Increased serum GM-CSF at diagnosis of biliary atresia is associated with improved biliary drainage.

Background: The immune heterogeneity of biliary atresia (BA) presents a challenge for development of prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to identify early immune signatures associated with biliary drainage after Kasai Portoenterostomy (KPE).

Methods: Serum samples, liver slides, and clinical data were obtained from patients enrolled in the NIDDK-supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network.

Changes in susceptibility of to antimalarial drugs in Uganda over time: 2019-2024.

Background: The treatment and control of malaria in Africa is challenged by drug resistance, including transporter, folate pathway, and PfK13 mutations that mediate resistance to aminoquinolines, antifolates, and artemisinins, respectively. Characterization of drug susceptibility informs optimal control strategies.

Methods: We characterized ex vivo susceptibilities to nine drugs of isolates collected from individuals presenting with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in eastern (2019-2024) and northern (2021-2024) Uganda using a growth inhibition assay and the dihydroartemisinin (DHA) ring survival assay (RSA).

Interleukin 8-CXCR2-mediated neutrophil extracellular trap formation in biliary atresia associated with neutrophil extracellular trap-induced stellate cell activation.

Background And Aims: Biliary atresia (BA) entails an inflammatory sclerosing lesion of the biliary tree, with prominent fibrosis in infancy. Previous studies revealed that neutrophil-activating IL-8 and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) positively correlated with bilirubin and the risk of liver transplant. The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of NET formation (NETosis) in BA and whether NETs induce stellate cell activation.