Do Antibodies to Malaria Surface Antigens Play a Role in Protecting Mothers From Maternal Anemia?

Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) caused by Plasmodium falciparum can result in detrimental outcomes for both mother and infant, including low infant birth weight, preterm birth, maternal anemia, spontaneous abortion, and maternal and/or infant mortality. Maternal anemia is a particularly complex outcome, as the body must both maintain erythropoiesis and tolerance of the growing fetus, while directing a Th1 response against the parasite. Underlying the pathogenesis of PAM is the expression of variant surface antigens (VSAPAM) on the surface of infected red blood cells (iRBC) that mediate sequestration of the iRBC in the placenta. Naturally acquired antibodies to VSAPAM can block sequestration and activate opsonic phagocytosis, both associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we ask whether VSAPAM antibodies can also protect mothers against malarial anemia. Studies were identified where VSAPAM antibody titres and/or function were associated with higher maternal hemoglobin levels, thus supporting additional protective mechanisms for these antibodies against PAM. Yet these associations were not widely observed, and many studies reported no association between protection from maternal anemia and VSAPAM antibodies. We discuss the epidemiological, biological and technical factors that may explain some of the variability among these studies. We appraise the current evidence of these complex interactions between PAM-specific immunity and maternal anemia, propose potential mechanisms, and discuss knowledge gaps.

Download Full-text

Effects of Triphala on Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters: A Systematic Review

Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine ◽

10.1177/2515690x211011038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

pp. 2515690X2110110

Author(s):

Wiraphol Phimarn ◽

Bunleu Sungthong ◽

Hiroyuki Itabe

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Weight ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Body Mass ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Anthropometric Parameters

Aim. The efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters and its safety were assessed. Methods. Databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Thai Library Integrated System (ThaiLIS) were systematically searched to review current evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCT) on triphala. RCTs investigating the safety and efficacy of triphala on lipid profile, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 authors. Results. Twelve studies on a total of 749 patients were included. The triphala-treated groups showed significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride in 6 studies. Five RCTs demonstrated triphala-treated groups led to statistically significant decrease in body weight, body mass index and waist circumference of obese patients. Moreover, triphala significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level in diabetic patients but not in people without diabetes. No serious adverse event associated with triphala was reported during treatment. Conclusions. This review summarized a current evidence to show triphala might improve the lipid profile, blood glucose, the body weight, body mass index and waist circumference under certain conditions. However, large well-designed RCTs are required to confirm this conclusion.

Download Full-text

Perceived Oral Health Literacy, Behaviors, and Oral Health Care among Caregivers to the Homebound Population

Home Health Care Management & Practice ◽

10.1177/10848223211008435 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 108482232110084

Author(s):

Agata Wilk ◽

Lisa LaSpina ◽

Linda D. Boyd ◽

Jared Vineyard

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Oral Health ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Oral Care ◽

Oral Health Care ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Oral Health Literacy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

This study aimed to explore the level of perceived oral health literacy (OHL) among caregivers of the homebound population in the Chicago metropolitan area and how caregivers’ OHL impacts their oral care to the homebound population. The relationships between demographic characteristics, perceived OHL levels, personal oral health behaviors, and oral health care to clients were also assessed. This cross-sectional survey research examined 69 caregivers of the homebound population employed by home health agencies. The OHL was determined by the validated Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). Independent t-tests, chi-square tests set at p < .05 significance level, and logistic regressions were used for analysis. The mean age of participants was 43. The HeLD-14 scores indicated a high perceived OHL among this group. Caregivers came from diverse groups, and the majority spoke a second language at home. About 93% performed oral self-care the recommended amount of time or more, while only 57% did it for their clients. Those who cleaned clients’ mouth twice a day had a higher OHL score ( M = 23 compared to M = 19). About 43% did not check for sores in the client’s mouth, and those who checked had a higher OHL score ( M = 25 compared to M = 19). Controlling for OHL, age was a good predictor of oral care frequency to clients. These findings provide current evidence and add to the body of knowledge on OHL among homebound individuals. The results provide insights for designing a preventive approach in oral health care to the homebound population.

Download Full-text

Protective mechanisms of the body

Anaesthesia & intensive care medicine ◽

10.1053/j.mpaic.2006.09.008 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 459-461 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Niall Martin ◽

Chris Dodds

Keyword(s):

The Body ◽

Protective Mechanisms

Download Full-text

HLA-B27-Associated Reactive Arthritis: Pathogenetic and Clinical Considerations

Clinical Microbiology Reviews ◽

10.1128/cmr.17.2.348-369.2004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 348-369 ◽

Cited By ~ 97

Author(s):

Inés Colmegna ◽

Raquel Cuchacovich ◽

Luis R. Espinoza

Keyword(s):

Reactive Arthritis ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Intracellular Bacteria ◽

Molecular Pathways ◽

Hla B27 ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Clinical Considerations ◽

Active Bacteria

SUMMARY Current evidence supports the concept that reactive arthritis (ReA) is an immune-mediated synovitis resulting from slow bacterial infections and showing intra-articular persistence of viable, nonculturable bacteria and/or immunogenetic bacterial antigens synthesized by metabolically active bacteria residing in the joint and/or elsewhere in the body. The mechanisms that lead to the development of ReA are complex and basically involve an interaction between an arthritogenic agent and a predisposed host. The way in which a host accommodates to invasive facultative intracellular bacteria is the key to the development of ReA. The details of the molecular pathways that explain the articular and extra-articular manifestations of the disease are still under investigation. Several studies have been done to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ReA; these constitute the basis for a more rational therapeutic approach to this disease.

Download Full-text

How to Tackle the Relationship between Autoimmune Diseases and Diet: Well Begun Is Half-Done

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13113956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 3956

Author(s):

Camilla Barbero Mazzucca ◽

Davide Raineri ◽

Giuseppe Cappellano ◽

Annalisa Chiocchetti

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Eating Habits ◽

The Body ◽

Nutritional Interventions ◽

Complex Interactions ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Energy Consuming ◽

The Impact ◽

Ecological Correlation

Nutrition and immunity are closely related, and the immune system is composed of the most highly energy-consuming cells in the body. Much of the immune system is located within the GI tract, since it must deal with the huge antigenic load introduced with food. Moreover, the incidence of immune-mediated diseases is elevated in Westernized countries, where “transition nutrition” prevails, owing to the shift from traditional dietary patterns towards Westernized patterns. This ecological correlation has fostered increasing attempts to find evidence to support nutritional interventions aimed at managing and reducing the risk of immune-mediated diseases. Recent studies have described the impacts of single nutrients on markers of immune function, but the knowledge currently available is not sufficient to demonstrate the impact of specific dietary patterns on immune-mediated clinical disease endpoints. If nutritional scientists are to conduct quality research, one of many challenges facing them, in studying the complex interactions between the immune system and diet, is to develop improved tools for investigating eating habits in the context of immunomediated diseases.

Download Full-text

NADPH Oxidase and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Are Promising Targets of Phytochemicals for Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10121909 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1909

Author(s):

Min Jeong Kim ◽

Su Jeong Ha ◽

Bo Ram So ◽

Chang-Kil Kim ◽

Kyung-Min Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Epidermal Growth Factor ◽

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Skin Carcinogenesis ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cell Degeneration ◽

Epidermal Growth

The skin acts as the primary defense organ that protects the body from the external environment. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Skin carcinogenesis is usually caused by cell degeneration due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes changes in various signaling networks, disrupting the homeostasis of single skin cells. In this review, we summarize the roles of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we describe the crosstalk that exists between NOX, EGFR, and protein tyrosine phosphatase κ and its oncogenic downstream signaling pathways. Chemoprevention is the use of chemical compounds to recover the healthy status of the skin or delay cancer development. Current evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies on chemopreventive phytochemicals that target NOX, EGFR, or both, as major regulators of skin carcinogenesis will also be discussed.

Download Full-text

Alcoholic lung injury

Pediatrician (St Petersburg) ◽

10.17816/ped10567-72 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 67-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zlata V. Davydova ◽

Oraz D. Yagmurov

Keyword(s):

Lung Tissue ◽

Alcohol Intoxication ◽

Lung Surfactant ◽

Sharp Decrease ◽

Vascular Wall ◽

The Body ◽

Immune Reactivity ◽

Protective Mechanisms ◽

Lung Injuries ◽

Acute Ethanol

The article presents modern data on pathomorphological changesin lung tissue formed under the influence of acute and chronic intoxication with ethanol and its metabolites. At autopsy of the persons abusing alcohol, along with defeat ofabrain, heart, a liver note considerable changes in lungs. It was found that ethanol is excreted by the lungs and kidneys unchanged. The lungs are actively involved in the conversion of ethanol into carbon dioxide. The toxic effect ofethanol and its metabolites increases the permeability of the vascular wall, which leads to the accumulation of protein in the lung tissue with the development of pronounced dystrophic and destructive changes with the formation ofsubsequent pneumosclerosis. Alcohol negatively affects the function of alveolar macrophages, which have an important role inprotecting the lungs. Under the influence of ethanol in macrophages, biochemical processes are slowed down, expressed in a sharp decrease in their phagocytic activity and ability to move. In turn, it is necessary to note the studies that reflect the data on the influence of alcohol on the lung surfactant, which stabilizes the surface tension in the alveoli and counteracts the transudation of fluid into the alveoli. Alcohol adversely affects the phospholipids included in the surfactant and disrupts the process of its formation. Alcohol intoxication is the cause of 60% of comatose States, and obturation-aspiration complications are the leading form of respiratory disorders. Alcohol-induced disorders of the mucociliary apparatus contribute to the ingress of foreign particles into the respiratory tract. The defeat of these protective mechanisms in combination with a decrease in the overall immune reactivity of the body cause the development of anumber of pathological changes in the lungs. Thus, the study of morphological features of lung injuries in acute ethanol poisoning is of fundamental importance in elucidating the links of pathogenesis ofterminal States, their justified therapy.

Download Full-text

A new species of Largocephalosaurus (Diapsida: Saurosphargidae), with implications for the morphological diversity and phylogeny of the group

Geological Magazine ◽

10.1017/s001675681300023x ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 151 (1) ◽

pp. 100-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

CHUN LI ◽

DA-YONG JIANG ◽

LONG CHENG ◽

XIAO-CHUN WU ◽

OLIVIER RIEPPEL

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Type Species ◽

Morphological Diversity ◽

Transverse Process ◽

Sister Group ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Diagnostic Features ◽

Additional Information ◽

A New Species

AbstractLargocephalosaurus polycarpon Cheng et al. 2012a was erected after the study of the skull and some parts of a skeleton and considered to be an eosauropterygian. Here we describe a new species of the genus, Largocephalosaurus qianensis, based on three specimens. The new species provides many anatomical details which were described only briefly or not at all in the type species, and clearly indicates that Largocephalosaurus is a saurosphargid. It differs from the type species mainly in having three premaxillary teeth, a very short retroarticular process, a large pineal foramen, two sacral vertebrae, and elongated small granular osteoderms mixed with some large ones along the lateral most side of the body. With additional information from the new species, we revise the diagnosis and the phylogenetic relationships of Largocephalosaurus and clarify a set of diagnostic features for the Saurosphargidae Li et al. 2011. Largocephalosaurus is characterized primarily by an oval supratemporal fenestra, an elongate dorsal ‘rib-basket’, a narrow and elongate transverse process of the dorsal vertebrae, and the lack of a complete dorsal carapace of osteoderms. The Saurosphargidae is distinct mainly in having a retracted external naris, a jugal–squamosal contact, a large supratemporal extensively contacting the quadrate shaft, a leaf-like tooth crown with convex labial surface and concave lingual surface, a closed dorsal ‘rib-basket’, many dorsal osteoderms, a large boomerang-like or atypical T-shaped interclavicle. Current evidence suggests that the Saurosphargidae is the sister-group of the Sauropterygia and that Largocephalosaurus is the sister-group of the Saurosphargis–Sinosaurosphargis clade within the family.

Download Full-text

Reappraisal of Factors Disturbing the Relationship between Body Water Volumes and Total Body Electrical Resistance in Patients on Hemodialysis

10.26420/intjnutrsci.2021.1052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Schotman JM ◽

◽

Reichert LJM ◽

de Boer H ◽

van Borren MMGJ ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electrical Resistance ◽

Body Position ◽

Body Water ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Electrode Position ◽

Fluid Redistribution ◽

Interpretation Errors ◽

Water Volumes ◽

Total Body

Background: Measurements of Total Body Electrical Resistance (TBER) are used to improve fluid balance management in patients on Hemodialysis (HD). This approach is based on the inverse relation that exists between TBER and body water volumes. Interpretation errors may occur if TBER measurements are affected by factors that are not related to changes in body water. Aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the methodological artifacts commonly encountered in a clinical setting, and to strengthen current evidence of their disturbing effects by performing additional experiments. Methods: This study includes an analysis of available literature data, supplemented with additional experiments in healthy adults and patients. A cutoff of 2.7% was used to classify changes in TBER as significant within individual subjects. Results: Electrode position, electrode interference, differences of measurements performed at the right or left side of the body, presence of orthopedic prosthesis located in the limbs, fluid redistribution induced by longterm changes in body position, and electrolyte abnormalities were the main disturbing factors that can induce a significant change in TBER. Other factors either had no significant disturbing effect or could be easily avoided. Conclusion: TBER measurements require a high degree of standardization to minimize interpretation errors.

Download Full-text

Functional MRI in Anesthesia and Resting-State Networks

Functional MRI ◽

10.1093/med/9780190297763.003.0010 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 174-207

Author(s):

Nasim Mortazavi ◽

Cecile Staquet ◽

Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse ◽

Andrea Soddu ◽

Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resting State ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Brain State ◽

Resting State Networks ◽

Anesthetic Agents ◽

Complex Interactions ◽

Specific Effects ◽

Technological Advances

This chapter reviews current knowledge of the effects of hypnotic anesthetic agents on brain resting-state networks (RSNs) that sustain consciousness. Although full exploration of the networks under anesthesia is not yet available, current evidence indicates that anesthetic agents with hypnotic properties dose-dependently modulate RSN functioning. Each anesthetic agent has specific effects that are not uniform within a given network and probably correlate with the specific clinical features observed when one agent or another is used. Observations made on RSNs during anesthesia are supplementary arguments to link the networks with specific aspects of consciousness and connectedness to the environment and to confirm their physiological functions. The precise link between observations made on RSNs during anesthesia and known biochemical targets of anesthetic agents, or their effects on systems that regulate the sleep–wake cycle, is not established yet. PET studies using radiolabeled probes that specifically target a neurotransmission system offer insights into the links. New technological advances and modes of functional data analysis, such as Granger causality and dynamic causal modeling, will help in obtaining a more in-depth exploration of the complex interactions between brain regions, their modulation by anesthesia, and their role in information processing by the brain. Effects of hypnosis on RSNs also have been studied. The hypnotic state is useful for performing surgical procedures and explorations without general anesthesia. The hypnotic state is associated with specific changes in the activity of RSNs that confirm hypnosis as a specific brain state, different from normal wakeful consciousness and anesthetic states.

Download Full-text