Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raymond Babila Nyasa, Esendege Luke Fotabe, Roland N. Ndip
Summary: The study found a high prevalence of malaria in the Nkongho-mbeng area, with a significant proportion of asymptomatic infections. Despite a high coverage of LLINs, the malaria prevalence was unexpectedly higher among those sleeping under LLINs. Being male, unemployed, living in specific areas, and having bushes around homes were significant risk factors associated with malaria infection.
Article
Microbiology
Shoaib Ashraf, Areeba Khalid, Arend L. de Vos, Yanfang Feng, Petra Rohrbach, Tayyaba Hasan
Summary: A proof-of-concept study used automated imaging platform (NanoZoomer) and algorithm (ParasiteMacro) to detect and estimate the quantity of malarial parasites, demonstrating efficient and accurate diagnostic results.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Ahmed M. Abdou, Abdel-latif S. Seddek, Noha Abdelmageed, Mohamed O. Badry, Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Summary: This study evaluated the antimalarial efficacy of several Egyptian plant extracts and identified four promising candidates for the treatment of malaria.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brittany N. Araj, Bruce Swihart, Robert Morrison, Patricia Gonzales Hurtado, Andrew Teo, Almahamoudou Mahamar, Oumar Attaher, Bacary S. Diarra, Santara Gaoussou, Djibrilla Issiaka, Alassane Dicko, Patrick E. Duffy, Michal Fried
Summary: The study utilized proteomic analyses of PfEMP1 from clinical parasite isolates collected from Malian children to identify targets of immunity. Peptide-specific antibody responses in children were examined, and it was found that high antibody levels to specific PfEMP1 domains correlated with decreased parasite burden in future infections. These findings suggest that certain PfEMP1 domains play a role in protective immunity against malaria.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoine Dara, Sunil Kumar Dogga, Jesse Rop, Dinkorma Ouologuem, Fatalmoudou Tandina, Arthur M. Talman, Abdoulaye Djimde, Mara K. N. Lawniczak
Summary: Studying malaria transmission biology through scRNA-sequencing is important for understanding strain diversity and transcriptional states within the host. This article provides insights into the collaborative efforts and challenges encountered in establishing single-cell capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Mali's endemic setting.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wael Abdrabou, Mame Massar Dieng, Aissatou Diawara, Samuel Sindie Serme, Dareen Almojil, Salif Sombie, Noelie Bere Henry, Desire Kargougou, Vinu Manikandan, Issiaka Soulama, Youssef Idaghdour
Summary: The study revealed metabolic perturbations and transcriptional changes in immune cells in children from two different ethnic groups in West Africa following seasonal malaria infection. It identified an immunosuppressive role of endogenous steroids induced by P. falciparum infection, shedding light on potential new targets for antimalarial therapeutic interventions.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manas Kotepui, Aongart Mahittikorn, Nsoh Godwin Anabire, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
Summary: This meta-analysis study found that blood levels of GPx were significantly decreased in malaria patients, especially in those with P. falciparum malaria. This finding provides important insights for further investigation into the role of GPx depletion in malaria pathogenesis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Vanessa S. Stuermer, Sophie Stopper, Patrick Binder, Anja Klemmer, Nicolas P. Lichti, Nils B. Becker, Julien Guizetti, Kami Kim, Kami Kim, Kami Kim
Summary: This study provides unprecedented detail about nuclear multiplication in individual malaria parasites using super-resolving live cell microscopy. The results suggest that the parasite uses a 'counter' mechanism to determine the final number of daughter cells, and the progeny number is modulated in response to external cues such as nutrient availability. These findings suggest that patients with different nutritional status may have varying susceptibility to malaria parasite proliferation in their blood.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amal A. H. Gadalla, Giulia Siciliano, Ryan Farid, Pietro Alano, Lisa Ranford-Cartwright, James S. McCarthy, Joanne Thompson, Hamza Babiker
Summary: Quantitative qRT-PCR assays have shown the high transmission capacity of Plasmodium falciparum by detecting and quantifying late gametocyte stages. Specific qRT-PCR assays targeting early-stage gametocytes have been developed and tested in natural and controlled human infections, showing sensitivity and specificity for circulating sexually committed ring stages/early gametocytes, which can enhance our understanding of epidemiological processes modulating P. falciparum transmission.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Christabel N. Hikaambo, Natalia Shakela, John G. Woodland, Kathryn J. Wicht, Kelly Chibale
Summary: Zoonotic and related infections pose a significant health threat to Africa, the world's second-most populous continent. Despite the challenges faced by drug discovery scientists, recent progress in identifying potential medicines across diverse disease areas brings optimism and indicates African-led scientific initiatives are making progress.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adeola Y. Olukosi, Olusola Ajibaye, Omowunmi Omoniwa, Olusola Oresanya, Aina O. Oluwagbemiga, Chinazo Ujuju, Michael Ekholuenetale, Kolawole Maxwell, Colin J. Sutherland, James K. Tibenderana, Khalid B. Beshir
Summary: A rapid surveillance study was conducted in Ebonyi and Osun states in Nigeria to assess the suitability of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) as perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). The study revealed that both states are suitable for SP-PMC implementation, and it has been implemented in Osun since 2022. Continuous monitoring of the 540E mutation is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of SP chemoprevention in Nigeria.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel J. Weiss, Amelia Bertozzi-Villa, Susan F. Rumisha, Punam Amratia, Rohan Arambepola, Katherine E. Battle, Ewan Cameron, Elisabeth Chestnutt, Harry S. Gibson, Joseph Harris, Suzanne Keddie, Justin J. Millar, Jennifer Rozier, Tasmin L. Symons, Camilo Vargas-Ruiz, Simon I. Hay, David L. Smith, Pedro L. Alonso, Abdisalan M. Noor, Samir Bhatt, Peter W. Gething
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of disruptions to malaria control on malaria incidence and mortality in Africa. Findings show that reductions in access to effective antimalarial drug treatment and insecticide-treated net coverage could lead to increased malaria burden, potentially doubling malaria mortality in 2020.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Prisca Lagardere, Romain Mustiere, Nadia Amanzougaghene, Sebastien Hutter, Marion Casanova, Jean-Francois Franetich, Shahin Tajeri, Aurelie Malzert-Freon, Sophie Corvaisier, Nadine Azas, Patrice Vanelle, Pierre Verhaeghe, Nicolas Primas, Dominique Mazier, Nicolas Masurier, Vincent Lisowski
Summary: The need for new compounds effective against multiple stages of Plasmodium falciparum development is urgent due to the increasing number of strains resistant to current treatments. In this study, 25 new 4-amino-substituted analogues based on Gamhepathiopine were synthesized and evaluated on both erythrocytic and hepatic stages of the parasite. A promising compound, N2-(tert-butyl)-N [4]-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-6-(p-tolyl)thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamine, showed improved physicochemical properties, intestinal permeability, and microsomal stability compared to Gamhepathiopine, while maintaining good anti-plasmodial activity on the erythrocytic and hepatic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Samuel Odarkwei Blankson, Lauriane Rietmeyer, Patrick Tettey, Liliane Dikroh, Bernard Tornyigah, Rafiou Adamou, Azizath Moussiliou, Caroline Padounou, Annick Amoussou, Benedicta Ayiedu Mensah, Maroufou J. J. Alao, Gordon Awandare, Nicaise Tuikue Ndam, Christian Roussilhon, Rachida Tahar
Summary: This study evaluated the levels of plasma soluble neopterin in severe malaria patients and assessed its prognostic accuracy. The results showed that neopterin levels were higher in patients with severe malarial anemia and in patients who died from the disease. Plasma neopterin levels may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting fatality in severe falciparum malaria patients.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonas Yimam, Mehdi Nateghpour, Mehdi Mohebali, Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar
Summary: Asymptomatic malaria infection in pregnant women is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is associated with an increased likelihood of anemia compared to non-infected pregnant women. Primigravida women have a higher likelihood of asymptomatic malaria infection compared to multigravida women.
Article
Hematology
Esther Onecha, Inmaculada Rapado, Maria Luz Morales, Gonzalo Carreno-Tarragona, Pilar Martinez-Sanchez, Xabier Gutierrez, Jose Maria Sanchez Pina, Maria Linares, Miguel Gallardo, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez, Rosa Ayala
Summary: In cases of treatment failure in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mutational profiling can help differentiate primary refractoriness from relapse, providing insights for treatment guidance and prognostic risk assessment. Additionally, molecular follow-up using a custom NGS myeloid panel can aid in monitoring treatment response, identifying minimal residual disease markers, guiding post-remission strategies, and selecting new drugs for leukemia relapse.
Article
Parasitology
Cristian Castro-Salguedo, Dario Mendez-Cuadro, Carlos Moneriz
Summary: This study identified proteins from the human erythrocyte membrane that generate an immune response during P. falciparum and P. vivax infection, indicating that modifications in the red blood cell membrane during infection can alter proteins of structural and functional importance. This research provides valuable insights into potential molecular targets for preventing Plasmodium infection.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jesus Garcia Martinez, Sonsoles Garcia Garcia, Stefan Walter, Ruth Gil-Prieto, Daniel Lopez Lacomba, Patricia Marin-Garcia, Angel Gil-de-Miguel, Alba Gonzalez-Escalada
Summary: The study reveals active circulation of Toscana virus in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. The seroprevalence rate in 2018-19 is lower compared to 2007, potentially due to vector and environmental control measures implemented after the leishmaniasis outbreak.
JOURNAL OF VECTOR BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alba Rodriguez-Garcia, Maria Linares, Maria Luz Morales, Sophie Allain-Maillet, Nicolas Mennesson, Ricardo Sanchez, Rafael Alonso, Alejandra Leivas, Alfredo Perez-Rivilla, Edith Bigot-Corbel, Sylvie Hermouet, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez
Summary: This study reports on the association between HCV infection and the progression of MGUS and MM. The results suggest a causal relationship and show that antiviral treatment can lead to better disease progression. When HCV is eliminated, clonal plasma cells can be controlled, providing new possibilities for the treatment of MGUS and myeloma.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego Rodriguez-Munoz, Angela Sanchez, Susana Perez-Benavente, Constanza Contreras-Jurado, Ana Montero-Pedrazuela, Marta Toledo-Castillo, Maria Gutierrez-Hernandez, Raquel Rodrigues-Diez, Cintia Folgueira, Ana M. Briones, Guadalupe Sabio, Ignacio Monedero-Cobeta, Irene Chavez-Coira, David Castejon, Encarnacion Fernandez-Valle, Javier Regadera, Jose M. Bautista, Ana Aranda, Susana Alemany
Summary: Thyroid hormones play a role in protecting mice from cerebral malaria by inducing disease tolerance. The activation of Sirtuin 1 is involved in this protection, suggesting it as a potential target for cerebral malaria treatment.
Review
Oncology
Raquel Ancos-Pintado, Irene Bragado-Garcia, Maria Luz Morales, Roberto Garcia-Vicente, Andres Arroyo-Barea, Alba Rodriguez-Garcia, Joaquin Martinez-Lopez, Maria Linares, Maria Hernandez-Sanchez
Summary: High-throughput CRISPR screening is an unbiased method for studying hematological malignancies, allowing for the identification of modulator genes, therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and genetic determinants. This review summarizes the most relevant CRISPR screening studies in hematology, discussing libraries, algorithms, and databases used in the analysis of CRISPR screens. The review focuses on identifying drug resistance genes, therapeutic targets, synthetic lethal interactions, and biomarkers of malignant transformations and immune evasion mechanisms. The future directions of CRISPR screening approaches are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of gene validation and data integration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Monroy-Licht, Dario Mendez-Cuadro, Jesus Olivero-Verbel
Summary: This study found that the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes can accumulate elemental mercury (Hg-0) from the Hoagland medium, with the highest concentrations observed at 80 mg Hg-0 treatment. The translocation of Hg from roots to shoots was found to be poor. The treatments negatively affected the relative growth, chlorophyll concentration, and carotenoid content, but did not activate a strong stress-response mechanism in the evaluated plant tissues.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Paloma Abad, Patricia Marin-Garcia, Marcos Heras, Julius N. Fobil, Alfred G. Hutchful, Amalia Diez, Antonio Puyet, Armando Reyes-Palomares, Isabel G. Azcarate, Jose M. Bautista
Summary: In highly endemic areas, Plasmodium falciparum-specific IgM and IgA can serve as exposure markers, with levels increasing with age. Elevated levels of specific IgM and IgA are associated with microscopic malaria and poor prognosis in children.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Sanchez-Jaut, Susana Perez-Benavente, Paloma Abad, Dario Mendez-Cuadro, Antonio Puyet, Amalia Diez, Gonzalo Galicia-Poblet, Elena Gomez-Dominguez, Maria J. Moran-Jimenez, Jose M. Bautista, Isabel G. Azcarate
Summary: Iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) leads to increased reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. The by-product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), is widely used as a marker and is elevated in various human diseases associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated HNE-modified proteins in erythrocyte membranes from HH patients and in organs of Hfe(-/-) mice, a mouse model of HH. We identified specific proteins bound to HNE in erythrocyte membranes of HH patients and found increased levels of HNE-adducted proteins in the kidneys and brains of Hfe(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that HH preferentially targets certain proteins for oxidation by HNE.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aymara Cabrera-Munoz, Yusvel Sierra-Gomez, Giovanni Covaleda-Cortes, Mey L. Reytor, Yamile Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Jose M. Bautista, Francesc Xavier Aviles, Maday Alonso-del-Rivero
Summary: This study isolated and characterized a novel metallocarboxypeptidase inhibitor NpCI from a marine snail, which showed strong antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. The results suggest that NpCI and related inhibitors could be potential starting agents for antimalarial drug discovery.
Article
Pediatrics
Nelson Munoz, Sandra Galvis, Oscar Patino, Carlos Moneriz
Summary: This case report presents a rare case of cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of furuncular myiasis in a 4-month-old infant. The patient underwent antibiotic treatment, larva removal surgery, and skin flap operation, leading to clinical improvement after six weeks of antibiotic management. This highlights the exceptional nature of cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of myiasis.
REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA
(2021)