scholarly journals Current Progresses in the Development of Biosensors for the Diagnosis of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Pedro Augusto De Freitas Borges ◽  
Wagner Augusto Fiel ◽  
Vitor Azevedo Vasconcellos ◽  
Ricardo Adriano Dorledo De Faria
Keyword(s):  
High Selectivity ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Sophisticated Equipment ◽  
Reduction Of Mortality ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization classifies neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in order to highlight the impact of these diseases on public health and as a tool to eradicate them. Due to its risk to human health, especially in the last decade, several publications have been dedicated to the proposal of alternative diagnosis for NTDs. The rapid detection of these diseases is essential for the early initiation of treatment and, thus, allows the reduction of mortality and improves the quality of life of patients. However, the conventional techniques used to detect NTDs are expensive, time-consuming and require more sophisticated equipment in the laboratory, which hinders analyzes to be performed in situ. In light of this context, researchers have been working on the application of biosensors to overcome the current problems. The results found have been promising, as the biosensors exhibited low detection limits with high selectivity and the possibility of performance in miniaturized/portable systems. This technology combines the specificity of biological probes with the sensitivity and stability of several groups of transducers (mainly electrochemical and optical ones). In the present manuscript, we reviewed the recent advances in the field of biosensors to detect some of the main pathogens causing NTDs worldwide (Zika, dengue, schistosomiasis, malaria, snakebite envenoming, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease).

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on AIDS-related mycoses and fungal neglected tropical diseases: Why should we worry?

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009092
Author(s):  
Sanaz Nargesi ◽  
Felix Bongomin ◽  
Mohammad T. Hedayati
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
New Wave ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Therapeutic Research ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis to be fungal neglected tropical diseases (FNTDs). Depending on climatic, cultural, and economic contexts, these diseases have a similar geographical distribution as many other diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, but are often less targeted by the national and many international healthcare systems. Another subgroup of fungal infections, such as candidiasis, cryptococcosis, pneumocystosis, histoplasmosis, and to a lesser extent, aspergillosis, are known as AIDS-related mycoses. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been able to decrease the mortality rate of these diseases, particularly cryptococcosis, the disproportionately low distribution of funds to their diagnosis and treatment remains an obstacle in saving and improving the lives of patients affected. A new wave of viral diseases dubbed the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the world at the end of 2019. Due to progressive symptoms and high mortality rates of COVID-19 compared to fungal infections, particularly the FNTDs, funding is currently allocated predominantly for diagnostic and therapeutic research on COVID-19. As a result, advances in FNTDs and AIDS-related mycosis care are considerably reduced. This paper explores the association between COVID-19, FNTDs, and AIDS-related mycoses with a predictive perspective.

Heterocycles in the Treatment of Neglected Tropical Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kush K. Maheshwari ◽  
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect a huge population of the world and majority of the victims belong to the poor community of the developing countries. Until now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 20 tropical diseases as NTDs that must be addressed with high priority. However, many heterocyclic scaffolds have demonstrated potent therapeutic activity against several NTDs. Objective: There are three major objectives: (1) To discuss the causes, symptoms, and current status of all the 20 NTDs; (2) To explore the available heterocyclic drugs, and their mechanism of actions (if known) that are being used to treat NTDs; (3) To develop general awareness on NTDs among the medicinal/health research community and beyond. Methods: The 20 NTDs have been discussed according to their alphabetic orders along with the possible heterocyclic remedies. Current status of treatment with an emphasis on the heterocyclic drugs (commercially available and investigational) has been outlined. In addition, brief discussion of the impacts of NTDs on socio-economic condition is included. Results: NTDs are often difficult to diagnose and the problem is worsened by the unhealthy hygiene, improper awareness, and inadequate healthcare in the developing countries where these diseases primarily affect poor people. The statistics include duration of suffering, numbers affected, and access to healthcare and medication. The mechanism of actions of various heterocyclic drugs, if reported, have been briefly summarized. Conclusion: Scientists and pharmaceutical corporations should allocate more resources to reveal the in-depth mechanism of actions of many heterocyclic drugs that are currently being used for the treatment of NTDs. Analysis of current heterocyclic compounds and development of new medications can help in the fight to reduce/remove the devastating effects of NTDs. An opinion-based concise review has been presented. Based on available literature, this is the first effect to present all the 20 NTDs and related heterocyclic compounds under the same umbrella.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID−19 on Female Sexual Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7152
Author(s):  
Anna Fuchs ◽  
Aleksandra Matonóg ◽  
Joanna Pilarska ◽  
Paulina Sieradzka ◽  
Mateusz Szul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Polish Version ◽  
The World ◽  
Female Sexual Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID−19), announced as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, recently has dominated people’s lifestyle. The impact of COVID−19 seems to be relevant to the sexual health as well. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on two occasions involving 764 female patients between March and April 2020—before and during the time of social quarantine. The sexual function was assessed using the Polish version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Every patient filled out the survey concerning socio-demographic characteristics as well as the influence of SARS-CoV−2 pandemic on their lives. Results: The overall FSFI score before the pandemic was 30.1 ± 4.4 and changed to 25.8 ± 9.7 during it. Scores of every domain: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain decreased as well (p < 0.001). There was statistically significant association between the workplace and the change of FSFI scores before and during COVID−19 pandemic (p < 0.01). We noticed the biggest decrease in FSFI score in the group of women who did not work at all (5.2 ± 9.9). Religion had a statistically important impact on level of anxiety (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The main finding of our study was the influence of COVID−19 pandemic on the quality of sexual lifestyle and frequency of intercourse among Polish women.

Dementia 7. When dementia is diagnosed, supporting the person and family caregivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-184
Author(s):  
Linda Nazarko
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Learning Capacity ◽  
The Family ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

The impact of a dementia diagnosis can be devastating to the person with dementia and his or her family. The person and their loved ones have been informed that the person has a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement ( World Health Organization (WHO), 2017 ). It is often thought of as a diagnosis of despair; however, if managed well, the diagnosis is an opportunity to enable the person to experience the best possible quality of life and to inform the family of his or her wishes in relation to end-of-life care.

scholarly journals The untapped cell biology of neglected tropical diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 739-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization lists a constellation of 17 tropical diseases that afflict approximately one in six individuals on the planet and, until recently, few resources have been devoted to the treatment and eradication of those diseases. They are often referred to as the diseases of the “bottom billion,” because they are most prevalent among the poorest individuals in impoverished tropical nations. However, the few studies that have been performed reveal an extraordinary world of molecular and cellular adaptations that facilitate the pathogens’ survival in hosts ranging from insects to humans. A compelling case can be made that even a modest investment toward understanding the basic molecular and cell biology of these neglected pathogens has a high probability of yielding exciting new cellular mechanisms and insights into novel ways of combating these diseases.

scholarly journals Neglected tropical diseases in Brazil

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Angelo L. Lindoso ◽  
Ana Angélica B.P. Lindoso
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
The North ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Organization

Poverty is intrinsically related to the incidence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The main countries that have the lowest human development indices (HDI) and the highest burdens of NTDs are located in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Among these countries is Brazil, which is ranked 70th in HDI. Nine out of the ten NTDs established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are present in Brazil. Leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, dengue fever and leprosy are present over almost the entire Brazilian territory. More than 90% of malaria cases occur in the Northern region of the country, and lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis occur in outbreaks in a particular region. The North and Northeast regions of Brazil have the lowest HDIs and the highest rates of NTDs. These diseases are considered neglected because there is not important investment in projects for the development of new drugs and vaccines and existing programs to control these diseases are not sufficient. Another problem related to NTDs is co-infection with HIV, which favors the occurrence of severe clinical manifestations and therapeutic failure. In this article, we describe the status of the main NTDs currently occurring in Brazil and relate them to the HDI and poverty.

scholarly journals Impact of schistosomiasis on quality of life and productivity of workers

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 354-362
Author(s):  
M. I. Kamel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hours Of Work ◽  
Productivity Indicators ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
General Physical ◽  
Textile Factory ◽  
The Impact

The effect of schistosomiasis on quality of life [QOL] and productivity of workers was examined. In a textile factory in Alexandria, Egypt, personal, occupational and sociodemographic data were collected from 172 workers with schistosomiasis and 172 workers without schistosomiasis. Several indicators of productivity and the World Health Organization QOL brief were used to determine the impact of schistosomiasis. The disease affected the general, physical and independence, psychological and spiritual, and social domains of QOL. Although the productivity score of workers with schistosomiasis did not differ significantly from the control group, they had significantly lower additional hours of work and lower total incentives/month. A significant relationship was found between severity of schistosomiasis and QOL domains and productivity indicators.

scholarly journals Community Based Chagas Control Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Effective Transmission

In 2012, World Health Organization published the first ever Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Roadmap, entitled “Accelerating Work to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Roadmap for Implementation.” This report brought international attention to Chagas and other NTDs and provided a framework to guide implementation of policies and strategies set out in the Global Plan to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases 2008-2015. Chagas disease, endemic to Bolivia, is considered the third most common parasitic disease globally, after malaria and schistosomiasis. It is estimated that six to seven million persons are infected worldwide. [1] Bolivia has the highest rate of endemic Chagas disease in the Americas. Chagas disease is both a disease of poverty and, like other neglected tropical diseases, poverty promoting. [2] Chagas disease is associated with multiple social and environmental determinants in communities marked by poverty. Salient among the main determinants are poor-quality dwellings, social instability, the combined presence of certain environmental factors, such as the Chagas vectors, mammals that serve as reservoirs of the disease and human exposure, creating the conditions for perpetuating the effective transmission of the infection and its endemicity. These challenges put pregnant women, young children and children with disabilities at especially high risk for contracting Chagas disease. Left untreated, Chagas disease can lead to serious heart, digestive and neurological conditions.

scholarly journals New global targets for NTDs in the WHO roadmap 2021–2030

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e0009373
Author(s):  
Adriano Casulli
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
Second World

The second World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day was celebrated on 30 January 2021. To mark the occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its roadmap for NTDs for the period 2021 to 2030, which is aimed at increasing prevention and control of these too-long neglected diseases. Described here is a global overview on past achievements, current challenges, and future prospects for the WHO NTDs roadmap 2021–2030.

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