Article
Infectious Diseases
Syilvia Jiero, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu
Summary: In Indonesian Papua, malaria remains a major public health issue with children under five being the most affected group. This study assessed the haematological changes associated with malaria infection in children, finding that anaemia, low platelet count, white blood count, and lymphocyte count were important predictors of malaria infection in the study area.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Holger W. Unger, Andie Bleicher, Maria Ome-Kaius, Elizabeth H. Aitken, Stephen J. Rogerson
Summary: Iron deficiency was associated with reduced risk of malaria infection during pregnancy, especially in primigravid women. Further investigation is needed to understand how maternal iron stores influence susceptibility to Plasmodium species infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anielle de Pina-Costa, Ana Carolina Rios Silvino, Edwiges Motta dos Santos, Renata Saraiva Pedro, Jose Moreira, Gabriela Liseth Umana, Ana Danielle Tavares da Silva, Otilia Helena Lupi da Rosa Santos, Karina Medeiros de Deus Henriques, Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro, Patricia Brasil, Tais Nobrega Sousa, Andre M. Siqueira
Summary: Failure to respond to primaquine was associated with impaired CYP2D6 activity in three patients experiencing multiple relapses in a non-endemic setting. Higher primaquine dosage was safe and effectively prevented relapses in two patients, suggesting it should be further studied as an option in Latin America. It is important to explore factors related to unsuccessful radical cures and alternative treatment options.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Warot Chotpatiwetchkul, Sirin Sittiwanichai, Jitti Niramitranon, Prapasiri Pongprayoon
Summary: This study investigated the substrate binding of ADA in the malaria parasite P. vivax. The orientation of substrates and interactions with specific amino acids were found to play crucial roles in the stability of the binding. These findings have important implications for the development of new anti-malarial drugs.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jeanne Rini Poespoprodjo, Faustina Helena Burdam, Freis Candrawati, Benedikt Ley, Niamh Meagher, Enny Kenangalem, Ratni Indrawanti, Leily Trianty, Kamala Thriemer, David J. Price, Julie A. Simpson, Ric N. Price
Summary: Supervised primaquine radical cure treatment reduces the risk of P vivax recurrence in patients presenting with uncomplicated malaria.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Aongart Mahittikorn, Polrat Wilairatana, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Manas Kotepui
Summary: This study aimed to synthesize the evidence on the association between blood calcium levels and malaria severity. Thematic synthesis showed reduced calcium levels in malaria patients, but meta-analysis showed no significant difference in calcium levels between different groups of participants. Regional and age-related variations may influence these outcomes.
Article
Parasitology
Jutta Marfurt, Grennady Wirjanata, Pak Prayoga, Ferryanto Chalfein, Leo Leonardo, Boni F. Sebayang, Dwi Apriyanti, Maic A. E. M. Sihombing, Leily Trianty, Rossarin Suwanarusk, Alan Brockman, Kim A. Piera, Irene Luo, Angela Rumaseb, Barbara MacHunter, Sarah Auburn, Nicholas M. Anstey, Enny Kenangalem, Rintis Noviyanti, Bruce Russell, Jeanne R. Poespoprodjo, Ric N. Price
Summary: Drug resistant Plasmodium parasites pose a major threat to malaria control. This study in Indonesia found high levels of multidrug resistant parasites, leading to a change in national treatment policy. After 12 years of intense drug pressure, while chloroquine resistance appears sustained, there has been a slight decline in piperaquine susceptibility, although not reaching clinically significant levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Tasmina Rahman, Camilla de Gier, Tilda Orami, Elke J. Seppanen, Caitlyn M. Granland, Jacinta P. Francis, Audrey Michael, Mition Yoannes, Karli J. Corscadden, Rebecca L. Ford, Kelly M. Martinovich, Peter Jacoby, Anita H. J. van den Biggelaar, Deborah Lehmann, Peter C. Richmond, William S. Pomat, Ruth B. Thornton, Lea-Ann S. Kirkham
Summary: Papua New Guinean children naturally develop PD-IgG antibodies, with levels increasing at 4 months of age after PCV10 vaccination at 1-2-3 months. However, most children are colonised with NTHi by 4 months of age regardless of vaccination with PCV10 or PCV13, with PCV10 showing no impact on NTHi carriage density.
Article
Pediatrics
Chidiogo Anyigbo, Manuel E. Jimenez, David W. Sosnowski
Summary: This study found associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at age 5 and healthcare utilization patterns at age 9. Children with 4 or more ACEs had lower odds of dental visits and higher odds of primary care sick visits and emergency room visits. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support appropriate healthcare utilization for children with adversity.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fanny Arcelia, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu, Gema Nazri Yanni
Summary: A cohort prospective study in Indonesia found that the artemisinin-based combination therapy, Dihydroartemisin-piperaquine (DHP), is still highly effective and safe in treating vivax malaria, with a 100% cure rate at 28 days of observation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francis Nkemngo, Lymen W. G. Raissa, Derrick G. Nebangwa, Asongha J. Nkeng, Alvine A. Kengne, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Yvan Fotso-Toguem, Murielle Wondji, Robert Shey, Daniel P. Nguiffo-Nguete, Jerome Fru-Cho, Cyrille S. Ndo, Flobert Njiokou, Joanne Webster, Samuel Wanji, Charles Wondji
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiological determinants of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis transmission among children in the North Region of Cameroon. The results showed that the co-occurrence of malaria and helminth infections is common and may increase the risk of anemia. Therefore, integrated measures are needed to control these diseases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Robert Eves, Dieter Wolke, Juliane Spiegler, Sakari Lemola
Summary: There is a lack of research on the nonlinear associations between birth weight percentiles and cognitive performance in infancy. This study aims to investigate the culturally invariant, nonlinear associations of birth weight percentiles and gestational age with later cognitive performance.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Walter Robert Taylor, Richard M. Hoglund, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Thuy Nhien Nguyen, Tran Tinh Hien, Arnaud Tarantola, Lorenz von Seidlein, Rupam Tripura, Thomas J. Peto, Arjen M. Dondorp, Jordi Landier, Francois H. Nosten, Frank Smithuis, Koukeo Phommasone, Mayfong Mayxay, Soy Ty Kheang, Chy Say, Kak Neeraj, Leang Rithea, Lek Dysoley, Sim Kheng, Sinoun Muth, Arantxa Roca-Feltrer, Mark Debackere, Rick M. Fairhurst, Ngak Song, Philippe Buchy, Didier Menard, Nicholas J. White, Joel Tarning, Mavuto Mukaka
Summary: The study aimed to develop weight-based and age-based primaquine regimens to combat high-frequency relapsing tropical P. vivax. By constructing dosing bands based on weight and age relationships, the proposed weight-based regimen showed less variability in primaquine dosage within each band, providing increased dose accuracy.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chandra J. Cohen-Stavi, Ori Magen, Noam Barda, Shlomit Yaron, Alon Peretz, Doron Netzer, Carlo Giaquinto, Ali Judd, Leonard Leibovici, Miguel A. Hernan, Marc Lipsitch, Ben Y. Reis, Ran D. Balicer, Noa Dagan
Summary: This study used data from Israel's largest healthcare organization and found that the BNT162b2 vaccine provides moderate protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic Covid-19 in children aged 5 to 11 during the omicron wave. The vaccine effectiveness ranged from 17% to 51% against documented infection and from 18% to 48% against symptomatic Covid-19. The youngest age group showed slightly better results.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elvin Lufele, Laurens Manning, Lina Lorry, Jonathan Warrel, Susan Aipit, Leanne J. Robinson, Moses Laman
Summary: Pigment-containing leucocytes (PCLs) are associated with adverse clinical manifestations of severe malaria in African children, but limited data exist on their association outside of Africa. This study examined PCLs in children with severe malaria and found that the presence and quantity of PCLs are predictors of disease severity, severe anaemia, and metabolic acidosis. Additionally, the study observed a negative correlation between the plasma P. falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 level and platelet count in patients with PCLs and no PCLs.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Lorena De la Mora, Montserrat Laguno, Elisa De Lazzari, Ainoa Ugarte, Lorna Leal, Berta Torres, Ana Gonzalez-Cordon, Alexy Inciarte, Juan Ambrosioni, Zoraida Escalante, Ana Rodriguez, Esteban Martinez, Jose L. Blanco, Jordi Blanch, Laia Miquel, Jordi Bosch, Duncan Short, Josep Mallolas, Maria Martinez-Rebollar
Summary: This study aimed to identify potential vulnerabilities and describe the profiles of individuals who engaged in chemsex in Barcelona, Spain. The findings showed a high proportion of migrants and Latin American participants in the chemsex cohort. Many of them were living with HIV, and specific characteristics related to drug use and sexual behavior were observed. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires specialized interdisciplinary services with cultural competence in order to better manage chemsex.
SEXUALITY RESEARCH AND SOCIAL POLICY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ermengol Coma, Marti Catala, Leonardo Mendez-Boo, Sergio Alonso, Eduardo Hermosilla, Enric Alvarez-Lacalle, David Pino, Manuel Medina, Laia Asso, Anna Gatell, Quique Bassat, Ariadna Mas, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Francesc Fina Aviles, Clara Prats
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of mandating face covering masks in schools in reducing COVID-19 transmission. Results show that there were no significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 incidence or transmission between children who were mandated to wear masks and those who were not. Age was found to be the most important factor in explaining transmission risk among school children.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nuria Climent, Juan Ambrosioni, Tania Gonzalez, Cristina Xufre, Maria Casadella, Marc Noguera-Julian, Roger Paredes, Montserrat Plana, Judith Grau-Exposito, Josep Mallolas, Jose Alcami, Sonsoles Sanchez-Palomino, Jose M. Miro
Summary: This study reports a case of a highly controlled HIV infection individual who maintained undetectable viral loads for 15 years after stopping antiretroviral therapy. The researchers found that the high activity of NK cells and CD8 T cells were associated with the control of viral replication.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jacob Fiksel, Brian Gilbert, Emily Wilson, Henry Kalter, Almamy Kante, Aveika Akum, Dianna Blau, Quique Bassat, Ivalda Macicame, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Robert Black, Scott Zeger, Agbessi Amouzou, Abhirup Datta
Summary: Verbal autopsies are widely used in low- and middle-income countries to determine cause of death, but they can be inaccurate. Computer coded verbal autopsy algorithms used for this task often misclassify cause of death, leading to biased estimates in health-policy making. Recent research has shown that knowing the misclassification rates can help calibrate these estimates and correct for the bias. This manuscript reviews the current practices and issues with these algorithms and provides a guide on how to use the calibratedVA software to correct for verbal autopsy misclassification bias in cause-specific mortality estimates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amilcar Magaco, Yara Alonso, Maria Maixenchs, Contardo Ambrosio, Antonio Sitoe, Pio Vitorino, Dianna Blau, Mischka Garel, Robert Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action project aims to implement a child mortality surveillance program by strengthening vital registration event reporting and investigating causes of death based on verbal autopsies. Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling procedures were added in Quelimane to improve the accuracy of cause of death determination. A socioanthropological study was conducted to understand the potential facilitators and barriers to the acceptability of the implementation. Factors such as the desire to know the cause of death, involvement of community and religious leaders, and provision of transport for bodies back to the community were identified as facilitators, while poor community mobilization and disagreements with religious practices were identified as barriers.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian Gilbert, Jacob Fiksel, Emily Wilson, Henry Kalter, Almamy Kante, Aveika Akum, Dianna Blau, Quique Bassat, Ivalda Macicame, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Robert Black, Scott Zeger, Agbessi Amouzou, Abhirup Datta
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action platform in Mozambique collects verbal autopsy records to estimate cause-specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) for children and neonates. Misclassification errors were found in the VA-based cause-of-death (COD) determination compared to the minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) method. A Bayesian VA-calibration method was proposed to account for this bias and produce calibrated estimates of CSMF. The calibrated estimates revealed important changes in CSMF after accounting for VA misclassification bias.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Montserrat Laguno, Ainoa Ugarte, Maria Martinez-Rebollar, Elisa de Lazzari, Josep Mallolas
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marcelino Garrine, Llorenc Quinto, Sofia Santos Costa, Augusto Messa, Arsenia J. Massinga, Delfino Vubil, Tacilta Nhampossa, Sergio Massora, Sozinho acacio, Anelsio Cossa, Betuel Sigauque, Quique Bassat, Isabel Couto, Inacio Mandomando
Summary: This study reports on the incidence, epidemiology, and treatment strategies of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in low-income countries, with a gradual decline in incidence among young children. Despite the decreasing incidence, bacteremia remains an important cause of death among hospitalized children, possibly due to resistance to first-line empirical treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Toyos, Leire Berrocal, Ana Gonzalez-Cordon, Alexy Inciarte, Lorena de la Mora, Maria Martinez-Rebollar, Montserrat Laguno, Emma Fernandez, Juan Ambrosioni, Ivan Chivite, Elisa de Lazzari, Jose Luis Blanco, Esteban Martinez, Jose M. Miro, Josep Mallolas, Berta Torres
Summary: This study examined the characteristics of people living with HIV (PLWH) who sought consultation in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from 1982 to 2020, with a focus on sex-related differences. The findings revealed that women with HIV had higher rates of late diagnoses compared to men, and women aged 50 and above represented a significant proportion of those currently being followed up. These results emphasize the importance of sex stratification in HIV prevention and control interventions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adrian Martinez-Serra, Elisa De Lazzari, Leire Berrocal, Alberto Foncillas, Lorena De La Mora, Alexy Inciarte, Ivan Chivite, Ana Gonzalez-Cordon, Maria Martinez-Rebollar, Berta Torres, Montserrat Laguno, Jose Luis Blanco, Esteban Martinez, Josep Mallolas, Juan Ambrosioni
Summary: This study investigated the real-world effectiveness of dolutegravir/lamivudine in treating HIV-infected individuals. The results showed high virological suppression rates in treatment-experienced patients, but there were subgroups at a higher risk of treatment failure at 12 months.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Isadora S. Oliveira, Manuela B. Pucca, Felipe A. Cerni, Samuel Vieira, Jacqueline Sachett, Altair Seabra de Farias, Marcus Lacerda, Felipe Murta, Djane Baia-da-Silva, Thiago Augusto Hernandes Rocha, Lincoln Luis Silva, Quique Bassat, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Charles J. Gerardo, Vanderson Souza Sampaio, Fan Hui Wen, Paulo S. Bernarde, Wuelton M. Monteiro
Summary: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 5 million people worldwide, causing significant fatalities and long-term complications. Amongst them, children experience more severe outcomes due to the same venom volume inoculated in smaller bodies. In Brazil, snakebites are a major health concern, with about 15% of the victims being children. However, the lack of epidemiological data on pediatric snakebites hinders the accurate assessment of treatment effectiveness and quality of emergency medical services for children.
JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Danielle I. Stanisic, Michael F. Good
Summary: Malaria, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by mosquitoes, remains a major public health burden despite recent progress in reducing its impact. The development of an effective malaria vaccine is crucial for its eradication. RTS,S/AS01, the most advanced vaccine candidate, has shown modest efficacy and is recommended for use in at-risk children in Africa.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alba Rocabert, Beatriz Borjabad, Leire Berrocal, Jordi Blanch, Alexy Inciarte, Ivan Chivite, Ana Gonzalez-Cordon, Berta Torres, Juan Ambrosioni, Maria Martinez-Rebollar, Montserrat Laguno, Lorena De La Mora, Alberto Foncillas, Abiu Sempere, Ana Rodriguez, Estela Solbes, Roger Llobet, Jose M. Miro, Josep Mallolas, Jose L. Blanco, Elisa De Lazzari, Esteban Martinez
Summary: Switching to BIC/TAF/FTC or dolutegravir/lamivudine showed no difference in the risks of overall or toxicity-related discontinuations or in the profile of adverse events leading to discontinuation.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nuria Balanza, Caroline K. Francis, Valerie M. Crowley, Andrea M. Weckman, Kathleen Zhong, Barbara Baro, Rosauro Varo, Quique Bassat, Kevin C. Kain
Summary: In this study, plasma NfL levels were examined in children with uncomplicated and severe malaria. The results showed that the levels increased over time in severe malaria cases, particularly those with neurological manifestations.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Katlijn De Meulenaere, Wim L. Cuypers, Julia M. Gauglitz, Pieter Guetens, Anna Rosanas-Urgell, Kris Laukens, Bart Cuypers
Summary: This study investigates the potential of nanopore adaptive sampling to enrich Plasmodium falciparum reads during sequencing, and the results show that adaptive sampling mode can significantly enrich the reads of P. falciparum. By sequencing patient blood samples, adaptive nanopore sequencing can efficiently enrich and sequence the genome of P. falciparum, simplifying the timeline from blood collection to parasite sequencing. This technology can be used for monitoring genetic markers or generating nearly complete genomes, and its mobility makes it easily applicable on-site in endemic areas.