Prevalence of Pregnancy Associated Malaria in India

Hybrid Diffusion Model for Stable, Affinity-Driven, Receptor-Aware Peptide Generation

The convergence of biotechnology and artificial intelligence has the potential to transform drug development, especially in the field of therapeutic peptide design. Peptides are short chains of amino acids with diverse therapeutic applications that offer several advantages over small molecular drugs, such as targeted therapy and minimal side effects. However, limited oral bioavailability and enzymatic degradation have limited their effectiveness. With advances in deep learning techniques, innovative approaches to peptide design have become possible. In this work, we demonstrate HYDRA, a hybrid deep learning approach that leverages the distribution modeling capabilities of a diffusion model and combines it with a binding affinity maximization algorithm that can be used for de novo design of peptide binders for various target receptors. As an application, we have used our approach to design therapeutic peptides targeting proteins expressed by Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) genes. The ability of HYDRA to generate peptides conditioned on the target receptor's binding sites makes it a promising approach for developing effective therapies for malaria and other diseases.

Critical care management of acute liver failure

The management of acute liver failure (ALF) in modern hepatology intensive care units (ICU) has improved patient outcomes. Critical care management of hepatic encephalopathy, cerebral edema, fluid and electrolytes; prevention of infections and organ support are central to improved outcomes of ALF. In particular, the pathogenesis of encephalopathy is multifactorial, with ammonia, elevated intra-cranial pressure and systemic inflammation playing a central role. Although ALF remains associated with high mortality, the availability of supportive care, including organ failure support such as plasma exchange, timely mechanical ventilation or continuous renal replacement therapy, either conservatively manages patients with ALF or offers bridging therapy until liver transplantation. Thus, appropriate critical care management has improved the likelihood of patient recovery in ALF. ICU care interventions such as monitoring of cerebral edema, fluid status assessment and interventions for sepsis prevention, nutritional support and management of electrolytes can salvage a substantial proportion of patients. In this review, we discuss the key aspects of critical care management of ALF.

Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence on Malaria in Pregnancy, 2005-2022: A Systematic Review

Qualitative research on malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is incipient, therefore its contextual, experiential and symbolic associated factors are unknown. This study systematizes the qualitative research on MiP, describes knowledge, perceptions and behaviors about MiP, and compiles individual, socioeconomic, cultural and health system determinants of MiP through a meta-synthesis in 10 databases. A total of 48 studies were included with 2600 pregnant women, 1300 healthcare workers, and 2200 relatives or community members. Extensive knowledge was demonstrated on ITN and case management, but it was lacking on SP-IPTp, risks and consequences of MiP. Attitudes were negative towards ANC and MiP prevention. There were high trustfulness scores and preference for traditional medicine and distrust in the safety of drugs. The main determinants of the Health System were rationing, copayments, delay in payment to clinics, high out-of-pocket expenses, shortage, low workforce and work overload, shortcomings in care quality, low knowledges of healthcare workers on MiP and negative attitude in care. The socioeconomic and cultural determinants were poverty and low educational level of pregnant women, distance to the hospital, patriarchal-sexist gender roles, and predominance of local conceptions on maternal-fetal-neonatal health. The meta-synthesis demonstrates the difficulty to detect MiP determinants and the importance of performed qualitative research before implementing MiP strategies to understand the multidimensionality of the disease.

Systematic Review of Mixed Studies on Malaria in Pregnancy: Individual, Cultural and Socioeconomic Determinants of Its Treatment and Prevention

Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a global public health problem; its research is predominantly quantitative. The objective was to analyze the individual, cultural and socioeconomic determinants of the treatment and prevention of MiP with a systematic review of mixed studies (search had no date restriction). Reproducibility and evaluation of the methodological quality were guaranteed. 21 studies were included (20 from Africa). The quantitative component included 7816 pregnant women and 483 health workers. The qualitative component included 800 subjects (pregnant women, health workers, family members and community leaders). The main topics were the use and acceptability of WHO strategies to prevent MiP, individual determinants related with knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and behaviors on MiP, and cultural and socioeconomic barriers for its treatment and prevention. The main determinants of MiP were long distance to the clinic, lack of economic resources, low-coverage antenatal care, few health workers in the communities, drug shortages, cultural rules that prevent women's participation in health issues, and misconceptions about MiP. MiP has determinants related to economic conditions, the structure and functioning of the health system, symbolic and cultural aspects, as well as knowledge, beliefs, perceptions and behavior of pregnant women, which prevent optimal access and use of preventive strategies. This study evidences the importance of intersectional, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary work to prevent MiP.