Article
Psychiatry
Predrag Petrovic, Philipp Sterzer
Summary: The neurocomputational framework of predictive processing (PP) offers a promising explanation for delusions in psychotic disorders. According to PP, the brain makes inferences about the world by weighing prior beliefs against sensory data. Psychosis has been associated with reduced weighting of priors, but delusional beliefs are highly resistant to change, suggesting increased weighting of priors. We propose that this delusion paradox can be resolved within a hierarchical PP model.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Adrian G. Dyer, Anke Jentsch, Martin Burd, Jair E. Garcia, Justyna Giejsztowt, Maria G. G. Camargo, Even Tjorve, Kathleen M. C. Tjorve, Peter White, Mani Shrestha
Summary: Blue is a favored color among humans, but less frequently observed in flowers. Animals perceive blue differently from humans, with bee pollinators having preferences for short-wavelength reflecting colors. The evolution of blue flowers may be driven by competition for pollinators and environmental factors.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Economics
Davide Dragone, Davide Raggi
Summary: The milk addiction paradox refers to the phenomenon where consumption of nonaddictive commodities like milk may seem consistent with rational addiction theory, especially when consumption is persistent and with aggregate data. This paradox can be resolved by using an AR(1) linear specification to estimate the data instead of the traditional AR(2) model, which helps distinguish between rational addiction and simple persistence, test for key features of rational addiction, and provide unbiased estimates of demand elasticity.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Business
Carolin Brix-Asala, Stefan Seuring, Philipp C. Sauer, Axel Zehendner, Lara Schilling
Summary: This research examines the potential of supplier development in addressing the paradox of including the base of the pyramid into formal supply chain structures. Through two case studies, it was found that indirect supplier development can be used as temporal and spatial separation strategies, while direct supplier development can be used as temporal separation and synthesis strategies.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edward A. Wasserman, Andrew G. Kain, Ellen M. O'Donoghue
Summary: Humans can use declarative and associative mechanisms to solve category-learning tasks. While associative mechanisms have received less attention, pigeons rely solely on associative learning mechanisms to successfully learn a novel category structure that hinders declarative rule use, highlighting the power and flexibility of associative mechanisms in category learning.
Article
Oncology
Joe Nassour, Tobias T. Schmidt, Jan Karlseder
Summary: Decades of research on cell cycle regulation have shed light on the importance of telomeres in controlling cell lifespan and tumorigenesis. Telomeres act as both tumor suppressors and sources of genomic aberrations in cancer, playing a dual role in carcinogenesis.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY, VOL 5, 2021
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Matheus M. G. Correia, Joao V. M. Barboza, Aquino L. Espindola
Summary: This study investigates the transmission of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis, in African rural areas. By using agent-based modeling, it was found that humans and animals act as reservoirs for the pathogen, with transmission depending on the tsetse fly vector. Implementing treatment with Fexinidazole at different percentages in rural zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can optimize resources and potentially lead to disease eradication.
PHYSICA A-STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ruixue Wang, Josephine A. Clegg, Peter M. Scott, Christina S. Larkin, Feifei Deng, Alexander L. Thomas, Xin-Yuan Zheng, Alexander M. Piotrowski
Summary: Despite decades of research, significant gaps in our understanding of the oceanic cycling of neodymium (Nd) and rare earth elements (REEs) remain. Observations show that dissolved Nd concentration typically increases with depth, while Nd isotopes reflect conservative water mass mixing in the intermediate and deep ocean, known as the Nd paradox. This study in the South Atlantic provides detailed insights into the spatial controls on ocean geochemistry and the processes influencing Nd isotopic compositions.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Benjamin E. Cohen, Darren F. Mark, William S. Cassata, Lara M. Kalnins, Martin R. Lee, Caroline L. Smith, David L. Shuster
Summary: Research found that the shergottites have a wide range of ages, with statistically robust Ar-40/Ar-39 isochron ages ranging from 161+/-9 Ma to 540+/-63 Ma, consistent with other dating methods. These data indicate that, despite experiencing shock metamorphism, the shergottites were sourced from the youngest volcanoes on Mars.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xinyu Toh, Yifan Wang, Menaka Priyadharsani Rajapakse, Bernett Lee, Tapanut Songkasupa, Nutthakarn Suwankitwat, Attapon Kamlangdee, Charlene Judith Fernandez, Taoqi Huangfu
Summary: The study conducted whole-genome sequencing of the African horse sickness virus (AHSV) from the March 2020 Thailand outbreak using Nanopore technology with a Sequence-Independent Single Primer Amplification (SISPA) approach. It found high sequence identity between the AHSV-1 virus and isolates from the same outbreak. Substitution analysis revealed differences in the VP2 gene compared to circulating South African strains.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Economics
Erling Barth, Liza Reisel, Kjersti Misje Ostbakken
Summary: This article revisits a central tenet of the welfare state paradox by re-investigating the relationship between female labour force participation and gender segregation. The study finds that countries with high female labour force participation have lower occupational gender segregation, regardless of public sector size. Additionally, high relative levels of public spending on health, education, and care are particularly conducive to desegregation.
WORK EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ole Winckler Andersen, Rasmus Hundsbaek Pedersen
Summary: Several African countries are facing the issue of overcapacity in their energy sectors, which cannot be attributed simply to supply volatility. This paradoxical situation emerges in countries where many people lack access to modern energy. This paper reviews existing explanations for overcapacity and discusses its potential implications, including increasing deficits and debts, higher tariffs, reduced access to energy, and delays in energy transitions. The paper highlights the need for further research and emphasizes the policy implications for energy-sector planning.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miebaka Jamabo, Maduma Mahlalela, Adrienne L. L. Edkins, Aileen Boshoff
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma brucei, is a neglected tropical disease targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted control programs, extending the time frame. Vaccine development has been challenging due to antigenic variation and B cell depletion. Control relies on screening and drugs, with fexinidazole being a recent major breakthrough. Diagnosis, compliance, and resistance pose challenges, while ongoing drug discovery and addressing eradication challenges are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ronald E. Crump, Ching- Huang, Edward S. Knock, Simon E. F. Spencer, Paul E. Brown, Erick Mwamba Miaka, Chansy Shampa, Matt J. Keeling, Kat S. Rock
Summary: The study focused on the transmission dynamics of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, exploring changes in transmission and factors contributing to disease persistence or intervention success. The findings showed significant improvements in passive detection in former Bandundu and Bas Congo provinces, with reduced time to detection. The study also established a framework for future predictions on disease transmission in the country.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rohan Ameratunga, See-Tarn Woon, Edward Lea, Richard Steele, Klaus Lehnert, Euphemia Leung, Anna E. S. Brooks
Summary: The immunological response to COVID-19 is only partly understood. The virus triggers an inappropriate host inflammatory reaction in severe cases. The role of antibodies in COVID-19 remains to be fully defined, while there is increasing evidence that a vigorous T-cell response is protective.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Mariame Camara, Alseny M'mah Soumah, Hamidou Ilboudo, Christelle Travaille, Caroline Clucas, Anneli Cooper, Nono-Raymond Kuispond Swar, Oumou Camara, Ibrahim Sadissou, Estefania Calvo Alvarez, Aline Crouzols, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Vincent Jamonneau, Mamadou Camara, Annette MacLeod, Bruno Bucheton, Brice Rotureau
Summary: In the study of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis, it was found that live parasites may remain undetected in the blood of some seropositive individuals but are present in their skin. The skin may serve as a potential reservoir for African trypanosomes.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sophie Molia, Juliette Saillard, Koussai Dellagi, Florence Cliquet, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Brice Rotureau, Patrick Giraudoux, Jean Jannin, Patrice Debre, Philippe Solano
Summary: The survey results show that One Health approaches are highly attractive to scientists in French-speaking tropical countries, but implementation is challenging due to various factors. Improvements in prevalence and economic data research, along with demonstrating the added value of One Health approaches, are key to increasing uptake. NTD networks play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and promoting collaboration among different sectors and disciplines.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Estefania Calvo-Alvarez, Serge Bonnefoy, Audrey Salles, Fiona E. Benson, Paul G. McKean, Philippe Bastin, Brice Rotureau
Summary: FLAM8 is not only a marker for flagellum length control in Trypanosoma brucei, but also reflects flagellum maturation in different parasite cycle stages, and even predicts daughter cell fate in specific tissue divisions.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sebastian Hutchinson, Sophie Foulon, Aline Crouzols, Roberta Menafra, Brice Rotureau, Andrew D. Griffiths, Philippe Bastin
Summary: In this study, researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the development of trypanosomes in the salivary glands and found a dynamic activation program of VSG gene expression in pre-metacyclic and metacyclic cells.
Article
Parasitology
Martin Bienvenu Somda, Jacques Kabore, Sheila Medina Karambiri, Emilie Dama, Der Dabire, Charlie Franck Alfred Compaore, Ernest Wendemanedge Salou, Hamidou Ilboudo, Isidore Houaga, Fabrice Courtin, Adrien Marie Gaston Belem, Vincent Jamonneau, Zakaria Bengaly
Summary: The boom in artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso has increased the risk of the re-emergence of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), as populations from heavily affected countries such as Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea have migrated. However, our study found no cases of HAT among individuals tested and no evidence of human trypanosomes in pigs. The risk of re-emergence was deemed to be low, but surveillance systems need to be expanded and awareness-raising activities are necessary.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Marc Desquesnes, Marisa Gonzatti, Alireza Sazmand, Sophie Thevenon, Geraldine Bossard, Alain Boulange, Geoffrey Gimonneau, Philippe Truc, Stephane Herder, Sophie Ravel, Denis Sereno, Vincent Jamonneau, Sathaporn Jittapalapong, Philippe Jacquiet, Philippe Solano, David Berthier
Summary: This review discusses the reliable and up-to-date methods for diagnosing trypanosomoses caused by trypanosomes in wild and domestic mammals. The diseases have significant impact on human and animal health, as well as livestock economy. The review covers various diagnostic methods including parasite detection, DNA detection, and antibody detection, while considering factors such as sensitivity, specificity, and cost constraints. It also addresses the challenge of diagnosing mixed infections and the importance of improving diagnostic procedures worldwide for better infection control and One Health.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: This study demonstrates that efficient energy production through mitochondria is critical for the trypanosome's swimming ability and migration within the tsetse fly. Surprisingly, trypanosomes with impaired mitochondrial energy production are only mildly compromised in their ability to colonize the tsetse fly midgut. This study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of trypanosome infection in tsetse flies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Barkissa Melika Traore, Mathurin Koffi, Martial Kassi N'Djetchi, Dramane Kaba, Jacques Kabore, Hamidou Ilboudo, Bernadin Ahouty Ahouty, Minayegninrin Kone, Bamoro Coulibaly, Thomas Konan, Adeline Segard, Lingue Kouakou, Thierry De Meeus, Sophie Ravel, Philippe Solano, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Vincent Jamonneau
Summary: The study found that free-ranging pigs in the historical focus of Vavoua, Cote d'Ivoire, were identified as multi-reservoirs of T. brucei and/or T. congolense with mixed infections of different strains. Although current tools were not sensitive enough to identify T.b.gambiense definitively, there is a need for an efficient molecular toolbox to easily detect and identify T.b.gambiense in any potential animal reservoirs it may infect.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Marc Desquesnes, Alireza Sazmand, Marisa Gonzatti, Alain Boulange, Geraldine Bossard, Sophie Thevenon, Geoffrey Gimonneau, Philippe Truc, Stephane Herder, Sophie Ravel, Denis Sereno, Etienne Waleckx, Vincent Jamonneau, Philippe Jacquiet, Sathaporn Jittapalapong, David Berthier, Philippe Solano, Laurent Hebert
Summary: Reliable diagnostic tools are necessary to effectively treat and control animal trypanosomoses, which can be pathogenic. This review emphasizes the implementation of previously reviewed diagnostic methods in complex scenarios, and highlights the need for an integrative approach that combines parasite detection, DNA/RNA/antigen detection, antibody detection, and epizootiological information. While antibody detection tests have high sensitivity, DNA-based methods are more specific. Further developments are required to address gaps in current diagnostic methods and to improve prevention and control of animal trypanosomoses.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brice Rotureau, Etienne Waleckx, Vincent Jamonneau, Philippe Solano, Sophie Molia, Patrice Debre, Koussay Dellagi, Serge Morand
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nuria Sima, Annick Dujeancourt-Henry, Blanca Liliana Perlaza, Marie-Noelle Ungeheuer, Brice Rotureau, Lucy Glover
Summary: A highly sensitive diagnostic method for Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been developed using CRISPR-based SHERLOCK technology, which can be easily adapted for field-based epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan F. Quintana, Matthew C. Sinton, Praveena Chandrasegaran, Agatha Nabilla Lestari, Rhiannon Heslop, Bachar Cheaib, John Ogunsola, Dieudonne Mumba Ngoyi, Nono-Raymond Kuispond Swar, Anneli Cooper, Neil A. Mabbott, Seth B. Coffelt, Annette Macleod
Summary: This study investigates the local immune response of the skin in a murine model of African trypanosome infection using spatial and single cell transcriptomics. The expansion of dermal IL-17A-producing V?6(+) cells is detected during infection, occurring in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In silico cell-cell communication analysis suggests that subcutaneous interstitial preadipocytes trigger T cell activation via Cd40 and Tnfsf18 signalling, among others.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eugenie Melaine Kemta Magang, Rolin Mitterran Ndefo Kamga, Jenny Telleria, Magali Tichit, Aline Crouzols, Jacques Kabore, David Hardy, Calmes Ursain Tsakeng Bouaka, Vincent Jamonneau, Brice Rotureau, Victor Kuete, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Gustave Simo
Summary: This study revealed the presence of various trypanosome species in the blood and skin of animals in HAT foci of Cameroon. It also identified skin as an anatomical reservoir for trypanosomes. The results highlight the importance of considering animal reservoirs and skin-dwelling trypanosomes in control strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Charlie Franck Alfred Compaore, Jacques Kabore, Hamidou Ilboudo, Lian Francesca Thomas, Laura Cristina Falzon, Mohamed Bamba, Hassane Sakande, Minayegninrin Kone, Dramane Kaba, Clarisse Bougouma, Ilboudo Adama, Ouedraogo Amathe, Adrien Marie Gaston Belem, Eric Maurice Fevre, Philippe Buscher, Veerle Lejon, Vincent Jamonneau
Summary: The study conducted a door-to-door survey in Burkina Faso to assess the re-emergence of HAT. The results suggest that T. b. gambiense is no longer circulating in the study area, indicating zero transmission has probably been attained. The study also proposed a useful strategy for post-elimination surveillance using RDT preselection followed by trypanolysis.
