAC1.ConclusionThe differential gene expression patterns and associated disease pathways from this pilot study suggest that specific genes and pathways were common to both diseases and may suggest common underlying processes and causes. Information from such biochemical and genetic studies will be crucial to the development of therapeutic targets to treat AD.