Dengue is an increasingly significant vector-borne infectious disease, with over 50 million cases reported in more than half the world’s recognised independent states. Dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and deng...Dengue is an increasingly significant vector-borne infectious disease, with over 50 million cases reported in more than half the world’s recognised independent states. Dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are distinct clinical forms of an infection that is caused by Dengue Virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family. All four well characterized serotypes of the virus can cause the full spectrum of disease from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening symptoms. For effective prevention and/or treatment of disease symptoms, early and rapid detection of virus in specimens collected from clinically suspected persons is a requirement that remains challenging. A positive laboratory diagnosis is essential to confirm dengue virus infection and hence to inform patient therapy. Here, we consider the pros and cons of currently available methods for identification, ranging from conventional to sophisticated tests. Reports indicate the use of a variety of diagnostic methods of varying sensitivity, highlighting the necessity for standardisation and quality control. Several novel approaches are in development and demand further evaluation.展开更多
Investigation of the intimate relationship between the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its Anopheles vector requires the reliable production and isolation of successive sexual stages of the parasite f...Investigation of the intimate relationship between the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its Anopheles vector requires the reliable production and isolation of successive sexual stages of the parasite from infected mosquitoes. Such an advance in propagation would benefit a range of molecular, cellular, immunochemical and transmission-blocking research studies. Parasite cultivation, mosquito rearing, infection and subsequent dissection of mosquitoes are all highly technical procedures that require both skill and experience to perform with competence. Furthermore, to produce mosquitoes of an appropriate age to infect during the short period in which parasites are viable for infection demands precise planning in order to coordinate the interacting life cycles of the parasite and vector. Here, a protocol is described for the complete development of P. falciparum within Anopheles stephensi. A very consistent, high level production in vivo of P. falciparum oocysts and sporozoites is demonstrable by dissection of the mosquito midgut and salivary glands, respectively.展开更多
The worldwide decline over the last decade in the number of clinical cases of malaria does not mean an end to the universal problem of malaria pathogenesis in those afflicted by infection. Resistance to drugs, higher ...The worldwide decline over the last decade in the number of clinical cases of malaria does not mean an end to the universal problem of malaria pathogenesis in those afflicted by infection. Resistance to drugs, higher risk of disease relapse and failure to maintain effective memory of the pathogen in the absence of persistent exposure result in the repeated failure of anti-malarialtreatments. The artificial blocking of transmission of the Plasmodium parasite between hosts from human to Anopheles mosquito, and vice versa, is crucial to restricting the spread of disease. However, a limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in operation for transmission of malaria has impeded progress towards a transmission-blocking vaccine. This review highlights the role of anti-malarial immune responses to antigen-specific targets for designing effective vaccines against the sexual stages of Plasmodium that occur within the invertebrate vector. In particular, artificial induction of gametocyte and ookinete apoptosis as a novel means to prevent gamete fertilization and oocyte development, respectively, is highlighted. This and other recent insights into our understanding of the molecular regulation of transmission-blocking immunity are discussed and future prospects considered.展开更多
Introduction to Biomaterials: Basic Theory with Engineering Applications is an expertly written and comprehensive textbook that comfortably fills a hole in the market for an up-to-date teaching resource on biomaterial...Introduction to Biomaterials: Basic Theory with Engineering Applications is an expertly written and comprehensive textbook that comfortably fills a hole in the market for an up-to-date teaching resource on biomaterials. It covers a range of material types, processing options and characterizations, and describes in detail their multidisciplinary applications. It should appeal to not only undergraduate students of biomedicine and bioengineering but also postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in material science related to human biological systems.展开更多
Every year, millions of individuals throughout the world are seriously affected by dengue virus. The unavailability of a vaccine and of anti-viral drugs has made this mosquito-borne disease a serious health concern. N...Every year, millions of individuals throughout the world are seriously affected by dengue virus. The unavailability of a vaccine and of anti-viral drugs has made this mosquito-borne disease a serious health concern. Not only does dengue cause fatalities but it also has a profoundly negative economic impact. In recent decades, extensive research has been performed on epidemiology, vector biology, life cycle, pathogenesis, vaccine development and prevention. Although dengue research is still not at a stage to suggest definite hopes of a cure, encouraging significant advances have provided remarkable progress in the fight against infection. Recent developments indicate that both anti-viral drug and vaccine research should be pursued, in parallel with vector control programs.展开更多
文摘Dengue is an increasingly significant vector-borne infectious disease, with over 50 million cases reported in more than half the world’s recognised independent states. Dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are distinct clinical forms of an infection that is caused by Dengue Virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family. All four well characterized serotypes of the virus can cause the full spectrum of disease from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening symptoms. For effective prevention and/or treatment of disease symptoms, early and rapid detection of virus in specimens collected from clinically suspected persons is a requirement that remains challenging. A positive laboratory diagnosis is essential to confirm dengue virus infection and hence to inform patient therapy. Here, we consider the pros and cons of currently available methods for identification, ranging from conventional to sophisticated tests. Reports indicate the use of a variety of diagnostic methods of varying sensitivity, highlighting the necessity for standardisation and quality control. Several novel approaches are in development and demand further evaluation.
文摘Investigation of the intimate relationship between the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its Anopheles vector requires the reliable production and isolation of successive sexual stages of the parasite from infected mosquitoes. Such an advance in propagation would benefit a range of molecular, cellular, immunochemical and transmission-blocking research studies. Parasite cultivation, mosquito rearing, infection and subsequent dissection of mosquitoes are all highly technical procedures that require both skill and experience to perform with competence. Furthermore, to produce mosquitoes of an appropriate age to infect during the short period in which parasites are viable for infection demands precise planning in order to coordinate the interacting life cycles of the parasite and vector. Here, a protocol is described for the complete development of P. falciparum within Anopheles stephensi. A very consistent, high level production in vivo of P. falciparum oocysts and sporozoites is demonstrable by dissection of the mosquito midgut and salivary glands, respectively.
文摘The worldwide decline over the last decade in the number of clinical cases of malaria does not mean an end to the universal problem of malaria pathogenesis in those afflicted by infection. Resistance to drugs, higher risk of disease relapse and failure to maintain effective memory of the pathogen in the absence of persistent exposure result in the repeated failure of anti-malarialtreatments. The artificial blocking of transmission of the Plasmodium parasite between hosts from human to Anopheles mosquito, and vice versa, is crucial to restricting the spread of disease. However, a limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in operation for transmission of malaria has impeded progress towards a transmission-blocking vaccine. This review highlights the role of anti-malarial immune responses to antigen-specific targets for designing effective vaccines against the sexual stages of Plasmodium that occur within the invertebrate vector. In particular, artificial induction of gametocyte and ookinete apoptosis as a novel means to prevent gamete fertilization and oocyte development, respectively, is highlighted. This and other recent insights into our understanding of the molecular regulation of transmission-blocking immunity are discussed and future prospects considered.
文摘Introduction to Biomaterials: Basic Theory with Engineering Applications is an expertly written and comprehensive textbook that comfortably fills a hole in the market for an up-to-date teaching resource on biomaterials. It covers a range of material types, processing options and characterizations, and describes in detail their multidisciplinary applications. It should appeal to not only undergraduate students of biomedicine and bioengineering but also postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in material science related to human biological systems.
文摘Every year, millions of individuals throughout the world are seriously affected by dengue virus. The unavailability of a vaccine and of anti-viral drugs has made this mosquito-borne disease a serious health concern. Not only does dengue cause fatalities but it also has a profoundly negative economic impact. In recent decades, extensive research has been performed on epidemiology, vector biology, life cycle, pathogenesis, vaccine development and prevention. Although dengue research is still not at a stage to suggest definite hopes of a cure, encouraging significant advances have provided remarkable progress in the fight against infection. Recent developments indicate that both anti-viral drug and vaccine research should be pursued, in parallel with vector control programs.
