bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive host genetic factors influence fecal egg excretion rates during Schistosoma mansoni infection in a rural area in Brazil.
Authors: Bethony J , Williams J T , Blangero J , Kloos H , Gazzinelli A , Soares-Filho B , Coelho L , Alves-Fraga L , Williams-Blangero S , Loverde P T , Correa-Oliveira R
Published: May 2017

This study quantifies the influence of shared household and kinship on egg counts during Schistosoma mansoni infection in a sample from rural Brazil. Detailed genealogic information allowed assignment of 597 individuals to 6 multihousehold pedigrees residing in 145 households. A variance component method was used to partition egg counts into shared household, additive genetic, and individual-specific environmental effects. Host additive genetic effects consistently accounted for a large proportion of the variation in egg counts: 43% in an unadjusted model and 40% in model adjusted for covariates. In a model that examined the confounding of shared household with kinship, additive genetic effects still accounted for 27% of the variation in egg counts and shared household only 12%. The consistently important role for host additive genetic factors on the variation in egg counts points to new ways of modeling and understanding the mechanisms that contribute to trait variation during infection with S. mansoni.
Assessing the magnitude of fatal Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the United States: comparison of two national data sources.
Authors: Paddock Christopher D , Holman Robert C , Krebs John W , Childs James E
Published: May 2017

To assess the magnitude of fatal Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and to evaluate the completeness of national surveillance for this occurrence from 1983 through 1998, two independent sources of RMSF mortality data were analyzed using a capture-recapture method. Two hundred twenty-four deaths reported through RMSF case report forms (CRFs) were compared with 304 RMSF-associated deaths recorded in the United States multiple cause-of-death (MCD) database. Demographic, geographic, seasonal, and temporal characteristics of decedents were remarkably similar between sources. Median annual deaths ascertained from CRF and MCD data sources were 11 (range = 5-35) and 18 (range = 5-39), respectively. Decedents were matched between sources by year, state, age, sex, race, and month-of-death; 111 deaths were matched to both sources, and percent concordance between CRFs and MCD data during the 16-year study period was 27% (range = 7-45%). An estimated 612 RMSF-associated deaths occurred during the study period (median = 37 per year, range = 16-64), suggesting that approximately 400 fatal cases of RMSF went unreported to national surveillance during the period 1983-1998, for an estimated completeness of CRF reporting of 36%.
The reappearance of dengue-3 and a subsequent dengue-4 and dengue-1 epidemic in Puerto Rico in 1998.
Authors: Rigau-Pérez José G , Ayala-López Aurimar , García-Rivera Enid J , Hudson Sharon M , Vorndam Vance , Reiter Paul , Cano Marta P , Clark Gary G
Published: May 2017

In January 1998, dengue-3 (DEN)-3 (group III genotype) was detected in Puerto Rico after an absence of 20 years. Public health officials intensified education efforts to promote community participation in dengue control. Virologic surveillance revealed an unexpected paradox: DEN-4 and DEN-1 produced a large epidemic overlaying the DEN-3 epidemic. In 1998 there were 17,000 reported cases of dengue (4.8/1,000 persons), and among all virus isolations (n = 960), DEN-4 (419, 43.6%), DEN-1 (337, 35.1%), and DEN-2 (143, 14.9%) were detected much more frequently than DEN-3 (61, 6%). Age group-specific attack rates were highest for persons 10-19 years old, followed by infants less than a year of age. Nineteen fatal cases (median = 37 years old, range = 8 months to 90 years) had a positive laboratory diagnosis of dengue. Among DEN-3 cases no fatalities were documented, 50 were hospitalized, and 10 of 48 (21%) fulfilled the criteria for dengue hemorrhagic fever (four had primary infections and six had secondary infections). During 1999, DEN-3 became the predominant serotype isolated (182 of 310 isolations, 59%). The reappearance of DEN-3 and its subsequent circulation from 1999 to 2001 produced no changes in dengue incidence that could have been detected in the absence of virologic surveillance.
Molecular epidemiology of malaria in Cameroon. XIV. Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PFCRT) gene sequences of isolates before and after chloroquine treatment.
Authors: Basco Leonardo K , Ndounga Mathieu , Ngane Vincent Foumane , Soula Georges
Published: May 2017

Laboratory studies have strongly suggested that the gene coding for Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PFCRT) may play a determinant role in chloroquine resistance. A clinical study in Mali also found evidence for selection of the key PFCRT amino acid substitution, Lys76Thr, in patients who fail to respond to chloroquine treatment. To test the hypothesis that in vivo selection of mutant PFCRT alleles occurs after chloroquine treatment, PFCRT and merozoite surface antigen 2 (msa-2) polymorphisms were compared between 61 pretreatment and posttreatment paired samples from children with either clinical or parasitologic failure. There were six wild-type PFCRT alleles, 44 mutant alleles, and 11 mixed alleles among pretreatment isolates. All posttreatment parasites had mutant PFCRT alleles. Recrudescence accounted for 42 of 61 posttreatment infections, while 19 posttreatment infections were due to new infection (including all isolates with Lys-76 before treatment and Thr-76 after treatment). Seven pretreatment isolates with mixed PFCRT alleles had only Thr-76 on recrudescence, providing a direct evidence for in vivo selection for mutant PFCRT. Although the presence of mutant PFCRT alleles in pretreatment isolates is not predictive of chloroquine treatment failure, our data support the hypothesis that in vivo selection for recrudescent parasites carrying mutant PFCRT alleles occurs. These results may have important implications for the future surveillance of chloroquine resistance by the use of molecular markers.
Extended clearance time after treatment of infections with Plasmodium malariae may not be indicative of resistance to chloroquine.
Authors: Collins Willlam E , Jeffery Geoffrey M
Published: May 2017

A retrospective examination was made of archival data on the response of Plasmodium malariae infections in humans to chloroquine. The clearance time for P. malariae was longer than that for P. falciparum and P. vivax. Of 100 P. malariae-infected patients treated with 1,500 mg of chloroquine given over 3 days, 15 had detectable parasites for 7 days, 4 for 10 days, and 1 for 15 days after treatment. Of 17 patients treated intramuscularly with 450 mg of dihydrochloroquine, parasites persisted in 1 patient for 11 days. Of patients with chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum. 44 cleared parasites by 6 days after treatment; 37 patients with P. vivax infections cleared parasites by day 5. The confirmation of chloroquine resistance may depend on the adaptation of isolates to nonhuman primates in which controlled drug trials can be made.
Plasmodium malariae infection boosts Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte production.
Authors: McKenzie F Ellis , Jeffery Geoffrey M , Collins William E
Published: May 2017

We analyzed records of malaria therapy patients sequentially or simultaneously inoculated with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae. Gametocyte production was enhanced in P. falciparum by prior or concurrent P. malariae infection but diminished or unaffected in P. malariae by P. falciparum. Conversely, asexual-form production was diminished in P. malariae but unaffected in P. falciparum.
The effect of antibacterial soap on impetigo incidence, Karachi, Pakistan.
Authors: Luby Stephen , Agboatwalla Mubina , Schnell Beverly M , Hoekstra Robert M , Rahbar Mohammad H , Keswick Bruce H
Published: May 2017

We conducted a study to determine if soap containing 1.2% triclocarban would be effective in reducing the incidence of impetigo. We randomized 162 households in a low-income neighborhood of Karachi, Pakistan, to receive a regular supply of 1.2% triclocarban-containing soap (n = 81) or an identically appearing placebo (n = 81); 79 households in a nearby neighborhood were enrolled as standard practice controls. After adjustment for household clustering and covariates, the incidence of impetigo among children living in households receiving triclocarban-containing soap (1.10 episodes per 100 person-weeks) was 23% lower than in households receiving placebo soap (P = 0.28) and 43% lower than the standard habit and practice controls (P = 0.02). The routine use of triclocarban-containing soap by children living in a community with a high incidence of impetigo was associated with a reduced incidence of impetigo.
Development of a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Penicillium marneffei infection.
Authors: Panichakul Tasanee , Chawengkirttikul Runglawan , Chaiyaroj Sansanee C , Sirisinha Stitaya
Published: May 2017

A monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the detection of Penicillium antigen in clinical specimens from patients with Penicillium marneffei infection. The IgM from clone 8C3, reactive with both yeast and mycelial antigens, was immobilized on a microtiter plate. The antigen in serum or urine was captured and detected with biotinylated polyclonal rabbit anti-P. marneffei antibody. The test was sensitive in detecting soluble yeast exoantigen at a concentration as low as 4.88 ng/mL. The reliability of the assay method was evaluated using sera at a dilution of 1:2 from 18 patients with culture-proven penicilliosis, 23 patients with other fungal and bacterial infections, and 125 healthy volunteers. The method exhibited a sensitivity of 72%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 97%, and an accuracy of 97%. However, the sensitivity could be increased to 90% when the specimens were used undiluted. The method was also useful for the detection of antigen secreted in the urine of the patients. The results showed that the newly described assay method can be used in the diagnosis of P. marneffei infection with a high degree of reliability.
Diagnostic value of molecular markers in chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria in Southern Mauritania.
Authors: Jelinek T , Aida A O , Peyerl-Hoffmann G , Jordan S , Mayor A , Heuschkel C , el Valy A O , von Sonnenburg F , Christophel E M
Published: May 2017

Despite its diminishing efficacy because of increased resistance, chloroquine remains the primary antimalarial agent in many endemic areas. Evidence is mounting that point mutations on the Pfcrt and possibly the Pfmdr1 genes are conferring plasmodial resistance to chloroquine. In 1998, atypically strong rainfalls led to an increased activity of falciparum malaria in Mauritania that affected non-endemic regions bordering the Saharan desert. An in vivo study on chloroqine resistance was combined with studies for molecular markers of drug resistance. Detection of Pfmdr1-76-tyrosine showed an increased odds ratio (2.91) for resistance (P = 0.0195). However, by use of this codon alone, sensitivity for detection of resistance was 60.6%, and specificity was 65.3%. In comparison, detection of the K76T mutation at Pfcrt showed a very high sensitivity (100%) while specificity remained relatively low (65.4%). For the combination of mutations on both genes, the odds ratio for detection of resistance increased to 5.31 (P = 0.0005). Here, sensitivity was again decreased to 60.6% while specificity increased to 76.9%. The results of this study suggest that detection of Pfcrt T76 can be applied for predicting chloroquine resistance in epidemiologic settings with sufficiently high sensitivity to make it an attractive alternative to time- and labor-consuming in vivo trials. Additional testing for Pfmdr Y76 provides increased specificity to this approach.
The population structure of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax during an epidemic of malaria in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Mueller Ivo , Kaiok Japalis , Reeder John C , CortÃ©s Alfred
Published: May 2017

Although most of the Papua New Guinea highlands are too high for stable malaria transmission, local epidemics are a regular feature of the region. Few detailed descriptions of such epidemics are available, however. We describe the investigation of a malaria epidemic in the Obura Valley, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Of the 244 samples examined by microscopy, 6.6% were positive for Plasmodium falciparum only, 9.4% were positive for Plasmodium vivax only, and 1.2% were mixed infections. MSP2 and MSP3alpha genotyping and AMA1 sequencing were used to determine the genetic variation present in a sample of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections. The P. vivax infections were found to be genetically highly diverse. In contrast, all P. falciparum samples were of a single genotype. This striking difference in genetic diversity suggests endemic, low-level local transmission for P. vivax but an outside introduction of P. falciparum as the most likely source of the epidemic.
Artesunate and mefloquine given simultaneously for three days via a prepacked blister is equally effective and tolerated as a standard sequential treatment of uncomplicated acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria: randomized, double-blind study in Thailand.
Authors: Krudsood S , Looareesuwan S , Silachamroon U , Chalermrut K , Pittrow D , Cambon N , Mueller E A
Published: May 2017

The combination of artesunate and mefloquine is currently one of the most effective treatments against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. To improve patient compliance to such a combination, the two agents have been combined in a prepacked single blister. Patients were instructed to simultaneously co-administer the drugs once a day for three days. In the present randomized, double-blind, parallel group, comparative, single center study in Thailand, this concept was investigated in 204 adults and children with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups and received once a day over a three-day period the following: Group A received artesunate, 4-5 mg/kg/day, and mefloquine, total dose = 25 mg/kg, approximately 8.5 mg/kg/day, simultaneously. Group B received artesunate, 4-5 mg/kg/day, and mefloquine, total dose = 25 mg/kg, sequentially (i.e., no mefloquine dose on the first day, 15 mg/kg on the second day, and 10 mg/kg on the third day). Both treatment groups showed no relevant differences in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed a cure rate at day 28 (primary endpoint) of 100% in group A and 99% in group B (difference not significant). The secondary endpoints of mean time to fever clearance (group A = 34 hours, group B = 31 hours) and mean time to parasite clearance (group A = 44 hours group B = 48 hours) were similar between groups (both differences not significant). Tolerability was good in both treatment groups, with no difference in the overall incidence of adverse events. There was a low incidence of nausea/vomiting (4.9% in both groups) and central nervous system side effects (4.9% in group A versus 8.8% in group B). These were comparable between groups and generally of a mild nature. The three-day combination of artesunate and mefloquine (Artequin, Mepha, Ltd., Aesch, Switzerland) with the introduction of mefloquine on day 1 offers a practical dosing regimen that is highly effective and well tolerated in patients of different ages with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. It is likely that the prepacked blister approach translates clinically into a better patient compliance, thereby contributing to limit the development of drug resistance.
A geostatistical analysis of the geographic distribution of lymphatic filariasis prevalence in southern India.
Authors: Srividya A , Michael E , Palaniyandi M , Pani S P , Das P K
Published: May 2017

Gaining a better understanding of the spatial population structure of infectious agents is increasingly recognized as being key to their more effective mapping and to improving knowledge of their overall population dynamics and control. Here, we investigate the spatial structure of bancroftian filariasis distribution using geostatistical methods in an endemic region in Southern India. Analysis of a parasite antigenemia prevalence dataset assembled by sampling 79 villages selected using a World Health Organization (WHO) proposed 25 x 25 km grid sampling procedure in a 225 x 225 km area within this region was compared with that of a corresponding microfilaraemia prevalence dataset assembled by sampling 119 randomly selected villages from a smaller subregion located within the main study area. A major finding from the analysis was that once large-scale spatial trends were removed, the antigenemia data did not show evidence for the existence of any small-scale dependency at the study sampling interval of 25 km. By contrast, analysis of the randomly sampled microfilaraemia data indicated strong spatial contagion in prevalence up to a distance of approximately 6.6 kms, suggesting the likely existence of small spatial patches or foci of transmission in the study area occurring below the sampling scale used for sampling the antigenemia data. While this could indicate differences in parasite spatial population dynamics based on antigenemia versus microfilaraemia data, the result may also suggest that the WHO recommended 25 x 25 km sampling grid for rapid filariasis mapping could have been too coarse a scale to capture and describe the likely local variation in filariasis infection in this endemic location and highlights the need for caution when applying uniform sampling schemes in diverse endemic regions for investigating the spatial pattern of this parasitic infection. The present results, on the other hand, imply that both small-scale spatial processes and large-scale factors may characterize the observed distribution of filariasis in the study region. Our preliminary analysis of a mountain range associated large-scale trend in the antigenemia data suggested that a nonlinear relationship of infection prevalence with elevation might be a factor behind such observed global spatial patterns. We conclude that geostatistic methods can provide a powerful framework for carrying out the empirical investigation and analysis of parasite spatial population structure. This study shows that their successful application, however, will crucially depend on our gaining a more thorough understanding of the appropriate geographic scales at which spatial studies should be carried out.
The role of dogs in transmission of gastrointestinal parasites in a remote tea-growing community in northeastern India.
Authors: Traub Rebecca J , Robertson Ian D , Irwin Peter , Mencke Norbert , Thompson R C Andrew
Published: May 2017

The prevalence and risk factors associated with canine gastrointestinal parasitic zoonoses and the role of dogs in the mechanical transmission of human Ascaris infection was examined in three tea estates in Assam, India. Nearly all (99%) dogs harbored one or more zoonotic species of gastrointestinal parasites, with hookworm infection being most common (94%). Parasitic stages presumed to be host-specific for humans such as Ascaris spp. (31%), Trichuris trichiura (25%), and Isospora belli (2%) were also recovered from dog feces. A polymerase chain reaction-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to differentiate the species of Ascaris eggs in dog feces. The results of this study demonstrate the role of the dog as a significant disseminator and environmental contaminator of Ascaris lumbricoides in communities where promiscuous defecation by humans occurs.
Detection of Enterobius vermicularis eggs in the submucosa of the transverse colon of a man presenting with colon carcinoma.
Authors: Lee Sai-Cheong , Hwang Kao-Pin , Tsai Wen-Sy , Lin Chin-Yew , Lee Ning
Published: May 2017

We report a case of a chronic infiltrate of the intestinal wall of the transverse colon by the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis in a man who had immigrated to Taiwan from mainland China 50 years ago. During surgery for suspected transverse colon carcinoma, histologic examination of the tumor mass revealed eggs of E. vermicularis embedded in granulation tissue in the submucosa of the transverse colon. Results of a stool examination were negative for eggs but strongly positive for occult blood. The mass in the transverse colon was completely removed during surgery. At the present time, the patient remains asymptomatic.
Malaria infections are randomly distributed in diverse holoendemic areas of Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Mehlotra Rajeev K , Kasehagen Laurin J , Baisor Moses , Lorry Kerry , Kazura James W , Bockarie Moses J , Zimmerman Peter A
Published: May 2017

Malaria is holoendemic in the lowlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and interactions among Plasmodium species may influence prevalence of mixed infections. Previously, field samples from a cross-sectional survey in Dreikikir, East Sepik Province, analyzed by blood smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), showed that mixed infections were common and randomly distributed in this malaria endemic region. To evaluate further whether Plasmodium species distribution is random, blood smear- and PCR/sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization-based analyses of cross-sectional survey samples were conducted in 2 additional malaria holoendemic regions of northern PNG. Despite ecologic, species prevalence, and transmission season differences in these new surveys, all 4 Plasmodium species were found to be randomly distributed in each area; random distribution patterns also were observed when study populations were divided into age groups. These findings provide consistent evidence that Plasmodium species infections occur independently of one another in PNG malaria holoendemic sites. This independent occurrence suggests that age-dependent, acquired malaria immunity has limited influence on the distribution pattern of Plasmodium species infections in endemic human populations; infection by 1 human malaria parasite species does not reduce susceptibility to infection by others; and malaria vaccines would exhibit limited protection against blood-stage infection by heterologous Plasmodium species.
Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant Cameroonian women.
Authors: Zhou Ainong , Megnekou Rosette , Leke Robert , Fogako Josephine , Metenou Simon , Trock Bruce , Taylor Diane W , Leke Rose F G
Published: May 2017

Between 1995 and 1998, a longitudinal study was conducted at 2 health centers in Cameroon to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women. There were 520 pregnant women enrolled at a rural clinic in the village of Etoa and 199 enrolled at the Biyem Assi Clinic in the city of Yaounde. In Etoa, pregnant women were younger, fewer took prophylaxis, and malaria prevalence was higher compared with pregnant women in the Biyem Assi Clinic. The prevalence of malaria infection peaked during the fourth month of pregnancy at both sites. Age was identified as a major risk factor because women < or = 20 years old were 1.8 and 3.4 times more likely to have malaria infection than women > 20 years old at Etoa and the Biyem Assi Clinic after adjusting for gravidae and other factors. The use of chemoprophylaxis and seasonality did not have a major effect.
Ocular lesions associated with malaria in children in Mali.
Authors: SchÃ©mann Jean FranÃ§ois , Doumbo Ogobara , Malvy Denis , Traore Lamine , Kone Abdoulaye , Sidibe Toumanni , Keita Marouf
Published: May 2017

This study sought to estimate the frequency of ocular complications in malaria and its prognostic value in Mali. A total of 140 children (aged 6 months to 9 years) with severe malaria (105 with cerebral malaria, 35 without neurological complications) were compared with 34 children with mild malaria and 82 children with nonmalarial fever. Ocular lesions were rare in the mild malaria group (5.8%). Retinal hemorrhages occurred in 11.8% of the children in the severe noncerebral malaria group. Cerebral malaria was associated with retinal hemorrhages (22.9%) and retinal edema (10.5%). No association was found between ocular signs such as retinal hemorrhages or retinal edema and mortality. Exudates, papilledema, and the presence of cottonwool spots were associated with an increased risk of death. Coma score and convulsions were significantly associated with death but not with ocular signs. The presence of retinal signs in a child in a malaria-endemic area may signal a case of severe malaria.
Defective production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in a patient with recurrent amebic liver abscess.
Authors: MorÃ¡n Patricia , Rico Guadalupe , Ramiro Manuel , Olvera Horacio , Ramos Fernando , GonzÃ¡lez Enrique , ValadÃ©z Alicia , Curiel Octavio , Melendro Emma I , XimÃ©nez Cecilia
Published: May 2017

Previously, we reported the case of a man in the fourth decade of life afflicted with three independent episodes of amebic liver abscesses over a period of 4 years. Previous evidence has indicated that the cellular immune response is involved in protection against recurrent invasive amebic infection, and macrophage-mediated effector mechanisms appear important for host resistance to Entamoeba histolytica infection. The aim of the present work was to investigate locomotor activity and oxidative burst function of peripheral mononuclear cells of this individual after healing of the third amebic liver abscess. A locomotion assay using Boyden chemotaxis chambers and the respiratory burst evaluated by chemiluminescence were performed in both mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Levels of salivary IgA and serum IgG anti-amebic antibodies were followed during 48 months after the second amebic liver abscess. Results obtained showed a deficiency in MP but not in PMN leukocyte respiratory burst. Respiratory burst is a major microbicidal mechanism in MP leukocytes; this also has been considered as a host resistance strategy against E. histolytica. It may be at least one risk factor in our patient that was responsible for recurrence of amebic liver abscess.
Transmission intensity and the patterns of Onchocerca volvulus infection in human communities.
Authors: BasÃ¡Ã±ez MarÃ­a-Gloria , Collins Richard C , Porter Charles H , Little Mark P , Brandling-Bennett David
Published: May 2017

We focus on possible constraints upon Onchocerca volvulus establishment in humans in relation to exposure rates to infective larvae (L3) as measured by the annual transmission potential (ATP). We use mathematical and statistical modeling of pre-control west African (savanna), Mexican, and Guatemalan data to explore two hypotheses relating human infection to transmission intensity: microfilarial (mf) loads either saturate with increasing ATP or become (asymptotically) proportional to the ATP. The estimated proportion of L3 developing into adult worms ranged from 7% to 0.3% (low and high intensity areas, respectively). Relationships between mf prevalence and both mf and transmission intensity were nonlinear and statistically similar between west Africa (Simulium damnosum s.l.) and Meso America (S. ochraceum s.l.). This similarity extended to the relationship between mf intensity and ATP. The critical biting rates for onchocerciasis introduction and persistence (which depended on vector competence and host preference), were approximately 10-fold higher in settings where onchocerciasis is transmitted by S. ochraceum than in those where the vector is S. damnosum. A role for focal vector control in Mexico and Guatemala, in addition to nodulectomy and ivermectin, is suggested.
Alterations in Plasmodium falciparum genotypes during sequential infections suggest the presence of strain specific immunity.
Authors: Eisen Damon P , Saul Allan , Fryauff David J , Reeder John C , Coppel Ross L
Published: May 2017

Many of the asexual stage Plasmodium falciparum proteins that are the targets of host protective responses are markedly polymorphic. The full repertoire of diversity is not defined for any antigen. Most studies have focused on the genes encoding merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (MSP1, MSP2). We explored the extent of diversity of some of the less studied merozoite surface antigens and analyzed the degree of complexity of malaria field isolates by deriving nucleotide sequences of several antigens. We have determined the genotype of apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) in a group of 30 field samples, collected over 29 months, from individuals living in an area of intense malaria transmission in Irian Jaya, identifying 14 different alleles. AMA1 genotyping was combined with previously determined MSP2 typing. AMA1 had the greatest power in distinguishing between isolates but methodological problems, especially when mixed infections are present, suggest it is not an ideal typing target. MSP1, MSP3, and glutamate-rich protein genotypes were also determined from a smaller group of samples, and all results were combined to derive an extended antigenic haplotype. Within this subset of 10 patients, nine different genotypes could be discerned; however, five patients were all infected with the same strain. This strain was present in individuals from two separate villages and was still present 12 months later. This strain was predominant at the first time point but had disappeared at the fourth time point. This significant change in malaria genotypes could be due to strain-specific immunity developing in this population.
ASSOCIATION OF INTERFERON-γ RESPONSES TO PRE-ERYTHROCYTIC STAGE VACCINE CANDIDATE ANTIGENS OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN YOUNG KENYAN CHILDREN WITH IMPROVED HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS: XV. ASEMBO BAY COHORT PROJECT
Authors: ONG’ECHA JOHN M. O. , LAL ALTAF A. , TERLOUW DIANNE J. , TER KUILE FEIKO O. , KARIUKI SIMON K. , UDHAYAKUMAR VENKATCHALAM , ORAGO ALLOYS S. S. , HIGHTOWER ALLEN W. , NAHLEN BERNARD L. , SHI YA PING
Published: May 2017

Previous studies in animal models have revealed an association between interferon-γ (IFN- γ), produced by CD8+ T cells and irradiated sporozoite-induced sterile immunity. To determine whether IFN-γ can serve as a marker of pre-erythrocytic protective immunity in individuals naturally exposed to malaria, we characterized IFN-γ and lymphocyte proliferative responses to previously defined CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes from six pre-erythrocytic stage antigens in 107 children six months to two years old from a community-based birth cohort in western Kenya. We found that IFN- γ positive responders had higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels and significantly reduced prevalence of severe malarial anemia one month after the test compared with IFN- γ non-responders, suggesting that IFN- γ immune responses to these pre-erythrocytic antigens were associated with protection against malarial anemia. Children who responded by lymphocyte proliferation had a significantly longer time to first documented malaria parasitemia after birth; however, there was no correlation between the presence of lymphocyte proliferative response and higher Hb levels. We propose that IFN- γ production could be used as a potential marker of protective immunity against malaria associated anemia in young children living in malaria holoendemic areas.
O NEODESENVOLVIMENTISMO E A QUESTÃO AMBIENTAL: O PAPEL DA HIDROELETRICIDADE NO SISTEMA ENERGÉTICO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Câmara Andreza Aparecida Franco
Published: May 2017

Nas últimas duas décadas, a retomada do aumento do crescimento econômico vivenciada pelo Brasil tem reaberto as discussões sobre como ampliar a sua capacidade produtiva. As limitações na produção de eletricidade se tornaram um problema público para a sociedade brasileira, principalmente a partir do “apagão” de 2001. Desse modo, a questão da produção de energia assumiu visibilidade como condição básica para o aumento da atividade industrial e para o crescimento econômico. O atual modelo energético escolhido pelo Estado brasileiro, baseado, em grande parte, na utilização de pequenas hidroelétricas para a geração de fonte limpa de energia vem recebendo inúmeras críticas dos estudiosos sobre o tema, em especial pelo discurso dominante empregado para legitimar política e socialmente esse tipo de empreendimento, uma vez que pode disfarçar os efeitos socioambientais negativos e eliminar à resistência a ampliação desse discurso desenvolvimentista nos países periféricos. Diante desse quadro, o presente artigo se propõe a estudar os impactos socioambientais, econômicos e culturais envolvendo a construção e a implantação de Usinas Hidrelétricas. Para as considerações que serão apresentadas empregou-se como metodologia de estudo a revisão de literatura sobre o tema, a análise de documentos oficiais expedidos pelos empreendedores e órgãos licenciadores, bem como documentos legislativos. Conclui-se que as populações locais e regionais impactadas pelos processos de reestruturação territorial decorrente da introdução de hidrelétricas, revelando a lógica de apropriação econômica do recurso hídrico, adotada pelo Setor Elétrico do País, principalmente, após a fase de privatização desse segmento.
A (RE)ARTICULAÇÃO DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE GÊNERO NO BRASIL A PARTIR DO PRINCÍPIO JURÍDICO DA SUBSIDIARIEDADE E DA DESCENTRALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Gervasoni Tamiris Alessandra , Moraes da Costa Marli Marlene
Published: May 2017

o presente artigo tem como tema a (re)articulação das políticas públicas de gênero no Brasil a partir do princípio da subsidiariedade e da descentralização, desta forma, analisa-se se as políticas públicas de gênero observam estes dois elementos. Para a realização deste estudo, vale-se do método de abordagem dedutivo e do método de procedimento histórico. Quanto à técnica de pesquisa, utiliza-se da documentação indireta, através da pesquisa bibliográfica e também da análise dos planos nacionais e conferências nacionais das políticas públicas de gênero. O estudo é estruturado em três partes. Inicialmente aborda-se o princípio jurídico da subsidiariedade, investigando sua origem, seu conceito e significado, bem como suas implicações jurídicas no âmbito brasileiro. Em um segundo momento, a análise direciona-se para o tema da descentralização e a sua inter-relação com o princípio jurídico da subsidiariedade. Por último, realiza-se a análise da articulação das políticas públicas de gênero no Brasil a partir dos planos e conferências nacionais realizados desde o ano de 2004. Observou-se da análise dos planos e das conferências que a questão da subsidiariedade, descentralização e, até mesmo da desconcentração, estão presentes na articulação das políticas públicas de gênero. Representando elementos significativos ao aproximar a população de todos os níveis federativos do processo de elaboração destas políticas, tornando-as mais democráticas e plurais, possibilitando a conexão às realidades locais atendidas por tais políticas.
Nitrogen input 15N signatures are reflected in plant 15N natural abundances in subtropical forests in China
Authors: Gurmesa Geshere Abdisa , Lu Xiankai , Gundersen Per , Fang Yunting , Mao Qinggong , Hao Chen , Mo Jiangming
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Natural abundance of 15N (δ15N) in plants and soils can provide time-integrated information related to nitrogen (N) cycling within ecosystems, but it has not been well tested in warm and humid subtropical forests. In this study, we used ecosystem δ15N to assess effects of increased N deposition on N cycling in an old-growth broad-leaved forest and a secondary pine forest in a high-N-deposition area in southern China. We measured δ15N of inorganic N in input and output fluxes under ambient N deposition, and we measured N concentration (%N) and δ15N of major ecosystem compartments under ambient deposition and after decadal N addition at 50 kg N ha−1yr−1, which has a δ15N of −0.7 ‰. Our results showed that the total inorganic N in deposition was 15N-depleted (−10 ‰) mainly due to high input of strongly 15N-depleted NH4+-N. Plant leaves in both forests were also 15N-depleted (−4 to −6 ‰). The broad-leaved forest had higher plant and soil %N and was more 15N-enriched in most ecosystem compartments relative to the pine forest. Nitrogen addition did not significantly affect %N in the broad-leaved forest, indicating that the ecosystem pools are already N-rich. However, %N was marginally increased in pine leaves and significantly increased in understory vegetation in the pine forest. Soil δ15N was not changed significantly by the N addition in either forest. However, the N addition significantly increased the δ15N of plants toward the 15N signature of the added N, indicating incorporation of added N into plants. Thus, plant δ15N was more sensitive to ecosystem N input manipulation than %N in these subtropical forests. We interpret the depleted δ15N of plants as an imprint from the high and 15N-depleted N deposition that may dominate the effects of fractionation that are observed in most warm and humid forests. Fractionation during the steps of N cycling could explain the difference between negative δ15N in plants and positive δ15N in soils, and the increase in soil δ15N with depths. Nevertheless, interpretation of ecosystem δ15N from high-N-deposition regions needs to include data on the deposition 15N signal.
Noise in raw data of magnetic observatories
Authors: Khomutov Sergey Y. , Mandrikova Oksana V. , Budilova Ekaterina A. , Arora Kusumita , Manjula Lingala
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In spite of significant progress in the development of new devices for magnetic measurements, mathematical and computational technologies for data processing and means of communication, the quality of magnetic data accessible through the world centers still largely depends on the actual conditions in which observation of the Earth's magnetic field is performed at observatories. Processing of primary results of magnetic measurements by observatory staff plays an important role. It includes effective identification of noise and elimination of its influence on final data. In this paper, on the basis of the experience gained during long-term magnetic monitoring carried out at the observatories of IKIR FEB RAS (Russia) and CSIR-NGRI (India), we present a review of methods commonly encountered in actual practice for noise identification and the possibilities to reduce noise influence.
MODELLING OF BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH GIVEN PARAMETERS USING COLORED PETRI NETS
Authors: Petrosyan G. , Ter-Vardanyan L. , Gaboutchian A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Biometric identification systems use given parameters and function on the basis of Colored Petri Nets as a modelling language developed for systems in which communication, synchronization and distributed resources play an important role. Colored Petri Nets combine the strengths of Classical Petri Nets with the power of a high-level programming language. Coloured Petri Nets have both, formal intuitive and graphical presentations. Graphical CPN model consists of a set of interacting modules which include a network of places, transitions and arcs. Mathematical representation has a well-defined syntax and semantics, as well as defines system behavioural properties. One of the best known features used in biometric is the human finger print pattern. During the last decade other human features have become of interest, such as iris-based or face recognition. The objective of this paper is to introduce the fundamental concepts of Petri Nets in relation to tooth shape analysis. Biometric identification systems functioning has two phases: data enrollment phase and identification phase. During the data enrollment phase images of teeth are added to database. This record contains enrollment data as a noisy version of the biometrical data corresponding to the individual. During the identification phase an unknown individual is observed again and is compared to the enrollment data in the database and then system estimates the individual. The purpose of modeling biometric identification system by means of Petri Nets is to reveal the following aspects of the functioning model: the efficiency of the model, behavior of the model, mistakes and accidents in the model, feasibility of the model simplification or substitution of its separate components for more effective components without interfering system functioning. The results of biometric identification system modeling and evaluating are presented and discussed.
ALGORITHMS OF CRESCENT STRUCTURE DETECTION IN HUMAN BIOLOGICAL FLUID FACIES
Authors: Krasheninnikov V. R. , Malenova O. E. , Yashina A. S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. One of the effective methods of early medical diagnosis is based on the image analysis of human biological fluids. In the process of fluid crystallization there appear characteristic patterns (markers) in the resulting layer (facies). Each marker is a highly probable sign of some pathology even at an early stage of a disease development. When mass health examination is carried out, it is necessary to analyze a large number of images. That is why, the problem of algorithm and software development for automated processing of images is rather urgent nowadays. This paper presents algorithms to detect a crescent structures in images of blood serum and cervical mucus facies. Such a marker indicates the symptoms of ischemic disease. The algorithm presented detects this marker with high probability when the probability of false alarm is low.
FOURIER DOMAIN ITERATIVE APPROACH TO OPTICAL SECTIONING OF 3D TRANSLUCENT OBJECTS FOR OPHTHALMOLOGY PURPOSES
Authors: Razgulin A. V. , Iroshnikov N. G. , Larichev A. V. , Romanenko T. E. , Goncharov A. S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In this paper we deal with the problem of optical sectioning. This is a post processing step while investigating of 3D translucent medical objects based on rapid refocusing of the imaging system by the adaptive optics technique. Each image, captured in focal plane, can be represented as the sum of in-focus true section and out-of-focus images of the neighboring sections of the depth that are undesirable in the subsequent reconstruction of 3D object. The problem of optical sectioning under consideration is to elaborate a robust approach capable of obtaining a stack of cross section images purified from such distortions. For a typical sectioning statement arising in ophthalmology we propose a local iterative method in Fourier spectral plane. Compared to the non-local constant parameter selection for the whole spectral domain, the method demonstrates both improved sectioning results and a good level of scalability when implemented on multi-core CPUs.
MORPHOLOGICAL MOMENTS OF BINARY IMAGES
Authors: Lomov N. , Sidyakin S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The concept of morphological moments of binary images is introduced. Morphological moments can be used as a shape descriptor combining an integral width description of an object with a description of its spatial distribution. The relationship between the proposed descriptor and the disc cover of the figure is discussed and an exact analytical method for descriptor calculation is proposed within the continuous morphology framework. The approach is based on the approximation of the shape by a polygonal figure and the extraction of its medial representation in the form of the continuous skeleton and the radial function. The proposed method for calculation of morphological moments achieves high accuracy and it is computationally efficient. Experimentations have been conducted. Obtained results indicate that the morphological moments are a more informative and rich shape descriptor than the area of the disc cover. Application of morphological moments to the font recognition task improves the recognition quality.
DETERMINING TOOTH OCCLUSAL SURFACE RELIEF INDICATOR BY MEANS OF AUTOMATED 3D SHAPE ANALYSIS
Authors: Gaboutchian A. V. , Knyaz V. A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Determining occlusal surface relief indicator plays an important role in odontometric tooth shape analysis. An analysis of the parameters of surface relief indicators provides valuable information about closure of dental arches (occlusion) and changes in structure of teeth in lifetime. Such data is relevant for dentistry or anthropology applications. Descriptive techniques commonly used for surface relief evaluation have limited precision which, as a result, does not provide for reliability of conclusions about structure and functioning of teeth. Parametric techniques developed for such applications need special facilities and are time-consuming which limits their spread and ease to access. Nevertheless the use of 3D models, obtained by photogrammetric techniques, allows attaining required measurements accuracy and has a potential for process automation. We introduce new approaches for determining tooth occlusal surface relief indicator and provide data on efficiency in use of different indicators in natural attrition evaluation.
EDGE–PRESERVING DENOISING BASED ON DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING ON THE FULL SET OF ADJACENCY GRAPHS
Authors: Thang P. C. , Kopylov A. V. , Dvoenko S. D.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The ability of a denoising procedure to preserve fine image structures when suppressing unwanted noise has crucial importance for an accurate and effective medical diagnosis. We introduce here a new procedure of edge-preserving denoising for medical images, that combines the flexibility in prior assumptions, and computational effectiveness of parametric multi-quadratic dynamic programming with the increased accuracy of a tree-like representation of a discrete lattice based on the full set of possible adjacency graphs of image elements. Proposed procedure can effectively remove an additive white Gaussian noise with high quality. We provide experimental results in image denoising as well as comparison with related methods.
AN ALGORITHM FOR PEDESTRIAN DETECTION IN MULTISPECTRAL IMAGE SEQUENCES
Authors: Kniaz V. V. , Fedorenko V. V.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The growing interest for self-driving cars provides a demand for scene understanding and obstacle detection algorithms. One of the most challenging problems in this field is the problem of pedestrian detection. Main difficulties arise from a diverse appearances of pedestrians. Poor visibility conditions such as fog and low light conditions also significantly decrease the quality of pedestrian detection. This paper presents a new optical flow based algorithm BipedDetet that provides robust pedestrian detection on a single-borad computer. The algorithm is based on the idea of simplified Kalman filtering suitable for realization on modern single-board computers. To detect a pedestrian a synthetic optical flow of the scene without pedestrians is generated using slanted-plane model. The estimate of a real optical flow is generated using a multispectral image sequence. The difference of the synthetic optical flow and the real optical flow provides the optical flow induced by pedestrians. The final detection of pedestrians is done by the segmentation of the difference of optical flows. To evaluate the BipedDetect algorithm a multispectral dataset was collected using a mobile robot.