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Very low prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene deletion in the Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana tri-border
Abstract Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) have been an important diagnostic tool for detecting P. falciparum malaria in resource-limited settings. Most tests are designed to detect the Histidine-rich Protein 2 (HRP2). Parasites lacking pfhrp2 and its homologous pfhrp3 have been reported in several regions, with prevalence reaching 100% in certain areas. To better characterize P. falciparum isolates circulating in the Brazil-Venezuela-Guyana tri-border region, we performed a comprehensive analysis of 365 samples collected between 2016 and 2018. Molecular and immunological methods were employed to detect HRP2 and confirm pfhrp2/3 deletions. Our findings point to a low prevalence (1%) of pfhrp2 -deleted parasites confirmed by the lack of HRP2 detection. Among false-negative HRP2-RDT tests (6%), most were attributed to low parasite densities. A merozoite surface protein 2 ( msp2 )-based intra-host diversity analysis suggested overall low genetic diversity. The pattern of HRP2 sequences resembled that has been previously described in areas along the Brazil and French Guiana border. In conclusion, we have found a low prevalence of pfhrp2 -deleted parasites in the north-central Guiana Shield, which contrasts with the findings reported at the Peru border. Continued surveys are necessary to monitor the prevalence of pfhrp2 deletion in this area characterized by a high number of cross-border malaria cases.
Correction: Music listening evokes story-like visual imagery with both idiosyncratic and shared content
Cinnamic acid conjugated with triazole acetamides as anti-Alzheimer and anti-melanogenesis candidates: an in vitro and in silico study
Spatiotemporal patterns in active four-state Potts models
Study on the foam production characteristics of air self-suction foam generator by jet
Biparametric MRI-based radiomics for noninvastive discrimination of benign prostatic hyperplasia nodules (BPH) and prostate cancer nodules: a bio-centric retrospective cohort study
Faces of different socio-cultural identities impact emotional meaning learning for L2 words
Optimizing solar performance of CFTSe-based solar cells using MoSe2 as an innovative buffer layers
AbstractIn this study, we explore the photovoltaic performance of an innovative high efficiency heterostructure utilizing the quaternary semiconductor Cu2FeSnSe4 (CFTSe). This material features a kesterite symmetrical structure and is distinguished by its non-toxic nature and abundant presence in the earth’s crust. Utilizing the SCAPS simulator, we explore various electrical specifications such as short circuit current (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), the fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) were explored at a large range of thicknesses, and the acceptor carrier concentration doping (NA). Our results demonstrate that optimized parameters yield a remarkable PCE of 26.47%, accompanied by a Voc of 1.194 V, Jsc of 35.37 mA/cm2, and FF of 62.65% at a CFTSe absorber thickness of 0.5 μm. Furthermore, the performance of the photovoltaic cell is assessed for the defect levels in the CFTSe absorber and MoSe2 buffer layers. Results indicate that deep defect levels above 1 × 1017 cm− 3 lead to a decrease in Jsc. The study also investigates the effect of operating temperature on cell performance within the 300–500 K range. A notable decline in Voc is observed, likely due to an increase in saturation current, suggesting an interaction between temperature and cell behavior. In this work, we propose a practical CFTSe-based structure that replaces conventional buffer layers, such as CdS, with MoSe2 TMDC as a promising alternative buffer layer, paving the way for more sustainable solar technology.
Association between alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in Japan: a population-base longitudinal cohort study
User satisfaction and dissatisfaction with assistive technology devices and services in India
hsa-mir-483-3p modulates delayed breast cancer recurrence
Broadband terahertz holography using isotropic VO2 metasurfaces
Relationship between three body obesity indicators, WWI, BMI, WtHR, and periodontitis
Phytochemical profile and in vitro evaluation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage as ruminant feed with/without green banana flour
Abstract Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crucial crop in tropics and subtropics, primarily cultivated for its tuber. However, its foliage is rich in protein and can supply essential elements for ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical compounds by Gas chromatography-MS (GC-MS) and the main phenolic by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) present in cassava foliage, along with the fermentation pattern using a semi-automated gas production (GP) system. The in vitro evaluation was carried out for four diets formulated as follows: T1 (alfalfa: grass hay at ratio of 30: 70); T2 (alfalfa: grass hay: banana flour 30:60:10); T3 and T4 (replaced alfalfa in T1 and T2 with cassava foliage, respectively). The addition of green banana flour aimed to increase the diets’ energy. The GC-MS results indicated that cassava foliage showed a large number of valuable bioactive components, with the biflavonoid isoginkgetin representing the major component at 25.33% of total peak area percentage. The HPLC analysis declared that rutin, gallic acid, and ferulic acid were the main phenolic compounds presented in cassava foliage ethanolic extract. The accumulative gas after 24 h of incubation was significantly lower with cassava diets compared to alfalfa diets, being 119.3 versus 130.1 ml/g DM, respectively. The degradation of both organic matter and neutral detergent fiber was significantly higher with alfalfa compared to cassava diets, while there was no significant difference between alfalfa and cassava diets on final pH, ammonia concentration and protozoal count. Banana flour inclusion, regardless of the forage type, decreased the accumulative gas after 24 h of incubation with about 9% compared with no banana addition. The use of cassava foliage in ruminant diets considered a promising protein source with valuable bioactive components that could have a positive effect on animal health and production.
Floral morphological and chemical analyses of Dienia flowers (Orchidaceae, Malaxidinae) relative to pollination processes
Efficient sex hormone biosensors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to evaluate human aromatase activity and inhibition
Determining optimum assembly zone for modular reconfigurable robots using multi-objective genetic algorithm
AbstractReconfigurable modular robots can be used in application domains such as exploration, logistics, and outer space. The robots should be able to assemble and work as a single entity to perform a task that requires high throughput. Selecting an optimum assembly position with minimum distance traveled by robots in an obstacle surrounding the environment is challenging. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel approach for optimizing the assembly zone of modular robots in heterogeneous obstacle environments. The method uses a multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (GA) to minimize total travel distance and individual distance disparities. Utilizing the A* algorithm for path planning ensures efficient navigation. A generic kinematic model enabling holonomic locomotion with any reconfiguration and a new modular robot design are also introduced. Hardware experiments have been conducted to validate the kinematic model’s applicability for holonomic navigation across different robot configurations. Simulations and physical experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in determining assembly zones, with GA outperforming multi-objective pattern search and random selection in terms of total distance and individual distances traveled by the robots.