Does population genetic analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum 6-cys protein Pf38 in Papua New Guinea reveal domain-specific balancing selection?
This study confirmed previous findings that Pf38 is a polymorphic gene under balancing selection. However, analysing polymorphism and selection across the length of the gene painted a considerably different picture. Domain I is highly polymorphic and the target of significant balancing selection. In contrast, domain II is relatively conserved and does not show evidence of immune selective pressure. The findings have implications for future population genetic studies on vaccine candidates, showing that the biological context must also be considered as a framework for analysis.
The size of an endometrioma measured by transvaginal ultrasound does not correlate with the extent of adhesive disease. Small (<3 cm) endometriomas may be associated with a considerable degree of pelvic adhesions.