Hasil untuk "Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine"

Maha H. Jamal, Rawan S. AlRashdi, Duaa M. Bakhshwin et al.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a piceatannol-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (PIC-SNEDDS) on wound healing in diabetic rats and its mechanisms of wound healing action. Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats using streptozotocin, after which full-thickness excisional wounds were created. Piceatannol was administered topically either as a raw hydrogel or formulated into a PIC-SNEDDS, which was prepared using an optimized oil-surfactant mixture and incorporated into a hydrogel for application. Wound healing activity was assessed through measurements of wound contraction, oxidative stress biomarkers, and collagen content, along with histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of inflammatory, angiogenic, and remodeling markers. Results: PIC-SNEDDS markedly enhanced diabetic wound healing by promoting epithelial regeneration, granulation tissue formation, epidermal proliferation, and keratinization. The formulation also reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, nuclear factor-kappa B, and tumor necrosis factor-α) while increasing α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and hydroxyproline levels. Additionally, it improved antioxidant status by lowering malondialdehyde levels and boosting superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, along with upregulation of COL1A1 mRNA expression. Conclusions: PIC-SNEDDS promotes the healing of diabetic wounds and exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-collagen, and angiogenic properties.

Irene A. Kretchy, Deborah Atobrah, David A. Adumbire et al.

Abstract Background Malaria infection in pregnancy is a critical determinant of maternal and neonatal health outcomes in endemic regions. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), but its uptake remains low because of factors such as gender norms and expectations. However, interventions to optimize IPTp uptake, especially in malaria-endemic regions, have resulted in a decline in malaria during pregnancy, maternal and neonatal mortality, low birth weight, and placental parasitaemia. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on IPTp uptake, particularly emphasizing gender-related strategies. Methods The modified version of Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were adopted for this review. Documents were retrieved from the following electronic databases and search engines: scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PubMed, WHO, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar. The titles and abstracts of the publications were independently screened via Rayyan review management software, and the data were organized using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and gender analysis matrix. Results A total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most reported criterion was the effectiveness of the interventions, which demonstrated an increase in IPTp uptake after the intervention. The gender analysis framework revealed that involving both men and women in decision-making processes, empowering women, and promoting shared roles could improve the success of IPTp interventions. Conclusions Interventions to increase IPTp uptake should be targeted at empowering women through education, increasing financial independence, and making decisions about their health.

Francisca Ogochukwu Onukansi, Collins Chibueze Anokwuru, Stanley Chinedu Eneh et al.

Abstract Traditional medicine (TM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare across various cultures, especially in Africa, where it has played an integral role in the management of diseases such as malaria. Despite the popularity and historical significance of TM, scientific validation remains a key challenge, hindering its widespread acceptance in modern healthcare systems. This study explores the potential of traditional African medicine, particularly in the context of Nigeria, as a vital resource in the fight against malaria. Drawing on the success of plants like Artemisia annua in the development of modern anti-malarial drugs, the research emphasizes the need for comprehensive investment in TM research. With Nigeria facing the highest malaria burden globally, the research advocates for increased funding, scientific investigations into the efficacy of traditional remedies, and enhanced regulation of herbal medicine. The paper also highlights the growing trust and reliance on herbal remedies in rural areas of Nigeria and the importance of ensuring their safety through pharmacological testing. This study examines these issues through an analysis of existing literature, historical applications, and documented successes of herbal treatments. By integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, Nigeria could unlock new strategies for combating malaria and other infectious diseases, advancing toward sustainable health outcomes.

Jorge A. Morcillo Muñoz, Diego Andrés Rodríguez Lugo, Abraham Katime Zuñiga et al.

Eric Lyimo, Neema B. Kulaya, Lembris Njotto et al.

Abstract Background Malaria, which affects over half of the world’s population, is controlled through clinical interventions and vector control strategies. However, these efforts are threatened by resistance to anti-malarial drugs and insecticides, as well as affected by environmental, ecological, and climatic changes. This study examined changes in malaria prevalence and related factors based on data from 18 cross-sectional surveys conducted in two villages in northeastern Tanzania. Methods From 2003 to 2021, annual cross-sectional malariometric surveys were conducted in two study villages, Mkokola (lowland) and Kwamasimba (highland), samples collected to determine Plasmodium falciparum infection and human exposure to malaria vector Anopheles. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for comparing proportions, logistic and linear regressions test were used analyse associations. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to analyse the relationship between malaria prevalence and climatic variables. Results Malaria prevalence in Kwamasimba and Mkokola dropped from ~ 25% and ~ 80% to 0% and 1%, respectively, between 2003 and 2011, reaching 0% in both villages by 2014. This decline was associated with increased bed net use and reduced exposure to Anopheles bites. However, between 2018 and 2021, prevalence resurged, with Kwamasimba reaching 2003–2004 levels despite high bed net use. Between 2003 and 2021 there was an increasing trend in average monthly maximum temperatures (R2 = 0.1253 and 0.2005), and precipitation (R2 = 0.125 and 0.110) as well as minimum relative humidity (R2 = 0.141 and 0.1162) in Kwamasimba and Mkokola villages, respectively, while maximum relative humidity slightly decreased. Furthermore, during 2003–2011, malaria prevalence was positively associated with temperature, maximum temperature, and relative humidity, while precipitation showed a negative association (Estimate:− 0.0005, p < 0.001). Between 2012–2021, all climatic factors, including temperature (Estimate: 0.0256, p < 0.001), maximum temperature (Estimate: 0.0121, p < 0.001), relative humidity (Estimate: 0.00829, p < 0.001), and precipitation (Estimate: 0.000105, p < 0.001), showed positive associations. Conclusion From 2003 to 2014, malaria prevalence declined in two Tanzanian villages but resurged after 2018, particularly in highland Kwamasimba. Most likely, vector dynamics affected by changing climatic conditions drove this resurgence, emphasizing the need for adaptive, climate-informed malaria control strategies.

Eglantine Mathieu-Bégné, Julien Kincaid-Smith, Cristian Chaparro et al.

When two species hybridize, the two parental genomes are brought together and some alleles might interact for the first time. To date, the extent of the transcriptomic changes in first hybrid generations, along with their functional outcome constitute an important knowledge gap, especially in parasite species. Here we explored the molecular and functional outcomes of hybridization in first-generation hybrids between the blood fluke parasites Schistosoma haematobium and S. bovis. Through a transcriptomic approach, we measured gene expression in both parental species and hybrids. We described and quantified expression profiles encountered in hybrids along with the main biological processes impacted. Up to 7,100 genes fell into a particular hybrid expression profile (intermediate between the parental expression levels, over-expressed, under-expressed, or expressed like one of the parental lines). Most of these genes were different depending on the direction of the parental cross (S. bovis mother and S. haematobium father or the reverse) and depending on the sex. For a given sex and cross direction, the vast majority of genes were hence unassigned to a hybrid expression profile: either they were differentially expressed genes but not typical of any hybrid expression profiles or they were not differentially expressed neither between hybrids and parental lines nor between parental lines. The most prevalent profile of gene expression in hybrids was the intermediate one (24% of investigated genes). These results suggest that transcriptomic compatibility between S. haematobium and S. bovis remains quite high. We also found support for an over-dominance model (over- and under-expressed genes in hybrids compared to parental lines) potentially associated with heterosis. In females in particular, processes such as reproductive processes, metabolism and cell interactions as well as signaling pathways were indeed affected. Our study hence provides new insight on the biology of Schistosoma hybrids with evidences supporting compatibility and heterosis.

Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez, Sebastián Muñoz-Leal, Marcelo B. Labruna et al.

Giselle Pacifico Sartori, Andréa da Costa, Fernanda Lúcio dos Santos Macarini et al.

Abstract Background Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.

Patricia Schlagenhauf, Martin P. Grobusch, Davidson H. Hamer et al.

Abstract Background Recent reports highlight malaria as a frequent diagnosis in migrants who originate from Eritrea. A descriptive analysis of GeoSentinel cases of malaria in Eritrean migrants was done together with a literature review to elucidate key attributes of malaria in this group with a focus on possible areas of acquisition of malaria and treatment challenges. Results A total of 146 cases were identified from the GeoSentinel database from 1999 through September 2017, with a marked increase in 2014 and 2015. All patients originated from Eritrea and the main reporting GeoSentinel sites were in Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Israel and Germany. The majority of patients (young adult males) were diagnosed with malaria following arrival in the host country. All patients had a possible exposure in Eritrea, but may have been exposed in documented transit countries including Ethiopia, Sudan and possibly Libya in detention centres. Most infections were due to Plasmodium vivax (84.2%), followed by Plasmodium falciparum (8.2%). Two patients were pregnant, and both had P. vivax malaria. Some 31% of the migrants reported having had malaria while in transit. The median time to onset of malaria symptoms post arrival in the host country was 39 days. Some 66% of patients were hospitalized and nine patients had severe malaria (according to WHO criteria), including five due to P. vivax. Conclusions The 146 cases of mainly late onset, sometimes severe, P. vivax malaria in Eritrean migrants described in this multi-site, global analysis reflect the findings of single-centre analyses identified in the literature search. Host countries receiving asylum-seekers from Eritrea need to be prepared for large surges in vivax and, to a lesser extent, falciparum malaria, and need to be aware and prepared for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency testing and primaquine treatment, which is difficult to procure and mainly unlicensed in Europe. There is an urgent need to explore the molecular epidemiology of P. vivax in Eritrean asylum-seekers, to investigate the area of acquisition of P. vivax along common transit routes and to determine whether there has been re-introduction of malaria in areas, such as Libya, where malaria is considered eliminated, but where capable vectors and Plasmodium co-circulate.

Henk van den Berg, Michèle van Vugt, Alinune N. Kabaghe et al.

Abstract Background Increased engagement of communities has been emphasized in global plans for malaria control and elimination. Three interventions to reinforce and complement national malaria control recommendations were developed and applied within the context of a broad-based development initiative, targeting a rural population surrounding a wildlife reserve. The interventions, which were part of a 2-year research trial, and assigned to the village level, were implemented through trained local volunteers, or ‘health animators’, who educated the community and facilitated collective action. Results Community workshops on malaria were designed to increase uptake of national recommendations; a manual was developed, and training of health animators conducted, with educational content and analytical tools for a series of fortnightly community workshops in annual cycles at village level. The roll-back malaria principle of diagnosis, treatment and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets was a central component of the workshops. Structural house improvement to reduce entry of malaria vectors consisted of targeted activities in selected villages to mobilize the community into voluntarily closing the eaves and screening the windows of their houses; the project provided wire mesh for screening. Corrective measures were introduced to respond to field challenges. Committees were established at village level to coordinate the house improvement activities. Larval source management (LSM) in selected villages consisted of two parts: one on removal of standing water bodies by the community at large; and one on larviciding with bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis by trained village committees. Community workshops on malaria were implemented as ‘core intervention’ in all villages. House improvement and LSM were implemented in addition to community workshops on malaria in selected villages. Conclusions Three novel interventions for community mobilization on malaria prevention and control were described. The interventions comprised local organizational structure, education and collective action, and incorporated elements of problem identification, planning and evaluation. These methods could be applicable to other countries and settings.