bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PO 8249 SUBMICROSCOPICPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMINFECTIONS IN MATCHED PERIPHERAL, PLACENTAL AND UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD SAMPLES FROM CONGOLESE WOMEN AT DELIVERY
Authors: Mbouamboua Yvon , Koukouikila-Koussounda Félix , Helden Jacques Van , Ntoumi Francine 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study was conducted to characteriseP. falciparuminfections matched in peripheral, placental and cord blood among Congolese women at delivery receiving 1, 2 or more doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The cross-sectional study was conducted in a Southern district of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, between March 2014 and April 2015.MethodsPeripheral and placental blood samples were collected forP. falciparuminfection investigation by microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), usingP. falciparummerozoite surface protein-2 (msp2) gene as marker.ResultsOf the 370 pregnant women recruited, only 7.3% peripheral and 2.7% placental blood samples were found smear-positive forP. falciparumby microscopy. All isolates from cord blood were microscopy-negative. However, the prevalences of submicroscopicP. falciparuminfections (detectable only by PCR) were 25.4%, 16.7% and 9.4% in peripheral, placental and cord blood respectively. The frequency of 3D7 msp2 alleles was the highest (>60%) whatever the blood considered. We found a high prevalence of submicroscopic infection in pregnant women associated with a high genetic diversity ofP. falciparumisolates. The multiplicity of infection ranged between 1.2 and 1.4 irrespective of the blood compartment, and it showed no significant association with maternal age (p=0.3), gravidity (p=0.1) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (p=0.3).ConclusionIn summary, this study showed that there is a high prevalence of submicroscopic infection and a high genetic diversity ofPlasmodium falciparumstrains in Congo. This diversity varies according to maternal, placental and umbilical cord blood. Age, gravidity and doses of preventive treatment based on sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine do not interfere with the multiplicity of infections.
PO 8271 PFHRP2 GENE DELETIONS INPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMANDSCHISTOSOMA MANSONICO-INFECTIONS: AN EMERGING CHALLENGE FOR MALARIA RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Authors: Echelibe Hilda , Palmer Masumbe Netongo , Akindeh Nji , Mbacham Wilfred 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalaria and schistosomiasis are infections that have a great impact in sub-Saharan Africa based on their high morbidity and mortality rates. We suggest the possibility that the microenvironment created from interactions between the parasites involved generates a pressure on the malaria parasite which could in turn favour the parasite’s adaptation or escape throughPfhrp2 gene deletions. Thus, this study aimed at determining the association between the co-infection with both parasites and false-negativePfHRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests which occur because of these deletions.MethodsThis pilot study was conducted in a total of 149 children aged 7–17 years living in Yorro, located in the Mbam-Inoubou division of the Center region of Cameroon. We collected fresh stool samples from each participant to identifySchistosoma mansoni(Sm) eggs by Kato Katz method and blood samples to identify the ring stages ofPlasmodium falciparum(Pf) by thick smear. Malaria rapid diagnostic test andPfhrp2gene polymerase chain reaction were performed. The association between the co-infection withSm/Pfand the false-negative malaria RDTs was determined by the Fisher’s exact test. A p value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOur results showed that samples were singly infected withSm,Pf, co-infected (Sm/Pf) and negative for both infections at frequencies of 12%, 43%, 30.2% and 14.8% respectively. False-negativePfHRP2-based RDTs were observed in 4.7% of the participants. A higher frequency (5/7) of the cases with false-negative malaria RDTs were co-infected withSm/Pf. A p value of 0.027 showed statistical significance in the association ofSm/Pfco-infection and false-negativePfHRP2-based RDTs.ConclusionA significant associationof Plasmodium falciparumandSchistosoma mansonico-infection with false-negativePfHRP2-based RDTs supports the case for a plausible implication ofPfhrp2gene deletions, with consequences for malaria rapid diagnostic testing.
PO 8356 ANGIOGENIC AND ANGIOSTATIC FACTORS IN THE SALIVA OF MALARIA PATIENTS
Authors: Lekpor Cecilia , Botchway Felix , Stiles Jonathan , Nana Wilson O 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalaria mortality is associated with exaggerated host responses to inflammatory factors such as C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) and host biomarkers such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2). The aim of this study was to determine saliva levels of CXCL10, Ang-1 and Ang-2 and compare with plasma levels regarding their potential as biomarkers of malaria, which may be useful for further development of highly efficient non-invasive malaria detection methods.MethodsCase control study involving 213 subjects (119 with and 94 without malaria) aged 1–16 years. Haematological determination was done using Haematology Analyser. Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase/Histidine Rich Protein-2 (pLDH/HRP-2) Antigen rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were performed. Plasma and saliva levels of CXCL10, Ang-1 and Ang-2 were measured using Elisa kit. Data was presented as mean ±standard error or median and interquartile range (IQR). A p-value<0.001 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere was decreased plasma levels of Ang-1 and increased plasma levels of CXCL10 and Ang-2 in individuals with malaria compared to those without malaria (Ang-1, p<0.009; Ang-2, p<0.001; CXCL10 p<0.001). Biomarker levels in both plasma and saliva in subjects with malaria and without malaria were correlated and a significant relationship was found between Ang −2 and CXCL10 which could be used to predict malaria severity (p=0.001 for Ang-2 and p<0.01 for CXCL10). Low Ang-1 and high Ang-2 in both plasma and saliva were significantly associated with increased risk of malaria severity: Ang-1, 2741.04 (1785.85–3582.68), p<0.009; Ang-2, 3508.82 (2139.61–5091.633.9), p<0.001 and Ang-1, 720.27 (439.82–1086.74); 16.98 (10.08–33.26), (p<0.001 for all). Finally, Ang-2 was informative when combined with CXCL10 to predict malaria severity.ConclusionThese results provide insight into the use of saliva for a non-invasive diagnostic method and demonstrate that Ang-2 combined with CXCL10 is a promising predictive biomarker of malaria severity.
PO 8382 CLINICAL AND LABORATORY ASSESSMENT OF LOA LOA INFECTIONS IN GABON
Authors: Veletzky Luzia , Zoleko Manego Rella , Stelzl Daniel , Hergeth Jennifer , B Dimessa Mbaginga Lia , Budke Christine , Mischlinger Johannes , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Akim Adegnika Ayola , Metzger Wolfram , Lagler Heimo , G Kremsner Peter , Mordmüller Benjamin , Ramharter Michael 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundLoiasis is a parasitic infection highly endemic in West and Central Africa. Previously often considered as a benign infection, recent studies have suggested that high microfilaria loads in loiasis patients may be associated with increased mortality. The true impact of loiasis on affected communities is unknown. Reports on clinical symptoms and changes in laboratory values due to loiasis infection are focused mostly on returning travellers. Assessments in endemic populations have scarcely been performed. Laboratory alterations such as eosinophilia are thought to be present mostly in patients from non-endemic areas.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in rural Gabon to investigate the clinical symptoms and laboratory changes caused by loiasis in an endemic population. Inclusion criteria were local residency for at least two years and an age above two years. Participants were interviewed with a questionnaire covering loiasis-specific symptoms, exploratory questions and history of eye worm. Local vocabulary was employed if needed. At the same timeL. loamicrofilaria diagnostics were performed including thick blood smear preparation and concentration techniques. Additionally, differential blood count and haemoglobin measurements were performed. Peripheral blood withdrawals were done between 10 am and 3 pm.ResultsA total of 1030 participants were recruited, of whom 56% were female; they were between 2 and 98 years of age.L. loamicrofilariae were detectable in 27% of all participants. Microfilariae densities ranged from 1 to 76 250 Mf/mL. Overall a positive history of eye worm was reported in 56%, with 25% of participants reporting eye worm passage and 36% Calabar swelling within the last year. Also, an analysis of laboratory parameters in comparison to clinical data and infection status was performed.ConclusionLoiasis infection should receive more attention by the scientific community and further studies are needed, as the disease causes substantial morbidity in endemic populations.
PO 8383 THE ROLE OF PLASMA B CELLS INMYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSISINFECTION AND DISEASE
Authors: Gindeh Awa , Donkor Simon , Owolabi Olumuyiwa 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is still a major global health problem with about one-quarter of the global population infected with the causative pathogen,Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). The role of T-cells in the adaptive immune response against Mtb has been extensively studied with little information on the role of B-cells. B-cells produce antibodies and differentiate into plasma and memory B-cells. Plasmablasts are a subset of plasma cells only present in the peripheral circulation following an ongoing infection or vaccination. Immunoglobulin G(IgG) especially IgG2 mounts more efficient immune response against bacterial infections, mainly attributed to the high affinity of IgG2 binding to the Fcγ receptor. Therefore, we hypothesised that Mtb-specific IgG +plasmablasts may be a useful biomarker of TB infection status.MethodsEx-vivoB-cell enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) was used to identify plasmablasts responses to Mtb-specific antigens ESAT-6/CFP-10 (EC), together with non-specific Mtb purified protein derivative (PPD) and a positive (total IgG) and negative (media only) control from adults with active TB pre- and post-treatment (n=20) or with latent TB infection (LTBI; n=20) in The Gambia.ResultsFrequencies of Mtb-specific plasmablasts were significantly higher in active TB cases pre-treatment compared to post-treatment (p<0.0001) and LTBI with no difference seen following PPD stimulation. Interestingly, total IgG +cells were lower in the cases at recruitment but increased following treatment indicating the relative proportion of Mtb-specific responses were also significantly different (p=0.034) prior to therapy.ConclusionThese data show that B-cell responses are differentially modulated during active and latent TB infection, suggesting that plasmablasts may be a useful biomarker for TB infection in TB-endemic settings.
PO 8397 VIRAL SUPPRESSION AMONG CAMEROONIAN ADULTS, ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN THE ‘TEST & TREAT’ ERA
Authors: Fokam Joseph , Sosso Samuel M , E Djubgang Mbadie Rina , Bouba Yagai , Kamgaing Simo Rachel , V Edimo Serge , D Nka Alex , A Fokam Tiga , F Yimga Junie , A Takou Komego Désiré , Moudourou Sylvie , Ngo Nemb Marinette , C Billong Serge , Nfetam Elat Jean-Bosco , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundGlobal efforts in meeting the 90–90–90 targets reveal that 70% of infected people know their HIV status, 77% of these are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 82% of treated patients have viral suppression. Since launching the ‘test and treat’ strategy and wider access to drugs that bring down the viral load (VL), evaluating viral suppression would help to identify those requiring interventions and to make progress towards meeting the targets in Cameroon.MethodsA study was conducted from October 2015 to August 2017 amongst adults (≥20 years), adolescents (10–19) and children (0–9) at 12, 24, 36 and ≥48 months on ART, monitored at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. VL was established using Abbott m2000RT-PCR. VS was defined as VL <1000 copies/ml; with p<0,05 considered significant.ResultsA total of 1979 patients (70% female) were enrolled (1825 adults, 112 adolescents, 42 children); 1865 were on first-line (NNRTI-based, duration: 48 [IQR 24–48] months) vs. 114 on second-line (PI/r-based, duration: 48 [IQR 36–48] months); with 19%(368) at Month2, 14%(274) at Month24, 10%(207) at Month36% and 54% (1130) at ≥Month48. Overall, viral suppression was 79.4%, and 64.3% had controlled viral replication (VL <40). On first-line, viral suppression was 79.7% (1487) vs. 72.2%(83) on second-line (p=0,076). By ART duration, viral suppression was 83.4%(Month12), 85.8%(Month24), 74.9%(Month36) and 77.3% (≥Month48); p=0,0011. By age-range, viral suppression was 76.2% in children, 54.5% in adolescents, and 80.9% in adults (p<0,0001). By age and ART-regimen, viral suppression on first vs. second line was: children 76.5% vs. 60%; adolescents 51.7% vs. 65.2%; and adults 81.2% vs. 74.7%.ConclusionAbout 80% of Cameroonian patients might be experiencing viral suppression, with a declining performance at adolescence and by 3 years of ART experience. Thus, meeting the viral suppression target by 2020 requires a closer VL monitoring strategy and an adapted adherence support mechanism for adolescents living with HIV in resource-limited settings sharing similar challenges.
A Parallel Framework of Combining Satisfiability Modulo Theory with Indicator-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Configuring Large and Real Software Product Lines
Authors: Shi Kai , Yu Huiqun , Guo Jianmei , Fan Guisheng , Chen Liqiong , Yang Xingguang 
Published: April 2019

Multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) has been widely applied to software product lines (SPLs) for addressing the configuration optimization problems. For example, the state-of-the-art SMTIBEA algorithm extends the constraint expressiveness and supports richer constraints to better address these problems. However, it just works better than the competitor for four out of five SPLs in five objectives and the convergence speed is not significantly increased for largest Linux SPL from 5 to 30[Formula: see text]min. To further improve the optimization efficiency, we propose a parallel framework SMTPORT, which combines four corresponding SMTIBEA variants and performs these variants by utilizing parallelization techniques within the limited time budget. For case studies in LVAT repository, we conduct a series of experiments on seven real-world and highly-constrained SPLs. Empirical results demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art for all the seven SPLs in terms of a quality Hypervolume metric and a diversity Pareto Front Size indicator.
Transformation of vestibular signals for the decisions of hand choice during whole body motion
Authors: Bakker Romy S. , Selen Luc P. J. , Medendorp W. Pieter 
Published: April 2019

In daily life, we frequently reach toward objects while our body is in motion. We have recently shown that body accelerations influence the decision of which hand to use for the reach, possibly by modulating the body-centered computations of the expected reach costs. However, head orientation relative to the body was not manipulated, and hence it remains unclear whether vestibular signals contribute in their head-based sensory frame or in a transformed body-centered reference frame to these cost calculations. To test this, subjects performed a preferential reaching task to targets at various directions while they were sinusoidally translated along the lateral body axis, with their head either aligned with the body (straight ahead) or rotated 18° to the left. As a measure of hand preference, we determined the target direction that resulted in equiprobable right/left-hand choices. Results show that head orientation affects this balanced target angle when the body is stationary but does not further modulate hand preference when the body is in motion. Furthermore, reaction and movement times were larger for reaches to the balanced target angle, resembling a competitive selection process, and were modulated by head orientation when the body was stationary. During body translation, reaction and movement times depended on the phase of the motion, but this phase-dependent modulation had no interaction with head orientation. We conclude that the brain transforms vestibular signals to body-centered coordinates at the early stage of reach planning, when the decision of hand choice is computed. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The brain takes inertial acceleration into account in computing the anticipated biomechanical costs that guide hand selection during whole body motion. Whereas these costs are defined in a body-centered, muscle-based reference frame, the otoliths detect the inertial acceleration in head-centered coordinates. By systematically manipulating head position relative to the body, we show that the brain transforms otolith signals into body-centered coordinates at an early stage of reach planning, i.e., before the decision of hand choice is computed.
Comparison of multiple modulation techniques for various topologies of multilevel converters for single phase AC motor drive
Authors: Alsaqal Laith M. Akram , Alnaib Ahmed M. T. Ibraheem , Mahmood Omar Talal 
Published: April 2019

There are various types of Multilevel Converters (MCs) in addition to various types of modulation techniques for these types of MCs; the challenges in selecting the best one of them with regard to the amount of the required of components, and its harmonics content. So, a comparison study among these types has been done in this paper. For comparison study, the simulation of seven level of two popular topologies of MCs: Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) converter, and Cascaded-MCs were carried out with Matlab/Simulink software program. These converters are used to drive a single phase capacitor start motor drive. Multicarrier modulation control techniques are used for controlling the MCs; these techniques involve two main type: Level Shifted Carrier (LSC), and Phase Shifted Carrier (PSC). The comparison is made with respect to the performance factors as, the amplitude of the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and the DC-bus utilization performance which measured by Root Mean Square of the output voltage Vrms at variable modulation indices and variable carrier frequency. Based on simulation results it's found, that the cascaded-MC with PSC modulation method gives best results, in addition to the Alternative Phase Opposition Disposition APOD-LSC modulation technique (with even number of modulation frequency) generate the output voltage with a lower harmonic content compared with the other techniques.
Uma leitura epifânica do mundo: acontecimento e fratura no romance Perto do coração selvagem, de Clarice Lispector
Authors: Inácio Adriana Elisa 
Published: April 2019

Tomando por base o instrumental teórico da gramática tensiva de Claude Zilberberg – sobretudo no que se refere à noção central de acontecimento – e também o conceito de fratura, concebido por A. J. Greimas, procuramos empreender um breve estudo do romance Perto do coração selvagem (1943), de Clarice Lispector, focalizando uma de suas passagens mais representativas, cuja natureza nos permite investigar o desenrolar de acontecimentos extraordinários, que ora se apresentam como rupturas bruscas e indesejáveis na trajetória do sujeito, ora como momentos epifânicos de contemplação estética do mundo.
Procuramos ainda evidenciar a maneira pela qual os ajustes tensivos efetuados pelo sujeito contribuem para o retorno a uma espécie de equilíbrio discursivo, suprindo as faltas e contendo os excessos resultantes do impacto do acontecimento extraordinário. Tais ajustes são de fundamental importância para o restabelecimento e para a manutenção da progressão discursiva. Por fim, nos esforçamos em demonstrar que fratura e acontecimento – noções que geralmente se assemelham sem, no entanto, se confundir, dada a dimensão essencialmente estética da primeira – são, no texto analisado, comparados e equiparados, proporcionando ao sujeito da narrativa um novo saber sobre o mundo. Esse saber constituirá a base mesma de sua identidade, determinando, assim, sua intervenção sobre o mundo e suas ações sobre outros sujeitos ao longo de todo o romance.
A revision of the genera Anilaroides Théry, 1934, stat. nov. and Tetragonoschema Thomson, 1857 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Buprestinae: Anthaxiini)
Authors: BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK 
Published: April 2019

A taxonomic revision of the genera Tetragonoschema Thomson, 1857 and Anilaroides Théry, 1934, stat. nov., with the descriptions of the subgenus Patagoschema subgen. nov. and two new species: Tetragonoschema (T.) barriesi sp. nov. (Paraguay) and T. (P.) cobosi sp. nov. (Argentina). Representatives of all the included species and their male genitalia are illustrated and all species are keyed. Taxonomic history of the genera is given and all available data concerning their bionomy are compiled.
Idealized Modeling of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Response to SST Forcing in the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Rydbeck Adam V. , Jensen Tommy G. , Igel Matthew R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe atmospheric response to sea surface temperature (SST) variations forced by oceanic downwelling equatorial Rossby waves is investigated using an idealized convection-resolving model. Downwelling equatorial Rossby waves sharpen SST gradients in the western Indian Ocean. Changes in SST cause the atmosphere to hydrostatically adjust, subsequently modulating the low-level wind field. In an idealized cloud model, surface wind speeds, surface moisture fluxes, and low-level precipitable water maximize near regions of strongest SST gradients, not necessarily in regions of warmest SST. Simulations utilizing the steepened SST gradient representative of periods with oceanic downwelling equatorial Rossby waves show enhanced patterns of surface convergence and precipitation that are linked to a strengthened zonally overturning circulation. During these conditions, convection is highly organized, clustering near the maximum SST gradient and ascending branch of the SST-induced overturning circulation. When the SST gradient is reduced, as occurs during periods of weak or absent oceanic equatorial Rossby waves, convection is much less organized and total rainfall is decreased. This demonstrates the previously observed upscale organization of convection and rainfall associated with oceanic downwelling equatorial Rossby waves in the western Indian Ocean. These results suggest that the enhancement of surface fluxes that results from a steepening of the SST gradient is the leading mechanism by which oceanic equatorial Rossby waves prime the atmospheric boundary layer for rapid convective development.
The Diurnal and Microphysical Characteristics of MJO Rain Events during DYNAMO
Authors: Rowe Angela K. , Houze Robert A. , Brodzik Stacy , Zuluaga Manuel D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) dominates the intraseasonal variability of cloud populations of the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. Suppressed MJO periods consist primarily of shallow and isolated deep convection. During the transition to an active MJO, the shallow and isolated deep clouds grow upscale into the overnight hours. During active MJO periods, mesoscale convective systems occur mostly during 2–4-day bursts of rainfall activity with a statistically significant early morning peak. Yet when these rain events are separated into individual active periods, some periods do not follow the mean pattern, with the November events in particular exhibiting an afternoon peak. The radar-observed microphysical processes producing the precipitation during the major rain events of active MJO periods evolve in connection with synoptic-scale wave passages with varying influences of diurnal forcing. MJO studies that do not account for the intermittency of rainfall during active MJO phases through averaging over multiple events can lead to the misimpression that the primary rain-producing clouds of the MJO are modulated solely by the diurnal cycle.