scholarly journals Reduced risk of placental parasitemia associated with complement fixation on Plasmodium falciparum by antibodies among pregnant women

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Herbert Opi ◽  
Michelle J. Boyle ◽  
Alistair R. D. McLean ◽  
Linda Reiling ◽  
Jo-Anne Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Complement Fixation ◽  
Membrane Attack Complex ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Complex Activity ◽  
Malaria Vaccines ◽  
Complement C1q ◽  
New Strategies ◽  
Reduced Risk

Abstract Background The pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) involves accumulation of P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (pRBCs) in the placenta, contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes. Parasite accumulation is primarily mediated by P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). Magnitude of IgG to pRBCs has been associated with reduced risk of MiP in some studies, but associations have been inconsistent. Further, antibody effector mechanisms are poorly understood, and the role of antibody complement interactions is unknown. Methods Studying a longitudinal cohort of pregnant women (n=302) from a malaria-endemic province in Papua New Guinea (PNG), we measured the ability of antibodies to fix and activate complement using placental binding pRBCs and PfEMP1 recombinant domains. We determined antibody-mediated complement inhibition of pRBC binding to the placental receptor, chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), and associations with protection against placental parasitemia. Results Some women acquired antibodies that effectively promoted complement fixation on placental-binding pRBCs. Complement fixation correlated with IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, which dominated the response. There was, however, limited evidence for membrane attack complex activity or pRBC lysis or killing. Importantly, a higher magnitude of complement fixing antibodies was prospectively associated with reduced odds of placental infection at delivery. Using genetically modified P. falciparum and recombinant PfEMP1 domains, we found that complement-fixing antibodies primarily targeted a specific variant of PfEMP1 (known as VAR2CSA). Furthermore, complement enhanced the ability of antibodies to inhibit pRBC binding to CSA, which was primarily mediated by complement C1q protein. Conclusions These findings provide new insights into mechanisms mediating immunity to MiP and reveal potential new strategies for developing malaria vaccines that harness antibody-complement interactions.

scholarly journals Reduced risk of placental parasitaemia associated with complement fixation on Plasmodium falciparum by antibodies among pregnant women

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Herbert Opi ◽  
Michelle J Boyle ◽  
Alistair McLean ◽  
Linda Reiling ◽  
Jo-Anne Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Complement Fixation ◽  
Membrane Attack Complex ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Complex Activity ◽  
Malaria Vaccines ◽  
Complement C1q ◽  
New Strategies ◽  
Reduced Risk

Background: The pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) involves accumulation of P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (pRBCs) in the placenta, contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes. Parasite accumulation is primarily mediated by P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane 1 (PfEMP1). Magnitude of IgG to pRBCs has been associated with reduced risk of MiP in some studies, but associations have been inconsistent. Further, antibody effector mechanisms are poorly understood, and the role of antibody complement interactions is unknown. Methods: Studying a longitudinal cohort of pregnant women (n=302) from a malaria-endemic province in Papua New Guinea (PNG), we measured the ability of antibodies to fix and activate complement using placental binding pRBCs and PfEMP1 recombinant domains. We determined antibody-mediated complement inhibition of pRBC binding to the placental receptor, chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) and associations with protection against placental parasitaemia. Results: Some women acquired antibodies that effectively promoted complement fixation on placental-binding pRBCs. Complement fixation correlated with IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, which dominated the response. There was, however, limited evidence for membrane attack complex activity or pRBC lysis or killing. Importantly, a higher magnitude of complement fixing antibodies was prospectively associated with reduced odds of placental infection at delivery. Using genetically-modified P. falciparum and recombinant PfEMP1 domains, we found that complement-fixing antibodies primarily targeted a specific variant of PfEMP1 (known as VAR2CSA). Furthermore, complement enhanced the ability of antibodies to inhibit pRBC binding to CSA, which was primarily mediated by complement C1q protein. Conclusion: These findings provide new insights into mechanisms mediating immunity to MiP and reveal potential new strategies for developing malaria vaccines that harness antibody-complement interactions.

Grape Seeds Extract as Brain Food: A Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Souad El Gengaihi ◽  
Doha H. Abou Baker
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Grape Seed Extract ◽  
Grape Seed ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Amyloid Peptide ◽  
Grape Seeds ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Reduced Risk

Interest in the biological role of bioactive compounds present in medicinal herbs has increased over the last years. Of particular interest are plants that have an anti-Alzheimer activities. Several plants can be useful for Alzheimer (AD) management. Such as these which have anti-inflammatory activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory action, antiapoptotic, slow the aggregation of amyloid peptide and antioxidant activities. Grape seed extract (GSE) is a complex mixture of several compounds, mostly represented by polyphenols and flavonoids. Their consumption is safe and is recognized to exert several health benefits. GS flavonoids have been associated with the reduced risk of chronic diseases, we present some findings on the potential benefits of GSE for the treatment of AD.

Study of Possible Relation between Fasting Plasma Glucagon, Gestational Diabetes and Development of Type 2 DM

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Okba ◽  
Salwa Seddik Hosny ◽  
Alyaa Elsherbeny ◽  
Manal Mohsin Kamal
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Glucagon ◽  
Type 2 Dm ◽  
Fasting Plasma ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Two Phases

Background and Aims: Women who develop GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) have a relative insulin secretion deficiency, the severity of which may be predictive for later development of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the role of fasting plasma glucagon in the prediction of later development of diabetes in pregnant women with GDM. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 pregnant women with GDM after giving informed oral and written consents and being approved by the research ethical committee according to the declaration of Helsinki. The study was conducted in two phases, first phase during pregnancy and the second one was 6 months post-partum, as we measured fasting plasma glucagon before and after delivery together with fasting and 2 hour post-prandial plasma sugar. Results: Our findings suggested that glucagon levels significantly increased after delivery in the majority 14/25 (56%) of GDM women who developed type 2 DM within 6 months after delivery compared to 6/20 (30%) patients with impaired fasting plasma glucose (IFG) and only 22/105 (20%) non DM women, as the median glucagon levels were 80,76, 55, respectively. Also, there was a high statistical difference between fasting plasma glucagon post-delivery among diabetic and non-diabetic women (p ≤ 0.001). These results indicated the useful role of assessing fasting plasma glucagon before and after delivery in patients with GDM to predict the possibility of type 2 DM. Conclusion: There is a relatively high glucagon level in GDM patients, which is a significant pathogenic factor in the incidence of subsequent diabetes in women with a history of GDM. This could be important in the design of follow-up programs for women with previous GDM.

Jurisprudence Study of the Importance of the Role of a Woman’s Right to Have a Child: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-193
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ghodrati
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Civil Law ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Maternal Role ◽  
The Right ◽  
Time Limitations ◽  
Natural Barrier ◽  
Taking Care

Background: Every woman has the right to have children. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the Jurisprudence study of the importance of the role of a woman right to have a child. Methods: A review of the literature with keywords of motherhood. The viewpoints of the jurists, jurisprudent law, right contraception and breastfeeding, spiritual rewards, pregnant women, instinct of having a child and the Quran. The Information Centers such as Scopus and Iranmedex, Magi ran SID, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pub med, and in the returns without any time limitations up to 2018. Therefore, Qur'anic verses based on the topic and authentic Hadith texts as well as authoritative, authentic scientific articles. Results: Narrations and Quran verses on greatness and respect of a mother show the importance of the maternal role. The maternal role is a fabulous facet of perfection of a woman and Islam has considered spiritual rewards for it. In the Quran, many biological changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and taking care of a child and spiritual characteristics of mothers as the instinct seeking a child or generosity towards child have been mentioned. Islamic rules have a duty to extend this culture and aid mothers to achieve this right. Nobody can deprive a woman of it. Conclusion: In view of jurisprudent rules in Islam, if there is no limitation or natural barrier for a woman to have a child but her husband’s illogical unwillingness for having a child; this is, according to article 1130 of civil law, a kind of distress and embarrassment and the woman has the right to divorce.

scholarly journals Health promotion behaviours of pregnant women and spiritual well‐being: Mediatory role of pregnancy stress, anxiety and coping ways

Nursing Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Chehrazi ◽  
Mahbobeh Faramarzi ◽  
Somayeh Abdollahi ◽  
Maria Esfandiari ◽  
Shiva Shafie rizi
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
And Coping

scholarly journals Psychosocial Obstacles in Young Children Argumentative Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 224
Author(s):  
Josephine Convertini
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Complex Activity ◽  
Group I

Argumentation is an important aspect in the field of education because of its impact on learning processes. At the same time, argumentation is a complex activity in terms of cognitive, relational, emotional and social dynamics. In this paper, I investigate and I describe possible difficulties encountered by children during the argumentative process. The study involves 25 preschool children at a kindergarten engaged in three building tasks. The tasks were video-recorded and the argumentative discussions transcribed. For the aim of this paper, I analyze how argumentation are distributed among participants. I select interactions in which participants apparently do not argue or there are differences in the degree of argumentative participation between participants of the same group. I analyze these interactions and moments of impasse in the argumentative steps. The findings show how the simplicity of solving the task (e.g., when children do not encounter any problem in completing the activity) and the children’s self-perception of their competences in solving the task may have an impact on argumentation activities. Moreover, this perception is co-constructed by children within the interaction. The study contributes to the line of research on designing argumentation and highlights the role of the adult in managing children’s interactions.

scholarly journals Maternal PrEP Use in HIV-Uninfected Pregnant Women in South Africa: Role of Stigma in PrEP Initiation, Retention and Adherence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Moran ◽  
Nyiko Mashele ◽  
Rufaro Mvududu ◽  
Pamina Gorbach ◽  
Linda-Gail Bekker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Pregnant Women

scholarly journals The microbial world in a changing environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Vicuña ◽  
Bernardo González
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Complete Evaluation ◽  
Microbial World ◽  
Sustainable Environment ◽  
Entire Planet ◽  
New Strategies

Abstract Background In this article we would like to touch on the key role played by the microbiota in the maintenance of a sustainable environment in the entire planet. For obvious reasons, this article does not intend to review thoroughly this extremely complex topic, but rather to focus on the main threats that this natural scenario is presently facing. Methods Recent literature survey. Results Despite the relevance of microorganisms have in our planet, the effects of climate change on microbial communities have been scarcely and not systematically addressed in literature. Although the role of microorganisms in emissions of greenhouse gases has received some attention, there are several microbial processes that are affected by climate change with consequences that are presently under assessment. Among them, host-pathogen interactions, the microbiome of built environment, or relations among plants and beneficial microbes. Conclusions Further research is required to advance in knowledge of the effect of climate change on microbial communities. One of the main targets should be a complete evaluation of the global microbial functional diversity and the design of new strategies to cope with limitations in methods to grow microorganisms in the laboratory. These efforts should contribute to raise a general public awareness on the major role played by the microbiota on the various Earth ecosystems.

scholarly journals Studying Collaboration Dynamics in Physical Learning Spaces: Considering the Temporal Perspective through Epistemic Network Analysis

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 2898
Author(s):  
Milica Vujovic ◽  
Ishari Amarasinghe ◽  
Davinia Hernández-Leo
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Temporal Perspective ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Collaboration Dynamics ◽  
Collaborative Activities

The role of the learning space is especially relevant in the application of active pedagogies, for example those involving collaborative activities. However, there is limited evidence informing learning design on the potential effects of collaborative learning spaces. In particular, there is a lack of studies generating evidence derived from temporal analyses of the influence of learning spaces on the collaborative learning process. The temporal analysis perspective has been shown to be essential in the analysis of collaboration processes, as it reveals the relationships between students’ actions. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of a temporal perspective to broaden understanding of the effects of table shape on collaboration when different group sizes and genders are considered. On-task actions such as explanation, discussion, non-verbal interaction, and interaction with physical artefacts were observed while students were engaged in engineering design tasks. Results suggest that table shape influences student behaviour when taking into account different group sizes and different genders.

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