Examining the paradox: increased malaria risk in children under 5 in female-headed households in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Nigeria is facing a severe malaria crisis, accounting for a significant proportion of global cases and deaths of malaria. This study aimed to investigate the differences between female-headed households (FHHs) and male-headed households (MHHs) and their impact on malaria risk among children under five (U5) in Nigeria. METHODS: Data from the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) were used for this cross-sectional study. A representative sample of 10,988 households was analysed, with key variables subjected to frequency calculations, descriptive statistics, and bivariate analyses using t-tests and chi-square analyses to compare the differences between FHHs and MHHs. RESULTS: Among all participants, 92.1% (N = 10,126) reported residing in male-headed households, while 7.8% (N = 862) reported living in female-headed households. MHHs were significantly more likely to own insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) than FHHs (64.7% vs. 53.6%, P < 0.001). U5 children in MHHs had a greater likelihood of sleeping under a bed net the night before the survey than U5 children in FHHs (35.3% vs. 30.0%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of fever in the previous two weeks among U5 children was similar in MHHs and FHHs (35.4% vs. 31.4%), and the testing rates for malaria among U5 children who experienced febrile episodes were higher in MHHs than FHHs (22.4% vs. 15.4%, P < 0.05). Although not statistically significant, FHHs exhibited a higher percentage of U5 children testing positive for malaria compared to MHHs (87.8% vs. 78.9%). On the other hand, FHHs had higher education levels, overall wealth index scores, and a larger presence in urban areas compared to MHHs (P < 0.001). Moreover, FHHs reported higher adherence to malaria prevention awareness (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In Nigeria, FHHs enjoy relatively better socioeconomic conditions and stronger awareness of malaria prevention compared to their male-headed counterparts. Contrary to expectations, FHHs are at an increased risk of malaria in children under 5 years old. This phenomenon is associated with entrenched gender inequality and the challenges women face in accessing critical assets. As women in FHHs bear the responsibility of income generation while caring for their children, it is crucial to prioritize interventions that address malaria management in FHHs to reduce both malaria incidence and mortality rates.

Mosquito Repellents: Efficacy Tests of Commercial Skin-Applied Products in China.

As a prevention tool for mosquito-borne diseases, mosquito repellents have received substantial attention. To make a convincing recommendation for repellent products to Chinese consumers, we compared the protection time (landing time and probing time) of the 26 best-selling commercial repellents in the Chinese market in a controlled laboratory environment. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Meanwhile, prices and favorable rates of repellents are also taken into consideration. In our study, N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)-based products provided the longest protection time (0.5-3.88 h landing time and/or 1-5.63 h probing time) and lower prices (13.9-21.9 yuan) than other components (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535), picaridin, and botanical. Among the 26 selected products, only 17 repellents showed repellency, and the best repellent was Green Jungle (15% DEET), with a mean (±SD) landing and/or probing time of 3.88 ± 1.65 h and/or 5.63 ± 0.36 h. For botanicals, only ICE King, OMNIbaby, and Ren He showed a little repellency. Autan (20% picaridin) performed best in the picaridin group. Run Ben (7% IR3535) stood out from the IR3535 group. In conclusion, DEET repellent is highly recommended to consumers. The combination of botanicals and synthesized chemicals is a new prospect for eco-friendly repellents.

Application of the Scorpion Neurotoxin AaIT against Insect Pests.

Androctonus australis Hector insect toxin (AaIT), an insect-selective toxin, was identified in the venom of the scorpion Androctonus australis. The exclusive and specific target of the toxin is the voltage-gated sodium channels of the insect, resulting in fast excitatory paralysis and even death. Because of its strict toxic selectivity and high bioactivity, AaIT has been widely used in experiments exploring pest bio-control. Recombinant expression of AaIT in a baculovirus or a fungus can increase their virulence to insect pests and diseases vectors. Likewise, transgenic plants expressing AaIT have notable anti-insect activity. AaIT is an efficient toxin and has great potential to be used in the development of commercial insecticides.

Analysis of the Differential Exosomal miRNAs of DC2.4 Dendritic Cells Induced by Toxoplasma gondii Infection.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals. Exosomes are endocytic-derived vesicles released by cells, representing an important mode of intercellular communication. In exosomes, specific molecules of proteins, lipids, and mRNAs or miRNAs have been detected, some of which are capable of transferring biologically active molecules to recipient cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the only antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that activate the initial immune response. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the exosomal miRNA profile of DC2.4 cells infected with Toxoplasma gondii for 28 h, compared with those of uninfected DC2.4 cells. Differential exosomal miRNAs (DEmiRs) from these two cell groups were analyzed. Through high-throughput sequencing, 3434 DEmiRs were obtained, and 12 stably enriched DEmiRNAs were verified by Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and selected for further analysis. The target genes of these 12 miRNAs were predicted with online analysis software and subjected to bioinformatics analyses including protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, key driver analysis (KDA), gene ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. These DEmiRs were found to be associated with a variety of biological processes and signaling pathways involved in host ubiquitin system, innate immunity, biosynthesis, and transferase activity and could be potential biomarkers for T. gondii infection.

[Secretion and Distribution of Rhoptry Protein 16 during Toxoplasma gondii Invasion into Host Cells].

Objective: To examine the secretion and localization of Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry protein 16 （ROP16） during invasion of different strains of T. gondii into host cells. Methods: The Tgrop16 gene was amplified by PCR on the cDNA of T. gondii RH strain, subcloned into the plasmid pET-32a（+）, and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21（DE3） under the induction of isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. New Zealand rabbit was immuned with the expressed recombinant protein TgROP16 to produce polyclonal anti-TgROP16 antibody. The specificity and sensitivity of the polyclonal antibody were examined by Western blotting and indirect ELISA, respectively. The transcriptional and protein levels of Tgrop16 in T. gondii RH strain and Pru strain were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The secretion and distribution of TgROP16 in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) during the invasion by T. gondii RH strain and Pru strain were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Results: Western blotting showed a specific band at M(r) of ～100 000, indicating that the specific rabbit-derived anti-TgROP16 polyclonal antibody was capable of recognizing TgROP16. Indirect ELISA revealed a titer of 1:25 600 for the antibody. The relative expression level of Tgrop16 in Pru strain［（7.786±0.206）］ was 7 times than that in RH strain［（1.000±0.110）］（P<0.05） as detected by real-time PCR, and TgROP16 protein level was higher in RH strain than in Pru strain. IFA showed that TgROP16 was localized on the apical complex of the unrecruited tachyzoite of T. gondii before invasion and was secreted out of the recruited tachyzoite after invasion. Conclusion: The anti-TgROP16 polyclonal antibody has high specificity and sensitivity. The TgROP16 protein level is higher in the RH strain than in the Pru strain. For both strains, TgROP16 is localized on the apical complex of the unrecruited tachyzoite before invasion and secreted out of the recruited tachyzoite during invasion.

A review on Zika vaccine development.

Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family, is mainly transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. In newborns, ZIKV infection can cause severe symptoms such as microcephaly, while in adults, it can lead to Guillain‒Barré syndrome (GBS). Due to the lack of specific therapeutic methods against ZIKV, the development of a safe and effective vaccine is extremely important. Several potential ZIKV vaccines, such as live attenuated, inactivated, nucleic acid, viral vector, and recombinant subunit vaccines, have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials involving human participants. Therefore, in this review, the recent developmental progress, advantages and disadvantages of these five vaccine types are examined, and practical recommendations for future development are provided.

Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for severe dengue fever and West Nile fever: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever (DF) and West Nile fever (WNF) have become endemic worldwide in the last two decades. Studies suggest that individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from these diseases. Identifying the factors associated with a severe clinical presentation is crucial, as prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and fatalities. This article aims to summarize and assess the published evidence regarding the link between DM and the risk of severe clinical manifestations in cases of DF and WNF. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A systematic search was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. 27 studies (19 on DF, 8 on WNF) involving 342,873 laboratory-confirmed patients were included in the analysis. The analysis showed that a diagnosis of DM was associated with an increased risk for severe clinical presentations of both DF (OR 3.39; 95% CI: 2.46, 4.68) and WNF (OR 2.89; 95% CI: 1.89, 4.41). DM also significantly increased the risk of death from both diseases (DF: OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.52; WNF: OR 1.74; 95% CI: 1.40, 2.17). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides strong evidence supporting the association between DM and an increased risk of severe clinical manifestations in cases of DF and WNF. Diabetic individuals in DF or WNF endemic areas should be closely monitored when presenting with febrile symptoms due to their higher susceptibility to severe disease. Early detection and appropriate management strategies are crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with DF and WNF in diabetic patients. Tailored care and targeted public health interventions are needed to address this at-risk population. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Recombinant Beauveria bassiana expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt1Aa: a promising approach for enhancing Aedes mosquito control.

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana provides an eco-friendly substitute to chemical insecticides for mosquito control. Nevertheless, its widespread application has been hindered by its comparatively slow efficacy in eliminating mosquitoes. To augment the potency of B. bassiana against Aedes mosquitoes, a novel recombinant strain, Bb-Cyt1Aa, was developed by incorporating the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin gene Cyt1Aa into B. bassiana. The virulence of Bb-Cyt1Aa was evaluated against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using insect bioassays. Compared to the wild-type (WT) strain, the median lethal time (LT50) for A. aegypti larvae infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa decreased by 33.3% at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/mL and by 22.2% at 1 × 107 conidia/mL. The LT50 for A. aegypti adults infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa through conidia ingestion was reduced by 37.5% at 1 × 108 conidia/mL and by 33.3% at 1 × 107 conidia/mL. Likewise, the LT50 for A. aegypti adults infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa through cuticle contact decreased by 33.3% and 30.8% at the same concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, the Bb-Cyt1Aa strain also demonstrated increased toxicity against both larval and adult A. albopictus, when compared to the WT strain. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the expression of B. thuringiensis toxin Cyt1Aa in B. bassiana enhanced its virulence against Aedes mosquitoes. This suggests that B. bassiana expressing Cyt1Aa has potential value for use in mosquito control. IMPORTANCE: Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus that can be utilized as a bioinsecticide against mosquitoes. Cyt1Aa is a delta-endotoxin protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis that exhibits specific and potent insecticidal activity against mosquitoes. In our study, the expression of this toxin Cyt1Aa in B. bassiana enhances the virulence of B. bassiana against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, thereby increasing their effectiveness in killing mosquitoes. This novel strain can be used alongside chemical insecticides to reduce dependence on harmful chemicals, thereby minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. Additionally, the potential resistance of B. bassiana against mosquitoes in the future could be overcome by acquiring novel combinations of exogenous toxin genes. The presence of B. bassiana that expresses Cyt1Aa is of significant importance in mosquito control as it enhances genetic diversity, creates novel virulent strains, and contributes to the development of safer and more sustainable methods of mosquito control.

Challenge and opportunity for vector control strategies on key mosquito-borne diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mosquito-borne diseases are major global health problems that threaten nearly half of the world's population. Conflicting resources and infrastructure required by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic have resulted in the vector control process being more demanding than ever. Although novel vector control paradigms may have been more applicable and efficacious in these challenging settings, there were virtually no reports of novel strategies being developed or implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the implementation of conventional mosquito vector measures. Varying degrees of disruptions in malaria control and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spray (IRS) distributions worldwide from 2020 to 2021 were reported. Control measures such as mosquito net distribution and community education were significantly reduced in sub-Saharan countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for innovative vector control technologies currently being developed. Releasing sterile or lethal gene-carrying male mosquitoes and novel biopesticides may have advantages that are not matched by traditional vector measures in the current context. Here, we review the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on current vector control measures from 2020 to 2021 and discuss the future direction of vector control, taking into account probable evolving conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sex pheromone heptacosane enhances the mating competitiveness of sterile Aedes aegypti males.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti is a vector that transmits various viral diseases, including dengue and Zika. The radiation-based sterile insect technique (SIT) has a limited effect on mosquito control because of the difficulty in irradiating males without reducing their mating competitiveness. In this study, the insect sex pheromone heptacosane was applied to Ae. aegypti males to investigate whether it could enhance the mating competitiveness of irradiated males. METHODS: Heptacosane was smeared on the abdomens of Ae. aegypti males that were allowed to mate with untreated virgin females. The insemination rate was used to assess the attractiveness of heptacosane-treated males to females. The pupae were irradiated with different doses of X-rays and γ-rays, and the emergence, survival time, egg number, and hatch rate were detected to find the optimal dose of X-ray and γ-ray radiation. The males irradiated at the optimal dose were smeared with heptacosane, released in different ratios with untreated males, and mated with females. The effect of heptacosane on the mating competitiveness of irradiated mosquitoes was then evaluated by the hatch rate, induced sterility, and mating competitiveness index. RESULTS: Applying heptacosane to Ae. aegypti males significantly increased the insemination rate of females by 20%. Pupal radiation did not affect egg number but significantly reduced survival time and hatch rate. The emergence of the pupae was not affected by X-ray radiation but was affected by γ-ray radiation. Pupae exposed to 60 Gy X-rays and 40 Gy γ-rays were selected for subsequent experiments. After 60 Gy X-ray irradiation or 40 Gy γ-ray irradiation, the average hatch rate was less than 0.1%, and the average survival time was more than 15 days. Moreover, at the same release ratio, the hatch rate of the irradiated group perfumed with heptacosane was lower than that of the group without heptacosane. Conversely, the male sterility and male mating competitiveness index were significantly increased due to the use of heptacosane. CONCLUSIONS: The sex pheromone heptacosane enhanced the interaction between Ae. aegypti males and females. Perfuming males irradiated by X-rays or γ-rays with heptacosane led to a significant increase in mating competitiveness. This study provided a new idea for improving the application effect of SIT.

Sterility of Aedes albopictus by X-ray Irradiation as an Alternative to γ-ray Irradiation for the Sterile Insect Technique.

The mosquito Aedes albopictus can transmit various arboviral diseases, posing a severe threat to human health. As an environmentally friendly method, sterile insect technology (SIT) is considered an alternative to traditional methods such as chemical pesticides to control Ae. albopictus. In SIT, the sterility of male mosquitoes can be achieved by γ-ray or X-ray radiation. Compared with γ-rays, X-rays are easier to obtain, cheaper, and less harmful. However, there is a lack of comparative assessment of these two types of radiation for SIT under the same controlled conditions. Here, we compared the effects of X-ray and γ-ray radiation on the sterility of Ae. albopictus males under laboratory-controlled conditions. Neither type of radiation affected the number of eggs but significantly reduced the survival time and hatch rate. The same dose of γ-rays caused a higher sterility effect on males than X-rays but had a more significant impact on survival. However, X-rays could achieve the same sterility effect as γ-rays by increasing the radiation dose. For example, X-rays of 60 Gy induced 99% sterility, similar to γ-rays of 40 Gy. In the test of male mating competitiveness, the induced sterility and the male mating competitiveness index were also identical at the same release ratio (sterile males/fertile males). At a release ratio of 7:1, nearly 80% of eggs failed to hatch. Sterile males produced by X-ray and γ-ray radiation had similar male competitiveness in competition with field males. In conclusion, a higher dose of X-rays is required to achieve the same sterility effect, compared to γ-rays. When γ-rays are not readily available, high-dose X-rays can be used instead. This study provides data supporting the selection of more suitable radiation for the field release of sterile male mosquitoes.

Characteristics of and Public Health Responses to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in China.

In December 2019, cases of unidentified pneumonia with a history of exposure in the Huanan Seafood Market were reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified to be accountable for this disease. Human-to-human transmission is confirmed, and this disease (named COVID-19 by World Health Organization (WHO)) spread rapidly around the country and the world. As of 18 February 2020, the number of confirmed cases had reached 75,199 with 2009 fatalities. The COVID-19 resulted in a much lower case-fatality rate (about 2.67%) among the confirmed cases, compared with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Among the symptom composition of the 45 fatality cases collected from the released official reports, the top four are fever, cough, short of breath, and chest tightness/pain. The major comorbidities of the fatality cases include hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, and chronic bronchitis. The source of the virus and the pathogenesis of this disease are still unconfirmed. No specific therapeutic drug has been found. The Chinese Government has initiated a level-1 public health response to prevent the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, it is also crucial to speed up the development of vaccines and drugs for treatment, which will enable us to defeat COVID-19 as soon as possible.

A Review on Dengue Vaccine Development.

Dengue virus (DENV) has become a global health threat with about half of the world's population at risk of infection. Although the disease caused by DENV is self-limiting in the first infection, the antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) effect increases the mortality in the second infection with a heterotypic virus. Since there is no specific efficient medicine in treatment, it is urgent to develop vaccines to prevent infection and disease progression. Currently, only a live attenuated vaccine, chimeric yellow fever 17D-tetravalent dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV), has been licensed for clinical use in some countries, and many candidate vaccines are still under research and development. This review discusses the progress, strengths, and weaknesses of the five types of vaccines including live attenuated vaccine, inactivated virus vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, viral vectored vaccine, and DNA vaccine.

Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 inhibits human glioblastoma cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway by targeting host cell P2X1.

BACKGROUND: Apoptosis plays a critical role in the embryonic development, homeostasis of immune system and host defense against intracellular microbial pathogens. Infection by the obligate intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii can both inhibit and induce host cell apoptosis; however, the parasitic factors involved remain unclear. The T. gondii virulence factor ROP18 (TgROP18) has been reported to regulate host cell apoptosis; nevertheless, results for this regulation have been rarely reported or have provided contradictory findings. Human purinergic receptor 1 (P2X1) is an ATP-gated ion channel that responds to ATP stimulation and functions in cell apoptosis mediation. The precise roles of TgROP18 in T. gondii pathogenesis, and the relationship between TgROP18 and host P2X1 in host cell apoptosis are yet to be revealed. METHODS: Apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL assay. The interaction between TgROP18 and the host P2X1 was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay. Calcium influx and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were determined by FCM after JC-1 staining. The translocation of cytochrome C (Cyt C), Bax and Bcl2 proteins, expression of the apoptotic proteins PARP and caspase activation were detected by western blotting. RESULTS: The apoptosis rates of glial or immune cells (human SF268, mouse RAW264.7 and human THP-1 cells) infected by any T. gondii strain (RH-type I, ME49-type II and VEG-type III) were significantly inhibited compared with their uninfected controls. TgROP18 inhibited ATP-induced apoptosis of SF268 with P2X1 expression, but had no effect on RAW264.7 or THP-1 cells without detectable P2X1 expression. It was further identified that TgROP18 interacted with P2X1, and overexpression of ROP18 in COS7 cells significantly inhibited cell apoptosis mediated by P2X1. Moreover, TgROP18 also inhibited P2X1-mediated Ca2+ influx, translocation of cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and ATP-triggered caspase activation. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma gondii infection inhibits ATP-induced host cell apoptosis, regardless of strain virulence and host cell lines. TgROP18 targets the purinergic receptor P2X1 of the SF268 human neural cells and inhibits ATP-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, suggesting a sensor role for the host proapoptotic protein P2X1 in this process.

Expression of Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt2Ba in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana increases its virulence towards Aedes mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND: The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana has been widely used to kill mosquito larvae and adults in the laboratory and field. However, its slow action of killing has hampered its widespread application. In our study, the B. bassiana fungus was genetically modified to express the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cyt2Ba to improve its efficacy in killing mosquitoes. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The efficacy of the wild type (WT) of B. bassiana and a transgenic strain expressing Cyt2Ba toxin (Bb-Cyt2Ba) was evaluated against larval and adult Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) using insect bioassays. The Bb-Cyt2Ba displayed increased virulence against larval and adult Aedes mosquitoes compared with the WT: for Ae. aegypti adults, the median lethal time (LT50) was decreased by 33% at the concentration of 1× 108 conidia/ml, 19% at 1× 107 conidia/ml and 47% at 1× 106 conidia/ml. The LT50 for Ae. albopictus adults was reduced by 20%, 23% and 29% at the same concentrations, respectively. The LT50 for Ae. aegypti larvae was decreased by 42% at 1× 107 conidia/ml and 25% at 1× 106 conidia/ml, and that for Ae. albopictus larvae was reduced by 33% and 31% at the same concentrations, respectively. In addition, infection with Bb-Cyt2Ba resulted in a dramatic reduction in the fecundity of Aedes mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the virulence of B. bassiana against mosquitoes can be significantly improved by introducing the Bt toxin gene Cyt2Ba into the genome to express the exogenous toxin in the fungus. The transgenic strain Bb-Cyt2Ba significantly reduced the survival and fecundity of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus compared with the WT strain, which suggested that this recombinant B. bassiana has great potential for use in mosquito control.

The Differential Expression and Possible Function of Long Noncoding RNAs in Liver Cells Infected by Dengue Virus.

The function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in liver injury resulted by dengue virus (DENV) infection have not yet been explored. The differential expression profiles of lncRNAs (as well as mRNAs) in the L-02 liver cells infected by DENV1, DENV2, or uninfected were compared and analyzed after a high throughput RNA seq. The significantly up-regulated and down-regulated lncRNAs (or mRNAs) resulted by DENV infection were identified with a cutoff value at log2 (ratio) ≥ 1.5 and log2 (ratio) ≤ -1.5 (ratio = the reads of the lncRNAs or mRNAs from the infection groups divided by the reads from the control group). Several differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified with reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Target gene analysis, pre-miRNA prediction, and the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network construction were performed to predict the function of the differentially expressed lncRNAs. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with biosynthesis, DNA/RNA related processes, inhibition of estrogen signaling pathway, sterol biosynthetic process, protein dimerization activity, vesicular fraction in DENV1 infection group; and with protein secretion, methyltransferase process, host cell cytoskeleton reorganization and the small GTPase Ras superfamily, inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis in DENV2 infection. LncRNAs might be novel diagnostic markers and targets for further researches on dengue infection and liver injury resulted by dengue virus.

Scorpion neurotoxin AaIT-expressing Beauveria bassiana enhances the virulence against Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

To improve the insecticidal efficacy of this entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana, the fungus was genetically modified to express an insect-specific scorpion neurotoxin AaIT. The virulence of the recombinant B. bassiana strain (Bb-AaIT) against Aedes albopictus adults (which occurs via penetration through the cuticle during spore germination or by conidia ingestion), and the larvae (by conidia ingestion) was measured with bioassays. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of Bb-AaIT against A. albopictus larvae was 313.3-fold lower on day 4 and 11.3-fold lower on day 10 than that of the wild type (WT). Through conidia feeding or body contact, Bb-AaIT killed 50% of adult female mosquitoes at 3.9- or 1.9-fold reduced concentrations on day 4 and at 2.1- or 2.4-fold reduced concentrations on day 10. Compared with the results for the WT, the median lethal time (LT50) of Bb-AaIT was reduced by 28.6% at 1 × 107 conidia ml-1 and 34.3% at 1 × 106 conidia ml-1 in the larvae bioassay by conidia ingestion, while it decreased 32.3% at 1 × 107 conidia ml-1 by conidia ingestion and 24.2% at 1 × 108 conidia ml-1 by penetrating through the cuticle in the adult bioassay. All the differences were significant. Our findings indicated that Bb-AaIT had higher virulence and faster action than the WT in killing the larval and adult mosquitoes, and therefore, it is valuable for development as a commercial mosquito pesticide.