Natural polymorphism in the thrombospondin-related adhesive protein of Plasmodium falciparum

We have developed a typing system using natural sequence variation in the thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) gene of Plasmodium falciparum. This method permits a haplotype to be assigned to any particular TRAP gene. We have applied this method to a hospital-based, case control-study in Mali. Previous sequence variation and conservation in TRAP has been confirmed. Particular TRAP haplotypes can be used as geographic hallmarks. Because of the high level of conflict between characters, we have examined the phylogenetic relationships between parasites using a network approach. Having received patient samples from urban and periurban areas of Bamako, the majority of haplotypes were closely related and distinct from TRAP sequences present in other continents. This suggests that the structure of TRAP can only tolerate a limited number of sequence variations to preserve its function but that this is sufficient to allow the parasite to evade the host's immune system until a long-lived immune response can be maintained. It may also reflect host genetics in that certain variants may escape the host immune response more efficiently than others. For vaccine design, sequences from the major regional variants may need to be considered in the production of effective subunit vaccines

The Australian dream: Living on the coast

Abstract Purpose: This research provides an analysis of the disparate notions and ideas, to form an overview of the possible trends in residential property for the Victorian coastal areas of the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula. Design/methodology: Whilst examining the patterns of urban development in these areas of coastal Victoria over the last 20 years, the research also investigates possible reasons for the changes that have occurred. The data used in this research comes from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was developed on the basis of responses to a mail out questionnaire to residents from seven towns on the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. The secondary data comes primarily from the Australian census results, which occurs every five years, the most recent being in 2011. Findings: These coastal communities and their environment are at serious risk from the increased growth of both population and tourism. It is only with the support of all three tiers of government that the future requirements of coastal communities will be met. Social implications: There needs to be a policy framework of sustainable growth and a funding approach to enable the local councils, not only on the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast, but on all Australian coastal areas, to embark on an extensive program to provide the necessary services and infrastructure for these changing environments. Originality: This research brings into question the need to control residential development to protect the fragile environment in the Australian coastal areas

Planning effective and efficient public transport systems

As population increases and cities continue to grow, there is an urgency to provide efficient and cost effective Public Transport (PT).  Globally there are enormous differences between transport systems; some countries have efficient systems while others appear to have no system at all.  This research is undertaken with the express purpose of investigating efficient, well incorporated PT systems from around the world, for their specific application to Australian capital city transport hubs, but also for their adaptability to other global areas. The aim of this paper is to develop strategies for planning public transport.The design of this paper relies heavily on extensive global research, seeking to discover appropriate PT systems and then investigating the benefits and feasibility in an Australian context. The paper examines case studies from Europe, Asia and Canada and focuses not only on efficiency and cost effectiveness, but also on sustainability. Case studies from major cities with cost efficient and effective public transport systems were examined and analysed to develop models of PT systems for Australian cities.This research is limited by the large volume of public transport case studies that are available, the limitations on the size of this research paper and the lack of available specific data. The goal is to expand on this introductory research over a sustained period.  This is an original study and although only in its infancy, this research will be of significant value to the Australian public transport industry to support improvements in infrastructure

'I just want to watch the match': a practitioner's reflective account of men's health themed match day events at an English Premier League football club

This study reflects on the effectiveness and delivery of a series of health themed match day events at an English Premier League Football Club which aimed to create awareness and motivate men to adopt recommended health behaviours. A range of marketing techniques and activities were adopted within a targeted space and time to increase men's exposure to health information. The first author adopted a practitioner-cum-researcher role and was immersed in the planning and delivery of the events utilising the principles of ethnography. Data were predominately collated through observations and personal reflections logged via autobiographical field notes. Data were analysed through abductive reasoning. In general, men were reluctant to engage in health-related behaviours on match days. However, subtle, non-invasive approaches were deemed successful. Positive outcomes and case studies from the latter techniques are presented and suggestions for effective strategies that will better engage men in health information and behaviours are made. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis

BRCA2 polymorphic stop codon K3326X and the risk of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers

Background: The K3326X variant in BRCA2 (BRCA2*c.9976A>T; p.Lys3326*; rs11571833) has been found to be associated with small increased risks of breast cancer. However, it is not clear to what extent linkage disequilibrium with fully pathogenic mutations might account for this association. There is scant information about the effect of K3326X in other hormone-related cancers. Methods: Using weighted logistic regression, we analyzed data from the large iCOGS study including 76 637 cancer case patients and 83 796 control patients to estimate odds ratios (ORw) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for K3326X variant carriers in relation to breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer risks, with weights defined as probability of not having a pathogenic BRCA2 variant. Using Cox proportional hazards modeling, we also examined the associations of K3326X with breast and ovarian cancer risks among 7183 BRCA1 variant carriers. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: The K3326X variant was associated with breast (ORw = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.40, P = 5.9x10- 6) and invasive ovarian cancer (ORw = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.10 to 1.43, P = 3.8x10-3). These associations were stronger for serous ovarian cancer and for estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer (ORw = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.70, P = 3.4x10-5 and ORw = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.28 to 1.76, P = 4.1x10-5, respectively). For BRCA1 mutation carriers, there was a statistically significant inverse association of the K3326X variant with risk of ovarian cancer (HR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.84, P = .013) but no association with breast cancer. No association with prostate cancer was observed. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that the K3326X variant is associated with risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers independent of other pathogenic variants in BRCA2. Further studies are needed to determine the biological mechanism of action responsible for these associations

Pathways into and through higher education for young people with experience of children’s social care

Young people with experience of children’s social care are less likely to enter and progress through higher education, according to our new report published today: Pathways into and through higher education for young people with experience of children’s social care. The study found that care leavers – and those who have ever been in care – are four times less likely to enter higher education by age 22, and are also more than twice as likely to drop out compared with their peers in the general population. The research, undertaken by the Rees Centre, shows that the pathways to higher education for young people with experience of children’s social care tend to vary depending on type and period.  In a call to action for the sector, TASO is recommending that higher education providers support the entry and progression of these students – for example through additional funding in the form of a student premium for care leavers. Those with experience of children’s social care who progress to higher education are more likely to attend later in life, and to take a vocational route to get there. These findings point to a need for all higher education providers to accept students from vocational routes, and to set strategies for recruiting mature learners. This call is relevant to all providers, but especially high-tariff or more ‘prestigious’ universities, where care leavers are notably underrepresented

Brief Report: Stated Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable ART Among Mobile Men Living With HIV in Malawi: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundLong-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral medications are as effective as daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) and offer discreet, less frequent dosing. LAIs may be ideal treatment options for people who experience challenges with adherence to daily oral ART, including mobile men living with HIV (MLHIV).MethodsWe conducted a qualitative substudy within two parent trials in 24 health facilities in Malawi that enrolled MLHIV ≥15 years not on ART. We conducted in-depth interviews with a stratified random sample of participants who had taken oral ART and self-reported mobility (travel) during the 6-month study (≥1 trip of ≥3 nights). Interviews described cabotegravir/rilpivirine and asked about clients' stated preferences for LAI vs. oral ART and their reasoning. Interviews were translated, transcribed, coded in Atlas.ti, and analyzed using framework analysis.ResultsWe interviewed 29 mobile MLHIV from July 1, 2022, to August 30, 2022, median age 36 years (interquartile range: 31-41), mean 28 nights away in the past 6 months (SD: 40). Nearly all participants (26/29) expressed a preference for LAI over daily oral ART because LAI would reduce the risks of forgetting to take pills and unwanted disclosure. Three men preferred oral ART primarily because of fear of side effects from a new medication. A few men reported they would change their preference if injection site reactions prevented them from working.ConclusionsMobile MLHIV in Malawi with previous ART adherence challenges expressed strong stated preferences for LAI over daily oral ART. Further research is needed to understand implementation challenges and potential effectiveness of LAI among harder-to-reach populations