bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural selection and genetic diversity of domain I of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 on Bioko Island
Authors: Wang Ya-Nan , Lin Min , Liang Xue-Yan , Chen Jiang-Tao , Xie Dong-De , Wang Yu-Ling , Ehapo Carlos Salas , Eyi Urbano Monsuy , Huang Hui-Ying , Wu Jing-Li , Xu Dan-Yan , Chen Zhi-Mao , Cao Yi-Long , Chen Hai-Bin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundPlasmodium falciparumapical membrane antigen-1 (PfAMA-1) is a promising candidate antigen for a blood-stage malaria vaccine. However, antigenic variation and diversity ofPfAMA-1 are still major problems to design a universal malaria vaccine based on this antigen, especially against domain I (DI). Detail understanding of thePfAMA-1 gene polymorphism can provide useful information on this potential vaccine component. Here, general characteristics of genetic structure and the effect of natural selection of DIs among BiokoP. falciparumisolates were analysed.Methods214 blood samples were collected from Bioko Island patients withP. falciparummalaria between 2011 and 2017. A fragment spanning DI ofPfAMA-1 was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. Polymorphic characteristics and the effect of natural selection were analysed using MEGA 5.0, DnaSP 6.0 and Popart programs. Genetic diversity in 576 globalPfAMA-1 DIs were also analysed. Protein function prediction of new amino acid mutation sites was performed using PolyPhen-2 program.Results131 different haplotypes ofPfAMA-1 were identified in 214 Bioko IslandP. falciparumisolates. Most amino acid changes identified on Bioko Island were found in C1L. 32 amino acid changes identified inPfAMA-1 sequences from Bioko Island were found in predicted RBC-binding sites, B cell epitopes or IUR regions. Overall patterns of amino acid changes of BiokoPfAMA-1 DIs were similar to those in globalPfAMA-1 isolates. Differential amino acid substitution frequencies were observed for samples from different geographical regions. Eight new amino acid changes of Bioko island isolates were also identified and their three-dimensional protein structural consequences were predicted. Evidence for natural selection and recombination event were observed in global isolates.ConclusionsPatterns of nucleotide diversity and amino acid polymorphisms of Bioko Island isolates were similar to those of globalPfAMA-1 DIs. Balancing natural selection across DIs might play a major role in generating genetic diversity in global isolates. Most amino acid changes in DIs occurred in predicted B-cell epitopes. Novel sites mapped on a three dimensional structure ofPfAMA-1 showed that these regions were located at the corner. These results may provide significant value in the design of a malaria vaccine based on this antigen.
Plasmodium vivax cerebral malaria in an adult patient in Sudan
Authors: Mukhtar Maowia M. , Eisawi Omer A. , Amanfo Seth A. , Elamin Elwaleed M. , Imam Zeinab S. , Osman Faiza M. , Hamed Manasik E. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Plasmodium vivax infection is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for more than 90% of malaria cases. While P. vivax is identified as a major cause of severe and cerebral malaria in South east Asia, the Pacific and South America, most of the severe and cerebral cases in Africa were attributed to P. falciparum. Cases of severe malaria due to P. vivax are emerging in Africa. A few severe P. vivax cases were reported in Eastern Sudan and they were underestimated due to the lack of accurate diagnosis, low parasitaemia and seldom use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).

Case presentation
A 60-year-old Sudanese male presented to the Al Kuwaiti hospital in the Sudan capital Khartoum. On admission, the patient was complaining of fever (measured temperature was 38 °C), sweating, chills, vomiting and confusion in the past 2 days prior to his admission. He rapidly deteriorated into a coma state within 48 h of the admission, with significant neck stiffness. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and was suspected of meningitis. Lumbar puncture was not performed since the patient was suffering from spinal cord disc. Brain CT scan was unremarkable. Several biochemical, haematological tests, and blood film for malaria were performed. The results of the laboratory tests were within the normal range except of mild elevation of the total white blood cell count and a significant decrease in the platelets count. Malaria parasites were seen in the blood film with high parasitaemia (quantified as 3 +++). The patient was diagnosed as P. vivax cerebral malaria based on the positive blood film and the amplification of P. vivax specific 499 bp amplicon using Plasmodium multi-species multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The patient was treated with quinine 10 mg/kg body weight for 10 days followed by primaquine 15 mg/days PO for 2 weeks. The symptoms subsided within 48 h and the patients was cured and released from the hospital.

Conclusions
Plasmodium vivax is an emerging cause of cerebral malaria in adults in Sudan and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebral malaria for proper management of patients.
I could take the judgment if you could just provide the service: non-prescription syringe purchase experience at Arizona pharmacies, 2018
Authors: Meyerson Beth E. , Lawrence Carrie A. , Cope Summer Dawn , Levin Steven , Thomas Christopher , Eldridge Lori Ann , Coles Haley B. , Vadiei Nina , Kennedy Amy 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCommunity pharmacies are important for health access by rural populations and those who do not have optimum access to the health system, because they provide myriad health services and are found in most communities. This includes the sale of non-prescription syringes, a practice that is legal in the USA in all but two states. However, people who inject drugs (PWID) face significant barriers accessing sterile syringes, particularly in states without laws allowing syringe services programming. To our knowledge, no recent studies of pharmacy-based syringe purchase experience have been conducted in communities that are both rural and urban, and none in the Southwestern US. This study seeks to understand the experience of retail pharmacy syringe purchase in Arizona by PWID.MethodsAn interview study was conducted between August and December 2018 with 37 people living in 3 rural and 2 urban Arizona counties who identified as current or former users of injection drugs. Coding was both a priori and emergent, focusing on syringe access through pharmacies, pharmacy experiences generally, experiences of stigma, and recommendations for harm reduction services delivered by pharmacies.ResultsAll participants reported being refused syringe purchase at pharmacies. Six themes emerged about syringe purchase: (1) experience of stigma and judgment by pharmacy staff, (2) feelings of internalized stigma, (3) inconsistent sales outcomes at the same pharmacy or pharmacy chain, (4) pharmacies as last resort for syringes, (5) fear of arrest for syringe possession, and (6) health risks resulting from syringe refusal.ConclusionsNon-prescription syringe sales in community pharmacies are a missed opportunity to improve the health of PWID by reducing syringe sharing and reuse. Yet, current pharmacy syringe sales refusal and stigmatization by staff suggest that pharmacy-level interventions will be necessary to impact pharmacy practice. Lack of access to sterile syringes reinforces health risk behaviors among PWID. Retail syringe sales at pharmacies remain an important, yet barrier-laden, element of a comprehensive public health response to reduce HIV and hepatitis C among PWID. Future studies should test multilevel evidence-based interventions to decrease staff discrimination and stigma and increase syringe sales.
Photopheresis efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a pre-clinical proof of concept
Authors: Coppard Céline , Bonnefoy Francis , Hannani Dalil , Gabert Françoise , Manches Olivier , Plumas Joel , Perruche Sylvain , Chaperot Laurence 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite major advances in rheumatoid arthritis outcome, not all patients achieve remission, and there is still an unmet need for new therapeutic approaches. This study aimed at evaluating in a pre-clinical murine model the efficacy of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and to provide a relevant study model for dissecting ECP mechanism of action in autoimmune diseases.

Methods
DBA/1 mice were immunized by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type II, in order to initiate the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritic mice received 3 ECP treatments every other day, with psoralen + UVA-treated (PUVA) spleen cells obtained from arthritic mice. Arthritis score was measured, and immune cell subsets were monitored.

Results
ECP-treated mice recovered from arthritis as evidenced by a decreasing arthritic score over time. Significant decrease in the frequency of Th17 cells in the spleen of treated mice was observed. Interestingly, while PUVA-treated spleen cells from healthy mouse had no effect, PUVA-treated arthritic mouse derived-spleen cells were able to induce control of arthritis development.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that ECP can control arthritis in CIA-mice, and clarifies ECP mechanisms of action, showing ECP efficacy and Th17 decrease only when arthritogenic T cells are contained within the treated sample. These data represent a pre-clinical proof of concept supporting the use of ECP in the treatment of RA in Human.
“That’s a woman’s problem”: a qualitative analysis to understand male involvement in maternal and newborn health in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Leight Jessica , Giroux Nadège , AbdulAziz Fatima , Nyqvist Martina Bjorkman 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Maternal and newborn mortality continue to be major challenges in Nigeria. While greater participation of men in maternal and newborn health has been associated with positive outcomes in many settings, male involvement remains low. The objective of this analysis was to investigate male involvement in maternal and newborn health in Jigawa state, northern Nigeria.

Methods
This qualitative study included 40 event narratives conducted with families who had experienced a maternal or newborn complication or death, in-depth interviews with 10 husbands and four community leaders, and four focus group discussions with community health workers. The interviews focused on understanding illness recognition and care seeking as well as the role of husbands at each stage on the continuum of maternal and newborn health. Data were transcribed, translated to English, and coded and analyzed using Dedoose software and a codebook developed a priori.

Results
This paper reports low levels of knowledge of obstetric and newborn complications among men and limited male involvement during pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period in Jigawa state. Men are key decision-makers around the location of the delivery and other decisions linked to maternal and newborn health, and they provide crucial resources including nutritious foods and transportation. However, they generally do not accompany their wives to antenatal visits, are rarely present for deliveries, and do not make decisions about complications arising during delivery and the immediate post-partum period. These gendered roles are deeply ingrained, and men are often ridiculed for stepping outside of them. Additional barriers for male involvement include minimal engagement with health programs and challenges at health facilities including a poor attitude of health providers towards men and accompanying family members.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that male involvement is limited by low knowledge and barriers related to social norms and within health systems. Interventions engaging men in maternal and newborn health must take into account these obstacles while protecting women’s autonomy and avoiding reinforcement of gender inequitable roles and behaviors.
Adult and young women communication on sexuality: a pilot intervention in Maputo-Mozambique
Authors: Frederico Mónica , Arnaldo Carlos , Michielsen Kristien , Decat Peter 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundCommunication on sexuality within the family has been considered a determinant factor for the sexual behaviour of young women, contributing to delaying sexual initiation. Taking into account that young women are increasingly exposed to sexualized messages, they need clear, trustful and open communication on sexuality more than ever. However, in Mozambique, communication about sexuality is hampered by strict social norms. This paper evaluates the case of an intervention aimed at reducing the generational barrier for talking about sexuality and to contribute to better communication within the family context.MethodsThe intervention consisted of three weekly one-hour coached sessions in which female adults and young interacted about sexuality. Realist evaluation was used as a framework to assess context, mechanisms, and outcomes of the intervention. Interviews were conducted among 13 participants of the sessions.ResultThe interaction sessions were positively appreciated by the participants and contributed to change norms and attitudes towards communication on sexuality within families. Recognition of similarities and awareness of differences were key in the mechanisms leading to these outcomes. This was reinforced by the use of visual materials and the atmosphere of respect and freedom of speech that characterized the interactions. Limiting factors were related to the long-standing taboo on sexuality and existing misconceptions on sexuality education and talks about sex.ConclusionBy elucidating mechanisms and contextual factors our study adds knowledge on strategies to improve transgenerational communication about sexuality.
Contextual-relationship and stress-related factors of postpartum depression symptoms in nulliparas: a prospective study from Ljubljana, Slovenia
Authors: Rus Prelog Polona , Vidmar Šimic Marijana , Premru Sršen Tanja , Rus Makovec Maja 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundFor a significant proportion of women, postpartum depression (PPD) is the first mood episode in their lives, yet its aetiology still remains unclear. Insecure attachment in close adult relationships is considered to be a risk factor for depressive symptoms. This study aimed to gain further insight into the risk factors for postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS) of nulliparas in Slovenia and to examine vulnerability to developing depressive symptoms, with an emphasis on contextual and stress-related characteristics.MethodsThe sample consisted of 156 nulliparas in the third trimester of pregnancy enrolled in a childbirth preparation program. The following instruments were applied: Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), the Zung Anxiety Scale and a question battery designed by the research team including questions about emotional support and work-related stress. Logistic regression was used to test the association between demographic, social, environmental, personality and attachment variables and PPD of nulliparas (EPDS ≥10), controlling for baseline (prepartum) depression score. A multivariable linear regression model was built with the postpartum EPDS continuous score as a dependent variable.Results28/156 (17,9%) were evaluated as being at risk for depression (EPDS≥10) in the last trimester and 25/156 (16%) at six weeks postpartum. The results of the logistic regression model controlled for prepartum depression score showed that increased risk for developing PPDS was associated with anxiety level postpartum, intimate-partner-attachment anxiety postpartum, and elevated stress due to loss of employment or an unsuccessful search for employment in the previous year. The results of the multivariable regression model, however, showed the association with education and postpartum anxiety with PPDS continuous score; EPDS after giving birth was higher for more educated and more anxious primiparas.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the importance of anxiety symptoms and higher education level in assessments of nulliparas’ mental health. The results of our study show and confirm the results of previous research that anxiety symptoms in the immediate postpartum period are likely to be associated with depressive symptoms in nulliparas. The results also suggest that higher level of education of first-time mothers might not be a protective factor, especially for nulliparas with the university level of education. Further studies on larger samples should be considered.
Paving the way for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait impairment in myotonic dystrophy: a pilot study focusing on muscle networks
Authors: Naro Antonino , Portaro Simona , Milardi Demetrio , Billeri Luana , Leo Antonino , Militi David , Bramanti Placido , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA proper rehabilitation program targeting gait is mandatory to maintain the quality of life of patients with Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Assuming that gait and balance impairment simply depend on the degree of muscle weakness is potentially misleading. In fact, the involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in DM1 pathophysiology calls into account the deterioration of muscle coordination in gait impairment. Our study aimed at demonstrating the presence and role of muscle connectivity deterioration in patients with DM1 by a CNS perspective by investigating signal synergies using a time-frequency spectral coherence and multivariate analyses on lower limb muscles while walking upright. Further, we sought at determining whether muscle networks were abnormal secondarily to the muscle impairment or primarily to CNS damage (as DM1 is a multi–system disorder also involving the CNS). In other words, muscle network deterioration may depend on a weakening in signal synergies (that express the neural drive to muscles deduced from surface electromyography data).MethodsSuch an innovative approach to estimate muscle networks and signal synergies was carried out in seven patients with DM1 and ten healthy controls (HC).ResultsPatients with DM1 showed a commingling of low and high frequencies among muscle at both within– and between–limbs level, a weak direct neural coupling concerning inter–limb coordination, a modest network segregation, high integrative network properties, and an impoverishment in the available signal synergies, as compared to HCs. These network abnormalities were independent from muscle weakness and myotonia.ConclusionsOur results suggest that gait impairment in patients with DM1 depends also on a muscle network deterioration that is secondary to signal synergy deterioration (related to CNS impairment). This suggests that muscle network deterioration may be a primary trait of DM1 rather than a maladaptive mechanism to muscle degeneration. This information may be useful concerning the implementation of proper rehabilitative strategies in patients with DM1. It will be indeed necessary not only addressing muscle weakness but also gait-related muscle connectivity to improve functional ambulation in such patients.
Association between the content of intracellular and extracellular fluid and the amount of water intake among Chinese college students
Authors: Zhang Na , Zhang Jianfen , Du Songming , He Hairong , Yan Xinyu , Ma Guansheng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Normal distribution of body fluid is important for maintaining health through the balance of water metabolism. Studies have shown that disease states and diuretics perturb the balance and then induce abnormal intracellular/extracellular fluid ratio. However, there are relatively few researches on the associations between water intakes and body fluid. The objective of this study was to explore the association between body fluid and water intake.

Methods
A total of 159 young adults in Baoding, China were recruited in this cross-sectional survey and completeness of follow-up was 98.1%. A 7-day fluid specific diary was used to record total fluid intake (TFI). Water intake from foods (FWI) for 3 days was measured using the methods of weighting, duplicate portion method and laboratory analysis by researchers. Body fluid was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results
Total body water (TBW), intracellular fluid (ICF) and extracellular fluid (ECF) of participants were 32.8[28.0,39.2], 20.5[17.3,24.5] and 12.4[10.7,14.7], (kg). This represented 55.2 ± 6.2, 34.4 ± 4.0 and 20.8 ± 2.3 (%) of body weight (BW), respectively. ICF, ECF and TBW among male participants who drank more than or equal to adequate TFI was higher than those who drank less (Z = -1.985, p = 0.047; Z = -2.134, p = 0.033; Z = -2.053, p = 0.040). Among both males and females, the values of TBW/BW in participants whose TWI met or exceeded the AI were higher than those with TWI less than AI (t = − 2.011, p = 0.046; t = − 2.716, p = 0.008). Among all participants, there was moderate correlation between water intakes (TFI/BW, FWI/BW and TWI/BW) and body fluid (ICF/BW,ECF/BW and TBW/BW) (p < 0.01 for all). Same correlations were found among both males and females.

Conclusion
There is a certain degree of association between water intake and body fluid. However, whether TFI or TWI achieve AI or not do not disturb the balance on the distribution of body fluid. More studies should be conducted to find the diagnostic threshold on TFI and TWI which may disrupt the distribution of body fluid so as to prevent related diseases.

Trial registration
Chinese clinical trial registry. Name of the registry: Relationship of drinking water and urination. Trial registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-17010320. Date of registration: 01/04/2017. URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=17601&htm=4.
HIF-1α is a key mediator of the lung inflammatory potential of lithium-ion battery particles
Authors: Sironval Violaine , Palmai-Pallag Mihaly , Vanbever Rita , Huaux François , Mejia Jorge , Lucas Stéphane , Lison Dominique , van den Brule Sybille 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundLi-ion batteries (LIB) are increasingly used worldwide. They are made of low solubility micrometric particles, implying a potential for inhalation toxicity in occupational settings and possibly for consumers. LiCoO2(LCO), one of the most used cathode material, induces inflammatory and fibrotic lung responses in mice. LCO also stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) -1α, a factor implicated in inflammation, fibrosis and carcinogenicity. Here, we investigated the role of cobalt, nickel and HIF-1α as determinants of toxicity, and evaluated their predictive value for the lung toxicity of LIB particles in in vitro assays.ResultsBy testing a set of 5 selected LIB particles (LCO, LiNiMnCoO2, LiNiCoAlO2) with different cobalt and nickel contents, we found a positive correlation between their in vivo lung inflammatory activity, and (i) Co and Ni particle content and their bioaccessibility and (ii) the stabilization of HIF-1α in the lung. Inhibition of HIF-1α with chetomin or PX-478 blunted the lung inflammatory response to LCO in mice. In IL-1β deficient mice, HIF-1α was the upstream signal of the inflammatory lung response to LCO. In vitro, the level of HIF-1α stabilization induced by LIB particles in BEAS-2B cells correlated with the intensity of lung inflammation induced by the same particles in vivo.ConclusionsWe conclude that HIF-1α, stabilized in lung cells by released Co and Ni ions, is a mechanism-based biomarker of lung inflammatory responses induced by LIB particles containing Co/Ni. Documenting the Co/Ni content of LIB particles, their bioaccessibility and their capacity to stabilize HIF-1α in vitro can be used to predict the lung inflammatory potential of LIB particles.