Naturally acquired IgG antibodies against the C-terminal part of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite threonine-asparagine-rich protein in a low endemic area

Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite threonine–asparagine-rich protein (STARP), a 78-kDa surface protein, is considered a potential vaccine candidate. The C-terminal part of STARP has been evolved under positive selection, suggesting the presence of immunodominant epitopes. However, little is known about the immune responses against STARP among individuals upon natural malaria exposure. In this study, we have cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli the recombinant C-terminal part of STARP spanning 118 amino acids in order to examine the humoral immune response against this protein. Blood samples were randomly collected from 74 individuals living in a malaria endemic area of Thailand who were acutely infected with P. falciparum (n = 54) and with Plasmodium vivax (n = 20). Malaria-negative blood samples were also obtained from 27 individuals living in the same endemic area who had experienced prior infection with P. falciparum 6 months to 1 year before sample collection and 20 healthy subjects without history of malaria exposure. Western blot analysis revealed that IgG antibodies against this recombinant peptide were found in 23 of 54 serum samples (42.6%) from P. falciparum-infected individuals. All serum samples from P. vivax-infected cases, non-infected individuals, and those who experienced prior infection with P. falciparum gave negative results, indicating that naturally acquired IgG antibodies against the C-terminal part of STARP are species-specific and short-lived. Provided that antibodies against STARP could confer protection, it is likely that malaria vaccine derived from the C-terminal part of STARP could probably be boosted upon natural exposure to P. falciparum.     

Benign breast diseases: epidemiology, evaluation, and management

Benign breast diseases are common and encompass a spectrum of disorders. The majority of diagnoses will stem from a patient presenting with symptoms such as a mass or discomfort, or as a result of breast imaging which shows abnormalities leading to percutaneous biopsy. When mammographic and pathologic findings are disconcordant or when a high-risk lesion that can be associated with a preinvasive or invasive malignancy is found, formal excisional biopsy is recommended.     

Resting pressures in the lower esophageal sphincter

Interdeglutive pressures of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were studied by nonpullthrough techniques in 36 volunteers. Resting pressures did not remain at the high levels observed when the LES was entered. In 30 studies a gradual protracted decay ranging from 5 to 18 mm Hg was observed. These studies suggest that the LES may not pose a continuous barrier to reflux of gastric contents.     

Effect of malaria infection and dexamethasone on spleen morphology and histology

The purpose of this study was to determine the histopathological changes of the spleen caused by parasite infection and steroid use to investigate pathological effects due to infection in ICR mice. The mice were divided into 5 groups: non-malaria infected mice served as controls, mice with parasite infection only, and the other three groups; mice that were injected with dexamethasone (Dex) only, mice injected with Dex prior to and mice injected with Dex after malaria inoculation. Differences in spleen color between the groups were found. Compared to controls, malaria infected mice, and those injected with Dex only were significantly different (p < 0.05) in spleen weights and sizes. Histological changes were also seen in these two groups. Fused white pulps were found in the spleens of mice infected with malaria only, clear zones of white and red pulp were observed in the spleens of mice treated only with Dex; fibrinoids were also found in this group. The histology of spleens appeared normal except for infiltration by numerous megakaryocytes in the spleens of mice given Dex before or after parasite inoculation. Infection with malaria and use of Dex leads to destruction of typical features of spleen morphology and histology. However, uptake of Dex after malaria infection seems to reverse the pathology of the spleen.     

HLA-A, -B, -DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 polymorphism in thais

In this study we examined HLA-A, -B, -DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 gene, allele, and haplotype frequencies in two ethnic Thai populations. We compared these frequencies to the known HLA class I and II allele profiles of non-Thai mainland and insular Southeast (SE) Asians. HLA-A locus gene and allele frequencies, are comparatively homogeneous in both Thai and non-Thai SE Asians. In contrast, HLA-B, -DRB1, -DQA1, and -DQB1 gene and allele frequencies, show more ethnic and geographic variation in SE Asians. Conserved haplotypes, or combinations of linked HLA class I and II alleles were detected in Thais, but at relatively low frequencies. It would appear that ethnic Thais, reflect an admixture of peoples from both the northern mainland and southern island groups of SE Asia.     

Society of Gynecologic Oncology recommendations for fellowship education during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: Innovating programs to optimize trainee success

In approximately ten months' time, the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected over 34 million people and caused over one million deaths worldwide. The impact of this virus on our health, relationships, and careers is difficult to overstate. As the economic realities for academic medical centers come into focus, we must recommit to our core missions of patient care, education, and research. Fellowship education programs in gynecologic oncology have quickly adapted to the “new normal” of social distancing using video conferencing platforms to continue clinical and didactic teaching. United in a time of crisis, we have embraced systemic change by developing and delivering collaborative educational content, overcoming the limitations imposed by institutional silos. Additional innovations are needed in order to overcome the losses in program surgical volume and research opportunities. With the end of the viral pandemic nowhere in sight, program directors can rethink how education is best delivered and potentially overhaul aspects of fellowship curriculum and content. Similarly, restrictions on travel and the need for social distancing has transformed the 2020 fellowship interview season from an in-person to a virtual experience. During this time of unprecedented and rapid change, program directors should be particularly mindful of the needs and health of their trainees and consider tailoring their educational experiences accordingly.     

Clinicopathologic characteristics associated with long-term survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: an NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group ancillary data study

Objective

To identify clinicopathologic factors associated with 10-year overall survival in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and primary peritoneal cancer (PPC), and to develop a predictive model identifying long-term survivors.

Inheritance of posterior choanal atresia

Posterior choanal atresia (PCA) was observed in a brother and sister and their paternal aunt from a Yemenite family in which several cousin marriages had taken place. Such an occurrence may be compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance. In some cases PCA evidently is an autosomal dominant trait. However, its mostly sporadic occurrence with sex preference suggests that multifactorial determination may play an important role.