Growth kinetics of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei in liquid culture medium containing as prebiotics inulin or fructose.

BACKGROUND: Predictive microbiology is a tool that allows us to evaluate the behavior of the concentration of biomass and estimated cells under extrinsic conditions, providing scientific and industrial benefits. In the present study, the growth of L. lactis and L. casei combined with inulin and fructose was modeled using the Gompertz sigmoidal growth functions and plotted using data obtained from batch culture in relation to biomass and cell concentration expressed as estimates in ln N (OD600nm and cells mL-1 ) as a function of time. RESULTS: The results of the kinetic modeling indicated that (T1) A1B1 = L. lactis + fructose and (T4) A2B2 = L. casei + inulin presented the best function coefficients and best fits in most cases compared to the rest. The specific growth rate of the maximum acceleration was from 0.364 to 0.473 h-1 and 0.100 to 0.129 h-1 , the concentration of bacterial cells (A) was from 0.556 to 0.713 and 0.425 to 0.548 respectively and the time where (µ) occurred with a greater magnitude (L) fluctuated between 0.854 and 0.802 and when this time in (L) is very fast, it presents values of ≤0.072 to ≤0.092. Its coefficient of determination and/or multiple regression (R2 ) obtained in the two adjustments was 0.97. CONCLUSION: It was possible to predict the influence of the carbon source on the behavior of maximum growth rates, higher consumption due to nutrient affinity and shorter growth time. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa.

Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.

How has Guinea learnt from the response to outbreaks? A learning health system analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Learning is a key attribute of a resilient health system and, therefore, is central to health system strengthening. The main objective of this study was to analyse how Guinea's health system has learnt from the response to outbreaks between 2014 and 2021. METHODS: We used a retrospective longitudinal single embedded case study design, applying the framework conceptualised by Sheikh and Abimbola for analysing learning health systems. Data were collected employing a mixed methods systematic review carried out in March 2022 and an online survey conducted in April 2022. RESULTS: The 70 reports included in the evidence synthesis were about the 2014-2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD), Measles, Lassa Fever, COVID-19, 2021 EVD and Marburg virus disease. The main lessons were from 2014 to 2016 EVD and included: early community engagement in the response, social mobilisation, prioritising investment in health personnel, early involvement of anthropologists, developing health infrastructure and equipment and ensuring crisis communication. They were learnt through information (research and experts' opinions), action/practice and double-loop and were progressively incorporated in the response to future outbreaks through deliberation, single-loop, double-loop and triple-loop learning. However, advanced learning aspects (learning through action, double-loop and triple-loop) were limited within the health system. Nevertheless, the health system successfully controlled COVID-19, the 2021 EVD and Marburg virus disease. Survey respondents' commonly reported that enablers were the creation of the national agency for health security and support from development partners. Barriers included cultural and political issues and lack of funding. Common recommendations included establishing a knowledge management unit within the Ministry of Health with representatives at regional and district levels, investing in human capacities and improving the governance and management system. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the importance of learning. The health system performed well and achieved encouraging and better outbreak response outcomes over time with learning that occurred.

Evaluation of Three Blended Learning Courses to Strengthen Health Professionals' Capacity in Primary Health Care, Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Research Methods in Guinea.

Background: Three blended courses on Primary Health Care (eSSP), Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (eSSR), and Research Methods (eMR) were developed and implemented between 2017 and 2021 by the Maferinyah National Training and Research Center in Rural Health, a training and research institution of the Ministry of Health in Guinea. The study objectives were to evaluate the reasons for dropout and abstention, the learners' work behavior following the training, and the impact of the behavior change on the achievements of learners' organizations or services. Methods: We evaluated the three implemented courses in 2021, focusing on levels 3 and 4 of the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an open learning platform (Moodle), via an electronic questionnaire, during the face-to-face component of the courses (workshops), and at learners' workplaces. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results: Out of 1,016 applicants, 543 including 137 (25%) women were enrolled in the three courses. Over the three courses, the completion rates were similar (67-69%) along with 20-29% dropout rates. Successful completion rates were 72% for eSSP, 83% for eMR and 85% for eSSR. Overall success rate (among all enrollees) ranged from 50% (eSSP) to 58% (eSSR). The majority (87%) of the learners reported applying the knowledge and skills they acquired during the courses through activities such as supervision (22%), service delivery (20%), and training workshops (14%). A positive impact of the training on utilization/coverage of services and increased revenues for their health facilities were also reported by some trainees. Conclusion: These findings showed fair success rates and a positive impact of the training on learners' work behavior and the achievements of their organizations.

Outcomes of blended learning for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea.

BACKGROUND: Quality human resources constitute an essential pillar of an effective health system. This paper analyzes the outcomes of blended learning for post-Ebola capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHODS: Two courses lasting 3 months each (7-8 modules) were developed and implemented: one in Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Management (eSSR). Both eSSP and eSSR courses were offered online on the Moodle platform, followed by a face-to-face capacity-building workshop. A cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in 2018-19. As outcomes, we described learners' sociodemographic characteristics, course completion and success, and perceptions of the courses and support from the instructors, analyzed the factors associated with learners' successful completion and reported on learners' feedback on their blended learning experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using the STATA 15 software, and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 282 health professionals were enrolled for both eSSP and eSSR courses. The completion rate was 69.5% (196/282). The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 80% (156/196), and the overall success rate for enrollees was 55% (156/282). The dropout and abstention rates were 22 and 9%, respectively. On both eSSP and eSSR courses, the success rate of women enrolled was higher than or equal to men's. The success rate of medical doctors enrolled (53% for eSSP and 67% for eSSR) was higher than for other health professionals, in particular nurses (9% for eSSP) and midwives (40% for eSSR). Course type was associated with success (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.15-3.24). Most learners strongly agreed that the courses are relevant for targeted health professionals (81 to 150/150), pdf course materials are well-structured and useful (105/150), the content of the modules is relevant, comprehensible, and clear (90/150), self-assessment quizzes are helpful (105/150), summative assessment assignments are relevant (90/150), the course administrators and IT manager were responsive to learners' concerns (90/150), they will recommend the courses to colleagues and friends (120/150). CONCLUSION: Two blended courses for capacity strengthening of health professionals were successfully developed and implemented in Guinea.

Photodynamic and Sonodynamic Therapy with Protoporphyrin IX: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Sono-photodynamic therapy is a promising anticancer technique based on the combination of sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy to improve the cancer treatment effectiveness. This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of the sono-photodynamic (SPD) activity on protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) solution and PpIX-loaded rat liver. In vitro, PpIX 5 µM solutions were irradiated with light (635 nm, 30-50 mW/cm2), ultrasound (1 MHz, 1-2 W/cm2) and both. The PpIX absorption spectra recorded over exposure time revealed that the PpIX decay rate induced by SPD activity (combined irradiation) was approximately the sum of those induced by photodynamic and sonodynamic activity. In vivo, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 5-aminolevulinic acid at the dose of 500 mg/kg weight. After 3 h of injection, the PpIX-loaded livers were irradiated with light (635 nm, 180 ± 9 J/cm2), ultrasound (1.0 MHz, 770 ± 40 J/cm2) and both using a single probe capable of illuminating and sonicating the liver simultaneously. After 30 h, the liver damage induced by each protocol was analyzed histologically. It was found that a greater necrosis depth was induced by the SPD activity. These results suggest that the SPD activity could improve the PpIX decay rate and have greater scope than photodynamic or sonodynamic activity. Further studies should be performed to gain a better understanding of this protocol.

Approche eLearning pour le renforcement des capacités des professionnels de santé en Guinée : une expérience post-Ebola.

INTRODUCTION: The development of quality human resources for health is an essential pillar of an effective health system. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation process and the results of an eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed research method was conducted from January 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019. RESULTS: A team from the National Training and Research Centre in Rural Health of Maferinyah in Guinea has been trained in the development of online courses. Two courses lasting three months each (7 to 8 modules), entirely offered online on the Moodle platform, have been developed, one on Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other on the Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (eSSR). Overall, 282 health professionals have been enrolled for both courses, with a completion rate of 69.5%. The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 79.6% and the success rate for enrollees was 55.3%. The dropout and abstention rates were 21.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the organization and the success of such a training were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals is feasible and gives good findings in low-income contexts like that of Guinea.

Dissolving microneedles containing aminolevulinic acid improves protoporphyrin IX distribution.

One important limitation of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the limited tissue penetration of precursors. Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive devices used to promote intradermal drug delivery. Dissolving MNs contain drug-associated to polymer blends, dissolving after insertion into skin, allowing drug release. This study comprises development and characterization of a pyramidal model of dissolving MNs (500 µm) prepared with 5% wt/wt aminolevulinic acid and 20% wt/wt Gantrez AN-139 in aqueous blend. Protoporphyrin IX formation and distribution were evaluated in tumor mice model by using fluorescence widefield imaging, spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. MNs demonstrated excellent mechanical resistance penetrating about 250 µm with minor size alteration in vitro, and fluorescence intensity was 5-times higher at 0.5 mm on average compared to cream in vivo (being 10 ± 5 a.u. for MNs and 2.4 ± 0.8 a.u. for cream). Dissolving MNs have overcome topical cream application, being extremely promising especially for thicker skin lesions treatment using PDT.

Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Protoporphyrin IX Photodegradation Using Multi-Wavelength Light Sources.

Photodynamic procedures have been used in many applications, ranging from cancer treatment to microorganism inactivation. Photodynamic reactions start with the activation of a photosensitizing molecule with light, leading to the production of cytotoxic molecules that promote cell death. However, establishing the correct light and photosensitizer dosimetry for a broadband light source remains challenging. In this study, we proposed a theoretical mathematical model for the photodegradation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), when irradiated by multi-wavelength light sources. The theoretical model predicts the experimental photobleaching (temporal change in PpIX concentration) of PpIX for different light sources. We showed that photobleaching occurs independently of the light source wavelengths but instead depends only on the number of absorbed photons. The model presented here can be used as an important mathematical approach to better understand current photodynamic therapy protocols and help achieve optimization of the doses delivered.

Development of a system to treat and online monitor photodynamic therapy of skin cancer using PpIX near-infrared fluorescence.

The limited adoption of photodynamic therapy (PDT) around the medical field may be tied to the unpredicted treatment response that an unmonitored therapy could deliver. Given the high variability in the lesions optical and physiological parameters, it is of fundamental importance to monitor PDT, since different lesions require different therapeutic parameters. We developed a system to treat and online monitor PDT of skin cancer, using protoporphyrin-IX (PpIX) near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The system can be operated up to 150 mW/cm2 at 633 nm, with real-time fluorescence monitoring around 700 nm, using the treatment light itself for fluorescence excitation. This technology allows system portability, simplicity, and low cost. This study describes the system development and its comparison with a 400-450 nm commercial system to detect the PpIX fluorescence during a PDT in murine skin cancer model. The developed device was able to acquire considerably more fluorescence signal from deeper regions when compared to the violet excitation device.

[eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea: A post-Ebola experience]. / Approche eLearning pour le renforcement des capacités des professionnels de santé en Guinée : une expérience post-Ebola.

INTRODUCTION: The development of quality human resources for health is an essential pillar of an effective health system. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation process and the results of an eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals in Guinea. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed research method was conducted from January 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019. RESULTS: A team from the National Training and Research Centre in Rural Health of Maferinyah in Guinea has been trained in the development of online courses. Two courses lasting three months each (7 to 8 modules), entirely offered online on the Moodle platform, have been developed, one on Primary Health Care (eSSP) and the other on the Management of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (eSSR). Overall, 282 health professionals have been enrolled for both courses, with a completion rate of 69.5%. The success rate for learners who completed the courses was 79.6% and the success rate for enrollees was 55.3%. The dropout and abstention rates were 21.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the organization and the success of such a training were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The eLearning approach for capacity strengthening of health professionals is feasible and gives good findings in low-income contexts like that of Guinea.

Efecto antibacteriano y antioxidante de frutos rojos ecuatorianos sobre streptococcus mutans: estudio in vitro / Antibacterial and antioxidant effect of ecuadorian red fruits on streptococcus mutans: in vitro study

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar mediante cuantificación de halos de inhibición el efecto antibacteriano de la cáscara y pulpa del capulí (Prunus serotina capulí) y del mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum), sobre cepas de Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) a las 24 y 48 horas, comparado con arándano deshidratado y gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,12%. Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental transversal in vitro, 15 cajas petri fueron utilizadas para sembrar 20ml de cultivo de cepas de Streptococcus mutans. En cada caja fueron colocados discos de fieltro impregnados con 20 μl de las sustancias evaluadas; mortiño y capulí, en pulpa y en cáscara, arándano deshidratado y gluconato de clorhexidina al 0,12% como control, distribuidos a una distancia equidistante. El análisis del efecto antibacteriano se realizó midiendo la zona de inhibición en un tiempo de 24 y 48 horas de incubación, los datos obtenidos se analizaron estadísticamente en el programa SPSS 22 mediante las pruebas paramétricas y de Kruskal Wallis. Resultados: No existió diferencia estadística significativa entre las variables analizadas, capulí y mortiño tanto en cáscara como en pulpa y clorhexidina empleada como control, en los dos períodos evaluados (p= > 0,05). Conclusiones: Los frutos rojos analizados tienen un efecto antibacteriano a las 24 y 48 horas, lo cual guarda relación con su capacidad antioxidante.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate by quantification of halos of inhibition, the antibacterial effect of the shell and pulp of capulí, (Prunus serotina capuli) and mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum), on strains of Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) at 24 and 48 hours, compared with dehydrated cranberry and chlorhexidine gluconate at 0,12%. Materials and methods: In vitro cross-sectional experimental study, 15 petri dishes were used to plant 20 ul of the evaluated substances were placed in each box, mortiño, and capuli, in pulp and in shell, dehydrated cranberry and 0,12% chlorhexidine gluconate as control, distributed at an equidistant distance. The analysis of the antibacterial effect was performed by measuring the zone of inhibition in a time of 24 and 48 hours of incubation, the dataobtained were statistically analyzed in the SPSS 22 program by parametric and Kruskal Wallis tests. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between the analyzed variables, capuli and mortiño, both in skin and pulp and chlorhexidine used as control, in the two evaluated periods of time (p=>0,05). Conclusions: The red fruits analyzed have an antibacterial effect 24 and 48 hours, which is related to its antioxidant capacity.

Efecto antimicrobiano del cinamaldehído, timol, eugenol y quitosano sobre cepas de Streptococcus mutans / Antimicrobial effect of cinnamaldehyde, thymol, eugenol and chitosan on Streptococcus mutans strains

Objetivo: evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana de cinamaldehído, timol, eugenol y quitosano en comparación con clorhexidina al 0,12 por ciento sobre cepas de Streptococccus mutans. Métodos: se realizaron pruebas de susceptibilidad bacteriana de cepas de Streptococccus mutans con discos embebidos en eugenol, cinamaldehído, quitosano y timol, al 0,1 y 1 por ciento con un control positivo de clorhexidina al 0,12 por ciento evaluando los halos de inhibición existentes a las 24 h y 48 h. Resultados: el cinamaldehído al 1 por ciento mostró el mejor poder de control sobre el crecimiento de Streptococccus mutans al presentar 19,91 mm y 24,44 mm de halos de inhibición a las 24 h y 48 h, respectivamente, con una diferencia significativa de p< 0,05 entre los dos intervalos. Cuando se comparó el cinamaldehído al 1 por ciento con el control positivo de clorhexidina al 0,12 por ciento, no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: el cinamaldehído al 1 por ciento tuvo los mejores resultados seguidos por quitosano, eugenol y timol a la misma concentración en comparación con clorhexidina al 0,12 por ciento tanto a la 24 como 48 h(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of cinnamaldehyde, thymol, eugenol and chitosan compared to chlorhexidine-0.12 percent on Streptococcus mutans strains. Methods: bacterial susceptibility tests were performed on S. mutans strains with disks embedded in eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, chitosan and thymol, at 0.1 percent and 1 percent with a positive control of 0.12 percent chlorhexidine, evaluating existing inhibition zones after 24 and 48 hours. Results: cinnamaldehyde-1 percent showed the best control power over the growth of S. mutans, presenting 19.91 mm and 24.44 mm of inhibition halos after 24 and 48 hours, respectively, with a significant difference of p< 0.05 between the two intervals. When the cinnamaldehyde-1 percent was compared with the positive control of chlorhexidine-0.12 percent, no significant differences were found (p> 0.05). Conclusions: cinnamaldehyde-1 percent had the best results followed by chitosan, eugenol and thymol in the same concentration compared to chlorhexidine-0.12 percent after both 24 and 48 hours(AU)

Analysis of cardiac exams: electrocardiogram and echocardiogram use In Duchenne muscular dystrophies / Análise dos exames cardiológicos: eletrocardiograma e do ecocardiograma em Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne

Introduction Duchenne Muscular Dystrophies (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder that causes degeneration and atrophy of skeletal muscle and heart. Objective The aim of this survey is accomplish an evaluation electrocardiographic and echocardiography in the patients bearers of Duchene Muscular Dystrophies (DMD), to observe which alterations, which the degree of cardiac compromising these patient present and the effectiveness of these exams in the evaluation cardiologic. Methods Nine patients of the sex male bearers of DMD, with medium age of 14.12 ± 4.19 years, varying of 7 to 23 years were appraised. All were submitted to the evaluation physiotherapy and the cardiologic: electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Results The experimental conditions of the present survey we propitiate the observation of the alterations echocardiography, as well as: significant increase in the diastolic diameter of the left ventricular (LV), increase in the systolic diameter of the left atrium (LA), and significant decrease of the ejection fraction of the LV, characterizing global systolic function reduced, and of the alterations electrocardiographic suggested possible overload of RV, septum hypertrophy, blockade of left previous fascicle and overload of atrium left. Compatible alterations of hypertrophy left ventricular were not observed. Conclusion The evidences corroborate with the data described in the literature in the characterization of an important heart compromising that these patient present, like this the evaluation cardiologic, through the complemented exams of the echocardiography and electrocardiography provide important information for the prognostic, the accompaniment, and the treatment of patient bearers of DMD. .

Introdução A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma desordem muscular de origem genética que causa degeneração e atrofia da musculatura estriada esquelética e cardíaca. Objetivo Realizar uma avaliação eletrocardiográfica e ecocardiográfica dos pacientes portadores de Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne, observando quais as alterações presentes, o grau de comprometimento cardíaco e a eficácia destes exames na avaliação cardiológica. Métodos Foram avaliados 9 pacientes do sexo masculino portadores de DMD, com idade média de 14,12 ± 4,19 anos, variando de 7 a 23 anos. Todos foram submetidos à avaliação fisioterápica e aos exames cardiológicos: eletrocardiograma e ecocardiograma. Resultados As condições experimentais do presente trabalho nos propiciam a observação de alterações ecocardiográficas, bem como: aumento significativo no diâmetro diastólico do ventrículo esquerdo, aumento do diâmetro sistólico do átrio esquerdo, e diminuição significativa da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo, caracterizando função sistólica global diminuída, e das alterações eletrocardiográficas que mostraram possível sobrecarga de ventrículo direito, hipertrofia septal, bloqueio de fascículo anterior esquerdo e sobrecarga de átrio esquerdo. Não foram observadas alterações compatíveis de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda no eletrocardiograma. Conclusão As evidências corroboram com os dados descritos na literatura na caracterização de um comprometimento cardíaco importante apresentado por estes pacientes, assim a avaliação cardiológica, através dos exames complementares de ecocardiográfica e ...

An Arabidopsis homolog of the bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis enzyme MurE has an essential role in chloroplast development.

Enzymes encoded by bacterial MurE genes catalyze the ATP-dependent formation of uridine diphosphate-N-acetylmuramic acid-tripeptide in bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains one gene with homology to the bacterial MurE:AtMurE. Under normal conditions AtMurE is expressed in leaves and flowers, but not in roots or stems. Sequence-based predictions and analyses of GFP fusions of the N terminus of AtMurE, as well as the full-length protein, suggest that AtMurE localizes to plastids. We identified three T-DNA-tagged and one Ds-tagged mutant alleles of AtMurE in A. thaliana. All four alleles show a white phenotype, and A. thaliana antisense AtMurE lines showed a pale-green phenotype. These results suggest that AtMurE is involved in chloroplast biogenesis. Cells of the mutants were inhibited in thylakoid membrane development. RT-PCR analysis of the mutant lines suggested that the expression of genes that depend on a multisubunit plastid-encoded RNA polymerase was decreased. To analyze the functional relationships between the MurE genes of cyanobacteria, the moss Physcomitrella patens and higher plants, a complementation assay was carried out with a P. patens (Pp) MurE knock-out line, which exhibits a small number of macrochloroplasts per cell. Although the Anabaena MurE, fused with the N-terminal region of PpMurE, complemented the macrochloroplast phenotype in P. patens, transformation with AtMurE did not complement this phenotype. These results suggest that AtMurE is functionally divergent from the bacterial and moss MurE proteins.

Malaria in camps for internally-displaced persons in Uganda: evaluation of an insecticide-treated bednet distribution programme.

Malaria is a key health problem among displaced populations in malaria-endemic areas. Mass distribution of insecticide-treated bednets (ITN) to prevent malaria is often carried out in complex emergencies, but there are few data on the outcome or operational effectiveness of such programmes. In June 2001, Medecins Sans Frontieres completed a mass distribution of ITNs (Permanet) to internally displaced persons in Bundibugyo, southwest Uganda, distributing one to four nets per household, and aiming to provide coverage for all residents. In July 2002, we did a cross-sectional survey using three-stage cluster sampling to evaluate the programme. A total of 1245 individuals from 835 households were interviewed. An ITN was present in 75.6% (95% CI 72.7-78.5) of the households, but only 56.5% (95% CI 52.3-60.4) of individuals were sleeping under an ITN, and nets were often damaged. The prevalence of malarial parasitaemia was 11.2% (95% CI 9.4-13.0), and was significantly lower in ITN users compared to non-users (9.2% vs. 13.8%, relative risk [RR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.87); ITNs with severe damage remained effective (RR for severely damaged net 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.98). There was no significant difference in haemoglobin concentration between ITN users and non-users.