Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charles de Roquetaillade, Cedric Laouenan, Jean-Paul Mira, Carine Roy, Marie Thuong, Elie Azoulay, Didier Gruson, Frederic Jacobs, Juliette Chommeloux, Francois Raffi, Laurent Hocqueloux, Patrick Imbert, Vincent Jeantils, Jean-Luc Delassus, Sophie Matheron, Catherine Fitting, Jean-Francois Timsit, Fabrice Bruneel
Summary: The increase in worldwide travel is leading to an increase in imported malaria and there is little known about cytokine profiles during imported malaria. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cytokine host response and malaria severity among imported cases in France. The study reports cytokine profiles in adults with Plasmodium falciparum malaria included in a prospective study conducted between 2006 and 2010.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Polrat Wilairatana, Wanida Mala, Giovanni De Jesus Milanez, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Manas Kotepui
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared IL-6 levels between different groups of malaria patients and healthy controls. The results showed significantly higher levels of IL-6 in patients with severe malaria compared to those with non-severe malaria, as well as in patients with uncomplicated malaria compared to the control group. However, no significant differences in IL-6 levels were found between patients with uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic malaria, or between patients with asymptomatic malaria and healthy controls. Higher IL-6 levels were observed in patients who died compared to those who survived. These findings are important for monitoring and studying the severity of malaria.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olivia D. Solomon, Paula Villarreal, Nadia D. Domingo, Lorenzo Ochoa, Difernando Vanegas, Sandra M. Cardona, Astrid E. Cardona, Robin Stephens, Gracie Vargas
Summary: This study suggests that microglia play a prominent role in controlling infection-initiated coagulopathy and may protect against cerebral malaria by migrating to and patrolling the cerebral vasculature.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Federico Simonetta
Summary: The study demonstrates that dual blockade of TNF-α and IL-6R provides a significant advantage over single-cytokine blockade in protecting mice from lethal graft-versus-host disease.
Article
Immunology
Caterina Defendenti, Maciej Tarkowski, Simona Borille, Andrea Cassinotti, Alessandro Massari, Sarah Birindelli, Agostino Riva, Sandro Ardizzone, Mauro Panteghini
Summary: In patients with IBD, the frequency of peripheral blood CD70+ T cells was significantly reduced by treatment with anti-TNF alpha antibodies, indicating a 'cooling' effect of the biological therapy. However, CD19+27+ memory B cells did not show significant differences between groups. Monitoring of these lymphocyte subtypes may provide better insight into disease progression and therapy application in IBD patients.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma, Huaixing Wang, Zongxiu Zhang, Guetchyn Millien, Mudit Tyagi, Jarin Hongpaisan
Summary: Current evidence suggests that mild cerebrovascular changes could induce neurodegeneration and contribute to HIV-associated neurocognitive disease (HAND) in HIV patients. This study investigated the impact of HIV infection on brain microvessels, focusing on hippocampal microvessels that are crucial for memory and cognitive abilities. The results showed that HIV infection led to oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and changes in microvessels in both in vitro and in vivo models.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Jack Adderley, Georges E. Grau
Summary: Host-directed therapies (HDT) are emerging as a new and effective approach to treat infectious diseases by inhibiting host factors necessary for pathogen development and strengthening host defense mechanisms. HDTs could be a promising strategy to combat drug resistance and provide protection against severe forms of diseases caused by malaria and other eukaryotic parasites through modulating the host immune response.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Pamela Friede, Sandra Julsen Hollung, Torstein Vik, Guro Lillemoen Andersen, David Lansing Cameron, Sigrid Aune de Rodez, Olav H. H. Haugen, Tonje Lundervold, Jude Nicholas, Kristine Stadskleiv
Summary: This study aimed to explore the identification of cerebral visual impairment (CVI), the assessment of CVI competence at Norwegian paediatric habilitation centres, and the reported prevalence of CVI among children with cerebral palsy. The results showed that only three centres judged their competence on CVI as sufficient, 11 centres did not use screening questionnaires, and the CVI status was unknown in 33% of children with cerebral palsy. Better knowledge and assessment of CVI are needed at Norwegian paediatric habilitation centres to avoid overlooking CVI in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Review
Immunology
Mohammad Bagherniya, Atena Mahdavi, Elahe Abbasi, Milad Iranshahy, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: Obesity is abnormal fat accumulation in the body that increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Excess adipose tissue releases inflammatory factors and suppresses adiponectin production. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of various cardiometabolic diseases and complications related to obesity. Herbal medicine and phytochemicals have shown favorable effects in reducing inflammatory markers and improving insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia in obesity. Ginger, ginseng, resveratrol, and flaxseed have shown promising effects on reducing TNF-alpha levels.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Pamela Rosa-Goncalves, Flavia Lima Ribeiro-Gomes, Claudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
Summary: Malaria, caused by the protozoa Plasmodium, is a significant public health issue in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease can present with a range of symptoms, with cerebral malaria being the most severe and lethal complication. Survivors of cerebral malaria may experience neurological, cognitive, and behavioral sequelae. Recent studies suggest immunomodulation as a potential approach to prevent or reverse these neurocognitive sequelae of malaria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kailey Langer, Ronald A. Cohen, Eric C. Porges, John B. Williamson, Adam J. Woods
Summary: In this study, associations were found between circulating cytokines and neurometabolite concentrations in older adults. These findings provide initial evidence on the relationships between circulating cytokines and neurophysiology, inviting further investigation into the physiological consequences of aging and the relationship between peripheral inflammatory markers and neurochemical concentrations in healthy aging.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandrine Lydie Oyegue-Liabagui, Cherone Nancy Mbani Mpega Ntigui, Meredith Flore Ada Mengome, Lady Charlene Kouna, Nathalie Pernelle Tsafack Tegomo, Neil Michel Longo Pendy, Jean-Bernard Lekana-Douki
Summary: This study investigated the circulating levels of cytokines in asymptomatic and symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in Gabonese children and their roles in the pathogenesis of anemia. The results showed that certain cytokine levels were significantly higher in children with symptomatic infections, and these inflammatory mediators could serve as potential predictors of anemia for malaria patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zuberwasim Sayyad, Sreeram Kaveti, Debanjan Bhattacharjee, Dhiviya Vedagiri, Nishant Jain, Ghanshyam Swarup
Summary: M98K-OPTN is associated with normal tension glaucoma and interacts with TNF alpha polymorphism in causing glaucoma. It sensitizes retinal cells to TNF alpha and ER stress-induced cell death, and alters ER stress response signaling. These findings support the hypothesis that M98K-OPTN may contribute to retinal ganglion cell death associated with glaucoma.
Review
Oncology
Noorazrul Yahya, Hanani Abdul Manan
Summary: This review analyzed 13 reports on cognitive changes following proton therapy for pediatric brain tumor patients. The findings suggest that proton therapy causes fewer cognitive deficits compared to photon therapy, with better outcomes in general cognition and working memory. Craniospinal irradiation was associated with poorer cognitive outcomes, while focal therapy showed minor cognitive changes. Future studies are needed to further explore the effects of dose distribution on cognition in proton therapy.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Rajniti Prasad, Raghvendra Singh Patel, S. P. Mishra, Ankur Singh, Abhishek Abhinay, Tej Bali Singh
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic role of cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in children with cerebral malaria. It found that CSF TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in cerebral malaria cases, and suggested that CSF TNF-alpha could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.
JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka, Dibyadyuti Datta, Paul Bangirana, Anthony Batte, Zachary Berrens, Michael J. Goings, Andrew L. Schwaderer, Andrea L. Conroy, Chandy C. John
Summary: In children with severe malaria, concurrent acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly increases the mortality associated with coma, acidosis, or impaired perfusion.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Veselina Stefanova, Michelle Ngai, Andrea M. Weckman, Julie K. Wright, Kathleen Zhong, Melissa Richard-Greenblatt, Chloe R. McDonald, Andrea L. Conroy, Sophie Namasopo, Robert O. Opoka, Michael Hawkes, Kevin C. Kain
Summary: This study identified soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a prognostic marker of severe and fatal malaria in Ugandan children. Measuring suPAR at presentation can identify children at risk of severe and fatal malaria, and adding suPAR to clinical scores could improve the recognition and triage of children at risk of death.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Chandy C. John
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Paul Bangirana, Andrea L. Conroy, Robert O. Opoka, Margaret Semrud-Clikeman, Jeong H. Jang, Claire Apayi, Abel Kakuru, Mary K. Muhindo, Michael K. Georgieff, Grant M. Dorsey, Moses R. Kamya, Diane Havlir, Chandy C. John
Summary: Malaria in pregnancy and early childhood was associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, but more effective maternal and child malaria chemoprevention regimens did not result in better neurodevelopmental outcomes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Andrea L. Conroy, Dibyadyuti Datta, Angelika Hoffmann, Samuel C. Wassmer
Summary: Severe falciparum malaria is a medical emergency that causes death and neurodisability in endemic areas. Recent studies have indicated a correlation between kidney and brain dysfunction in Plasmodium falciparum infection. This review discusses the evidence and explores potential therapeutic strategies for this pathogenic crosstalk.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily R. Konrad, Jeremy Soo, Andrea L. Conroy, Sophie Namasopo, Robert O. Opoka, Michael T. Hawkes
Summary: Diagnostic biomarkers for childhood pneumonia can guide management and improve antibiotic stewardship in low-resource settings. CHI3L1, SP-D, LCN2, and TIMP-1 are associated with CXR consolidation in children with pneumonia. Combinations of quantitative biomarkers may help safely withhold antibiotics in children with a low probability of bacterial infection.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Anthony Batte, Philip Kasirye, Reagan Baluku, Sarah Kiguli, Robert Kalyesubula, Chandy C. John, Andrew L. Schwaderer, Erik A. Imel, Andrea L. Conroy
Summary: Mineral bone disorders are common in hospitalized children with sickle cell anemia, and they may be related to kidney disease. By evaluating mineral abnormalities, associations with kidney disease were found. Routine evaluation of mineral bone disorders in children with sickle cell anemia may improve long-term bone health.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Ruth Namazzi, Robert Opoka, Andrea L. Conroy, Dibyadyuti Datta, Abner Tagoola, Caitlin Bond, Michael J. Goings, Moon-Suhn Ryu, Sarah E. Cusick, Nancy F. Krebs, Jeong Hoon Jang, Wanzhu Tu, Russell E. Ware, Chandy C. John
Summary: Data from small clinical trials show that zinc supplementation reduces infection in adolescents and adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, there is a lack of studies on the effects of zinc supplementation for infection prevention in children with SCA in Africa. This randomized trial in Ugandan children aged 1.00-4.99 years with SCA found that daily zinc supplementation did not prevent severe or invasive infections. Zinc deficiency was also prevalent among the supplemented children. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal zinc dosage and the role of zinc in preventing stroke or death in SCA.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arthur W. D. Edridge, Nathalie van den Brekel, Philly Mukungu, Rachael Nakayima, Samuel Bbosa, Peter Isagara, Michael Boele van Hensbroek, Lia van der Hoek, John Kayiwa, Julius J. Lutwama, Richard Idro
Summary: We investigated whether a novel orthobunyavirus called Ntwetwe virus, which was discovered in a Ugandan girl with a fatal encephalopathy, was a common cause of hospital admission for children to Kiboga hospital in Uganda. A case-control study was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020, comparing cases with severe neurological disease and mild febrile illness to healthy controls without fever. Among 143 subjects, no cases with an acute infection of Ntwetwe virus were identified. This suggests that Ntwetwe virus does not contribute significantly to the disease burden among children seeking medical care at Kiboga hospital during the study period.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Andrea L. Conroy, Dibyadyuti Datta, Robert O. Opoka, Anthony Batte, Paul Bangirana, Adnan Gopinadhan, Kagan A. Mellencamp, Ayse Akcan-Arikan, Richard Idro, Chandy C. John
Summary: This study evaluates potential mechanisms of brain injury in cerebral malaria, focusing on blood-brain-barrier integrity and acute metabolic changes that may underlie kidney-brain crosstalk. The results suggest that acute kidney injury is associated with brain injury, as evidenced by changes in cerebrospinal fluid markers. Further evaluation suggests that kidney injury may mediate brain injury through blood-brain-barrier disruption, ischemic injury, osmolality alteration, and amino acid transport alterations.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Parasitology
Andrea L. Conroy, Dibyadyuti Datta, Angelika Hoffmann, Samuel C. Wassmer
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Catherine Mitran, Robert O. Opoka, Andrea L. Conroy, Sophie Namasopo, Kevin C. Kain, Michael T. Hawkes
Summary: Lactate levels measured using a handheld device in children hospitalized with malaria and respiratory distress can predict mortality risk.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Daniel J. Clark, Caitlin Bond, Alexander Andrews, Daniel J. Mueller, Angela Sarkisian, Robert O. Opoka, Richard Idro, Paul Bangirana, Andy Witten, Nicholas J. Sausen, Gretchen L. Birbeck, Chandy C. John, Douglas G. Postels
Summary: In this study of 149 children with cerebral malaria, the association between coma depth, clinical seizure numbers, EEG features and mortality, neurologic deficits, and cognitive outcomes was evaluated. The results showed that higher coma scores, higher background voltage, and normal reactivity on EEG were associated with lower mortality. The number of seizures and specific EEG features were associated with better cognitive outcomes.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Robert Kalyesubula, Andrea L. Conroy, Viviane Calice-Silva, Vivek Kumar, Ugochi Onu, Anthony Batte, Francoise Folefack Kaze, June Fabian, Ifeoma Ulasi
Summary: Kidney disease is a significant cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Improving screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) is crucial to prevent its progression and reduce the need for kidney replacement therapy. However, there is a lack of data and evidence on CKD screening strategies in these countries, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.
SEMINARS IN NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
