Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susan Winks, John G. Woodland, Goonaseelan 'Colin' Pillai, Kelly Chibale
Summary: The H3D Centre, a research unit based in South Africa, has achieved numerous successes and could potentially serve as a valuable model for drug discovery and development in Africa.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice Kamau, Robert S. Paton, Samuel Akech, Arthur Mpimbaza, Cynthia Khazenzi, Morris Ogero, Eda Mumo, Victor A. Alegana, Ambrose Agweyu, Neema Mturi, Shebe Mohammed, Godfrey Bigogo, Allan Audi, James Kapisi, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane F. Namuganga, Simon Kariuki, Nancy A. Otieno, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Ally Olotu, Nahya Salim, Thabit Athuman, Salim Abdulla, Amina F. Mohamed, George Mtove, Hugh Reyburn, Sunetra Gupta, Jose Lourenco, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study explores the relationship between age patterns of malaria hospitalization and malaria transmission intensity. The results indicate that the majority of malaria admissions occur in children under 5 years old, and in areas with higher transmission intensity, the average age of malaria hospitalization is younger. In moderate and high transmission settings, chemoprevention and vaccines can target a significant proportion of the children in the target age range.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wen Liu, Hua Xiao, Hui Song, Shucai An, Bing Luo
Summary: Epstein-barr virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic virus, and its molecular mechanisms in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) are poorly understood. This study found that LMP2A may regulate gene expression and cell behavior in gastric cancer cells through cell biosynthesis and AKT/AMPK signaling pathways.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelia Bertozzi-Villa, Caitlin A. Bever, Hannah Koenker, Daniel J. Weiss, Camilo Vargas-Ruiz, Anita K. Nandi, Harry S. Gibson, Joseph Harris, Katherine E. Battle, Susan F. Rumisha, Suzanne Keddie, Punam Amratia, Rohan Arambepola, Ewan Cameron, Elisabeth G. Chestnutt, Emma L. Collins, Justin Millar, Swapnil Mishra, Jennifer Rozier, Tasmin Symons, Katherine A. Twohig, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Peter W. Gething, Samir Bhatt
Summary: This study examines the spatio-temporal access and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Africa from 2000 to 2020, revealing that while both metrics have improved over time, access remains below the World Health Organization's targets. The study suggests that cultural and social messaging, physical net durability, and distribution challenges play key roles in influencing ITN coverage and use.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Fitsum G. Tadesse, Temesgen Ashine, Hiwot Teka, Endashaw Esayas, Louisa A. Messenger, Wakweya Chali, Lisette Meerstein-Kessel, Thomas Walker, Sinknesh Wolde Behaksra, Kjerstin Lanke, Roel Heutink, Claire L. Jeffries, Daniel Abebe Mekonnen, Elifaged Hailemeskel, Surafel K. Tebeje, Temesgen Tafesse, Abrham Gashaw, Tizita Tsegaye, Tadele Emiru, Kigozi Simon, Eyuel Asemahegn Bogale, Gedeon Yohannes, Soriya Kedir, Girma Shumie, Senya Asfer Sabir, Peter Mumba, Dereje Dengela, Jan H. Kolaczinski, Anne Wilson, Thomas S. Churcher, Sheleme Chibsa, Matthew Murphy, Meshesha Balkew, Seth Irish, Chris Drakeley, Endalamaw Gadisa, Teun Bousema
Summary: Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, efficient vectors in parts of Asia and Africa, were found in high numbers in Awash Sebat Kilo, Ethiopia, and are highly susceptible to Plasmodium infection, posing a challenge for malaria control in the Horn of Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tamara S. Mangiaterra, Marcela De Dios Soler, Noelia Oviedo, Sandra Colli, Maria V. Preciado, Marcela Soria, Laura Galluzo, Elena De Matteo, Paola Chabay
Summary: This study detected viral genome, as well as LMP1 and EBNA2 transcripts, in DLBCL cases from Argentina using a more sensitive method. It found that 14 cases originally considered EBV negative expressed LMP1 and/or EBNA2 transcripts. However, the viral load was lower in cases without EBERs+ cells and the expression of the oncogenic protein LMP1 was also lower, suggesting a secondary role of EBV in DLBCL pathogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Virology
Hala Abdullatif, Anil Dhawan, Anita Verma
Summary: Infections after liver transplantation, especially viral infections, have a significant impact on graft function and overall outcome. The study reviewed the epidemiology and risk factors of EBV, CMV, and non-EBV non-CMV viral infections in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The majority of infections were viral in origin, with EBV viremia having the highest incidence. Older donor age, auxiliary graft, and bacterial infections were associated with EBV infection, while younger recipient age, D+R- CMV IgG, and left lateral segment graft were risk factors for CMV infection. Non-EBV and CMV viral infections did not contribute to increased complications or rejection, indicating the importance of identifying and managing these infections in pediatric LT recipients.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Debora Basile, Francesca Simionato, Lorenzo Calvetti, Alessandro Cappetta, Annalisa Pesavento, Marta Mongillo, Giandomenico Roviello, Gerardo Rosati, Gemma Rossi, Giuseppe Aprile
Summary: Immunotherapy may benefit gastric cancer patients, but further research is needed to clarify patient and tumor selection, as well as to strengthen assay standardization and biomarker agreement for improved benefit-to-risk ratio in clinical practice.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Max Kozlov
Summary: Artemisinin-based treatments are currently taking longer to clear infections, but they are still effective.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
L. Balerdi-Sarasola, C. Parolo, P. Fleitas, A. Cruz, C. Subira, N. Rodriguez-Valero, A. Almuedo-Riera, L. Letona, M. J. Alvarez-Martinez, M. Eugenia Valls, I. Vera, A. Mayor, J. Munoz, D. Camprubi-Ferrer
Summary: This study found that combining Ang-2 and CRP can effectively identify severe imported malaria in the early stages by measuring biomarkers in patients' blood. The use of a rapid prognostic test including these biomarkers has the potential to optimize the management of imported malaria and reduce complications and hospitalization rates.
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sharon Wei, Wei Huang, Mohamed Farah, Aaruni Khanolkar, Xiaotian Zheng
Summary: This study compared seven commercially available heterophile antibody assays for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Variable performance characteristics and assay times were observed, which may assist clinical laboratories in selecting appropriate assays and interpreting results.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Y. Ehrlich, Amy K. Bei, Daniel M. Weinberger, Joshua L. Warren, Sunil Parikh
Summary: Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) poses a threat to global malaria control, with persistent circulation of parasite alleles associated with reduced partner drug susceptibility contributing to clinical resistance. Rainfall seasonality was identified as the strongest predictor of wild-type genotype prevalence, with other covariates showing weaker associations. Our models estimated a decrease in prevalence of the pfcrt 76T mutation in 90% of regions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zondi Nate, Atal A. S. Gill, Ruchika Chauhan, Rajshekhar Karpoormath
Summary: Malaria remains a significant disease in sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia, despite intervention efforts by the WHO. The lack of rapid diagnostic tools is a major challenge, highlighting the need for the development of cost-effective and portable analytical methods. This review explores the role of malaria biomarkers and discusses recent advancements in nanomaterial-based biosensors for malaria diagnosis.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandra T. Roux, Leah Maharaj, Olukunle Oyegoke, Oluwasegun P. Akoniyon, Matthew Adekunle Adeleke, Rajendra Maharaj, Moses Okpeku
Summary: Malaria is a significant global health concern, particularly in Africa, with drug resistance being a major challenge in controlling the disease. Efforts to track drug resistance and monitor sensitivity are crucial to prevent further spread of resistant parasites and potential reappearance of sensitivity in sub-Saharan Africa.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Agustina Moyano, Natalia Ferressini Gerpe, Maria Eugenia Amarillo, Elena De Matteo, Maria Victoria Preciado, Maria Soledad Caldirola, Paola Chabay
Summary: Macrophages are flexible cells that can be activated as M1 or M2 macrophages depending on the presence of inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to understand the role of cytokines in macrophage polarization during Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) pediatric infection. The results showed that IL-10 had a negative correlation between different compartments, specifically in patients undergoing viral reactivation. Higher expressions of IL-1 beta, IL-23, and IL-12p40 were observed in children with viral reactivation, while lower expressions of TNF-alpha were demonstrated in patients with broader viral protein expressions. In healthy carrier patients, IL-23 positively correlated with CD163 and IP-10 positively correlated with CD68. These findings suggest that EBV may modulate antigen expression in the presence of TNF-alpha and influence peripheral cytokine expression differently in each stage of infection. Furthermore, peripheral cytokines may play a specific role in macrophage polarization in healthy carriers.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melissa C. Kapulu, Domtila Kimani, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Edward Otieno, Rinter Kimathi, James Tuju, B. Kim Lee Sim
Summary: This study assessed the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity to malaria in Kenyan adults. The results showed that anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence were more closely associated with naturally acquired immunity than other parasite parameters. Therefore, the CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Aniek Uittenboogaard, Festus Njuguna, Saskia Mostert, Sandra Langat, Mirjam E. van de Velde, Gilbert Olbara, Terry A. Vik, Gertjan J. L. Kaspers
Summary: The study assessed the treatment outcomes of children with WT at a large hospital in Kenya and found that despite late-stage diagnosis, the prognosis of children with WT has improved over the years. The treatment protocol included chemotherapy and surgery, with patients receiving radiation therapy showing higher survival rates.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Tyler S. Severance, Zheng Milgrom, Anye Carson, Caitlin M. Scanlon, Rishika Chauhan O'Brien, Brent Anderson, Mary Robertson, Andrea Janota, Scott L. Coven, Eneida A. Mendonca, Joan Duwve, Terry A. Vik
Summary: Project ECHO is a validated telehealth education platform that aims to address disparities in cancer care in Indiana, with a focus on prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship. The program saw increasing participation and generally favorable survey responses throughout the pilot year, indicating its success and potential for continued implementation in the region.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Debashish Das, Ranitha Vongpromek, Thanawat Assawariyathipat, Ketsanee Srinamon, Kalynn Kennon, Kasia Stepniewska, Aniruddha Ghose, Abdullah Abu Sayeed, M. Abul Faiz, Rebeca Linhares Abreu Netto, Andre Siqueira, Serge R. Yerbanga, Jean Bosco Ouedraogo, James J. Callery, Thomas J. Peto, Rupam Tripura, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Francine Ntoumi, John Michael Ong'echa, Bernhards Ogutu, Prakash Ghimire, Jutta Marfurt, Benedikt Ley, Amadou Seck, Magatte Ndiaye, Bhavani Moodley, Lisa Ming Sun, Laypaw Archasuksan, Stephane Proux, Sam L. Nsobya, Philip J. Rosenthal, Matthew P. Horning, Shawn K. McGuire, Courosh Mehanian, Stephen Burkot, Charles B. Delahunt, Christine Bachman, Ric N. Price, Arjen M. Dondorp, Francois Chappuis, Philippe J. Guerin, Mehul Dhorda
Summary: The EasyScan Go microscopy device shows promising results in automated parasite detection and quantification. It achieves a high level of accuracy in parasite species identification, but improvement is needed in sensitivity for low parasite density and parasite density estimation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fauzia K. Musasia, Irene N. Nkumama, Roland Frank, Victor Kipkemboi, Martin Schneider, Kennedy Mwai, Dennis O. Odera, Micha Rosenkranz, Kristin Fuerle, Domitila Kimani, James Tuju, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Hedda Wardemann, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: The study shows that antibody-dependent phagocytosis of ring-stage P. falciparum parasites in semi-immune Kenyan adults is mediated by merozoite antigens and is a strong predictor of protection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Eddy O. O. Agwati, Cliff I. I. Oduor, Cyrus Ayieko, John Michael Ong'echa, Ann M. M. Moormann, Jeffrey A. A. Bailey
Summary: Recombination events play a crucial role in the diversity and evolution of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) genomes in endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL), with evidence of specific recombinants associated with eBL.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter O. Oluoch, Catherine S. Forconi, Cliff I. Oduor, Dominic A. Ritacco, Hoseah M. Akala, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, John M. Ong'echa, Christian Munz, Ann M. Moormann
Summary: The prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the occurrence of endemic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are higher in regions with malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. A study examined KSHV serological profiles and viral loads in children with acute malaria and healthy children from high and low malaria regions. The results showed that KSHV seroprevalence was significantly associated with malaria endemicity, and acute malaria episodes disrupted KSHV latency in seropositive children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Dennis O. Odera, James Tuju, Kennedy Mwai, Irene N. Nkumama, Kristin Fuerle, Timothy Chege, Rinter Kimathi, Stefan Diehl, Fauzia K. Musasia, Micha Rosenkranz, Patricia Njuguna, Mainga Hamaluba, Melissa C. Kapulu, Roland Frank, Faith H. A. Osier
Summary: NK cells can be activated through Fc receptor engagement by antibodies, leading to degranulation and IFN-gamma release upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK activity plays a crucial role in controlling parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in adults and reducing the risk of clinical episodes of malaria in children. Several vaccine candidates, including less characterized antigens such as P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200, induce antibody-dependent NK response, suggesting their potential in evaluating malaria vaccines.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Priya Saikumar Lakshmi, Cliff Oduor, Catherine S. Forconi, Viriato M. ' Bana, Courtney Bly, Rachel M. Gerstein, Juliana A. Otieno, Christian Muenz, Micah A. Luftig, Michael A. Brehm, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann, John M. Ong'echa
Summary: Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL), characterized by Epstein-Barr virus and malaria associated aberrant B-cell activation and MYC chromosomal translocation, is a childhood cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional chemotherapies have limited efficacy, thus the need for clinically relevant models to test additional therapies. This study established patient-derived BL tumor cell lines and corresponding NSG-BL avatar mouse models, which were shown to maintain fidelity to patient tumors. Significant variation in tumor growth, survival, and Epstein-Barr virus protein expression patterns were observed among the NSG-BL avatars. The findings highlight the importance of these models in guiding new therapeutic strategies for improving outcomes in children with BL.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Katherine A. Willard, Ashley P. Barry, Cliff I. Oduor, John Michael Ong'echa, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Ann M. Moormann, Micah A. Luftig
Summary: In this study, we describe an unusual spontaneous lytic phenotype in EBV strains isolated from Kenyan endemic Burkitt lymphoma patients. These findings provide insight into viral and host factors involved in this process and the potential contribution of promiscuous lytic activity to the formation of EBV-associated diseases.
Article
Tropical Medicine
Lily E. Kisia, Qiuying Cheng, Evans Raballah, Elly O. Munde, Benjamin H. McMahon, Nick W. Hengartner, John M. Ong'echa, Kiprotich Chelimo, Christophe G. Lambert, Collins Ouma, Prakasha Kempaiah, Douglas J. Perkins, Kristan A. Schneider, Samuel B. Anyona
Summary: This study investigated the impact of genetic variations in the 5q31.1 gene region on susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infections, severe malarial anemia, and mortality. The results showed that these genetic variations influenced the rate and risk of malaria, and age and HIV-1 status were also factors affecting susceptibility.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hannah W. Kimingi, Ann W. Kinyua, Nicole A. Achieng, Kennedy M. Wambui, Shaban Mwangi, Roselyne Nguti, Cheryl A. Kivisi, Anja T. R. Jensen, Philip Bejon, Melisa C. Kapulu, Abdirahman I. Abdi, Samson M. Kinyanjui, CHMI-SIKA Study Team
Summary: The breadth of IgG antibodies to VSAs, but not to individual isolate VSAs, is associated with protection in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zheng Z. Milgrom, Tyler S. Severance, Caitlin M. Scanlon, Anye T. Carson, Andrea D. Janota, John L. Burns, Terry A. Vik, Joan M. Duwve, Brian E. Dixon, Eneida A. Mendonca
Summary: To enhance cancer prevention and survivorship care, a school of public health introduced an innovative telelearning continuing education program using the ECHO model. The study found that while participants acknowledged the benefits of the program, there is a need for more adaptability to fit providers' busy schedules.
Article
Oncology
Romy E. van Weelderen, Festus Njuguna, Kim Klein, Saskia Mostert, Sandra Langat, Terry A. Vik, Gilbert Olbara, Martha Kipng'etich, Gertjan J. L. Kaspers
Summary: The study evaluated the outcomes of Kenyan children with AML and found that the survival of these children is dismal and considerably lower compared to high-income countries. Strategies to improve survival should be put in place including better supportive care, optimization of the treatment protocol, and reduction of the abandonment rate and time lag to diagnosis with sooner start of treatment.