GHTM

Global Health and Tropical Medicine

Home / Archives for 2013

Differences between synthetic ß-haematin and native hemozoin crystals

Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe/lethal form of malaria, a parasitic infection that affects 500 million people worldwide and leads to the death of nearly one million/year, about 91% being due to P. falciparum. The malaria pigment or hemozoin crystals (HZ) are formed in an enzyme-independent polymerization of heme released during haemoglobin digestion by the parasite during […]
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Observational studies in the era of evidence based medicine: Short review on their relevance, taxonomy and designs

In this review of the literature, we distinguish between experimental and observational studies, highlighting the importance that the later have gained in the era of evidence-based medicine. We further analyze the value of observational studies in light of experimental studies. We present a taxonomy for observational studies based on units of observation and measurement (cross-sectional or longitudinal). We distinguish between descriptive studies and analytical studies.
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Immunoproteomic analysis of Plasmodium falciparum antigens using sera from patients with clinical history of imported malaria

The malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains a serious public health problem in the world, due largely to the absence of an effective vaccine. There is a lack of information on the structural properties and antigens capable of activating the immunological mechanisms for the induction of protective immunity. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the serological reactivity of sera from individuals with imported malaria and identify major immunogenic proteins.
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Limited cross-border infections in patients newly diagnosed with HIV in Europe

International travel plays a role in the spread of HIV-1 across Europe. It is, however, not known whether international travel is more important for spread of the epidemic as compared to endogenous infections within single countries. In this study, phylogenetic associations among HIV of newly diagnosed patients were determined across Europe.
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Novel multiregion hybridization assay for the identification of the most prevalent genetic forms of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 circulating in Portugal

The most efficient method for HIV-1 genetic characterization involves full-genome sequencing, but the associated costs, technical features, and low throughput preclude it from being routinely used for the analysis of large numbers of viral strains. Multiregion hybridization assays (MHA) represent an alternative for a consistent genetic analysis of large numbers of viral strains. Classically, MHA rely on the amplification by real-time PCR of several regions scattered along the HIV-1 genome, and on their characterization with clade-specific TaqMan probes (also known as hydrolysis probes).
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About GHTM

GHTM is a R&D Unit that brings together researchers with a track record in Tropical Medicine and International & Global Health. It aims at strengthening Portugal's role as a leading partner in the development and implementation of a global health research agenda. Our evidence-based interventions contribute to the promotion of equity in health and to improve the health of populations.

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