Journal of Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Repellent and Insecticidal Efficacy of Four Water-Soluble Formulations of Essential Oils Against <i>Aedes aegypti</i>.","authors":"Heber Silva-Díaz, Emma Vanesa Arriaga-Deza, Angie Vilma Serrato-Monja, Sebastian Iglesias-Osores, Lizzie Karen Becerra-Gutiérrez","doi":"10.1155/jotm/2881209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jotm/2881209","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Arboviral diseases transmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> mosquito cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the repellent and insecticidal efficacy of water-soluble formulations of essential oils impregnated into mosquito nets against the adult stage of <i>A. aegypti</i>.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A randomized laboratory bioassay was conducted using a controlled factorial design to evaluate four essential oil formulations (<i>Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogon citratus, Origanum vulgare, and Mentha piperita</i>) at concentrations of 10, 100, and 250 mg/mL. Each experimental group consisted of 60 laboratory-reared adult female <i>A. aegypti</i> specimens. The repellent effect, protection time, and insecticidal effect were evaluated by exposing the insects to a sedated animal bait (<i>Rattus norvegicus albinus</i>) covered with a mosquito net impregnated with the formulations of essential oils and DEET, as a positive control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The highest efficacy was seen in <i>C. citratus, E. globulus</i>, and <i>O. vulgare</i> at 250 mg/mL, with 93.3%-100.0% repellent effect and 180 min of protection time, similar to that obtained by 100 mg/mL DEET. The highest insecticidal effect was observed in <i>C. citratus</i> (26.7%) at a concentration of 250 mg/mL, similar to that observed in 100 mg/mL DEET. The repellent effect and protection time varied for each concentration tested, except for the insecticide, in which concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/mL had a similar effect (0%-6%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The repellency of water-soluble formulations of essential oils of <i>C. citratus</i>, <i>E. globulus</i>, and <i>O. vulgare</i> at 250 mg/mL, compared to 100 mg/mL DEET, represents a possible and complementary alternative for mosquito control.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2881209"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12910176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146220242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas) Database for Hunting Prospective Irreversible Covalent DprE1 Inhibitors With Antitubercular Activity: An Integrated <i>In-Silico</i> Approach.","authors":"Mahmoud A A Ibrahim, Doaa G M Mahmoud, Sherif S Ebada, Peter A Sidhom, Gamal A H Mekhemer, Mohamed-Elamir F Hegazy, Yanshuo Han, Tarad Abalkhail","doi":"10.1155/jotm/8879019","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/8879019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As the second most deadly infectious disease worldwide after COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing global health issue, further aggravated by multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) strains. There is an urgent need to identify new anti-TB treatments and novel therapeutics to confront drug resistance. The decaprenylphosphoryl-D-ribose oxidase (DprE1) is an essential protein for the biosynthesis of the mycobacterial cell wall, and its inhibition features a promising antitubercular strategy. NPAtlas was utilized as a reference database, comprising natural products with confirmed biological effects. The aim of the current study is to identify and prioritize promising nitro-containing natural products from the NPAtlas as potential covalent DprE1 inhibitors using advanced in silico approaches. Herein, the docking scores of 133 nitro-containing NPAtlas compounds were assessed using a covalent docking technique. Thereafter, NPAtlas compounds with docking scores lower than PBTZ169 (calc. -7.8 kcal·mol^-1) were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), accompanied by binding energy estimations utilizing the MM-GBSA approach. Based on MM-GBSA//250 ns MDS, NPA011203, NPA013234, NPA016048, NPA012944, NPA001712, and NPA002823 demonstrated higher binding affinities against DprE1 with Δ<i>G</i> _binding values of -75.6, -62.7, -61.6, -57.6, -54.8, and -50.7 kcal·mol^-1, respectively, than PBTZ169 (calc. -49.4 kcal·mol^-1). The identified NPAtlas compounds also demonstrated structural and energetic stability within the DprE1 active site throughout 250 ns MDS. Physicochemical and ADMET predictions of the identified NPAtlas compounds indicated a suitable molecular size, favorable absorption, and negligible toxicity, suggesting their potential oral bioavailability. These in silico outcomes provide preliminary insights into the identified NPAtlas compounds as potential DprE1 inhibitors and can guide subsequent in vitro/in vivo experiments.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8879019"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12906241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the Effectiveness of First Measured Arterial/Cord Blood Gas and Laboratory Results in Predicting the Treatment Model in Newborns Diagnosed With Transient Tachypnea.","authors":"Ali Bulbul, Tolga Bacak, Ahmet Yasar Tellioglu, Alper Divarcı, Hasan Avsar","doi":"10.1155/jotm/5637693","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/5637693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive effect of laboratory results and blood gas values on the selection of respiratory support models in infants diagnosed with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study was designed as a single-center, retrospective study. Infants born with gestational age ≥ 35 weeks diagnosed with TTN during a 2-year period were included. Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, respiratory support models, and length of hospital stay were recorded. The relationship between the obtained parameters and the percentage and duration of oxygen requirement, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), nasal synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (nSIMV), intubation, and hospitalization duration was evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study was completed with 327 infants. A correlation was found between pH and pCO2 values in the first blood gas analysis and the duration of oxygen administration (<i>p</i> : 0.019 and <i>p</i> : 0.001), and between serum calcium levels and peak sodium levels and the duration of nSIMV (<i>p</i> : 0.04 and <i>p</i> : 0.023). Low serum calcium, phosphorus, and initial sodium levels were identified in infants requiring invasive ventilation (<i>p</i> : 0.001, <i>p</i> : 0.006, and <i>p</i> : 0.012, respectively). In the ROC analysis used to predict intubation, the cutoff value for calcium was determined as < 8.11 mg/dL (AUC 0.771, [95% CI: 0.669-0.872], <i>p</i> : <0.001). For predicting the need for nCPAP, the cutoff value for pH in the first blood gas analysis was < 7.32 (AUC 0.705, [95% CI: 0.586-0.823], <i>p</i> : 0.003), and for predicting the need for nSIMV, the cutoff value for pH was < 7.28 (AUC 0.599, [95% CI: 0.535-0.663], <i>p</i> : 0.003).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It was determined that the initial blood gas pH and pCO2 values, as well as serum sodium, calcium, and phosphorus levels, could be used to predict the treatment model in infants diagnosed with TTN. Low calcium, phosphorus, and sodium levels were found in TTN-diagnosed infants requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5637693"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12900882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iran's Journey Through Malaria: From Past Challenges to Future Elimination-A Narrative Review.","authors":"Haleh Hanifian, Mehdi Nateghpour","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4251955","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4251955","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a persistent public health concern in Iran, particularly in southeastern regions bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan. Despite substantial progress over recent decades, challenges such as cross-border transmission, insecticide resistance, and health system disruptions continue to threaten elimination goals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review synthesized evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Reports, national surveillance summaries, and peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and Scopus from 2000 to 2025. Emphasis was placed on case trends, intervention coverage, and cross-border dynamics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Iran reduced indigenous malaria cases dramatically from thousands in the early 2000s to fewer than 300 annually by the mid-2010s and subsequently recorded multiple consecutive years with zero indigenous transmission, according to the WHO surveillance reports. Key achievements included integrated vector management, community engagement, and strengthened cross-border initiatives. However, interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and a resurgence of malaria in 2022, largely associated with imported infections, operational disruptions, and emerging vector threats, highlighted vulnerabilities in elimination-phase systems. Additional challenges such as insecticide resistance and the spread of <i>Anopheles stephensi</i> further complicate the elimination trajectory.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Iran's experience illustrates the need for adaptive, multisectoral approaches to malaria control in complex socioecological settings. While elimination remains within reach, achieving the WHO certification will require transparent surveillance metrics, reinforce cross-border collaboration, and sustain political and financial commitment.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4251955"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12902174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polyparasitism and Anaemia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Kilifi County-Kenya.","authors":"Matano Mjomba, Simon Muriu, Victor Tunje Jeza","doi":"10.1155/jotm/2791451","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/2791451","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polyparasitism is commonly associated with <i>Plasmodium</i> species<i>, Schistosoma</i> species and soil-transmitted helminths. Anaemia results from a variety of causes, including parasitic infections. Women of reproductive age (WRA) and children below the age of five are disproportionately affected by polyparasitic infections, putting them at risk of anaemia. The current study was conducted to evaluate the association of polyparasitic infections with anaemia among WRA in Kilifi.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 478 WRA in Rabai and Magarini subcounties in Kilifi County. Blood samples were collected and analysed for <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>, determination of haemoglobin (HB), and classification of anaemia, while urine and stool samples were tested for <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> and soil-transmitted helminths, respectively. Data were analysed using R software, and the overall magnitude of parasitic coinfections, anaemia and their associated factors was determined by chi-square and t-test. The differences were considered statistically significant if <i>p</i>-value was ≤ 0.05. The means of HB were determined to evaluate the synergistic effect of different single parasites in polyparasitism on HB at a 95% confidence interval.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of parasitic infections was 26.9%. Polyparasitism had a prevalence of 1.8% due to concurrent infection of <i>P. falciparum</i> and <i>S. haematobium, S. haematobium</i> and hookworm, <i>S. haematobium,</i> hookworm and <i>Ascaris lumbricoides,</i> whose prevalence was 0.8% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). 0.8% (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and 0.2% (<i>p</i> < 0.001) <i>respec</i>tively. The prevalence of anaemia was 16.5%, while the prevalence of normocytic and microcytic anaemia was 63% and 37%, respectively. There was no synergy between different parasites in polyparasitism and HB.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study findings indicated that the prevalence of polyparasitism was low. Polyparasitic infections involving <i>S. haematobium</i> and <i>P. falciparum</i> were most common in the region. Anaemia was common among <i>P. falciparum</i> and <i>Trichuris trichiura-</i>infected participants, while normocytic and microcytic anaemia were common in both infected and noninfected women.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2791451"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12894787/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness in Subnational Health Systems: A Readiness Assessment of Jinja District, Uganda.","authors":"Joseph Oposhia, Joseph M Kungu, Peter Dyogo Nantamu, Josephine Namayanja, Charles A B Okuyo, Michael Mulowoza, Kenneth Kabali, Katushabe Edson, Peter Olupot-Olupot","doi":"10.1155/jotm/5519966","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/5519966","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains a significant public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Jinja District in Uganda has experienced two EVD outbreaks in the recent past, first in November 2022 and again in February 2025, positioning it among the country's EVD hotspots during Uganda's eight recorded outbreaks. This study assessed the readiness of healthcare facilities by identifying existing gaps and strengths and providing evidence to inform targeted interventions to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was done using the WHO EVD readiness checklist. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and document reviews, and indicators were scored accordingly. Thematic analysis was used to summarize strengths and weaknesses and to categorize EVD readiness response based on indicator scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 36 healthcare facilities were assessed in Jinja District, yielding an overall district EVD readiness score of 82%. Among the key indicators, coordination scored highest at 93%, while community engagement scored lowest at 77%. Based on facility-level assessments, 20 facilities (55.6%) demonstrated high EVD readiness, 7 (19.4%) had medium readiness, and 9 (25%) showed low readiness. At the facility level, average scores across indicators were coordination (97.2%), surveillance (86.1%), case management and infection prevention and control (85.7%), community engagement (71.4%), logistics and supply chain (65.7%), and laboratory systems (60.0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The assessment shows encouraging levels of Ebola readiness in a majority of Jinja District facilities, especially in coordination and surveillance. However, noticeable gaps remain in community engagement, IPC implementation, logistics, and laboratory systems, especially among low- and medium-performing facilities. These findings highlight the need for targeted support, regular assessments, supply chain strengthening, and continuous capacity-building to ensure all facilities can effectively respond to future EVD threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5519966"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12887822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Larvicidal and Ovicidal Effects of Methanol Extracts From Selected Ethiopian Medicinal Plants Against <i>Anopheles arabiensis</i> and <i>Aedes aegypti</i>.","authors":"Lensa Tesfaye, Esayas Aklilu, Ketema Tolossa, Abebe Animut","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4047678","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4047678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Synthetic insecticides face challenges, such as resistance, environmental damage, and harm to nontarget species, highlighting the need for alternative methods. Medicinal plants, along with their bioactive compounds, offer a promising solution.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the efficacy of methanol extracts derived from traditionally used Ethiopian medicinal plants against <i>Anopheles arabiensis</i> and <i>Aedes aegypti.</i></p><p><strong>Methods and materials: </strong>Methanol extracts (80%) of the crude plant extracts were tested on the larvae and eggs of both mosquito species at concentrations ranging from 250 to 2000 ppm. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 h of exposure, while egg hatchability was assessed after 72 h.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>Millettia ferruginea</i> exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against <i>Anopheles arabiensis</i> (LC₅₀ = 461.7 ppm, LC₉₀ = 1746.8 ppm), achieving 90% inhibition of egg hatching at 2000 ppm. <i>Momordica foetida</i> resulted in 85% mortality in second-instar larvae and 80% mortality in early fourth-instar larvae of <i>Anopheles arabiensis</i> at 2000 ppm. <i>Securidaca longepedunculata</i> demonstrated 87% larval mortality and 92% egg hatching inhibition in <i>Aedes aegypti</i> at 2000 ppm. ANOVA result shows that mortality rates varied significantly across concentrations (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>Millettia ferruginea</i>, <i>Momordica foetida</i>, and <i>Securidaca longepedunculata</i> are promising botanical insecticides. Future studies should focus on isolating active compounds to ensure environmental safety and effectiveness. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous plants for insect management and underscore the importance of traditional knowledge in the development of novel insecticides.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4047678"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12883666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hidden in Plain Sight: The Enduring Challenge of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Khartoum State, Sudan.","authors":"Babiker Mohamed Rahamtalla","doi":"10.1155/jotm/7385292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jotm/7385292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect impoverished populations in tropical regions. Despite their significant health burden, data on NTD prevalence and distribution are limited in many areas, including Khartoum State, Sudan.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of NTDs in Khartoum State, Sudan, to inform targeted control interventions and elimination strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using annual statistical reports from Khartoum State Ministry of Health for 2020 and 2021. Data on the prevalence of NTDs were extracted, focusing on prevalent NTDs in the state. Descriptive statistics summarized NTD prevalence. Time-series analysis identified trends. Spatial data analysis pinpointed hotspots and clustering of NTD cases. Data consistency and accuracy were ensured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine NTDs were prevalent: soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs), schistosomiasis, scabies, trachoma, snakebite envenoming, leishmaniasis, taeniasis, mycetoma, and leprosy. STH had the highest prevalence (32.7% in 2020 and 32.9% in 2021), primarily affecting children under 15. Schistosomiasis was the second most prevalent (23.0% in 2020 and 20.9% in 2021), predominantly affecting males aged 5-25. Trachoma prevalence varied across localities. Leprosy showed an increasing detection rate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NTDs pose a significant public health burden in Khartoum State, particularly STH and schistosomiasis. Localized control strategies, improved sanitation, hygiene, access to clean water, and integrated NTD programs are crucial to reduce the NTD burden and improve population health. Continuous surveillance is warranted, especially for leprosy.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7385292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12835621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146093280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The P2X7 Receptor and Its Relation to Neglected Tropical Diseases: Focusing on Chagas Disease.","authors":"Caroline de Souza Ferreira Pereira, Robson Xavier Faria","doi":"10.1155/jotm/7015795","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/7015795","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chagas disease, caused by <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i>, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can lead to severe cardiac complications, including chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. While NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens-such as protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and helminths, Chagas disease remains underexplored, particularly regarding host immune responses. In this context, purinergic signaling has gained attention as a relevant pathway in the regulation of both infection and inflammation. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), commonly elevated during inflammatory conditions, acts through P2 receptors, with P2X7 standing out for its ability to induce cell death and modulate cytokine release. This study investigates the involvement of the P2X7 receptor in NTDs, with a particular focus on Chagas disease, due to its established association with cardiovascular inflammation and its potential role in <i>T. cruzi</i> infection. Although other NTDs were initially considered, some NTDs were not investigated in detail because of insufficient data linking P2X7 receptor activity to their pathogenesis. Consequently, the analysis concentrated on Chagas disease, where current evidence indicates that P2X7 receptor activation increases proinflammatory cytokine levels and may contribute to disease progression, especially in its cardiac form. Thus, P2X7R emerges as a promising molecular target for therapeutic strategies and may serve as a potential biomarker for identifying early or indeterminate forms of Chagas disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7015795"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12820512/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146030150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Togolese Doctors' Awareness, Perceptions, and Practices of Telemedicine: A National Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Kokou Adambounou, Raymondo Sêdzro Kuto, Akoété Beleave Kouevidjin, Alexis Agbodjan","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4658443","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4658443","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the awareness, perceptions, and practices of telemedicine among Togolese doctors.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2021 on Togolese doctors residing and practicing in Togo. A structured questionnaire which included 32 questions (closed-ended and multiple-choice items) was developed. Data were collected electronically using a Google Form sent by e-mail and WhatsApp to the doctors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 136 doctors surveyed, 83.8% were specialists and 33.8% were university hospital doctors. The internet connection at their place of practice was considered to be mediocre by 44.1% and acceptable by 40.4%. Awareness of teleconsultation (92.7%), tele-expertise (61%), and medical teleassistance (52.9%) was reported. A minority were aware of telemonitoring (43.4%) and medical regulation (14%). Around two-thirds of doctors were aware of the need for patient consent prior to telemedicine (65.4%). Telemedicine was perceived as a necessity in 67.7% of cases. Telemedicine was practiced by 68.4% and this was teleconsultation in 57.4% and tele-expertise in 21.3%. Majority (90%) used WhatsApp to consult and prescribe a prescription remotely. Around 7% and 4% used Facebook for teleconsultation and tele-expertise, respectively. It was opined that medical imaging (74.3%), general medicine (63.2%), and dermatology (56.6%) were the areas in which telemedicine should be further developed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The level of awareness of telemedicine among Togolese doctors was suboptimal. Good practices were not always adopted and perceptions were relatively encouraging. Ongoing training and awareness raising on telemedicine good practices could be necessary for its efficient and safe use in Togo.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4658443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146018999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}