Mapping malaria risk among children in Côte d’Ivoire using Bayesian geo-statistical models

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In Cote d'Ivoire, an estimated 767,000 disability-adjusted life years are due to malaria, placing the country at position number 14 with regard to the global burden of malaria. Risk maps are important to guide control interventions, and hence, the aim of this study was to predict the geographical distribution of malaria infection risk in children aged <16 years in Cote d'Ivoire at high spatial resolution. METHODS: Using different data sources, a systematic review was carried out to compile and georeference survey data on Plasmodium spp. infection prevalence in Cote d'Ivoire, focusing on children aged <16 years. The period from 1988 to 2007 was covered. A suite of Bayesian geo-statistical logistic regression models was fitted to analyse malaria risk. Non-spatial models with and without exchangeable random effect parameters were compared to stationary and non-stationary spatial models. Non-stationarity was modelled assuming that the underlying spatial process is a mixture of separate stationary processes in each ecological zone. The best fitting model based on the deviance information criterion was used to predict Plasmodium spp. infection risk for entire Cote d'Ivoire, including uncertainty. RESULTS: Overall, 235 data points at 170 unique survey locations with malaria prevalence data for individuals aged <16 years were extracted. Most data points (n = 182, 77.4%) were collected between 2000 and 2007. A Bayesian non-stationary regression model showed the best fit with annualized rainfall and maximum land surface temperature identified as significant environmental covariates. This model was used to predict malaria infection risk at nonsampled locations. High-risk areas were mainly found in the north-central and western area, while relatively low-risk areas were located in the north at the country border, in the northeast, in the south-east around Abidjan, and in the central-west between two high prevalence areas. CONCLUSION: The malaria risk map at high spatial resolution gives an important overview of the geographical distribution of the disease in Cote d'Ivoire. It is a useful tool for the national malaria control programme and can be utilized for spatial targeting of control interventions and rational resource allocation.     

Blood cultures incorporating antibiotic absorbing resins as an index of effective chemotherapy

During a mean time of eight days, blood cultures made in duplicate with and without resins from nine patients with septicemia were evaluated. Data supporting the usefulness of blood cultures incorporating antibiotic absorbing resins as an index of chemotherapy are presented and discussed. The authors propose that this resin system be used not only to increase the sensitivity of blood cultures, but also as an index of effective chemotherapy.     

Release of Glutamate from Striatum of Freely Moving Rats by pros-Methylimidazoleacetic Acid

Abstract: The effect of pros -methylimidazoleacetic acid (p-MIAA) was measured on the release of glutamate and aspartate from cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of freely moving rats, and on the uptake of ¹⁴C by striatal slices incubated in the presence of l -[¹⁴C]-glutamate. Twenty-four hours after implantation of a dialysis fiber, striatum, hippocampus, or cerebral cortex spontaneously released both glutamate and aspartate in the micromolar range. p-MIAA (1 µ M to 1 m M ), added to the dialysis perfusate, elicited a concentration-dependent increase of glutamate release from striatum with a maximal increase of about threefold. This effect did not occur in hippocampus or cortex. In none of these regions did p-MIAA increase aspartate release significantly. The p-MIAA effect was not mimicked by its isomer tele -methylimidazoleacetic acid. p-MIAA did not influence the uptake of glutamate by striatal slices. The glutamate-releasing action of p-MIAA may affect striatal function and explain the positive correlation between levels of p-MIAA in CSF and the severity of Parkinson's disease.     

Regulation of immune cell homeostasis by type I interferons

Although initially identified and best characterized for their role in innate antiviral defence, type I interferons (IFN-I) are also known to have an important impact on the adaptive immune response. In part, this is linked to another long-recognised property of IFN-I, namely their ability to modify cellular proliferation and survival. Here, we review the influence of IFN-I on immune cell homeostasis, focusing on their effects on T cells and antigen-presenting cells.     

Higher alcohol and acetoin production by Zygosaccharomyces wine yeasts

Seventy strains of Zygosaccharomyces isolated from grape musts were investigated for their ability to produce higher alcohols and acetoin in synthetic medium and grape must. The Zygosaccharomyces strains produced generally low amounts of higher alcohols. Within this genus, Z. fermentati behaved differently from Z. bailii producing less isobutanol in synthetic medium and more amyl alcohols and isobutanol in grape must. Zygosaccharomyces fermentati did not form detectable amounts of acetoin in any conditions whereas Z. bailii produced it both in synthetic medium and in grape must. These strains were found to contribute to aroma and taste of wine.