Histoplasmosis in Africa: Current perspectives,knowledge gaps,and research priorities

BackgroundHistoplasmosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The 2 variants Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc) and Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (Hcd) causes infection in humans and commonly termed classical or American histoplasmosis and African histoplasmosis, respectively. Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (Hcf) affects equines. In recent times, there have been heightened sensitization on fungal infections such as histoplasmosis in Africa, aimed at improving awareness among relevant stakeholders, particularly healthcare workers. This effort is expected to be paralleled with increased detection of both classical and African histoplasmosis, which has remained underdiagnosed over the years. In this narrative review, we describe the current perspectives of histoplasmosis in Africa, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest research priorities.MethodsA PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journal Online (AJOL) literature search was conducted for studies on histoplasmosis in Africa between 2000 and 2020. Histoplasmosis essays in medical mycology textbooks were also consulted. This narrative review was prepared from the data gathered.FindingsIn the past 2 decades, histoplasmosis in general has seen a relative increase in case detection in some Africa countries, probably attributable to the gradually increasing medical mycology advocacy efforts in Africa. Histoplasmosis cases are dominated by African histoplasmosis mostly in Western and Central Africa, while classical histoplasmosis is more common in Southern and Northern Africa. Although both classical and African histoplasmosis are common in Africa, the latter is more restricted to Africa, and cases outside the continent usually have a travel history to the continent. Despite the clinical and laboratory difference between African histoplasmosis and classical histoplasmosis, it is not straightforward to distinguish them. The typical manifestation of African histoplasmosis is the appearance of lesions affecting the skin, bones, and lymph nodes and unusually linked to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. By contrast, classical histoplasmosis mostly affects the lungs and is often associated with immunosuppression, mainly HIV/AIDS. The present perspectives of histoplasmosis in Africa highlight unclear details on the true burden, strain diversity, infection route and genetic basis of African histoplasmosis, availability of specie-specific diagnostic tools, and compliance with recommended antifungal therapy. These knowledge gaps represent research questions that require scientific exploration.ConclusionsDespite a subtle increase in identifying histoplasmosis cases in Africa, it remains underdiagnosed and neglected in some parts of the continent. Increasing awareness and training among healthcare workers, bridging diagnostic and therapeutic gaps, and encouraging more research in Africa are crucial to improve the current perspectives of histoplasmosis in Africa.     

Pinus radiata invasion in Australia: Identifying key knowledge gaps and research directions

Abstract Early recognition of plant invaders has been widely identified as the key to their successful management and yet too often species are only noticed and receive adequate attention once they have become widespread and control has become difficult and costly. Slow growing species are at particular risk of being overlooked, despite their ability to cause significant ecological damage. One such species, Pinus radiata (Monterey pine), has spread from large commercial plantations into native vegetation across the southern hemisphere. Here we review the status of P. radiata invasion in Australia, a country where the species has successfully naturalized but remains an invader of only low‐level concern. Patterns of spread in Australia mirror those in New Zealand and South Africa, two countries where invasive pines are considered major threats to biodiversity. While many areas adjacent to plantations remain free from invasion, dense infestations have occurred at several sites in areas of high conservation value demanding the implementation of adequate control measures. Expansion of Australia's plantation estate and increasing human disturbance of natural areas surrounding plantations will increase the likelihood and extent of invasion. Continued monitoring of wildling populations will determine the ability of pines to dominate native eucalypt forest and will provide insight into broader ideas of community invasibility.     

益生菌改善非酒精性脂肪肝病的研究进展

非酒精性脂肪肝病(non alcoholic fatty liver disease,NAFLD)是一种较为常见的慢性肝病,在我国居民中NAFLD正呈现低龄化和迅速上升的态势。而NAFLD的发病机制尚未完全阐明,一般认为其与肥胖、糖尿病、高脂血症、胰岛素抵抗及遗传易感等诸多因素相关。“肠-肝轴”学说的提出,使医药界同仁普遍认识到肠道益生菌在NAFLD的发生过程中扮演着重要角色,也随之引发了关于肠道益生菌对NAFLD治疗价值的思考与探索。该综述主要对益生菌改善NAFLD的研究进展进行总结,以期能够为NAFLD临床治疗提供参考。     

Cecidophyopsis mites and blackcurrant reversion virus on Ribes hosts: Current scientific progress and knowledge gaps

The production of Ribes (Rosaceae) in temperate regions in Europe, Asia and New Zealand is severely constrained by damages of Cecidophyopsis mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) and blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV) (Nepovirus, Secoviridae). The infestation of Ribes plants with Cecidophyopsis mites and BRV infection is a complex tripartite system. This paper reviews scientific progress and knowledge gaps on the Cecidophyopsis-BRV-Ribes complex emphasising Cecidophyopsis mites as a pest and natural vector of BRV, BRV as a pathogen, and Ribes as a host plant with horticultural significance. Cecidophyopsis species occurring on Ribes, their host range, geographic distribution and the role in BRV transmission is reviewed. Blackcurrant reversion disease symptoms and BRV hosts are analysed. Resistance of Ribes to Cecidophyopsis and BRV, and resistance breeding aspects are discussed. Discrepancies in research data, controversies and problems are highlighted, and further research is suggested to clarify some of the controversial aspects.     

Diet and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common and serious form of chronic liver disease. It is characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver and is associated with all aspects - and may even be an initiating factor - of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings from human studies on dietary effects on hepatic lipid accumulation. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological studies did not give consistent results. From intervention studies there is evidence to support a role for weight loss. Some studies have also suggested that decreasing total fat intake and increasing the intake of fish oils may be beneficial in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. SUMMARY: Only a few studies have focused on dietary effects on hepatic lipid accumulation. So far, there is only evidence to support a role for weight loss. Decreasing total fat intake and increasing the intake of fish oils may also be beneficial, but these conclusions are based on a limited number of studies, which sometimes lacked a proper control group. Also, other nutrients have not been studied in detail. Therefore, there is an urgent need for evidence-based dietary guidelines to prevent or even to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.     

Alzheimer's disease: current knowledge,management and research

Alzheimer''s disease is a common neurological condition, appearing as early as age 40 but increasing dramatically in incidence over age 85. Different genetic factors are at play, modified by events over a lifetime. Clinical diagnosis is possible through careful history taking with a reliable informant and a minimum number of laboratory tests. A relatively predictable natural history can be observed, with progression through stages of cognitive loss, functional impairment and behavioural disinhibition or apathy. New medications such as donepezil offer hope for improving or stabilizing symptoms. Such treatment can be administered by primary care physicians with experience in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer''s disease. Disease stabilization, or even prevention, may be possible in the future.     

Mediterranean non-indigenous bryozoans: an update and knowledge gaps

This paper provides an inventory of non-indigenous bryozoan species (NIB) recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. Taking into account previous NIB lists and updated non-indigenous concept, a careful literature review was carried out, reporting data on 33 NIB from 14 Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Spain, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey). A total of 296 valid records were listed, including 6 yet unpublished. Other 62 records were labelled as uncertain and listed separately, until further analyses on taxonomic identity, non-indigenous status and distribution patterns of the species involved will clarify their status. The countries with the higher numbers of NIB and single records are Lebanon (20 and 78, respectively) and Italy (12 and 112, respectively). The distribution of NIB in the Mediterranean Sea appears scattered and no data are available at all for eight countries. Studies and monitoring efforts on bryozoans in the Mediterranean Sea are not evenly distributed, probably as a consequence of the decrease in number of expert taxonomists and the poor allocation of funds on biodiversity studies. The coordination among Mediterranean countries on standardised sampling methods is needed in order to create a comprehensive baseline knowledge on NIB distribution in the Mediterranean Sea and prioritise taxa and countries that are still poorly investigated.     

肠道菌群与非酒精性脂肪肝病相关性研究进展

近年来关于肠道菌群与非酒精性脂肪肝疾病关系的研究越来越多。非酒精性脂肪肝是一种无过量饮酒史,肝内脂肪过量堆积的慢性疾病。生理解剖结构上的“肠-肝轴”表明肠道和肝脏有着密不可分的关系。肠道菌群一般情况下处于动态平衡,可以维持肠道正常生理功能。肠道菌群可通过改善肠道通透性、干预脂质代谢、产生内源性乙醇和产生短链脂肪酸等来影响非酒精性脂肪肝疾病的发生与发展。临床上对于治疗非酒精性脂肪肝没有确切的药物,增加有益肠道菌群的因素,如益生元、益生菌等能够调节肠道的微环境,这为非酒精性脂肪肝疾病的治疗开辟了新的方向。     

Breath biomarkers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Preliminary observations

Breath biomarkers have the potential to offer information that is similar to conventional clinical tests or they are entirely unique. Preliminary data support the use of breath biomarkers in the study of liver disease, in particular non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It was evaluated whether breath ethanol, ethane, sulfur compounds and acetone would be associated with hepatic histopathology amongst morbidly obese patients presenting for bariatric surgery. Breath samples were collected during a preoperative visit and compared with liver biopsies obtained during the surgery. A Student's two-tailed t-test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Linear regression was used to analyse associations between the concentrations of breath molecules and independent predictor variables. It was found that breath ethanol, ethane and acetone can be useful biomarkers in patients with NAFLD. In particular, breath ethanol can be associated with hepatic steatosis, and breath acetone can be associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.     

肠道菌群对代谢相关性脂肪肝的影响及运动干预研究进展

大量研究表明,肠道菌群与神经退行性疾病和代谢性疾病等多种疾病的发生和发展息息相关,菌群的种类和数量会受到遗传、饮食习惯、运动等因素的影响。在代谢相关脂肪性肝病中,肠道菌群的部分代谢物通过增加肝脏脂肪变性、改变肠道黏膜通透性等方式对疾病的发展起到促进作用,菌群的种类和数量变化与病情进展的关系也被广泛研究,但是两者发生的先后顺序仍不十分明确。运动可以增加肠道有益菌群的种类和数量,同时改善高脂饮食导致的肠道菌群紊乱,并有效缓解代谢相关脂肪性肝病的病情,肠道菌群也能对机体的运动能力产生影响,但运动是如何通过肠道菌群来改善代谢相关脂肪性肝病的机制尚不十分明确。本文通过综述三者的相互关系来阐述肠道菌群和运动在代谢相关脂肪性肝病中发挥的重要作用。     

NHE1 deficiency in liver: Implications for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD is closely associated with the dysregulation of lipid homeostasis. Diet-induced hepatic steatosis, which can initiate NAFLD progression, has been shown to be dramatically reduced in mice lacking the electroneutral Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger NHE1 (Slc9a1). In this study, we investigated if NHE1 deficiency had effects in liver that could contribute to the apparent protection against aberrant lipid accumulation. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses of wild-type and NHE1-null livers revealed an expression profile that strongly suggested attenuation of both de novo lipogenesis and hepatic stellate cell activation, which is implicated in liver fibrosis. This included upregulation of the farnesoid X receptor FXR, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor PPARγ, its co-activator PGC1α, and sestrin 2, an antioxidant protein involved in hepatic metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, expression levels of the pro-lipogenic liver X receptor LXRα, and acetyl CoA carboxylases 1 and 2 were downregulated. These changes were associated with evidence of reduced cellular stress, which persisted even upon exposure to a high-fat diet, and the better preservation of insulin signaling, as evidenced by protein kinase B/Akt phosphorylation (Ser473). These results indicate that NHE1 deficiency may protect against NAFLD pathogenesis, which is significant given the availability of highly specific NHE1 inhibitors.     

Probiotics: A possible specific liver drug for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is and will continue to be a major liver health issue worldwide in the coming decades. There are no leading drug candidates at this point, although there are several promising concepts in drug development. Recent studies have proposed a possible role of intestinal bacterial overgrowth in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, thus indicated probiotics maybe a potential specific liver drug for NAFLD in the future.