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Magallanes S, Llorente F, Ruiz-López MJ, la Puente JMD, Ferraguti M, Gutiérrez-López R, Soriguer R, Aguilera-Sepúlveda P, Fernández-Delgado R, Jímenez-Clavero MÁ, Figuerola J. Warm winters are associated to more intense West Nile virus circulation in southern Spain. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2348510. [PMID: 38686545 PMCID: PMC11073421 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2348510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widely distributed mosquito-borne flavivirus in the world. This flavivirus can infect humans causing in some cases a fatal neurological disease and birds are the main reservoir hosts. WNV is endemic in Spain, and human cases have been reported since 2004. Although different studies analyse how climatic conditions can affect the dynamics of WNV infection, very few use long-term datasets. Between 2003 and 2020 a total of 2,724 serum samples from 1,707 common coots (Fulica atra) were analysed for the presence of WNV-specific antibodies. Mean (SD) annual seroprevalence was 24.67% (0.28) but showed high year-to-year variations ranging from 5.06% (0.17) to 68.89% (0.29). Significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between seroprevalence and maximum winter temperature and mean spring temperature. The unprecedented WNV outbreak in humans in the south of Spain in 2020 was preceded by a prolonged period of escalating WNV local circulation. Given current global and local climatic trends, WNV circulation is expected to increase in the next decades. This underscores the necessity of implementing One Health approaches to reduce the risk of future WNV outbreaks in humans. Our results suggest that higher winter and spring temperatures may be used as an early warning signal of more intense WNV circulation among wildlife in Spain, and consequently highlight the need of more intense vector control and surveillance in human inhabited areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Jímenez-Clavero
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Taheri S, Ruiz-López MJ, Magallanes S, Figuerola J. Input precision, output excellence: the importance of data quality control and method selection in disease risk mapping. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 42:100944. [PMID: 38831798 PMCID: PMC11144752 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Taheri
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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de Oliveira Aparecido LE, de Lima RF, Torsoni GB, Lorençone JA, Lorençone PA, de Souza Rolim G. Climate and disease: tackling coffee brown-eye spot with advanced forecasting models. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:5442-5461. [PMID: 38349004 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate influences the interaction between pathogens and their hosts significantly. This is particularly evident in the coffee industry, where fungal diseases like Cercospora coffeicola, causing brown-eye spot, can reduce yields drastically. This study focuses on forecasting coffee brown-eye spot using various models that incorporate agrometeorological data, allowing for predictions at least 1 week prior to the occurrence of disease. Data were gathered from eight locations across São Paulo and Minas Gerais, encompassing the South and Cerrado regions of Minas Gerais state. In the initial phase, various machine learning (ML) models and topologies were calibrated to forecast brown-eye spot, identifying one with potential for advanced decision-making. The top-performing models were then employed in the next stage to forecast and spatially project the severity of brown-eye spot across 2681 key Brazilian coffee-producing municipalities. Meteorological data were sourced from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources platform, and the Penman-Monteith method was used to estimate reference evapotranspiration, leading to a Thornthwaite and Mather water-balance calculation. Six ML models - K-nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural network multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), random forests (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and gradient boosting regression (GradBOOSTING) - were employed, considering disease latency to time define input variables. RESULTS These models utilized climatic elements such as average air temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness duration, rainfall, evapotranspiration, water deficit, and surplus. The XGBoost model proved most effective in high-yielding conditions, demonstrating high precision and accuracy. Conversely, the SVM model excelled in low-yielding scenarios. The incidence of brown-eye spot varied noticeably between high- and low-yield conditions, with significant regional differences observed. The accuracy of predicting brown-eye spot severity in coffee plantations depended on the biennial production cycle. High-yielding trees showed superior results with the XGBoost model (R2 = 0.77, root mean squared error, RMSE = 10.53), whereas the SVM model performed better under low-yielding conditions (precision 0.76, RMSE = 12.82). CONCLUSION The study's application of agrometeorological variables and ML models successfully predicted the incidence of brown-eye spot in coffee plantations with a 7 day lead time, illustrating that they were valuable tools for managing this significant agricultural challenge. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Glauco de Souza Rolim
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias-Câmpus de Jaboticabal-Unesp, Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Lv W, Shu Y, Wang F. Effects of short-term high temperature at different life stages on reproductive fitness in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2024:toae128. [PMID: 38836579 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Extreme heat events commonly occur under climate warming. All life stages of insects may experience the occurrence of extremely high temperatures. However, the effects of short-term extreme heat events on life-history traits remain unclear in most migratory pests. Here, we investigated the biological effects of short-term heat exposure (35 °C for 4 h) at different life stages on Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a typical migratory pest. We found that the reproductive sensitivity of pupae and adults was higher than that of 3rd-instar larvae. Increasing the frequency of heat exposure decreased the reproductive performance of M. separata at all life stages. Parental short-term heat exposures could cause transgenerational damage to offspring survival and reproductive fitness when the exposure frequency reached 3 times. Our results suggest that short-term exposure to extreme temperatures could impact reproductive fitness across different life stages in M. separata. This should be taken into consideration in the population prediction of migratory pests under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Ya Shu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
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Zurita A, Trujillo I, García-Sánchez ÁM, Cutillas C. Survey of flea infestation in cats and dogs in Western Andalusia, Spain: Seasonality and other risk factors for flea infestation. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:244-251. [PMID: 38259177 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
This epidemiological survey aims to provide an update on the main flea species that parasitize domestic animals in the Western Andalusia assessing several ecological features that could be considered as possible risk factors for flea infestation. Over a 19-month period (June 2021 to January 2023), we obtained a total of 802 flea samples from 182 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Carnivora: Canidae, Linnaeus, 1758) and 78 cats (Felis silvestris catus, Carnivora: Felidae, Schreber, 1775). For each parasitized host, an epidemiological survey was completed, including the following information: geographical origin, age, sex, rural or urban habitat, type of animal's lifestyle (domestic or non-domestic), health status, cohabiting or not with other animals and the total number of collected fleas. The most common species was Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) with a total of 713 specimens, which accounted for 89% of the total fleas. The second most abundant species was Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) with a total of 46 collected fleas (6% of the total). The remaining species identified were Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) (25 specimens), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Dale, 1878) (12 specimens) and Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Curtis, 1826) (6 specimens), which accounted for 3%, 1% and 1%, respectively, of the total fleas collected. The months with the highest number of collected fleas were, in ascending order, May 2022, September 2021 and July 2021. Dogs had a greater diversity of flea species, and flea sex ratios were female biased in all identified species and among all studied hosts. Finally, we identified some potential host risk factors that promoted higher flea intensities, such as living in rural areas, or presenting other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Trujillo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Buettcher M, Egli A, Albini S, Altpeter E, Labutin A, Guidi V, Tonolla M, Lienhard R, Opota O, Schmid P, Wuethrich T, Schmidt KM. Tularemia on the rise in Switzerland? A one health approach is needed! Infection 2024; 52:1165-1169. [PMID: 38480644 PMCID: PMC11142933 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
In the last 10 years, an increase in tularemia cases has been observed in both humans and animals in Switzerland. In these, infection with Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can occur through arthropod vectors or contact to infected animals or exposure to contaminated environmental sources. Currently, we are only able to postulate potential aetiologies: (i) behavioral changes of humans with more exposure to endemic habitats of infected arthropod vectors; (ii) an increased rate of tularemia infected ticks; (iii) increasing number and geographical regions of tick biotopes; (iv) increasing and/or more diverse reservoir populations; (v) increasing presence of bacteria in the environment; (vi) raised awareness and increased testing among physicians; (vii) improved laboratory techniques including molecular testing. To approach these questions, a one-health strategy is necessary. A functioning collaboration between public health, human medicine, and diagnostic and veterinary units for the control of tularemia must be established. Furthermore, the public should be included within citizen-supported-science-projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Buettcher
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital of Central Switzerland (KidZ), Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, Spitalstrasse, 6000, Lucerne, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, University Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research Center, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Adrian Egli
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Coordination Commission of Clinical Microbiology, Swiss Society of Microbiology, Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Albini
- Section for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases, Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Valeria Guidi
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland-SUPSI, Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Tonolla
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland-SUPSI, Mendrisio, Switzerland
- Department of Plant Biology, Microbiology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Reto Lienhard
- ADMED Microbiologie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Tick-Borne Pathogen, CNRT, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
| | - Onya Opota
- Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Schmid
- Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, University Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Tsering Wuethrich
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), Spiez, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Kristina M Schmidt
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), Spiez, Switzerland
- Swiss National Reference Center for Highly Pathogenic Bacteria (NABA), Spiez, Switzerland
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Sisodiya SM, Gulcebi MI, Fortunato F, Mills JD, Haynes E, Bramon E, Chadwick P, Ciccarelli O, David AS, De Meyer K, Fox NC, Davan Wetton J, Koltzenburg M, Kullmann DM, Kurian MA, Manji H, Maslin MA, Matharu M, Montgomery H, Romanello M, Werring DJ, Zhang L, Friston KJ, Hanna MG. Climate change and disorders of the nervous system. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:636-648. [PMID: 38760101 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is affecting people's health, including those with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Currently, making inferences about the effect of climate change on neurological and psychiatric diseases is challenging because of an overall sparsity of data, differing study methods, paucity of detail regarding disease subtypes, little consideration of the effect of individual and population genetics, and widely differing geographical locations with the potential for regional influences. However, evidence suggests that the incidence, prevalence, and severity of many nervous system conditions (eg, stroke, neurological infections, and some mental health disorders) can be affected by climate change. The data show broad and complex adverse effects, especially of temperature extremes to which people are unaccustomed and wide diurnal temperature fluctuations. Protective measures might be possible through local forecasting. Few studies project the future effects of climate change on brain health, hindering policy developments. Robust studies on the threats from changing climate for people who have, or are at risk of developing, disorders of the nervous system are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK.
| | - Medine I Gulcebi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - James D Mills
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Ethan Haynes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Chadwick
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute of Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Anthony S David
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kris De Meyer
- UCL Climate Action Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Department of the UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Koltzenburg
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Hadi Manji
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Mark A Maslin
- Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK; Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Hugh Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marina Romanello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Zhang
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; MRC International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Das HK. Exploring the dynamics of monkeypox transmission with data-driven methods and a deterministic model. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:1334964. [PMID: 38840980 PMCID: PMC11150605 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2024.1334964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an infectious disease that spreads mostly through direct contact with infected animals or people's blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions. In light of the global outbreak that occurred in 2022-2023, in this paper, we analyzed global Mpox univariate time series data and provided a comprehensive analysis of disease outbreaks across the world, including the USA with Brazil and three continents: North America, South America, and Europe. The novelty of this study is that it delved into the Mpox time series data by implementing the data-driven methods and a mathematical model concurrently-an aspect not typically addressed in the existing literature. The study is also important because implementing these models concurrently improved our predictions' reliability for infectious diseases. Methods We proposed a traditional compartmental model and also implemented deep learning models (1D- convolutional neural network (CNN), long-short term memory (LSTM), bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), hybrid CNN-LSTM, and CNN-BiLSTM) as well as statistical time series models: autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing on the Mpox data. We also employed the least squares method fitting to estimate the essential epidemiological parameters in the proposed deterministic model. Results The primary finding of the deterministic model is that vaccination rates can flatten the curve of infected dynamics and influence the basic reproduction number. Through the numerical simulations, we determined that increased vaccination among the susceptible human population is crucial to control disease transmission. Moreover, in case of an outbreak, our model showed the potential for epidemic control by adjusting the key epidemiological parameters, namely the baseline contact rate and the proportion of contacts within the human population. Next, we analyzed data-driven models that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics in different locations. Additionally, we trained models to provide short-term (eight-week) predictions across various geographical locations, and all eight models produced reliable results. Conclusion This study utilized a comprehensive framework to investigate univariate time series data to understand the dynamics of Mpox transmission. The prediction showed that Mpox is in its die-out situation as of July 29, 2023. Moreover, the deterministic model showed the importance of the Mpox vaccination in mitigating the Mpox transmission and highlighted the significance of effectively adjusting key epidemiological parameters during outbreaks, particularly the contact rate in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haridas K. Das
- Department of Mathematics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
- Department of Mathematics, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Goletić T, Klarić Soldo D, Kapo N, Goletić Š, Koro-Spahić A, Alispahić A, Softić A, Škapur V, Omeragić J. Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pathogens 2024; 13:421. [PMID: 38787273 PMCID: PMC11123776 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dermacentor (D.) reticulatus ticks carry and transmit a wide range of pathogens to vertebrate hosts. Limited information is available about the existence of emerging tick-borne pathogens and the distribution of D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence and distribution of D. reticulatus and to detect the presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in samples originating from questing ticks and ticks collected from domestic animals in various regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 402 collected D. reticulatus ticks were widely distributed throughout the country. Of the 41 pools consisting of 205 individual D. reticulatus ticks, 21 (51.2%) indicated the presence of Rickettsia spp., 17 (41.4%) of Babesia spp., 2 (4.8%) of Anaplasma spp., and 1 (2.4%) of B. burgdorferi s.l. after real-time PCR screening. Our study indicates that D. reticulatus has significantly expanded its distribution and host range in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, our results represent the first detection of Babesia spp. in D. reticulatus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given the demonstrated presence of emerging pathogens in questing and feeding ticks, there is an urge to establish a surveillance system for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teufik Goletić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Darinka Klarić Soldo
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Naida Kapo
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Šejla Goletić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Amira Koro-Spahić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Amra Alispahić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Adis Softić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Vedad Škapur
- University of Sarajevo—Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Jasmin Omeragić
- University of Sarajevo—Veterinary Faculty, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (D.K.S.); (N.K.); (Š.G.); (A.K.-S.); (A.A.); (A.S.); (J.O.)
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Horowitz RI, Fallon J, Freeman PR. Combining Double-Dose and High-Dose Pulsed Dapsone Combination Therapy for Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and Co-Infections, Including Bartonella: A Report of 3 Cases and a Literature Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:909. [PMID: 38792737 PMCID: PMC11124288 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Three patients with relapsing and remitting borreliosis, babesiosis, and bartonellosis, despite extended anti-infective therapy, were prescribed double-dose dapsone combination therapy (DDDCT) for 8 weeks, followed by one or several two-week courses of pulsed high-dose dapsone combination therapy (HDDCT). We discuss these patients' cases to illustrate three important variables required for long-term remission. First, diagnosing and treating active co-infections, including Babesia and Bartonella were important. Babesia required rotations of multiple anti-malarial drug combinations and herbal therapies, and Bartonella required one or several 6-day HDDCT pulses to achieve clinical remission. Second, all prior oral, intramuscular (IM), and/or intravenous (IV) antibiotics used for chronic Lyme disease (CLD)/post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), irrespective of the length of administration, were inferior in efficacy to short-term pulsed biofilm/persister drug combination therapy i.e., dapsone, rifampin, methylene blue, and pyrazinamide, which improved resistant fatigue, pain, headaches, insomnia, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Lastly, addressing multiple factors on the 16-point multiple systemic infectious disease syndrome (MSIDS) model was important in achieving remission. In conclusion, DDDCT with one or several 6-7-day pulses of HDDCT, while addressing abnormalities on the 16-point MSIDS map, could represent a novel effective clinical and anti-infective strategy in CLD/PTLDS and associated co-infections including Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I. Horowitz
- New York State Department of Health Tick-Borne Working Group, Albany, NY 12224, USA
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - John Fallon
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
| | - Phyllis R. Freeman
- Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA; (J.F.); (P.R.F.)
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11
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Yu Q, Qu Y, Zhang L, Yao X, Yang J, Chen S, Liu H, Wang Q, Wu M, Tao J, Zhou C, Alage IL, Liu S. Spatial spillovers of violent conflict amplify the impacts of climate variability on malaria risk in sub-Saharan Africa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2309087121. [PMID: 38557184 PMCID: PMC11009658 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309087121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for 94% of malaria cases and deaths worldwide in 2019. It is also a politically unstable region and the most vulnerable continent to climate change in recent decades. Knowledge about the modifying impacts of violent conflict on climate-malaria relationships remains limited. Here, we quantify the associations between violent conflict, climate variability, and malaria risk in sub-Saharan Africa using health surveys from 128,326 individuals, historical climate data, and 17,429 recorded violent conflicts from 2006 to 2017. We observe that spatial spillovers of violent conflict (SSVCs) have spatially distant effects on malaria risk. Malaria risk induced by SSVCs within 50 to 100 km from the households gradually increases from 0.1% (not significant, P>0.05) to 6.5% (95% CI: 0 to 13.0%). SSVCs significantly promote malaria risk within the average 20.1 to 26.9 °C range. At the 12-mo mean temperature of 22.5 °C, conflict deaths have the largest impact on malaria risk, with an approximately 5.8% increase (95% CI: 1.0 to 11.0%). Additionally, a pronounced association between SSVCs and malaria risk exists in the regions with 9.2 wet days per month. The results reveal that SSVCs increase population exposure to harsh environments, amplifying the effect of warm temperature and persistent precipitation on malaria transmission. Violent conflict therefore poses a substantial barrier to mosquito control and malaria elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings support effective targeting of treatment programs and vector control activities in conflict-affected regions with a high malaria risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yu
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Xin Yao
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Qihao Wang
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Mengfan Wu
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Junpei Tao
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
| | - Chenghu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographical Science and Natural Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Isiaka Lukman Alage
- Space Research and Development Division, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English Ile ife, Ile ife, Osun220282, Nigeria
| | - Suhong Liu
- Department of Geography, State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875, China
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12
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Patt JM, Makagon A, Norton B, Marvit M, Rutschman P, Neligeorge M, Salesin J. An optical system to detect, surveil, and kill flying insect vectors of human and crop pathogens. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8174. [PMID: 38589427 PMCID: PMC11002038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable and effective means to control flying insect vectors are critically needed, especially with widespread insecticide resistance and global climate change. Understanding and controlling vectors requires accurate information about their movement and activity, which is often lacking. The Photonic Fence (PF) is an optical system that uses machine vision, infrared light, and lasers to identify, track, and interdict vectors in flight. The PF examines an insect's outline, flight speed, and other flight parameters and if these match those of a targeted vector species, then a low-power, retina-safe laser kills it. We report on proof-of-concept tests of a large, field-sized PF (30 mL × 3 mH) conducted with Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that transmits dangerous arboviruses, and Diaphorina citri, a psyllid which transmits the fatal huanglongbing disease of citrus. In tests with the laser engaged, < 1% and 3% of A. aegypti and D. citri, respectfully, were recovered versus a 38% and 19% recovery when the lacer was silenced. The PF tracked, but did not intercept the orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma. The system effectively intercepted flying vectors, but not bees, at a distance of 30 m, heralding the use of photonic energy, rather than chemicals, to control flying vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Patt
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA.
| | - Arty Makagon
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Bryan Norton
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Maclen Marvit
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Phillip Rutschman
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Matt Neligeorge
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Jeremy Salesin
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
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13
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Cella W, da Silva RCA, Pimenta PFP, Monteiro WM. Morphometry of the wings of Anopheles aquasalis in simulated scenarios of climate change. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2024; 57:e00704. [PMID: 38597525 PMCID: PMC11000507 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0454-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has significant implications on ecosystems. We verified the effects of climate change on the malaria vector Anopheles aquasalis using simulated climate change scenarios (SSCCs). METHODS An experimental model was designed for SSCCs, which composed of air-conditioned 25 m3 rooms. RESULTS The wing size was significantly different between SSCCs. A colony of Anopheles aquasalis could not be established in extreme scenarios. CONCLUSIONS Increases in temperature and CO2 in the atmosphere may modify the global epidemiology of malaria, marking its emergence in currently malaria-free areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilsandrei Cella
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Centro de Estudos Superiores de Tefé, Tefé, AM, Brasil
- Universidade Paranaense, Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciência Animal com Ênfase em Produtos Bioativos, Umuarama, PR, Brasil
| | | | | | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brasil
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina Tropical, Manaus, AM, Brasil
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14
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Zurita A, Trujillo I, Cutillas C. New records of pathogenic bacteria in different species of fleas collected from domestic and peridomestic animals in Spain. A potential zoonotic threat? Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102153. [PMID: 38460359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is causing many vectors of infectious diseases to expand their geographic distribution as well as the pathogens they transmit are also conditioned by temperature for their multiplication. Within this context, it is worth highlighting the significant role that fleas can play as vectors of important pathogenic bacteria. For this purpose, our efforts focused on detecting and identifying a total of 9 bacterial genera (Rickettsia sp.; Bartonella sp.; Yersinia sp.; Wolbachia sp., Mycobacterium sp., Leishmania sp., Borrelia sp., Francisella sp. and Coxiella sp.) within fleas isolated from domestic and peridomestic animals in the southwestern region of Spain (Andalusia). Over a 19-months period, we obtained flea samples from dogs, cats and hedgehogs. A total of 812 fleas was collected for this study. Five different species were morphologically identified, including C. felis, C. canis, S. cuniculi, P. irritans, and A. erinacei. Wolbachia sp. was detected in all five species identified in our study which a total prevalence of 86%. Within Rickettsia genus, two different species, R. felis and R. asembonensis were mainly identified in C. felis and A. erinacei, respectively. On the other hand, our results revealed a total of 131 fleas testing positive for the presence of Bartonella sp., representing a prevalence rate of 16% for this genus identifying two species B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. Lastly, both Y. pestis and L. infantum were detected in DNA of P. irritans and C. felis, respectively isolated from dogs. With these data we update the list of bacterial zoonotic agents found in fleas in Spain, emphasizing the need to continue conducting future experimental studies to assess and confirm the potential vectorial role of certain synanthropic fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Trujillo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
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15
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Zain A, Sadarangani SP, Shek LPC, Vasoo S. Climate change and its impact on infectious diseases in Asia. Singapore Med J 2024; 65:211-219. [PMID: 38650059 PMCID: PMC11132621 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2023-180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Climate change, particularly increasing temperature, changes in rainfall, extreme weather events and changes in vector ecology, impacts the transmission of many climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Asia is the world's most populous, rapidly evolving and diverse continent, and it is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Climate change intersects with population, sociodemographic and geographical factors, amplifying the public health impact of infectious diseases and potentially widening existing disparities. In this narrative review, we outline the evidence of the impact of climate change on infectious diseases of importance in Asia, including vector-borne diseases, food- and water-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance and other infectious diseases. We also highlight the imperative need for strategic intersectoral collaboration at the national and global levels and for the health sector to implement adaptation and mitigation measures, including responsibility for its own greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Zain
- Centre for Sustainable Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Sapna P Sadarangani
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Centre for Sustainable Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Shawn Vasoo
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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16
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Pei T, Zhang M, Nwanade CF, Meng H, Bai R, Wang Z, Wang R, Zhang T, Liu J, Yu Z. Sequential expression of small heat shock proteins contributing to the cold response of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2061-2071. [PMID: 38117216 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important livestock pest and a serious threat to public health. Cold is a common form of stress affecting its survival and distribution. However, H. longicornis exhibits different physiological responses to cold stress. In this study, we systematically explored the regulation and functions of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) in H. longicornis during cold stress. RESULTS Seven sHsp genes (HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, HlsHsp21.4, HlsHsp23.7, HlsHsp24.0, and HlsHsp26.1) with open reading frame lengths ranging from 408 bp (HlsHsp14.9) to 673 bp (HlsHsp26.1) were cloned from H. longicornis, and featured the typical α-crystallin domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity with the sHsps of arachnid species. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the regulation of sHsp genes depended on the severity and duration of cold treatment. Moreover, the relative expression of each gene was largely dependent on the treatment period (P < 0.01; 3, 6, and 9 days of treatment at 8, 4, 0, and -4 °C). Among all genes, HlsHsp14.9, HlsHsp19.9, HlsHsp20.3, and HlsHsp24.0 were most sensitive to rapid cold treatment. After RNA interference, the mortality of H. longicornis was significantly increased at -14 °C (P < 0.05), suggesting that the expression of sHsp genes is closely related to cold tolerance in H. longicornis. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that sHsps play an important role in the cold stress response of H. longicornis, which may enhance our understanding of the cold adaptation mechanisms in ticks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chuks F Nwanade
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hao Meng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruotong Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianai Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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17
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Madani Hosseini M, Zargoush M, Ghazalbash S. Climate crisis risks to elderly health: strategies for effective promotion and response. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae031. [PMID: 38568732 PMCID: PMC10989664 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The climate crisis significantly impacts the health and well-being of older adults, both directly and indirectly. This issue is of growing concern in Canada due to the country's rapidly accelerating warming trend and expanding elderly population. This article serves a threefold purpose: (i) outlining the impacts of the climate crisis on older adults, (ii) providing a descriptive review of existing policies with a specific focus on the Canadian context, and (iii) promoting actionable recommendations. Our review reveals the application of current strategies, including early warning systems, enhanced infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, healthcare access, social support systems, and community engagement, in enhancing resilience and reducing health consequences among older adults. Within the Canadian context, we then emphasize the importance of establishing robust risk metrics and evaluation methods to prepare for and manage the impacts of the climate crisis efficiently. We underscore the value of vulnerability mapping, utilizing geographic information to identify regions where older adults are most at risk. This allows for targeted interventions and resource allocation. We recommend employing a root cause analysis approach to tailor risk response strategies, along with a focus on promoting awareness, readiness, physician training, and fostering collaboration and benchmarking. These suggestions aim to enhance disaster risk management for the well-being and resilience of older adults in the face of the climate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Madani Hosseini
- Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Manaf Zargoush
- Health Policy & Management, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4M4, Canada
| | - Somayeh Ghazalbash
- Management Analytics, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
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18
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Hofmeister E, Clark E, Lund M, Grear D. Serologic Survey of Selected Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Free-Ranging Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) Captured in Northern Michigan, USA. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:375-387. [PMID: 38345469 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan, USA, occupy the southern periphery of the species' range and are vulnerable to climate change. In the eastern UP, hares are isolated by the Great Lakes, potentially exacerbating exposure to climate-change-induced habitat alterations. Climate change is also measurably affecting distribution and prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in North America, and increases in disease occurrence and prevalence can be one signal of climate-stressed wildlife populations. We conducted a serosurvey for vector-borne pathogens in snowshoe hares that were captured in the Hiawatha National Forest in the eastern UP of Michigan, USA, 2016-2017. The most commonly detected antibody response was to the mosquito-borne California serogroup snowshoe hare virus (SSHV). Overall, 24 (51%) hares screened positive for SSHV antibodies and of these, 23 (96%) were confirmed positive by plaque reduction neutralization test. We found a positive association between seroprevalence of SSHV and live weight of snowshoe hares. Additionally, we detected a significant effect of ecological land type group on seroprevalence of SSHV, with strong positive support for a group representing areas that tend to support high numbers of hares (i.e., acidic mineral containing soils with cedar, mixed swamp conifers, tamarack and balsam fir as common overstory vegetation). We also detected and confirmed antibodies for Jamestown Canyon virus and Silverwater virus in a single hare each. We did not detect antibodies to other zoonotic vector-borne pathogens, including Lacrosse encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, Borrelia burgdorferi, Powassan virus, and Francisella tularensis. These results provide a baseline for future serological studies of vector-transmitted diseases that may increase climate vulnerability of snowshoe hares in the UP of Michigan, as well as pose a climate-related zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hofmeister
- US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA
- These authors contributed equally to the study
| | - Eric Clark
- The Wildlife Program of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, 2428 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA
- Center for Cooperative Ecological Resilience, 480 Wilson Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- These authors contributed equally to the study
| | - Melissa Lund
- US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Daniel Grear
- US Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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19
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Chand M, Vydyam P, Pal AC, Thekkiniath J, Darif D, Li Z, Choi JY, Magni R, Luchini A, Tonnetti L, Horn EJ, Tufts DM, Ben Mamoun C. A Set of Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Active Babesia duncani Infection. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.25.24304816. [PMID: 38585766 PMCID: PMC10996717 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.24304816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a rapidly emerging and potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasites of the Babesia genus. Among the various species of Babesia that infect humans, B. duncani has been found to cause severe and life-threatening infections. Detection of active B. duncani infection is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the disease. While molecular assays for the detection of B. duncani infection in blood are available, a reliable strategy to detect biomarkers of active infection has not yet been developed. Here, we report the development of the first B. duncani antigen capture assays that rely on the detection of two B. duncani -exported immunodominant antigens, BdV234 and BdV38. The assays were validated using blood samples from cultured parasites in human erythrocytes and B. duncani -infected laboratory mice at different parasitemia levels and following therapy. The assays display high specificity with no cross-reactivity with B. microti , B. divergens , Babesia MO1, or P. falciparum. The assay also demonstrates high sensitivity, detecting as low as 115 infected erythrocytes/µl of blood. Screening of 1,731 blood samples from diverse biorepositories, including previously identified Lyme and/or B. microti positive human samples and new specimens from field mice, showed no evidence of B. duncani infection in these samples. The assays could be useful in diverse diagnostic scenarios, including point-of-care testing for early B. duncani infection detection in patients, field tests for screening reservoir hosts, and high-throughput screening such as blood collected for transfusion. Short summary We developed two ELISA-based assays, BdACA38 and BdACA234, for detecting B. duncani , a potentially fatal tick-borne parasite causing human babesiosis. The assays target two immunodominant antigens, BdV234 and BdV38, demonstrating high specificity (no cross-reactivity with other Babesia species or Plasmodium falciparum ) and sensitivity (detecting as low as 115 infected erythrocytes/µl). The assays were validated using in vitro-cultured parasites and infected mice. Screening diverse blood samples showed no evidence of B. duncani active infection among 1,731 human and field mice blood samples collected from the north-eastern, midwestern, and western US. These assays offer potential in diverse diagnostic scenarios, including early patient detection, reservoir animal screening, and transfusion-transmitted babesiosis prevention.
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Krol L, Remmerswaal L, Groen M, van der Beek JG, Sikkema RS, Dellar M, van Bodegom PM, Geerling GW, Schrama M. Landscape level associations between birds, mosquitoes and microclimates: possible consequences for disease transmission? Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:156. [PMID: 38532512 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise. While climatic factors have been linked to disease occurrences, they do not explain the non-random spatial distribution in disease outbreaks. Landscape-related factors, such as vegetation structure, likely play a crucial but hitherto unquantified role. METHODS We explored how three critically important factors that are associated with mosquito-borne disease outbreaks: microclimate, mosquito abundance and bird communities, vary at the landscape scale. We compared the co-occurrence of these three factors in two contrasting habitat types (forest versus grassland) across five rural locations in the central part of the Netherlands between June and September 2021. RESULTS Our results show that forest patches provide a more sheltered microclimate, and a higher overall abundance of birds. When accounting for differences in landscape characteristics, we also observed that the number of mosquitoes was higher in isolated forest patches. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that, at the landscape scale, variation in tree cover coincides with suitable microclimate and high Culex pipiens and bird abundance. Overall, these factors can help understand the non-random spatial distribution of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louie Krol
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Laure Remmerswaal
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marvin Groen
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jordy G van der Beek
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Reina S Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martha Dellar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van Bodegom
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan W Geerling
- Deltares, Daltonlaan 600, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Environmental Science, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Schrama
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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21
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Bessler AL, Hoet AE, Nigatu S, Swisher S, Fentie T, Admassu B, Molla A, Brown M, Berrian AM. Advancing One Health through veterinary education: a mixed methods needs assessment for implementing a WOAH-harmonized national veterinary medicine curriculum in Ethiopia. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1357855. [PMID: 38601911 PMCID: PMC11005791 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1357855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction International organizations now actively promote and implement One Health collaborative approaches to prevent, detect, and control diseases in humans and animals, recognizing the critical importance of the veterinary and agricultural sectors. Moreover, Veterinary Services are chronically under-resourced, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Given the importance of National Veterinary Services to food security, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and global health security, strengthening veterinary capacity is a priority for the international community. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) outlines a set of minimum competencies veterinarians need to support National Veterinary Services effectively. To improve the quality of veterinary education, Ethiopia has developed a new 2020 national curriculum that is harmonized with the WOAH competencies. Methods A mixed methods needs assessment was conducted to identify barriers and challenges that Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs have faced in implementing the new WOAH-harmonized national curriculum. Representatives from active veterinary programs granting a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree were invited to share their experiences via an online survey and follow-up focus group discussion. Results Fourteen veterinary programs, representing 93% of eligible programs nationwide, participated in the needs assessment. Quantitative analysis indicated that the most difficult topics associated with the new curriculum included Organization of Veterinary Services (Competency 3.1), Inspection and Certification Procedures (3.2), and practical applications of the regulatory framework for disease prevention and control (multiple competencies). Challenges associated with specific instructional methodologies, particularly the facilitation of off-site (private and public sector) student training, were also perceived as barriers to implementation. Focus group discussions elucidated reasons for these challenges and included limitations in faculty expertise, resource constraints (e.g., supplies, infrastructure), and access to off-site facilities for hands-on teaching. Conclusion The results of this needs assessment will be used to identify and prioritize solutions to implementation challenges, helping Ethiopian veterinary medicine programs move the new WOAH-harmonized curriculum from theory to practice. As veterinarians are integral partners in advancing One Health, strengthening the capacity of Veterinary Services can ultimately safeguard animal and human health, grow economies, and improve lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Bessler
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Armando E. Hoet
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Shimelis Nigatu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Samantha Swisher
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tsegaw Fentie
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bemrew Admassu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Molla
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Manon Brown
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Amanda M. Berrian
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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22
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de Souza WM, Weaver SC. Effects of climate change and human activities on vector-borne diseases. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41579-024-01026-0. [PMID: 38486116 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are transmitted by haematophagous arthropods (for example, mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies) to humans and wild and domestic animals, with the largest burden on global public health disproportionately affecting people in tropical and subtropical areas. Because vectors are ectothermic, climate and weather alterations (for example, temperature, rainfall and humidity) can affect their reproduction, survival, geographic distribution and, consequently, ability to transmit pathogens. However, the effects of climate change on vector-borne diseases can be multifaceted and complex, sometimes with ambiguous consequences. In this Review, we discuss the potential effects of climate change, weather and other anthropogenic factors, including land use, human mobility and behaviour, as possible contributors to the redistribution of vectors and spread of vector-borne diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M de Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Obame-Nkoghe J, Agossou AE, Mboowa G, Kamgang B, Caminade C, Duke DC, Githeko AK, Ogega OM, Engone Elloué N, Sarr FB, Nkoghe D, Kengne P, Ndam NT, Paupy C, Bockarie M, Voua Otomo P. Climate-influenced vector-borne diseases in Africa: a call to empower the next generation of African researchers for sustainable solutions. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:26. [PMID: 38486340 PMCID: PMC10938833 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We look at the link between climate change and vector-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. The large endemicity and escalating threat of diseases such as malaria and arboviral diseases, intensified by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities globally. We highlight the urgency of prioritizing research and development, advocating for robust scientific inquiry to promote adaptation strategies, and the vital role that the next generation of African research leaders will play in addressing these challenges. Despite significant challenges such as funding shortages within countries, various pan-African-oriented funding bodies such as the African Academy of Sciences, the Africa Research Excellence Fund, the Wellcome Trust, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as initiatives such as the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, have empowered (or are empowering) these researchers by supporting capacity building activities, including continental and global networking, skill development, mentoring, and African-led research. This article underscores the urgency of increased national investment in research, proposing the establishment of research government agencies to drive evidence-based interventions. Collaboration between governments and scientific communities, sustained by pan-African funding bodies, is crucial. Through these efforts, African nations are likely to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of their systems and communities by navigating these challenges effectively, fostering scientific excellence and implementing transformative solutions against climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judicaël Obame-Nkoghe
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory (LabMC), Biology Department, University of Science and Technology of Masuku, BP 901, Franceville, Gabon.
- Ecology and Health Research Unit, Interdisciplinary Center for Medical Research of Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon.
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Adjoavi Esse Agossou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Improved Traditional Medicines, Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, BP 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Gerald Mboowa
- The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Union Commission, Roosevelt Street, P.O. Box 3243, W21 K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Basile Kamgang
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, P.O. Box 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Cyril Caminade
- Earth System Physics Department, The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dawn C Duke
- Africa Research Excellence Fund, 99 Charterhouse Street, London, EC1M 6HR, UK
| | | | | | - Nestor Engone Elloué
- Center for Phylosophical Studies and Research (CERP), Omar Bongo University (UOB), BP 13131, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Fatou Bintou Sarr
- UMRED, Health Training and Research Unit, University of Iba Der Thiam of Thiès, BP 967, Thiès, Senegal
| | - Dieudonné Nkoghe
- National Parasitic Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Pierre Kengne
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicaise T Ndam
- MERIT, IRD, Paris Cité University, 75006, Paris, France
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, LG 54, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Moses Bockarie
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Patricks Voua Otomo
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Private Bag x13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, Republic of South Africa
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24
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Estifanos TK, Fisher B, Galford GL, Ricketts TH. Impacts of Deforestation on Childhood Malaria Depend on Wealth and Vector Biology. GEOHEALTH 2024; 8:e2022GH000764. [PMID: 38425366 PMCID: PMC10902572 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Ecosystem change can profoundly affect human well-being and health, including through changes in exposure to vector-borne diseases. Deforestation has increased human exposure to mosquito vectors and malaria risk in Africa, but there is little understanding of how socioeconomic and ecological factors influence the relationship between deforestation and malaria risk. We examined these interrelationships in six sub-Saharan African countries using demographic and health survey data linked to remotely sensed environmental variables for 11,746 children under 5 years old. We found that the relationship between deforestation and malaria prevalence varies by wealth levels. Deforestation is associated with increased malaria prevalence in the poorest households, but there was not significantly increased malaria prevalence in the richest households, suggesting that deforestation has disproportionate negative health impacts on the poor. In poorer households, malaria prevalence was 27%-33% larger for one standard deviation increase in deforestation across urban and rural populations. Deforestation is also associated with increased malaria prevalence in regions where Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus are dominant vectors, but not in areas of Anopheles arabiensis. These findings indicate that deforestation is an important driver of malaria risk among the world's most vulnerable children, and its impact depends critically on often-overlooked social and biological factors. An in-depth understanding of the links between ecosystems and human health is crucial in designing conservation policies that benefit people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafesse Kefyalew Estifanos
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Center for Environmental Economics and PolicyUWA School of Agriculture and EnvironmentThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia
| | - Brendan Fisher
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
| | - Gillian L. Galford
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
| | - Taylor H. Ricketts
- Gund Institute for EnvironmentUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural ResourcesUniversity of VermontBurlingtonVTUSA
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25
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Licari FW, Patil S. Climate change and the unforeseen challenges for dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc 2024; 155:191-192. [PMID: 38244018 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
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26
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Lehnert T, Gijs MAM. Microfluidic systems for infectious disease diagnostics. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1441-1493. [PMID: 38372324 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00117f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms, encompassing both uni- and multicellular entities, exhibit remarkable diversity as omnipresent life forms in nature. They play a pivotal role by supplying essential components for sustaining biological processes across diverse ecosystems, including higher host organisms. The complex interactions within the human gut microbiota are crucial for metabolic functions, immune responses, and biochemical signalling, particularly through the gut-brain axis. Viruses also play important roles in biological processes, for example by increasing genetic diversity through horizontal gene transfer when replicating inside living cells. On the other hand, infection of the human body by microbiological agents may lead to severe physiological disorders and diseases. Infectious diseases pose a significant burden on global healthcare systems, characterized by substantial variations in the epidemiological landscape. Fast spreading antibiotic resistance or uncontrolled outbreaks of communicable diseases are major challenges at present. Furthermore, delivering field-proven point-of-care diagnostic tools to the most severely affected populations in low-resource settings is particularly important and challenging. New paradigms and technological approaches enabling rapid and informed disease management need to be implemented. In this respect, infectious disease diagnostics taking advantage of microfluidic systems combined with integrated biosensor-based pathogen detection offers a host of innovative and promising solutions. In this review, we aim to outline recent activities and progress in the development of microfluidic diagnostic tools. Our literature research mainly covers the last 5 years. We will follow a classification scheme based on the human body systems primarily involved at the clinical level or on specific pathogen transmission modes. Important diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, will be addressed more extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lehnert
- Laboratory of Microsystems, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
| | - Martin A M Gijs
- Laboratory of Microsystems, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
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27
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Barathan M. From fever to action: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae006. [PMID: 38614961 PMCID: PMC11067964 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI) presents a clinical challenge, often characterized by sudden fever, non-specific symptoms, and potential life-threatening implications. This review highlights the global prevalence, types, challenges, and implications of AUFI, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where infectious diseases thrive. It delves into the difficulties in diagnosis, prevalence rates, regional variations, and potential causes, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, it explores treatment strategies, preventive measures, and the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing AUFI. The paper also addresses the emerging zoonotic risks and ongoing outbreaks, including COVID-19, Rickettsia spp., and other novel pathogens, emphasizing their impact on AUFI diagnosis and management. Challenges in resource-limited settings are analyzed, highlighting the need for bolstered healthcare infrastructure, enhanced diagnostics, and collaborative One Health strategies. Amidst the complexity of emerging zoonotic threats, this review underscores the urgency for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the growing burden of AUFI, ensuring early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muttiah Barathan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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28
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Cordell GA. The contemporary nexus of medicines security and bioprospecting: a future perspective for prioritizing the patient. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38270809 PMCID: PMC10811317 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-024-00431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Reacting to the challenges presented by the evolving nexus of environmental change, defossilization, and diversified natural product bioprospecting is vitally important for advancing global healthcare and placing patient benefit as the most important consideration. This overview emphasizes the importance of natural and synthetic medicines security and proposes areas for global research action to enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of sustainable natural medicines. Following a discussion of some contemporary factors influencing natural products, a rethinking of the paradigms in natural products research is presented in the interwoven contexts of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions and based on the optimization of the valuable assets of Earth. Following COP28, bioprospecting is necessary to seek new classes of bioactive metabolites and enzymes for chemoenzymatic synthesis. Focus is placed on those performance and practice modifications which, in a sustainable manner, establish the patient, and the maintenance of their prophylactic and treatment needs, as the priority. Forty initiatives for natural products in healthcare are offered for the patient and the practitioner promoting global action to address issues of sustainability, environmental change, defossilization, quality control, product consistency, and neglected diseases to assure that quality natural medicinal agents will be accessible for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A Cordell
- Natural Products Inc., 1320 Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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29
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Sprague NL, Uong SP, Zonnevylle H, Chatterjee T, Hernández D, Rundle AG, Ekenga CC. The CHANGE (Climate Health ANalysis Grading Evaluation) tool for weight of evidence reviews on climate change and health research. Environ Health 2024; 23:7. [PMID: 38243236 PMCID: PMC10797793 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest threats to human health. Despite this claim, there are no standardized tools that assess the rigor of published literature for use in weight of evidence (WOE) reviews. Standardized assessment tools are essential for creating clear and comparable WOE reviews. As such, we developed a standardized tool for evaluating the quality of climate change and health studies focused on evaluating studies that quantify exposure-response relationships and studies that implement and/or evaluate adaptation interventions. METHODS The authors explored systematic-review methodology to enhance transparency and increase efficiency in summarizing and synthesizing findings from studies on climate change and health research. The authors adapted and extended existing WOE methods to develop the CHANGE (Climate Health ANalysis Grading Evaluation) tool. The resulting assessment tool has been refined through application and subsequent team input. RESULTS The CHANGE tool is a two-step standardized tool for systematic review of climate change and health studies of exposure-response relationships and adaptation intervention studies. Step one of the CHANGE tool aims to classify studies included in weight-of-evidence reviews and step two assesses the quality and presence of bias in the climate change and health studies. CONCLUSION The application of the CHANGE tool in WOE reviews of climate change and health will lead to increased comparability, objectivity, and transparency within this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav L Sprague
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stephen P Uong
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hannah Zonnevylle
- Soil and Crop Sciences, School of Integrative Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Trinish Chatterjee
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Hernández
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew G Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Christine C Ekenga
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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30
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Luker HA. A critical review of current laboratory methods used to evaluate mosquito repellents. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1320138. [PMID: 38469342 PMCID: PMC10926509 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1320138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes threaten human health around the globe. The use of effective mosquito repellents can protect individuals from contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Collecting evidence to confirm and quantify the effectiveness of a mosquito repellent is crucial and requires thorough standardized testing. There are multitudes of methods to test repellents that each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Determining which type of test to conduct can be challenging and the collection of currently used and standardized methods has changed over time. Some of these methods can be powerful to rapidly screen numerous putative repellent treatments. Other methods can test mosquito responses to specific treatments and measure either spatial or contact repellency. A subset of these methods uses live animals or human volunteers to test the repellency of treatments. Assays can greatly vary in their affordability and accessibility for researchers and/or may require additional methods to confirm results. Here I present a critical review that covers some of the most frequently used laboratory assays from the last two decades. I discuss the experimental designs and highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of each type of method covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey A. Luker
- Molecular Vector Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States
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31
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Correia T, Ricciardi W, McKee M. Preparing for the 'next pandemic': Why we need to escape from our silos. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024. [PMID: 38225891 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed major failings in many countries. We argue that one of the reasons, at global, national, and local levels, was that those involved were working in silos, unable to bring together the many diverse perspectives needed to respond to this complex problem. This is despite a growing recognition of the importance of adopting a Health For All Policies approach. Silo working, and the problems it creates, are not unique to health policy so there are opportunities to learn from those organisations that have tackled this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Correia
- Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisboa, Portugal
- WHO Collaborating Center for Health Workforce Policies and Planning, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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32
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Xu E, Goel V, Baguma E, Ayebare E, Hollingsworth BD, Brown-Marusiak A, Giandomenico D, Reyes R, Ntaro M, Mulogo EM, Boyce RM. Evolution of Spatial Risk of Malaria Infection After a Pragmatic Chemoprevention Program in Response to Severe Flooding in Rural Western Uganda. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:173-182. [PMID: 37584317 PMCID: PMC10786254 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria epidemics result from extreme precipitation and flooding, which are increasing with global climate change. Local adaptation and mitigation strategies will be essential to prevent excess morbidity and mortality. METHODS We investigated the spatial risk of malaria infection at multiple timepoints after severe flooding in rural western Uganda employing longitudinal household surveys measuring parasite prevalence and leveraging remotely sensed information to inform spatial models of malaria risk in the 3 months after flooding. RESULTS We identified clusters of malaria risk emerging in areas (1) that showed the greatest changes in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index from pre- to postflood and (2) where residents were displaced for longer periods of time and had lower access to long-lasting insecticidal nets, both of which were associated with a positive malaria rapid diagnostic test result. The disproportionate risk persisted despite a concurrent chemoprevention program that achieved high coverage. CONCLUSIONS The findings enhance our understanding not only of the spatial evolution of malaria risk after flooding, but also in the context of an effective intervention. The results provide a "proof of concept" for programs aiming to prevent malaria outbreaks after flooding using a combination of interventions. Further study of mitigation strategies-and particularly studies of implementation-is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Xu
- School of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Emmanuel Baguma
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ayebare
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Moses Ntaro
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Edgar M Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Ross M Boyce
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Cancino-Faure B, González CR, Piñeiro González A, Pinochet S, Bustos S, Morchón R, Piñeiro Cazaux A, Quezada Aguilar I, Salas Espinoza M, Acevedo Salgado R, Barra Díaz C, Segovia C, Lozada-Yavina R, Álvarez Rojas CA. Filarial nematodes in domestic dogs and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from semi-rural areas in Central Chile. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1334832. [PMID: 38260205 PMCID: PMC10800365 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1334832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change, competent vectors, and reservoir animals are the main factors for developing vector-borne zoonotic diseases. These diseases encompass a significant and widespread category of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths) transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods, including ticks, fleas, lice, triatomines, mosquitoes, sandflies, and blackflies. In Chile, several studies have explored the role of dogs as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens; however, there is a lack of research investigating the presence of pathogens in arthropods. Specifically, within the order Diptera, limited knowledge exists regarding their roles as carriers of pathogens. This study aimed to examine the presence of zoonotic filarial nematodes in mosquitoes and dogs within a previously unstudied semi-rural area of Central Chile. Two hundred samples of dog blood and seven hundred and twenty-four mosquitoes were collected during 2021-2022 and studied for filarial nematodes by PCR. The prevalence of microfilaremic dogs detected by Knott's test was 7.5%, with Acanthocheilonema reconditum being the only species identified. Aedes (Ochlerotatus) albifasciatus was the most abundant mosquito species collected, and 15 out of 65 pools were positive for filarial nematodes. Among these pools, 13 tested positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and two tested positive for Setaria equina through PCR. Additionally, five Culex pipiens specimens were positive for Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Despite the absence of zoonotic filarial species, these findings underscore the significance of monitoring pathogens in mosquitoes and animal hosts and continued research into the dynamics of vector-borne diseases, particularly in unexplored regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cancino-Faure
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Christian R. González
- Instituto de Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Piñeiro González
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Soledad Pinochet
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sofía Bustos
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Disease and One Health Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus Miguel Unamuno, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen Barra Díaz
- Clínica Veterinaria del Dr. Alejandro Piñeiro Cazaux, San Clemente, Chile
| | - Christian Segovia
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Salud Ecosistémica, Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Rafael Lozada-Yavina
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Modelamiento Matemático Aplicado, Departamento de Matemática, Física y Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Cristian A. Álvarez Rojas
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Villena OC, McClure KM, Camp RJ, LaPointe DA, Atkinson CT, Sofaer HR, Berio Fortini L. Environmental and geographical factors influence the occurrence and abundance of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, in Hawai'i. Sci Rep 2024; 14:604. [PMID: 38182650 PMCID: PMC10770078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hawaiian honeycreepers, a group of endemic Hawaiian forest birds, are being threatened by avian malaria, a non-native disease that is driving honeycreepers populations to extinction. Avian malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium relictum, which is transmitted by the invasive mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Environmental and geographical factors play an important role in shaping mosquito-borne disease transmission dynamics through their influence on the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes. We assessed the effects of environmental (temperature, precipitation), geographic (site, elevation, distance to anthropogenic features), and trap type (CDC light trap, CDC gravid trap) factors on mosquito occurrence and abundance. Occurrence was analyzed using classification and regression tree models (CART) and generalized linear models (GLM); abundance (count data) was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Models predicted highest mosquito occurrence at mid-elevation sites and between July and November. Occurrence increased with temperature and precipitation up to 580 mm. For abundance, the best model was a zero-inflated negative-binomial model that indicated higher abundance of mosquitoes at mid-elevation sites and peak abundance between August and October. Estimation of occurrence and abundance as well as understanding the factors that influence them are key for mosquito control, which may reduce the risk of forest bird extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswaldo C Villena
- Hawai'i Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
- The Earth Commons Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Katherine M McClure
- Hawai'i Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA
| | - Richard J Camp
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA
| | - Dennis A LaPointe
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA
| | - Carter T Atkinson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA
| | - Helen R Sofaer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA
| | - Lucas Berio Fortini
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, USA.
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Joshi AB, Banjara MR, Das ML, Ghale P, Pant KR, Pyakurel UR, Dahal G, Paudel KP, Das CL, Kroeger A, Aseffa A. Epidemiological, Serological, and Entomological Investigation of New Visceral Leishmaniasis Foci in Nepal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:44-51. [PMID: 38011729 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore epidemiological, serological, entomological, and social aspects of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in new foci in Nepal. The study was conducted in 11 villages of five districts that had been previously free of VL but that reported new cases between 2019 and 2021. We screened 1,288 inhabitants using rK39 tests and investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 12 recent VL cases. A total of 182 community members were interviewed about knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding VL. They then underwent an awareness training; 40 of them had a second interview at 6 months to assess the training impact. Vector surveys were conducted in six houses per village to assess sandfly density and infection rates. The prevalence of VL infection was 0.5% and 3.2% among screened populations in Dolpa and Kavre districts, respectively, while the other districts had no rK39-positive cases. No association between travel history and VL infection was found. Phlebotomus argentipes sandflies were collected in three districts at high altitudes (from 1,084 to 4,450 m). None of the sandflies captured had Leishmania donovani DNA. People in new foci were not aware of VL symptoms, vectors, or preventive measures. The training significantly improved their knowledge and practice in seeking medical care in case of illness. The epidemiological, serological, and entomological investigations suggest indigenous focal transmission of VL. An integrated package of strategic interventions should be implemented by the national VL elimination program in districts with new VL foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Ballabh Joshi
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Megha Raj Banjara
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Murari Lal Das
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pragyan Ghale
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Raj Pant
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Research Center (PHIDReC), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Uttam Raj Pyakurel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gokarna Dahal
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Krishna Prasad Paudel
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Chuman Lal Das
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Department of Health Services, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Axel Kroeger
- Centre for Medicine and Society, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
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Parums DV. Editorial: Climate Change and the Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases, Including Dengue, Malaria, Lyme Disease, and West Nile Virus Infection. Med Sci Monit 2024; 29:e943546. [PMID: 38161310 PMCID: PMC10768291 DOI: 10.12659/msm.943546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The major health threats from climate change include increasing temperatures, air pollution, extreme weather events, changes in the spread of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, emerging pathogens, and an increase in vector-borne disease. Between October and December 2023, in 200 medical journal, epidemiologists, clinicians, healthcare policymakers, and journal editors published an emergency call to action to health professionals, the United Nations, and political leaders on climate change and its effects on the ecosystem and human health. Also, in December 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its sixth Assessment Report (AR6) that summarizes current knowledge, impacts, and health risks from climate change, as well as suggestions for mitigation and adaptation. For over a decade, the IPCC has reported that the prevalence of vector-borne diseases has increased and highlighted the importance of monitoring dengue, malaria, Lyme disease, West Nile virus infection, and other vector-borne diseases. This editorial aims to provide an update on the association between climate change and the spread of vector-borne diseases and highlights the urgent need for public health and disease prevention and treatment strategies to control the rise in vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinah V Parums
- Science Editor, Medical Science Monitor, International Scientific Information, Inc., Melville, NY, USA
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37
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Heidari H, Lawrence DA. Climate Stressors and Physiological Dysregulations: Mechanistic Connections to Pathologies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:28. [PMID: 38248493 PMCID: PMC10815632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This review delves into the complex relationship between environmental factors, their mechanistic cellular and molecular effects, and their significant impact on human health. Climate change is fueled by industrialization and the emission of greenhouse gases and leads to a range of effects, such as the redistribution of disease vectors, higher risks of disease transmission, and shifts in disease patterns. Rising temperatures pose risks to both food supplies and respiratory health. The hypothesis addressed is that environmental stressors including a spectrum of chemical and pathogen exposures as well as physical and psychological influences collectively impact genetics, metabolism, and cellular functions affecting physical and mental health. The objective is to report the mechanistic associations linking environment and health. As environmental stressors intensify, a surge in health conditions, spanning from allergies to neurodegenerative diseases, becomes evident; however, linkage to genetic-altered proteomics is more hidden. Investigations positing that environmental stressors cause mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and oxidative stress, which affect missense variants and neuro- and immuno-disorders, are reported. These disruptions to homeostasis with dyslipidemia and misfolded and aggregated proteins increase susceptibility to cancers, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Proposed interventions, such as vitamin B supplements and antioxidants, target oxidative stress and may aid mitochondrial respiration and immune balance. The mechanistic interconnections of environmental stressors and disruptions in health need to be unraveled to develop strategies to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Heidari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA;
| | - David A. Lawrence
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA;
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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Matlack M, Covert H, Shankar A, Zijlmans W, Abdoel Wahid F, Hindori-Mohangoo A, Lichtveld M. Development of a Pilot Literacy Scale to Assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors towards Climate Change and Infectious Disease Dynamics in Suriname. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7178. [PMID: 38131729 PMCID: PMC10742764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Prior research has shown that climate literacy is sparse among low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, no standardized questionnaire exists for researchers to measure climate literacy among general populations, particularly with regards to climate change effects on vector-borne diseases (VBDs). We developed a comprehensive literacy scale to assess current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards climate change and VBD dynamics among women enrolled in the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) cohort in Suriname. Items were generated by our research team and reviewed by a group of six external climate and health experts. After the expert review, a total of 31 climate change and 21 infectious disease items were retained. We estimated our sample size at a 10:1 ratio of participants to items for each scale. In total, 301 women were surveyed. We validated our scales through exploratory (n = 180) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 121). An exploratory factor analysis for our general Climate Change Scale provided a four-construct solution of 11 items. Our chi-squared value (X2 = 74.32; p = 0.136) indicated that four factors were sufficient. A confirmatory factor analysis reinforced our findings, providing a good model fit (X2 = 39.03; p = 0.23; RMSEA = 0.015). Our Infectious Disease Scale gave a four-construct solution of nine items (X2 = 153.86; p = 0.094). A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed these results, with a chi-squared value of 19.16 (p = 0.575) and an RMSEA of 0.00. This research is vitally important for furthering climate and health education, especially with increases in VBDs spread by Aedes mosquitoes in the Caribbean, South America, and parts of the southern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Matlack
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Hannah Covert
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (H.C.); (F.A.W.); (M.L.)
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Wilco Zijlmans
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Leysweg 86, Paramaribo P.O. Box 9212, Suriname;
| | - Firoz Abdoel Wahid
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (H.C.); (F.A.W.); (M.L.)
| | - Ashna Hindori-Mohangoo
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Anton Dragtenweg 93, Paramaribo, Suriname;
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (H.C.); (F.A.W.); (M.L.)
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Chanda MM, Kharkwal P, Dhuria M, Prajapathi A, Yogisharadhya R, Shome BR, Shivachandra SB. Quantifying the influence of climate, host and change in land-use patterns on occurrence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and development of spatial risk map for India. One Health 2023; 17:100609. [PMID: 37583365 PMCID: PMC10424211 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), is an emerging zoonosis globally and in India. The present study focused on identifying the risk factors for occurrence of CCHF in the Indian state of Gujarat and development of risk map for India. The past CCHF outbreaks in India were collated for the analyses. Influence of land use change and climatic factors in determining the occurrence of CCHF in Gujarat was assessed using Bayesian spatial models. Change in maximum temperature in affected districts was analysed to identify the significant change points over 110 years. Risk map was developed for Gujarat using Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) model with remotely sensed environmental variables and host (livestock and human) factors. We found the change in land use patterns and maximum temperature in affected districts to be contributing to the occurrence of CCHF in Gujarat. Spatial risk map developed using CCHF occurrence data for Gujarat identified density of buffalo, minimum land surface temperature and elevation as risk determinants. Further, spatial risk map for the occurrence of CCHF in India was developed using selected variables. Overall, we found that combination of factors such as change in land-use patterns, maximum temperature, buffalo density, day time minimum land surface temperature and elevation led to the emergence and further spread of the disease in India. Mitigation measures for CCHF in India could be designed considering disease epidemiology and initiation of surveillance strategies based on the risk map developed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mudassar Chanda
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyanka Kharkwal
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Meera Dhuria
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, India
| | - Awadesh Prajapathi
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Revanaiah Yogisharadhya
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bibek Ranjan Shome
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Sathish Bhadravati Shivachandra
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
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Dube A, Kalinda C, Manyangadze T, Mindu T, Chimbari MJ. Effects of temperature on the life history traits of intermediate host snails of fascioliasis: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011812. [PMID: 38048345 PMCID: PMC10721167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of climate change has led to variations in various biological processes, leading to altered transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, including snail-borne diseases (SBDs). Fascioliasis is one of the neglected zoonotic tropical snail-borne diseases caused by the trematode of the genus Fasciola. This review focused on laboratory experimental and model studies that evaluate the potential effect of temperature change on the ecology and biology of the intermediate host snails (IHS) of Fasciola. METHODS A literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and PubMed databases using predefined medical subject heading terms, Boolean operators, and truncation symbols in combination with direct keywords: Fasciolosis AND Temperature, Lymnaea OR Austropeplea OR Radix OR Galba OR Fossaria OR Pseudosuccinea AND growth, fecundity, AND survival at the global scale. Other search terms used were (Fascioliasis AND Temperature), (Lymnaea AND Temperature), (Austropeplea AND Temperature), (Fossaria AND Temperature), (Galba AND Temperature), (Pseudosuccinea AND Temperature), and (Radix AND Temperature). RESULTS The final synthesis included thirty-five published articles. The studies reviewed indicated that temperature rise may alter the distribution, and optimal conditions for breeding, growth, and survival of IHS, ultimately resulting in changing the transmission dynamics of fascioliasis. The literature also confirmed that the life history traits of IHS and their interaction with the liver fluke parasites are driven by temperature, and hence climate change may have profound outcomes on the population size of snails, parasite density, and disease epidemiology. CONCLUSION We concluded that understanding the impact of temperature on the growth, fecundity, and survival of IHS may broaden our knowledge of the possible effects of climate change and hence inform fascioliasis control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agrippa Dube
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Chester Kalinda
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, Kigali Heights, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Tawanda Manyangadze
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Geosciences Department, School Geosciences, Disaster and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science and Technology, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - Tafadzwa Mindu
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses John Chimbari
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
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Hendrick GC, Nicholson MD, Pagan JA, Artim JM, Dolan MC, Sikkel PC. Blood meal identification reveals extremely broad host range and host-bias in a temporary ectoparasite of coral reef fishes. Oecologia 2023; 203:349-360. [PMID: 37951847 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05468-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Appreciation for the role of cryptofauna in ecological systems has increased dramatically over the past decade. The impacts blood-feeding arthropods, such as ticks and mosquitos, have on terrestrial communities are the subject of hundreds of papers annually. However, blood-feeding arthropods have been largely ignored in marine environments. Gnathiid isopods, often referred to as "ticks of the sea", are temporary external parasites of fishes. They are found in all marine environments and have many consequential impacts on host fitness. Because they are highly mobile and only associated with their hosts while obtaining a blood meal, their broader trophic connections are difficult to discern. Conventional methods rely heavily on detecting gnathiids on wild-caught fishes. However, this approach typically yields few gnathiids and does not account for hosts that avoid capture. To overcome this limitation, we sequenced blood meals of free-living gnathiids collected in light traps to assess the host range and community-dependent exploitation of Caribbean gnathiid isopods. Using fish-specific COI (cox1) primers, sequencing individual blood meals from 1060 gnathiids resulted in the identification of 70 host fish species from 27 families. Comparisons of fish assemblages to blood meal identification frequencies at four collection sites indicated that fishes within the families Haemulidae (grunts) and Lutjanidae (snappers) were exploited more frequently than expected based on their biomass, and Labrid parrotfishes were exploited less frequently than expected. The broad host range along with the biased exploitation of diel-migratory species has important implications for the role gnathiid isopods play in Caribbean coral reef communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina C Hendrick
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew D Nicholson
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - J Andres Pagan
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, CIBIO - Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - John M Artim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Maureen C Dolan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Paul C Sikkel
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Water Research Group, Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Buhler KJ, Snyman LP, Fuglei E, Davidson R, Ptochos S, Galloway T, Jenkins E. A circumpolar parasite: Evidence of a cryptic undescribed species of sucking louse, Linognathus sp., collected from Arctic foxes, Vulpes lagopus, in Nunavut (Canada) and Svalbard (Norway). MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:656-664. [PMID: 37220211 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The North has experienced unprecedented rates of warming over the past few decades, impacting the survival and development of insects and the pathogens that they carry. Since 2019, Arctic foxes from Canada (Nunavut) have been observed with fur loss inconsistent with natural shedding of fur. Adult lice were collected from Arctic foxes from Nunavut (n = 1) and Svalbard (n = 2; Norway) and were identified as sucking lice (suborder Anoplura). Using conventional PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), lice from Canada and Svalbard were 100% similar (8 pooled samples from Nunavut and 3 pooled samples from Svalbard), indicating that there is potential gene flow between ectoparasites on Scandinavian and North American Arctic fox populations. The cox1 sequences of Arctic fox lice and dog sucking lice (Linognathus setosus) had significant differences (87% identity), suggesting that foxes may harbour a cryptic species that has not previously been recognised. Conventional PCR targeting the gltA gene for Bartonella bacteria amplified DNA from an unknown gammaproteobacteria from two pooled louse samples collected from Svalbard foxes. The amplified sequences were 100% identical to each other but were only 78% like Proteus mirabilis reported in GenBank (CP053614), suggesting that lice on Arctic foxes may carry unique microorganisms that have yet to be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Louwtjie P Snyman
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Eva Fuglei
- The Norwegian Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rebecca Davidson
- Section for Research: Food Safety and Animal Health, Norwegian Veterinary Insitute, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sokratis Ptochos
- Section for Microbiology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Terry Galloway
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Walldorf J, Mezger NCS, Weber L, Knothe A, Klose M, Moritz S, Kantelhardt EJ, Feller S, Schlitt A, Greinert R, Michl P. [Climate Crisis: What Gastrointestinal Complications of this Medical Emergency Should We Be Aware Of?]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:1608-1617. [PMID: 37044125 DOI: 10.1055/a-2058-8883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The climate crisis has serious consequences for many areas of life. This applies in particular to human health - also in Europe. While cardiovascular, pneumological and dermatological diseases related to the climate crisis are often discussed, the crisis' significant gastroenterological consequences for health must also be considered. METHODS A literature search (Pubmed, Cochrane Library) was used to identify papers with relevance particularly to the field of gastroenterology in (Central) Europe. Findings were supplemented and discussed by an interdisciplinary team. RESULTS The climate crisis impacts the frequency and severity of gastrointestinal diseases in Europe due to more frequent and severe heat waves, flooding and air pollution. While patients with intestinal diseases are particularly vulnerable to acute weather events, the main long-term consequences of climate change are gastrointestinal cancer and liver disease. In addition to gastroenteritis, other infectious diseases such as vector-borne diseases and parasites are important in the context of global warming, heat waves and floods. DISCUSSION Adaptation strategies must be consistently developed and implemented for vulnerable groups. Patients at risk should be informed about measures that can be implemented individually, such as avoiding heat, ensuring appropriate hydration and following hygiene instructions. Recommendations for physical activity and a healthy and sustainable diet are essential for the prevention of liver diseases and carcinomas. Measures for prevention and the promotion of resilience can be supported by the physicians at various levels. In addition to efforts fostering sustainability in the immediate working environment, a system-oriented commitment to climate protection is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Walldorf
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Christian Simon Mezger
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Lena Weber
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Knothe
- Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michelle Klose
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Moritz
- Klinische Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Johanna Kantelhardt
- Arbeitsgruppe Global and Planetary Health, Institut für Medizinische Epidemiologie, Biometrie und Informatik, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Feller
- Institut für Molekulare Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Axel Schlitt
- Paracelsus-Harz-Klinik Bad Suderode, Bad Suderode, Germany
| | - Robin Greinert
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
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Zira S, Bouquet A, Rydhmer L, Kargo M, Puillet L. Carbon footprint based on lifetime productivity for future cows selected for resilience to climate-related disturbances. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:8953-8968. [PMID: 37690721 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Droughts, which can affect feed production, are projected to become more common under future climate conditions. In light of this, breeding cattle resilient to changes in feeding regimens is increasingly becoming an important topic. Body reserves can play a crucial role when feed resources are limited. We simulated populations of dairy cows selected with 2 different breeding goals: one reflecting the current breeding goal and the other placing weight on minimum level of body reserves in early lactation and change in body reserves during lactation. We considered this latter as a breeding goal for resilience. We used the 2 dynamic simulation programs ADAM and AQAL to predict performance of the cows after selection. In AQAL, we modeled moderate and severe drought by decreasing feed quality and quantity offered to cows during one year. We compared cows selected with the 2 breeding goals under 3 environments: without disturbances related to climate and with moderate and severe drought. In the environments without disturbances and the moderate drought, the cows selected with the current breeding goal had higher lifetime lactation efficiency (energy invested in milk/energy acquired from feed) and lower carbon footprint per kilogram of protein in milk and meat than cows selected for resilience. However, with severe drought, cows selected for resilience had higher lifetime lactation efficiency and lower carbon footprint per kilogram of protein in milk and meat than those selected with the current breeding goal. This suggests that cows selected for high productive performance do not perform well under very limiting conditions, leading to increased climate impact. The importance of inclusion of body reserves as a resilience trait in dairy cattle breeding depends on the future environment in which the cows will be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zira
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Bouquet
- Centre for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - L Rydhmer
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Kargo
- Centre for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - L Puillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants, 91123 Palaiseau, France
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Celermajer D, McKibbin P. Reimagining Relationships: Multispecies Justice as a Frame for the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:657-666. [PMID: 37624548 PMCID: PMC10942882 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 catalyzed a renewed focus on the interconnected nature of human health. Together with the climate crisis, it highlighted not only intra-human connections but the entanglement of human health with the health of non-human animals, plants, and ecological systems more broadly. In this article, we challenge the persistent notion that humans are ontologically distinct from the rest of nature and the ethics that flow from this understanding. Imposing this privileged view of humans has devastating consequences for beings other than humans and for humans and impedes effective responses to crises. We situate the COVID-19 pandemic within the "polycrisis," and argue that one component of addressing multidimensional crises must involve fully embracing a relational ontology and ethics. We discuss two approaches to relationality, one articulated by ecofeminists and the second inhering in an Indigenous Māori worldview. Two dominant approaches, One Health and Planetary Health, purport to take account of relational ontologies in their approaches to health, but, we argue, persist in casting the more-than-human world in an instrumental role to secure human health. We suggest that Multispecies Justice, which draws on ecofeminist and Indigenous approaches, affords a fully relational approach to health and well-being. We explore the implications of relationality, and suggest fresh ways of understanding humans' connections with the more-than-human world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Celermajer
- Sydney Environment Institute, Discipline of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sydney, Room 350 Social Sciences, A02, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Philip McKibbin
- Sydney Environment Institute, Discipline of Sociology and Criminology, University of Sydney, Room 350 Social Sciences, A02, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Li A, Toll M, Bentley R. Mapping social vulnerability indicators to understand the health impacts of climate change: a scoping review. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e925-e937. [PMID: 37940212 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The need to assess and measure how social vulnerability influences the health impacts of climate change has resulted in a rapidly growing body of research literature. To date, there has been no overarching, systematic examination of where this evidence is concentrated and what inferences can be made. This scoping review provides an overview of studies published between 2012 and 2022 on social vulnerability to the negative health effects of climate change. Of the 2115 studies identified from four bibliographic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and CAB Direct), 230 that considered indicators of social vulnerability to climate change impacts on health outcomes were selected for review. Frequency and thematic analyses were conducted to establish the scope of the social vulnerability indicators, climate change impacts, and health conditions studied, and the substantive themes and findings of this research. 113 indicators of social vulnerability covering 15 themes were identified, with a small set of indicators receiving most of the research attention, including age, sex, ethnicity, education, income, poverty, unemployment, access to green and blue spaces, access to health services, social isolation, and population density. The results reveal an undertheorisation and few indicators that conceptualise and operationalise social vulnerability beyond individual sociodemographic characteristics by identifying structural and institutional dimensions of vulnerability, and a preponderance of social vulnerability research in high-income countries. This Review highlights the need for future research, data infrastructure, and policy attention to address structural, institutional, and sociopolitical conditions, which will better support climate resilience and adaptation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mathew Toll
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Bentley
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Healthy Housing, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Kemajou Njatang D, Bouba Djourdebbé F, Adda Wadou ND. Climate variability, armed conflicts and child malnutrition in sub-saharan Africa: A spatial analysis in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21672. [PMID: 38027550 PMCID: PMC10656247 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 in the world. It is also the region most vulnerable to the adverse effect of climate change, and the one that records the most armed conflicts. The chains of causality suggested in the literature on the relationship between climate change, armed conflict, and malnutrition have rarely been supported by empirical evidence for SSA countries. Methods This study proposes to highlight, under the hypothesis of spatial non-stationarity, the influence of climatic variations and armed conflicts on malnutrition in children under 5 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. To do this, we use spatial analysis on data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Uppsala Conflict Data Program Georeferenced Event Dataset (UCDP GED), Climate Hazards center InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Results The results show that there is a spatial autocorrelation of malnutrition measured by the prevalence of underweight children in the three countries. Also, local geographically weighted analysis shows that armed conflict, temperature and rainfall are positively associated with the prevalence of underweight children in localities of Somali in Ethiopia, Mandera and Turkana of Wajir in Kenya, Borno and Yobe in Nigeria. Conclusion In conclusion, the results of our spatial analysis support the implementation of conflict-sensitive climate change adaptation strategies.
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Wu C, Ju Y, Yang S, Zhang Z, Chen Y. Reconstructing annual XCO 2 at a 1 km×1 km spatial resolution across China from 2012 to 2019 based on a spatial CatBoost method. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116866. [PMID: 37567384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Long-time-series, high-resolution datasets of the column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of carbon dioxide (XCO2) have great practical importance for mitigating the greenhouse effect, assessing carbon emissions and implementing a low-carbon cycle. However, the mainstream XCO2 datasets obtained from satellite observations have coarse spatial resolutions and are inadequate for supporting research applications with different precision requirements. Here, we developed a new spatial machine learning model by fusing spatial information with CatBoost, called SCatBoost, to fill the above gap based on existing global land-mapped 1° XCO2 data (GLM-XCO2). The 1-km-spatial-resolution dataset containing XCO2 values in China from 2012 to 2019 reconstructed by SCatBoost has stronger and more stable predictive power (confirmed with a cross-validation (R2 = 0.88 and RSME = 0.20 ppm)) than other traditional models. According to the estimated dataset, the overall national XCO2 showed an increasing trend, with the annual mean concentration rising from 392.65 ppm to 410.36 ppm. In addition, the spatial distribution of XCO2 concentrations in China reflects significantly higher concentrations in the eastern coastal areas than in the western inland areas. The contributions of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) It proposes SCatBoost, integrating the advantages of machine learning methods and spatial characteristics with a high prediction accuracy; (2) It presents a dataset of fine-scale and high resolution XCO2 over China from 2012 to 2019 by the model of SCatBoost; (3) Based on the generated data, we identify the spatiotemporal trends of XCO2 in the scale of nation and city agglomeration. These long-term and high resolution XCO2 data help understand the spatiotemporal variations in XCO2, thereby improving policy decisions and planning about carbon reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China; Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Lab of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuechuang Ju
- School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- School of Remote Sensing and Geomatics Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, No.219, NingLiu Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixiang Chen
- School of Geographic and Biologic Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China; Smart Health Big Data Analysis and Location Services Engineering Lab of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Depero LE, Bontempi E. Comparing the spreading characteristics of monkeypox (MPX) and COVID-19: Insights from a quantitative model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116521. [PMID: 37419200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is acknowledged to directly affect not only the environment, economy, and society but also the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, thereby impacting public health. The recent experiences with the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and Monkeypox have highlighted the complex and interconnected nature of infectious diseases, which are strongly linked to various determinants of health. Considering these challenges, adopting a new vision such as the trans-disciplinary approach appears to be imperative. This paper proposes a new theory about viruses' spread, based on a biological model, accounting for the optimisation of energy and material resources for organisms' survival and reproduction in the environment. The approach applies Kleiber's law scaling theory, originally developed in biology, to model community dynamics in cities. A simple equation can be used to model pathogen spread without accounting for each species' physiology by leveraging the superlinear scaling of variables with population size. This general theory offers several advantages, including the ability to explain the rapid and surprising spread of both SARS-CoV-2 and Monkeypox. The proposed model shows similarities in the spreading processes of both viruses, based on the resulting scaling factors, and opens new avenues for research. By fostering cooperation and integrating knowledge from different disciplines to effectively tackle the multifaceted dimensions of disease outbreaks, we can work towards preventing future health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Depero
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Kim CL, Agampodi S, Marks F, Kim JH, Excler JL. Mitigating the effects of climate change on human health with vaccines and vaccinations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252910. [PMID: 37900033 PMCID: PMC10602790 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change represents an unprecedented threat to humanity and will be the ultimate challenge of the 21st century. As a public health consequence, the World Health Organization estimates an additional 250,000 deaths annually by 2030, with resource-poor countries being predominantly affected. Although climate change's direct and indirect consequences on human health are manifold and far from fully explored, a growing body of evidence demonstrates its potential to exacerbate the frequency and spread of transmissible infectious diseases. Effective, high-impact mitigation measures are critical in combating this global crisis. While vaccines and vaccination are among the most cost-effective public health interventions, they have yet to be established as a major strategy in climate change-related health effect mitigation. In this narrative review, we synthesize the available evidence on the effect of climate change on vaccine-preventable diseases. This review examines the direct effect of climate change on water-related diseases such as cholera and other enteropathogens, helminthic infections and leptospirosis. It also explores the effects of rising temperatures on vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, as well as the impact of temperature and humidity on airborne diseases like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection. Recent advances in global vaccine development facilitate the use of vaccines and vaccination as a mitigation strategy in the agenda against climate change consequences. A focused evaluation of vaccine research and development, funding, and distribution related to climate change is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Lynn Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suneth Agampodi
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Madagascar Institute for Vaccine Research, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jerome H. Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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