The International Limits and Population at Risk of Plasmodium vivax Transmission in 2009

Growing evidence shows that Plasmodium vivax malaria is clinically less benign than has been commonly believed. In addition, it is the most widely distributed species of human malaria and is likely to cause more illness in certain regions than the more extensively studied P. falciparum malaria. Understanding where P. vivax transmission exists and measuring the number of people who live at risk of infection is a fundamental first step to estimating the global disease toll. The aim of this paper is to generate a reliable map of the worldwide distribution of this parasite and to provide an estimate of how many people are exposed to probable infection. A geographical information system was used to map data on the presence of P. vivax infection and spatial information on climatic conditions that impede transmission (low ambient temperature and extremely arid environments) in order to delineate areas where transmission was unlikely to take place. This map was combined with population distribution data to estimate how many people live in these areas and are, therefore, exposed to risk of infection by P. vivax malaria. The results show that 2.85 billion people were exposed to some level of risk of transmission in 2009

Major complications of bariatric surgery: Endoscopy as first-line treatment

Leaks are the most frequent early postoperative complication in the two most popular bariatric procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Multimodal therapy based on self-expandable stent insertion 'to cover' the defect is the most widely documented technique to date with a reported success rate >80%. Additional experimental techniques 'to close' the defect or 'to drain' the paradigestive cavity have been reported with encouraging results. The role of endoscopy in early postoperative bleeding is limited to management of bleeds arising from fresh sutures and the diagnosis of chronic sources of bleeding such as marginal ulcer after RYGB. Post-RYGB stricture is a more delayed complication than leaks and the role of endoscopic dilation as a first-line treatment in this indication is well documented. Ring and band placement are outdated procedures for obesity treatment, but might still be an indication for endoscopic removal, a technique which does not compromise further surgery, if needed.SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

New Insights in the IP3 Receptor and Its Regulation

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) is a Ca2+-release channel mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Three IP3R isoforms are responsible for the generation of intracellular Ca2+ signals that may spread across the entire cell or occur locally in so-called microdomains. Because of their ubiquitous expression, these channels are involved in the regulation of a plethora of cellular processes, including cell survival and cell death. To exert their proper function a fine regulation of their activity is of paramount importance. In this review, we will highlight the recent advances in the structural analysis of the IP3R and try to link these data with the newest information concerning IP3R activation and regulation. A special focus of this review will be directed towards the regulation of the IP3R by protein-protein interaction. Especially the protein family formed by calmodulin and related Ca2+-binding proteins and the pro- and anti-apoptotic/autophagic Bcl-2-family members will be highlighted. Finally, recently identified and novel IP3R regulatory proteins will be discussed. A number of these interactions are involved in cancer development, illustrating the potential importance of modulating IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling in cancer treatment.status: publishe