Publications by authors named "Paul J Barry"

African trypanosomes, such as (), are protozoan parasites of the mammalian vasculature and central nervous system that are best known for causing fatal human sleeping sickness. As exclusively extracellular parasites, trypanosomes are subject to constant challenge from host immune defenses but they have developed very effective strategies to evade and modulate these responses to maintain an infection while simultaneously prolonging host survival. Here we investigate host parasite interactions, especially within the CNS context, which are not well-understood.

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Article Synopsis
  • Trypanosoma brucei is a parasite that causes sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals, posing a significant health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, where effective treatments are limited.
  • Current treatments are stage-dependent and often inadequate, especially in the critical meningoencephalitic stage, highlighting the need for new therapies and a better understanding of parasite immune evasion.
  • This study finds that indolepyruvate, a compound excreted by T. brucei, plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation and aiding the parasite's survival by modulating immune responses, specifically by lowering levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β through effects on the transcription factor HIF-1α.
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The purpose of this article is to describe a unique model for the provision of comprehensive primary health care for homeless youth in Seattle, Washington. Through the description of our program, we argue for the use of youth-centric instead of youth-friendly programs. This means a change from using the friendly health program as the central focus to having the young people be the starting point and adapting the health service to meet their needs.

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