bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEASONAL ABUNDANCE AND SPOROZOITE RATES IN MALARIA VECTORS IN NCHELENGE INCLUDING ISLANDS OF LAKE MWERU AN AREA WITH A HIGH BURDEN OF MALARIA IN NORTHERN ZAMBIA
Authors: Muleba Mbanga , Stevenson Jennifer , Mbata Keith , Mulenga Modest , Coetzee Maureen , Norris Douglas 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundNchelenge district is a holoendemic malaria transmission zone in northern Zambia. The district occurs in a region characterised by a mix of water, marshes, islands and lagoons presenting a uniquely suitable ecology for mosquitoes. Annual indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaigns are carried out between September and December synchronised with other regions in the country with different environmental conditions. Targeted vector control interventions have been applied since 2008 without appreciable impact on disease burden. The timing and targeting of vector control measures are not guided by an informed entomological baseline. This study was aimed at providing entomological information on the seasonal abundance, spatial distribution andPlasmodium falciparumsporozoite infections in the local malaria vector species in order to guide implementation of vector control in the district.MethodsEntomological studies were conducted intermittently spanning the rainy, cold-dry, and hot-dry seasons from 2015–2016. Mosquitoes were collected by CDC light traps, identified to species both morphologically and by PCR techniques. Circumsporozoite ELISA assay was used to detectP. falciparumin mosquito salivary glands.ResultsA total of 5437 femaleAnopheles funestusandAn. gambiaeand over 6000 culicines, mostlyMansoniamosquitoes were collected. The peak number of theAn. funestusfrom all sites occurred in July. OverallP. falciparuminfection rates inAn. funestuswere Kilwa island 2.7% (4/146), Mainland 2.5% (3/122), Chisenga island 0.4% (1/220), Isokwe 5.9% (2/34) and inAn. leesonifrom Kilwa 33% (1/3). The highest number ofAn. gambiaewas collected from Kilwa and none was found infected withP. falciparumregardless of collection site.ConclusionsThe annual IRS conducted between September and December may be ineffective in controlling malaria as this misses the vector peak abundance and peak transmission season. Two rounds of IRS covering more areas would be needed to control the two vector species with different population peak seasons and malaria transmission.
WEIGHT STATUS ROLE ON ANTIMALARIAL DRUG EFFICACY AND SAFETY IN SUBURBAN CHILD POPULATION IN MALI
Authors: Djimde Moussa , Vaillant Michel , Samouda Hanen , Sagara Issaka , Djimde Abdoulaye , Doumbo Ogobara 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMalnutrition andPlasmodium falciparummalaria are two major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we described as our primary outcome the proportion of presence ofP. falciparumduring follow-up and explore the relationships between malaria drug safety and nutritional inadequacies.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of anin vivoprospective randomised control trial conducted in Bougoula-Hameau, Mali. Our analysis concerned 749 children followed during 28 days. We determined the BMI status of each child according to the cut-offs defined by WHO in 2007. R-software was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe median of parasite density was higher in thin and severely thin children (17800). The median of haemoglobin levels at enrolment was lower in children who were thin and severely thin (9.85) compared to the children with normal weight, overweight and obesity. At 21 days, there was no parasite in thin and severely thin children. At the same point of follow-up, 7.5% of children with normal weight had parasites versus 8.4% of overweight and obese children. Between the three groups the difference was significant (p=0.03). On day 7 the highest ASAT level was observed in children with normal weight (p=0.03). We didn't observed differences between weight status groups regarding the level of creatinine. The p-value was respectively 0.99, 0.41 and 0.07 at enrolment, day 7 and day 14.ConclusionsThis study showed that children with BMI deficiency had a higher parasite density and lowest haemoglobin level at enrolment. However, we did not observe a relationship between weight deficiency and the safety of antimalarial drugs used in our study.
IMMUNOGENICITY OF MALARIA-VECTORED VACCINES IS NOT AFFECTED BY CO-ADMINISTRATION WITH ROUTINE EPI VACCINES IN A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN GAMBIAN INFANTS AND NEONATES
Authors: Afolabi Muhammed , Mensah Victorine , Roetynck Sophie , Kanteh Ebrima , Bowyer Georgina , Ndaw Amy , Oko Francis , Bliss Carly , Jagne Ya Jankey , Cortese Riccardo , Nicosia Alfredo , Roberts Rachel , D'Alessio Flavia , Leroy Odile , Faye Babacar , Kampmann Beate , Cisse Badara , Bojang Kalifa , Gerry Stephen , Viebig Nicola , Lawrie Alison , Clarke Ed , Ewer Katie , Imoukhuede Egeruan , Hill Adrian 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundRecent global estimates show thatP. falciparummalaria still constitutes an enormous public health concern. Chief amongst desirable interventions is an effective vaccine that could complement existing control measures. Heterologous prime-boost vaccinations involving chimpanzee adenovirus 63 (ChAd63) and modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) encoding ME-TRAP have consistently shown acceptable safety, excellent immunogenicity and substantial efficacy in African adult and paediatric populations. When licensed, malaria vaccines would preferably be given to infants receiving routine childhood immunisations. Nevertheless, no studies have evaluated the interference of ChAd63/MVA ME-TRAP when co-administered with routine Expanded Programme Immunisation (EPI) vaccines.MethodsWe enrolled 65 Gambian infants and neonates in an age de-escalating fashion, priming at 4 months, 8 weeks or 1 week of age, and randomised them to vaccine or control (EPI vaccines only) arm. Safety was assessed by the description of vaccine-related adverse events ascertained through clinical assessments, biochemical and haematological tests. Immunogenicity was evaluated by IgG ELISA, interferon-gamma ELISPOT, intra-cellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. Antibody testing was performed to assess any interference of the EPI vaccines with responses to ChAd63/MVA ME-TRAP.ResultsOverall, the vaccination regimes were well tolerated in all age groups with no vaccine-related serious adverse events. High level IgG and antigen-specific T cell responses were generated after boosting with MVA, with T cell responses highest in the infants 8 week old at priming dose. EPI vaccines retained unchanged antibody levels in all age groups.ConclusionsPotent humoral and cellular immunity induced by heterologous prime-boost immunisation with ChAd63 and MVA ME-TRAP did not interfere with the immunogenicity of co-administered routine EPI vaccines in infants and neonates. Potent T cell induction was again observed with the vectored malaria vaccines despite co-administration with EPI vaccines.
A MALARIA VACCINE SITE CHARACTERISATION: PREVALENCE AND SPECIES DISTRIBUTION OFPLASMODIUMMALARIA IN A MALARIA ENDEMIC SETTING OF BURKINA FASO (WEST AFRICA)
Authors: Diarra Amidou , Nebie Issa , Tiono Alfred B , Sanou Guillaume , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Konate Amadou T , Yaro Baptiste J , Soulama Issiaka , Sodiomon Sirima 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAny development of a vaccine strategy or its implementation is based on a good knowledge of the biology of the pathogen and its temporal and spatial distribution. In the case of malaria, the main four species responsible for the disease though having a similar biological structure are not equally represented spatially due to factors such as environment and susceptibility of human to species.MethodsIn order to characterise a site for a future malaria vaccine implementation in terms of malaria prevalence and its species distribution, two cross sectional studies were conducted in October and March corresponding to the high and low malaria transmission season, respectively, in the Banfora Health District. A total of 1203 volunteers aged from 0.5 to 45 years consented to participate in the study. During each survey, after a brief physical examination, blood was taken from each volunteer by finger prick to perform thick and thin blood film examination. Blood smears collected were air dry and the thin film fixed with methanol. Dry smears were then stained with controlled PH Giemsa buffer solution and checked for malaria parasite using light microscope.ResultsMalaria prevalence was markedly high during high malaria transmission: 54.26% compared to low malaria transmission season 39, 40%.Plasmodiumindex was 46.8% with a gametocyte index of 11%. Main species present in the study area wereP. falciparum,P. malariae and P. ovale. Species distribution was almost the same across the two seasons with P.falciparumbeing more prevalent compared to other species with respectively 97.8% and 98.7%.ConclusionsP. falciparum,P. malariaeandP. ovaleare the three main species in the study area with almost the same distribution across the two seasons.
CORRELATION OF HIV-1 P24 ASSAY WITH CD4 T-CELL COUNT, HIV, HBV AND HCV CO-INFECTIONS AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR ART MONITORING IN VASTLY HIV-INFECTED POPULATION OF NIGERIA
Authors: Okonko Iheanyi , Okerentugba Phillip , Opaleye Oluyinka , Awujo Ezinwanne , Frank-Peterside Nnenna 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundReports indicate that extensive genetic diversity of HIV-1 impacts almost every aspect of HIV-1 epidemiology, including laboratory detection, ART/resistance, monitoring of ART and vaccine development. Therefore, in order to support the scale-up of access to HAART to mitigate the HIV-1 scourge, prompt, accurate and cost-effective diagnosis and monitoring of ART is crucial in Nigeria (a resource-limited country).MethodsPlasma of 200 confirmed HIV-1 patients on a specified and uniform ART regimen was monitored with P24 antigen assay and CD4 T-cell count as virologic and immunologic assessments of response to ART. The results of the assays (P24 and CD4 count) were compared to assess sensitivity, turn-around time and financial advantages of P24 over the CD4 count. Serological analysis of HBV and HCV were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Enumeration of CD4+ levels was done with a Partec flow cytometer.ResultsOf these patients, 77.5% had HIV only, 14.5% had HIV−HBV and 11.5% had HIV-HCV. Evaluation of levels of P24 antigen revealed that lower limits for P24 antigen 0.577–2.308 were detected in the subjects with CD4 cell count >500. However, higher limits for P24 antigen 2.308–2.885 were detected in subjects with CD4 cell count within the range of 200–499. Correlation analysis showed an inverse relationship between CD4 count and level of P24 antigen (CD4 count of 200–499 cells/µl versus 2.308–2.885 of P24, r=–0.319, CD4 count≥500 cells/µl versus 0.577–2.307 of P24, r=–0.088).ConclusionsThis study suggests that p24 could serve as one of such diagnostic and monitoring facilities that could be used in a resource-limited area like Nigeria. This will in turn lead to selection of more specific ARV options that best suppress viraemia during initiation of ART, as well as for monitoring HIV-1 patients in Nigeria, knowing that the virus subtype impacts effectiveness of ART.
A RAPID SEROLOGICAL TRIAGE TEST FOR DETECTING ACTIVE TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Borain Nick , Petersen Lizette , Plessis Julianne Du , Theron Grant , Holm-Hansen Carol 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundA rapid screening test for active tuberculosis (TB) will reduce diagnostic delay and expedite referral for confirmatory testing and treatment. Antigen detection tests, which may utilise a rapid lateral flow (LF) platform suited to point-of-care use, offer a promising alternative to conventional methods for TB diagnosis. To date, the lack of accurate biomarkers has precluded the development of a serological assay.MethodsSera and saliva were obtained by our consortium partners from culture-positive TB cases and healthy asymptomatic controls in high-burden settings.Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) antigens with diagnostic potential were expressed in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, and antigen combinations evaluated for sensitivity/specificity on multiplex, ELISA and LF platforms.ResultsBased on a comparison of proteins recognised by antibodies from patients and controls, we have identified a combination of secreted and membrane-associated antigens involved in cell wall/cell processes and lipid metabolism that differentiate between active disease and latent infection. Sensitivities of 84–94% among TB cases and specificities of 97–100% among healthy endemic controls were obtained by screening over 300 samples against combinations of eukaryotic-expressed antigens on different platforms. Results indicating active TB were also observed among samples from symptomatic smear/culture-negative TB suspects. Antibody reactivity was not Mtb strain-specific. Sera from Norwegian latent TB controls yielded negative results. Our LF assay detects TB in the context of HIV co-infection, and is currently being optimised using sera from well-characterised TB suspects in Cape Town.ConclusionsScreening our sample sets against a selected combination of Mtb antigens by multiplex and LF prototype assays yielded sensitivities and specificities superior to that obtained by sputum smear microscopy. Our LF prototype conforms to the WHO target product profile criteria for a community-based triage test. Modification of the lateral flow platform for finger-stick blood and/or saliva samples will further increase assay suitability for use at the health post level.
EMERGENCE OF NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIUM PULMONARY INFECTIONS, ANALYSIS OF ISOLATES FROM PREVIOUSLY TREATED TB CASES
Authors: Kudzawu Samuel , Atiadeve Samuel , Hilmann Doris 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to characterise supposed non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) found in previously treated tuberculosis (TB) cases to inform policy on inclusion of NTM diagnosis and management as a differential in TB care. In addition, the objective was to test the sensitivity or otherwise of the identification algorithm used in Ghana to declare an isolate an NTM.MethodsThirty-one supposed NTM isolates from previously treated TB patients were collected. The NTM identification was based on culture positivity by BD MGIT 960TM, smear positivity for acid fast bacilli and finally by BD MGIT TB-cIDTM test kit. DNA was extracted using the Hain Lifescience GMBH GenolyseTM kit. The specimens were further subjected to sequencing.ResultsFive (16%) of the previously treated cases wereMycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC);two (6.5%) wereM. abscesus/cholenae;1 case (3.2%) forM. fortuitumandM. gordonaeeach. One (3.2%) was an unknown mycobacterium and 4 (12.9%) were other bacteria. Streptomyces and Brevibacteria were 8 (25.8%) and 6 (19.4%), respectively. There were three incidences of mixture with other bacteria; 2 MTBCs (6.5%) and 1 NTM (3.2%).ConclusionsThere is some evidence to suggest the prevalence of NTM colonisation and disease in previously treated TB patients. There is the possibility of some smear positive new cases being NTM lung diseases but may be put on TB treatment. Emphasis on differentiation of AFB positive smears before treatment especially for retreatment cases must be made. The rapid deployment of new molecular methods has the potential of bridging the gap. There is the need for a definite diagnostic algorithm that can detect both NTMs and MTBCs. Further studies are encouraged to determinate whether the other organisms identified are relevant possible pathogens or contaminants.
VITAMIN D FOR TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF TB-HIV
Authors: Coussens Anna , Naude Celeste , Chaplin George , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Martineau Adrian , Jablonski Nina , Wilkinson Robert 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundSusceptibility to reactivate tuberculosis infection is influenced by immunosuppression. Amongst the greatest risk factors for active TB are HIV-1 infection and vitamin D deficiency. These risks factors are not mutually exclusive and may exacerbate each other. However, the phenotype of immunodeficiency induced by each is different. Vitamin D deficiency not only associates with TB risks, but it is greater in HIV-co-infected patients. The effects of vitamin D on the immune system are pleiotropic, being both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Evidence suggests that vitamin D may not only reduce risk of TB by increasing anti-mycobacterial immunity and reducing inflammation, but it may also reduce HIV replication and the associated effects on innate and adaptive immunity; thus concomitantly reducing the associated risk of HIV on TB.MethodsWe investigatedin vitroandex vivothe effect of vitamin D supplementation on the response of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), respectively, to HIV-M. tuberculosis(Mtb)co-infection. The effects of pathogen growth and susceptibility to infection were correlated to cytokine, chemokine and antimicrobial peptide production, by expression, secretion and flow cytometry analysis.ResultsMDM differentiated in the presence of vitamin D metabolites, significantly restricted HIV-1 replication, alone and during co-infection withMtb. Type 2 MDM were considerably more susceptible to HIV-1 infection than type 1. This correlated with the level of CCL2 production, which was significantly inhibited by vitamin D metabolites. PBMC isolated from healthy individuals in summer and in winter after receiving vitamin D, significantly restricted HIV-1 infection, compared to PBMC collected in winter before supplementation. There was a significant difference in circulating cell populations and serum cytokines/chemokines in summer, compared to winter, and these were investigated for correlations with HIV replication.ConclusionsVitamin D may prove a cheap, effective, tool for preventing TB-HIV disease progression and clinical trials are warranted in at-risk populations.
Measurement properties of self-report physical activity assessment tools in stroke: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Martins Júlia Caetano , Aguiar Larissa Tavares , Nadeau Sylvie , Scianni Aline Alvim , Teixeira-Salmela Luci Fuscaldi , Faria Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionSelf-report physical activity assessment tools are commonly used for the evaluation of physical activity levels in individuals with stroke. A great variety of these tools have been developed and widely used in recent years, which justify the need to examine their measurement properties and clinical utility. Therefore, the main objectives of this systematic review are to examine the measurement properties and clinical utility of self-report measures of physical activity and discuss the strengths and limitations of the identified tools.Methods and analysisA systematic review of studies that investigated the measurement properties and/or clinical utility of self-report physical activity assessment tools in stroke will be conducted. Electronic searches will be performed in five databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro),Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde(LILACS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), followed by hand searches of the reference lists of the included studies. Two independent reviewers will screen all retrieve titles, abstracts, and full texts, according to the inclusion criteria and will also extract the data. A third reviewer will be referred to solve any disagreement. A descriptive summary of the included studies will contain the design, participants, as well as the characteristics, measurement properties, and clinical utility of the self-report tools. The methodological quality of the studies will be evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist and the clinical utility of the identified tools will be assessed considering predefined criteria. This systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.DiscussionThis systematic review will provide an extensive review of the measurement properties and clinical utility of self-report physical activity assessment tools used in individuals with stroke, which would benefit clinicians and researchers.Trial registration numberPROSPERO CRD42016037146.
Baseline autoantibodies preferentially impact abatacept efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are biologic naïve: 6-month results from a real-world, international, prospective study
Authors: Alten Rieke , Nüßlein Hubert G , Mariette Xavier , Galeazzi Mauro , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Cantagrel Alain , Chartier Melanie , Poncet Coralie , Rauch Christiane , Le Bars Manuela 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of baseline rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) status on the clinical efficacy of intravenous abatacept in biologic-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) enrolled in the real-world ACTION study.MethodsClinical outcomes (European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, mean Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Boolean remission) at 6 months were compared by baseline RF and anti-CCP status.ResultsOf 672 biologic-naïve patients, RF status was reported in 577 (86%) (412 (71%) positive) and anti-CCP status in 552 (82%) (364 (66%) positive); of 511 patients for whom data were available, 308/511 (60%) were double positive and 127/511 (25%) were double negative. Clinical outcomes were improved with RF-positive or anti-CCP-positive versus RF-negative/anti-CCP-negative status—good or moderate EULAR response: RF: 84.6 vs 72.9%, p=0.012; anti-CCP: 85.2 vs 74.2%, p=0.015; mean CDAI (calculated): RF: 10.8 vs 15.3, p<0.001; anti-CCP: 10.9 vs 14.3, p=0.002; and Boolean remission: RF: 13.3 vs 4.0%, p=0.008; anti-CCP: 12.5 vs 6.3%, p=0.096. Clinical outcomes were also improved with single or double RF-positive/anti-CCP-positive versus double-negative status.ConclusionsIn biologic-naïve patients with RA, RF-positive and/or anti-CCP-positive status is associated with greater efficacy of intravenous abatacept than seronegative status.Trial registration numberNCT02109666.