bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe anaemia in Zambian children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Biemba Godfrey , Dolmans Dennis , Thuma Philip E. , Weiss Günter , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: March 2003

Summary Background   Severe anaemia and cerebral malaria are highly prevalent complications of Plasmodium falciparum malaria among African children. The mechanisms of severe malarial anaemia, and the relative importance of this condition in comparison to cerebral malaria, are not known for many regions of Africa.

Methods   We reviewed the records of 6200 children up to 6 years of age admitted to one rural Zambian hospital between 1994 and 1996. Severe malarial anaemia was defined as an haemoglobin concentration < 5.0 g/dl in a patient with asexual forms of P. falciparum in the peripheral blood. Cerebral malaria was defined as impaired consciousness (Blantyre coma score < 5) not attributable to any other cause in a patient with a positive malaria smear.

Results   Severe malarial anaemia was found in 590 children (9.5% of paediatric admissions) and strictly defined cerebral malaria occurred in 286 children (4.6% of paediatric admissions); 98 of these patients had the combination of both complications. Severe malarial anaemia correlated strongly with the degree of parasitaemia, with malnutrition as indicated by low weight for age, with absence of fever and with presentation late in the malaria season. In comparison, patients with cerebral malaria were more often febrile and presented earlier in the malaria season. The case fatality rate of severe malarial anaemia (0.088) was about half that of cerebral malaria (0.189), but because severe malarial anaemia was more common, these two forms of complicated malaria were implicated in similar numbers of in‐hospital paediatric deaths.

Conclusion   Severe anaemia is a more common complication of P. falciparum malaria in hospitalized Zambian children than cerebral malaria and is associated with a similar number of deaths. Malnutrition and changes in immune response patterns due to prolonged exposure to P. falciparum may contribute to the development of this complication.
Prior BCG vaccination improves survival of Gambian patients treated for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Corrah Tumani , Byass Peter , Jaffar Shabbar , Thomas Vi , Bouchier V. , Stanford John L. , Whittle Hilton C.
Published: March 2003

Summary The protection provided by BCG against pulmonary tuberculosis ranges from nil to over 90%. While BCG protects against the more serious forms of tuberculosis, it is not known whether or not it protects patients with pulmonary tuberculosis from death. In a study designed to look at the effects of immunotherapy with M. vaccae as an adjunct to chemotherapy in 285 adult Gambian patients treated for proven pulmonary tuberculosis, we examined the association between the presence or absence of a BCG scar and mortality. The data showed that subjects who had a BCG scar were significantly younger than those who did not, and were less likely to have nutritional oedema. During the course of treatment, none of the 85 patients who had a BCG scar died compared to 35 of 200 patients (17.5%) who did not (P < 0.001). In these Gambian patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, prior vaccination with BCG may have provided substantial protection against death. However, there is the possibility that this finding is the result of confounding by other factors or has arisen from bias. Researchers with similar data need to investigate this question as this association, if true, could have major implications for BCG vaccination.
Chloroquine‐ and sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine‐resistant falciparum malaria in vivo– a pilot study in rural Zambia
Authors: Bijl Heico M. , Kager Joost , Koetsier David W. , van der Werf Tjip S.
Published: March 2003

Summary background  Chloroquine (CQ) and Sulfadoxine‐Pyrimethamine (SP) are the predominantly used antimalarials in Zambia and other parts of East Africa, but increasing resistance of P. falciparum is a major concern.

methods  Seventy consecutive patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were enrolled. In 43 patients, no prior CQ use could be demonstrated by history and urianalysis (qualitative test, Dill & Glazko) and these patients were given CQ; the other 27 had taken CQ before and received SP.

results  Combined R‐II and R‐III CQ‐resistance was 58% (60% in under‐fives), which is the range previously reported from Zambia. By contrast, SP‐resistance (R‐II and R‐III) was much higher (26%) than previously reported (3% – 17%). The history of prior CQ intake correlated well with the results of the Dill–Glazko test; there was no evidence for prior SP intake to explain these results.

conclusion  If our findings of SP resistance are confirmed, other drugs such as quinine, atovaquone/proguanil and artemisinin are required to treat malaria in Zambia.
Impact on perinatal mortality of missed opportunities to treat maternal syphilis in rural South Africa: baseline results from a clinic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rotchford Karen , Lombard Carl , Zuma Khangelani , Wilkinson David
Published: March 2003

Summary objective  To demonstrate the impact on perinatal mortality of inadequate treatment for maternal syphilis despite adequate screening.

method  In 12 clinics providing antenatal care in Hlabisa, South Africa 1783 pregnant women were screened for syphilis at their first antenatal visit between June and October 1998. Pregnancy outcome was determined among those with syphilis.

results  A total of 158 women were diagnosed with syphilis: prevalence 9% (95% CI 8–10%). Mean gestation at first antenatal visit was 24 weeks. Thirty women (19%) received no treatment and 96 (61%) received all three recommended doses of penicillin. Among those receiving at least one dose, mean delay to the first dose was 20 days. Among those fully treated mean delay to treatment completion was 34 days. Pregnancy outcome was known for 142 women (90%) and there were 17 perinatal deaths among 15 women (11%). Eleven of 43 women (26%) who received one or fewer doses of penicillin experienced a perinatal death whilst only four of 99 women (4%) who received two or more doses of penicillin did so (P = 0.0001). Protection from perinatal death increased with the number of doses of penicillin: linear modelling suggests that one dose reduced the risk by 41%, two doses by 65% and three doses by 79%, compared with no doses. A dose‐specific, categorical model confirmed reduction in risk by 79% for all three doses.

conclusion  Despite effective screening, many pregnant women with syphilis remain inadequately treated, resulting in avoidable perinatal mortality. Delays in starting and finishing treatment, as well as incomplete treatment occur. Near‐patient syphilis testing in the antenatal clinic with early treatment could improve treatment of syphilis and reduce perinatal mortality, and a randomized trial to test this is underway.
Validation and application of verbal autopsies in a rural area of South Africa
Authors: Kahn Kathleen , Tollman Stephen M. , Garenne Michel , Gear John S. S.
Published: March 2003

Summary objective  To validate the causes of death determined with a single verbal autopsy instrument covering all age groups in the Agincourt subdistrict of rural South Africa.

methods  Verbal autopsies (VAs) were conducted on all deaths recorded during annual demographic and health surveillance over a 3‐year period (1992–95) in a population of about 63 000 people. Trained fieldworkers elicited signs and symptoms of the terminal illness from a close caregiver, using a comprehensive questionnaire written in the local language. Questionnaires were assessed blind by three clinicians who assigned a probable cause of death using a stepwise consensus process. Validation involved comparison of VA diagnoses with hospital reference diagnoses obtained for those who died in a district hospital; and calculation of sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for children under 5 years, and adults 15 years and older.

results  A total of 127 hospital diagnoses satisfied the criteria for inclusion as reference diagnoses. For communicable diseases, sensitivity of VA diagnoses among children was 69%, specificity 96%, and PPV 90%; among adults the values were 89, 93 and 76%. Lower values were found for non‐communicable diseases: 75, 91 and 86% among children; and 64, 50 and 80% among adults. Most misclassification occurred within the category itself. For deaths due to accidents or violence, sensitivity was 100%, specificity 97%, and PPV 80% among children; and 75, 98 and 60% among adults. Since causes of death were largely age‐specific, few differences in sensitivity, specificity and PPV were found for adults and children. The frequency distribution of causes of death based on VAs closely approximated that of the hospital records used for validation.

conclusion  VA findings need to be validated before they can be applied to district health planning. In Agincourt, a single verbal autopsy instrument provided a reasonable estimate of the frequency of causes of death among adults and children. Findings can be reliably used to inform local health planning and evaluation.
Eosinophil granule proteins in serum and urine of patients with helminth infections and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tischendorf F. W. , Brattig N. W. , Lintzel M. , Büttner D. W. , Burchard G. D. , Bork K. , Müller M.
Published: March 2003

Summary Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EPX) are cytotoxic molecules involved in helminth infections and allergic reactions. Hitherto most clinical chemical studies have been concerned with the analysis of serum ECP in allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine whether serum as well as urine levels of these proteins are useful clinical chemical parameters in helminthiases and allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Comparing these diseases under the same methodological conditions, levels of ECP and EPX were generally higher in helminthiases than in atopic dermatitis and non‐helminth, non‐allergic diseases. The highest levels of both proteins occurred in tropical worm diseases, in particular hookworm disease and onchocerciasis. When comparing helminthiases with allergic disorder, only hookworm disease (ECP and EPX) and onchocerciasis (EPX) exhibited significantly higher eosinophil cationic protein serum levels than atopic dermatitis. In patients with schistosomiasis mansoni and egg loads of > 1000–10 000 eggs/g stool (epg) EPX serum levels were significantly higher than in patients exhibiting loads < 1000 epg. Urinary analyses revealed only EPX to be present in measurable amounts. Levels of this protein were much higher in urine of patients with hookworm disease and onchocerciasis than in those with atopic dermatitis and in healthy controls. The results suggest that besides serum EPX, urinary EPX may be a useful clinical chemical parameter in eosinophilia of helminth and allergic aetiology.
Sexually transmitted infections and associated socio‐demographic and behavioural factors in women seeking primary care suggest Madagascar’s vulnerability to rapid HIV spread
Authors: Behets Frieda , Andriamiadana Jocelyne , Rasamilalao Desire , Ratsimbazafy Norbert , Randrianasolo Daudet , Dallabetta Gina , Cohen Myron
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES To examine sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated socio‐demographic and behavioural factors in women seeking care for genital discharge syndrome in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

METHODS One thousand and sixty‐six consecutive symptomatic women were interviewed and examined; bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis (TV), cervical infection (CI) due to chlamydial or gonococcal infections, and syphilis seroreactivity were determined by laboratory diagnosis. Associations between STIs and individual characteristics were evaluated using bivariate and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS The prevalence of BV, TV, CI, and syphilis seroreactivity was, respectively, 85%, 16%, 49%, 16% in 94 prostitutes; 70%, 18%, 30%, 13% in 96 occasional sex traders; and 53%, 24%, 17%, and 4% in 876 general women. CI was independently and positively associated with a symptomatic partner, new sex partner in last 3 months, unfaithful partner, prostitution, joblessness and being < 25 years old. Syphilis was associated with low schooling, young age at coital debut, sex trading, and > 1 sex partner in the previous 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS These high STI rates and associated characteristics suggest the local vulnerability to rapid HIV spread and show the need for prevention efforts that involve youth, prostitutes, occasional sex traders, sex clients, and men who have concurrent sexual partnerships.
Predictors of unfavourable prognosis in chronic Chagas' disease
Authors: Bestetti Reinaldo B.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to detect clinical predictors of left ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular dilatation and apical aneurysm on echocardiography, all known as independent predictors of lethal outcome for patients with chronic Chagas' disease. Seventy‐four patients with a positive complement‐fixation test for Chagas' disease participated; 44 (59%) had left ventricular dysfunction, 41 (55%) left ventricular dilatation and 15 (20%) apical aneurysm. A stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) and male sex (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of left ventricular dilatation on echocardiography. A receiver‐operating characteristic curve provided a systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 63% to predict left ventricular dilatation. The combination of male sex and systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg had a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 91% to predict left ventricular dilatation. In a separate stepwise logistic regression analysis, left ventricular systolic dysfunction was independently predicted by systolic blood pressure (P=0.006) and New York Heart Association functional class (P=0.01). Receiver‐operating curves provided a blood pressure of 120 mmHg with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 59% to predict left ventricular dysfunction, whereas a New York Heart Association functional score of 2 predicted left ventricular systolic dysfunction with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 50%. The combination of New York Heart Association functional class and a systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg predicted left ventricular dysfunction with a sensitivity of 59% and a specificity of 77%. The apical aneurysm was independently predicted by myocardial necrosis on the resting ECG, but only with a sensitivity of 20%. Hence, echocardiographic markers of cardiac mortality and sudden cardiac death in Chagas' disease can be independently predicted by clinical examination. This may be useful for screening high‐risk chagasic patients.
Introductory note: The access to Essential Medicines Campaign
Authors: Kindermans Jean‐Marie , Matthys Francine
Published: March 2003

To ensure access to essential medicines for disadvantaged populations there are at least three conditions to be met: drugs prices must be affordable for poor countries; research and development of drugs for tropical diseases must take place; and there is a need for health exceptions to trade agreements.
A systematic review of current knowledge of HIV epidemiology and of sexual behaviour in Nepal
Authors: Furber Andrew S. , Newell James N. , Lubben Marianne M.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To systematically review information on HIV epidemiology and on sexual behaviour in Nepal with a view to identifying gaps in current knowledge.

METHODS Systematic review covering electronic databases, web‐based information, personal contact with experts and hand searching of key journals.

RESULTS HIV‐1 seroprevalence has been rising rapidly in association with high‐risk behaviours, with current levels of 40% amongst the nation's injecting drug users and approaching 20% amongst Kathmandu's female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). HIV seroprevalence remains low in the general population (0.29% of 15–49 year olds). There are significant methodological limitations in many of the seroprevalence studies identified, and these estimates need to be treated with caution. There are extensive migration patterns both within the country and internationally which provide the potential for considerable sexual networking. However, studies of sexual behaviour have focused on FCSWs and the extent of sexual networks within the general population is largely unknown.

CONCLUSIONS Whilst some of the ingredients are present for an explosive HIV epidemic in Nepal, crucial knowledge on sexual behaviour in the general population is missing. Research on sexual networking is urgently required to guide HIV control in Nepal. There is also a need for further good‐quality epidemiological studies of HIV seroprevalence.
In vitro activities of ferrochloroquine against 55 Senegalese isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in comparison with those of standard antimalarial drugs
Authors: Pradines B. , Tall A. , Rogier C. , Spiegel A. , Mosnier J. , Marrama L. , Fusai T. , Millet P. , Panconi E. , Trape J. F. , Parzy D.
Published: March 2003

The in vitro activities of ferrochloroquine, chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine, halofantrine, amodiaquine, artesunate, atovaquone, cycloguanil and pyrimethamine were evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Senegal (Dielmo, Ndiop), using an isotopic micro‐drug susceptibility test. The IC50 values for ferrochloroquine ranged from 0.55 to 28.2 nM and the geometric mean IC50 for the 55 isolates was 7.9 nM (95% CI, 6.5–9.7 nM). Ferrochloroquine was 35 times more active than chloroquine (35‐fold greater against chloroquine‐resistant isolates), quinine, mefloquine, amodiaquine, cycloguanil and pyrimethamine. Weak positive correlations were observed between the responses to ferrochloroquine and that to chloroquine, quinine, and amodiaquine, but not compulsorily predictive of cross‐resistance. There was no significant correlation between the response to ferrochloroquine and that to mefloquine, halofantrine, artesunate, atovaquone, cycloguanil and pyrimethamine. Ferrochloroquine may be an important alternative drug for the treatment of chloroquine‐resistant malaria.
Levels and causes of maternal mortality in Senegal
Authors: Kodio Belco , De Bernis Luc , Ba Mariame , Ronsmans Carine , Pison Gilles , Etard Jean‐François
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES  To report the findings of a direct, community‐based, assessment of maternal mortality and medical causes of death using verbal autopsy in three unique cohorts in rural Senegal.

METHODS  Methods from ongoing demographic surveillance systems. We obtained records of all deaths and births in women of age 15–49 over a period of 14 years in Niakhar, 10 years in Bandafassi and 13 years in Mlomp. Relatives of all women who died were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Causes of death were assigned by three physicians independently. Maternal deaths were defined according to the ninth and tenth revisions of the International Classification of Diseases.

RESULTS  The maternal mortality ratio was similar in Mlomp [436 per 100 000 live births (95% confidence interval 209–802)] and Niakhar [516 per 100 000 (413–636)] but significantly higher in the more remote area of Bandafassi [852 (587–1196)] [relative risk compared with Niakhar 1.6 (1.0–2.4)]. Two‐thirds of the maternal deaths were from direct obstetric causes, haemorrhage being the most common. Abortion was rare.

CONCLUSIONS  Demographic surveillance systems are useful tools for the measurement of maternal mortality provided special studies are carried out to arrive at the levels and causes of maternal death. The estimates of maternal mortality reported here are lower than those published by the WHO and UNICEF but remain extremely high, particularly in the very remote areas with very limited health infrastructure, where as many as one in 19 women may be expected to die as a consequence of childbirth.
Factors contributing to high mortality due to pneumonia among under‐fives in Kalabo District, Zambia
Authors: Stekelenburg J. , Kashumba E. , Wolffers I.
Published: March 2003

objective  To determine factors contributing to high mortality caused by pneumonia among children under 5 years of age in Kalabo District.

methods  In a cross‐sectional descriptive study 78 mothers and 16 health workers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions were held with groups of women who did not take part in the survey. Registers, patient records, drug stock control cards, drug stores and equipment were reviewed or checked.

results  Pneumonia is an important public health problem in Kalabo District. Knowledge about the disease and its treatment is inadequate, both in health workers and in mothers. Low birth weight and distance contribute to high mortality. Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinic visits protect against mortality.

conclusion  The community should be educated to recognize the signs and symptoms of pneumonia and to understand the importance of early and adequate treatment. As MCH clinics can play an important role, health workers, especially at rural health centre level, should be re‐trained in case definition, case management and the use of available protocols. Strategies to fight the impact of pneumonia in the district should be part of an integrated package of care focusing on all prevalent childhood diseases, as they overlap in many cases.
Knowledge and use of prevention measures related to dengue in northern Thailand
Authors: Van Benthem B. H. B. , Khantikul N. , Panart K. , Kessels P. J. , Somboon P. , Oskam L.
Published: March 2003

objective  To determine the frequency and determinants of knowledge of dengue infection in three sites in northern Thailand, and to compare prevention measures of people with and without knowledge of dengue.

methods  In May 2001 we conducted an epidemiological survey among 1650 persons living in three areas in northern Thailand. Knowledge of dengue and the use of prevention measures were measured by means of a structured questionnaire. Differences in knowledge of dengue and the use of prevention measures between risk groups were calculated by chi‐square test. Logistic regression was used to identify determinants of knowledge.

results  Of the 1650 persons, 67% had knowledge of dengue. Fever (81%) and rash (77%) were the most frequently mentioned symptoms. Persons with knowledge of dengue reported a significantly higher use of prevention measures than persons without knowledge of dengue. In multivariate analyses, knowledge of dengue significantly differed by age, sex, occupation and site (P < 0.05). Younger people knew more about dengue than older persons: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 6.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.32–10.6] for the 15–29 age group compared with people aged 60 and older. In comparison with farmers (reference group), knowledge of dengue was significantly higher among students (aOR: 10.6, 95% CI: 4.27–26.4), but lower among housewives or unemployed persons (aOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31–0.64).

conclusion  The overall knowledge of dengue was high, but housewives, unemployed and old persons had relatively little knowledge of dengue. Therefore, these groups may need special attention in future dengue education programmes. Persons with knowledge of the disease more frequently reported the use of preventive measures, indicating the value of education programmes as a tool in dengue prevention.
Characterization and management of a Jack Russell terrier with congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Lewis  , Ford  , Kwochka
Published: March 2003

A prospective clinical trial was carried out in a 6‐week‐old male Jack Russell terrier with congenital ichthyosis to evaluate stratum corneum lipids; transmission electron microscopy of skin specimens; and clinical and dermatopathological response to vitamin A alcohol therapy. Also evaluated were the clinical, dermatopathological, and epidermal cell proliferation kinetics response to a synthetic retinoid in a dog with congenital ichthyosis.

 Epidermal cell renewal time was markedly decreased compared with normal and seborrhoeic dogs. Skin specimens were characterized by severe and diffuse compact orthokeratosis that extended into the infundi‐bulum of the hair follicles. The stratum granulosum was normal. On transmission electron microscopy, the stratum corneum was thickened and intercorneocyte spaces were extremely narrow. The first three corneocyte layers contained tonofilaments that were irregular, coarse and wavy. Tonofilament packing appeared more normal and regular in the fourth and fifth corneocyte layers. Outer layers of stratum corneum were extraordinarily electron‐dense compared with normal. There was a decrease in stratum corneum free fatty acid and acyl‐ceramide and an increase in ceramide III levels compared with three normal dogs. Three months of oral vitamin A alcohol did not result in clinical improvement, although histologically the orthokeratosis was less compact. After 6 months of oral etretinate therapy, comedones and scales were markedly less evident grossly. Although compact orthokeratosis was still present on histological examination of skin, it was less than that present at 6 weeks of age. Epidermal cell kinetics were not altered after etretinate therapy.
Onychobiopsy without onychectomy: description of a new biopsy technique for canine claws
Authors: Mueller  , Olivry
Published: March 2003

Biopsies of the claw and microscopic examination of the claw matrix epithelium are usually necessary to achieve a specific diagnosis for most onychopathies in the dog. When claw biopsy specimens are required, distal onychectomy has been the method advocated. Distal onychectomy often meets with owner reluctance, necessitates a prolonged surgical procedure and results in postoperative pain and discomfort for the animal. The technique described herein yields appropriate samples of the claw epithelium. This procedure is rapid, elementary and avoids unnecessary amputation of the distal digits.
Malignant transformation of a giant congenital pigmented nevus (hamartoma) in a dog
Authors: Valentine  , McManus  , Knox
Published: March 2003

A male Golden Retriever was born with a large area of abnormal skin and hair on the distal pelvic limb. A tumour arose from the proximal margin of this area at 5 years of age. Histopathological examination of the abnormal area of skin revealed an area in which follicles were surrounded by nodular accumulations of densely packed round to spindle‐shaped cells with fine granular intracytoplasmic melanin. Similar cells were present within the subcutaneous fat, and clusters of densely pigmented melanocytes were scattered within the basal epidermis, follicular epithelium, and dermis. A diagnosis of giant congenital pigmented nevus (hamartoma) was made. The tumour from the proximal end of this area was composed of densely packed, moderately pleomorphic, poorly differentiated and pigmented, spindle‐shaped to epithelioid melanocytes, and was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. Metastasis of the malignant melanoma to the stifle and inguinal regions occurred within 6 months. To date, the authors are unaware of prior reports of a canine giant congenital pigmented nevus (hamartoma) with transformation to a malignant melanoma.
Follicular dysplasia in two cows
Authors: Mansell
Published: March 2003

The histological features of a follicular dysplasia with pigmentary changes is reported in two adult cows, one a black Brangus‐cross and the other a black Angus. Adult onset of diffuse alopecia was present in both cows. Skin biopsies exhibited follicular distortion and atrophy, with melanin clumping in follicular epithelium, hair bulb matrix cells, hair shafts, and infundibular keratin. Both animals were clinically normal apart from the alopecia. This report confirms and expands on the infrequently reported syndrome of follicular dysplasia in cattle.
Diagnosis of canine claw disease – a prospective study of 24 dogs
Authors: Mueller Ralf S. , Friend Sue , Shipstone Michael A. , Burton Greg
Published: March 2003

The aetiology of claw disease in 24 dogs exhibiting only claw disease was investigated with cytologic examination of claw exudate, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis, total thyroxine (tT4) concentration, antinuclear antibody (ANA) titre, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, fungal culture, histopathology of claw biopsy samples and elimination diet. Abnormalities on the CBC, serum biochemistry panel and urinalysis were minor and nonspecific. Total T4 concentrations were within the normal laboratory reference range. Fungal cultures and ANA titres were negative in all dogs. A bacterial infection was present in approximately half of the dogs. On histological examination of claw tissue, a cell‐poor or cell‐rich interface onychitis was seen in all but one dog. Evidence for an adverse reaction to food was present in four dogs. One dog responded completely to antibiotic therapy. Interface onychitis seems to be a histological reaction pattern of the claw matrix in the dog with various possible underlying aetiologies. In dogs with claw disease as the only clinical sign, the recommended initial diagnostic evaluation includes cytologic examination, bacterial culture and sensitivity, claw biopsy and an elimination diet.
Immunofluorescent determination of the isotype of serum antikeratinocyte autoantibodies in dogs with Pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Hogan R. M. , Dunston S. M. , Alhaidari Z. , Messinger L. , Rivierre C. , Olivry T.
Published: March 2003

In humans with pemphigus foliaceus (PF), pathogenic autoantibodies are suspected to be of IgG4 subclass. The goals of this study were to determine the isotypes of circulating autoantibodies in dogs with PF, and to assess whether serum autoantibody titers decreased during successful treatment outcome. Using an indirect immunofluorescence assay performed on neonatal mouse skin sections, circulating IgG autoantibodies were detected in 36 out of 44 dogs with PF (82%). Serum autoantibodies belonged predominantly to IgG4 (35/44; 80%) and IgG1 (30/44; 68%) subclasses. Circulating IgA and IgE autoantibodies were not found. Serum IgG autoantibodies targeted autoantigens in both superficial and/or basal epidermal layers. Remarkably, antikeratinocyte IgG autoantibodies were detected in 16 out of 20 normal dogs (80%), and these autoantibodies were of IgG1 (16/20, 80%) but rarely of IgG4 (2/20; 10%) isotypes. Antikeratinocyte IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibody serum titers were followed in six dogs with PF while the severity of their clinical signs decreased with immunosuppression. IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibody serum titers decreased during remission in four (67%), one (17%) and four (67%) dogs, respectively. Conversely, serum IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 autoantibody titers increased during remission in one (17%), one (17%) and no dogs, respectively. These observations suggest that, in dogs with PF, antikeratinocyte IgG4 autoantibodies could be relevant to the pathogenesis of the disease and that monitoring of IgG4 autoantibody titers could be useful for assessment of clinical outcome. Remarkably, the detection of circulating IgG1 antikeratinocyte autoantibodies in normal dogs is similar to the situation observed in geographical areas where human PF is endemic.
Investigation on the use of 0.3% tacrolimus lotion for canine atopic dermatitis: a pilot study
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Nicklin Constance F.
Published: March 2003

Abstract The efficacy of 0.3% tacrolimus lotion (maximum dosage: 0.3 mg kg−1 per day) for treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) was evaluated. Systemic absorption and effects on complete blood cell counts (CBC) and chemistry panels were also investigated. Eight dogs were assigned randomly to either a tacrolimus or a vehicle lotion treatment group. Both owners and investigator were blinded to the treatment. After 4 weeks, there was a 2‐week wash‐out period and treatments were reversed. Owners scored pruritus weekly while the investigator scored pruritus and erythema at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Investigator scores for pruritus in the tacrolimus group significantly decreased by the end of the study (P = 0.03). Investigator scores for erythema in the tacrolimus group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group at the end of the study (P = 0.005). There was no difference between groups with respect to owner scores for pruritus. No changes in the CBC and chemistry panels were noted. Mean blood concentrations of tacrolimus were below toxic levels.
Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum in a Giant Schnauzer and three Saint Bernard dogs
Authors: Torres Sheila M. F. , Brien Timothy O. , Scott Danny W.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Arteritis of the nasal philtrum is described in four dogs. Two of the Saint Bernards were related. The lesions were solitary, well‐circumscribed, linear ulcers that were neither pruritic nor painful. The age of the dogs at the time the owners first noticed the lesion ranged from 3 to 6 years. The ulcers had been present for 0.5–5 years before diagnosis was pursued. Three of the dogs experienced repeated, mild episodes of arterial bleeding from the ulcers. Two dogs also experienced a severe episode of bleeding that required surgical intervention. Histopathological findings included a V‐shaped ulcer, neutrophilic dermal inflammation subjacent to the ulcer and lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis bordering the ulcer. The most remarkable pathological findings were present in the deep dermal arteries and arterioles subjacent to the ulcer. The changes were characterized by subendothelial spindle cell proliferation with marked extracellular matrix deposition that stained blue with Alcian Blue (mucin) and Masson's trichrome (collagen) and resulted in intimal thickening, and stenosis of dermal arteries and arterioles. Immunohistochemical studies suggested that the proliferating spindle cells were of either myofibroblast or smooth muscle origin (actin and vimentin positive). Anti‐inflammatory therapy (glucocorticoids; tetracycline and niacinamide; fish oil) may be beneficial for long‐term control of this condition, however, long‐term maintenance treatment appears to be necessary.
Determination of ‘irritant’ threshold concentrations for intradermal testing with allergenic insect extracts in normal horses
Authors: O. Morris Daniel , Lindborg Susan
Published: March 2003

Abstract Sixteen healthy horses with no history of skin or respiratory disease were used for an intradermal testing (IDT) threshold study, in order to determine the concentrations of 13 commercial allergenic insect extracts most appropriate for IDT. Five dilutions of each extract were used, which included the manufacturer's recommended concentrations for equine IDT, plus one dilution higher and three lower than these standard concentrations. Allergens tested included caddisfly (Trichoptera spp.), mayfly (Ephemeroptera spp.), horsefly (Tabanus spp.), deerfly (Chrysops spp.), fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), black ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus), cockroach mix (Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica), mosquito (Aedes aegypti), house fly (Musca domestica), moth (Heterocera spp.), flea (Ctenocephalides canis/C. felis), Culicoides variipennis and Culicoides nubeculosis. Two separate methods were used to calculate the allergen concentration for each insect extract where the normal horses, as a group, ceased to show false‐positive (‘irritant’) reactions. ‘Irritant’ threshold concentrations were determined for 9/13 of these allergens, whereas the other 4 were undetermined due to either insufficient reactivity (flea, C. variipennis) or excessive reactivity (black ant, moth) to the concentrations tested. Recommended concentrations for future use in equine patients with suspected insect hypersensitivity include: 125 pnu mL−1 (mayfly); 250 pnu mL−1 (caddisfly, horsefly, deerfly, fire ant, house fly); 500 pnu mL−1 (cockroach); 1000 pnu mL−1 (mosquito); and 1:10 000 w/v (C. nubeculosis).
Additive infestation model (AIM) analysis for the study of two‐weed species interference
Authors: ACKER  , LUTMAN  , FROUD‐WILLIAMS
Published: March 2003

A graphical method of analysis designed to study the efficacy of herbicide mixtures, the additive dose model, was adapted for use in analysing the effect of two‐weed species interference on crop yield. It is possible to categorize two‐weed species interference as synergistic or antagonistic with regard to the effect on crop yield. It is also possible to quantify the degree to which the effect of species mixture deviates from additivity. Within the analysis, different forms of regression models may be used to estimate interference from one species or another, or for species in combination, provided that the models used are all special cases of the same basic model. This allows for flexibility in summarizing data. The method was demonstrated using data from field experiments in which the influence of Stellaria media
Seedbank characteristics of herbicide‐resistant and susceptible Sisymbrium orientale
Authors: BOUTSALIS  , POWLES
Published: March 2003

Germinability and emergence of Sisymbrium orientale Torn. seed susceptible and resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides was investigated. Freshly harvested seed from a field containing confirmed ALS‐inhibiting herbicide‐resistant (ALS resistant) plants and susceptible seed from a nearby field was found to exhibit strong innate dormancy initially. However, germinability of seed from both resistant and susceptible biotypes increased to 50% after 1 month, indicating that innate dormancy had been partly relieved. No significant differences in behaviour of resistant vs. susceptible biotypes were recorded over 3 years. Field experiments conducted over a 4‐year experimental period, to determine seedbank longevity in the absence of fresh seed input to the seedbank, revealed S. orientale to have a short seedbank life. Cultivation stimulated seedling emergence compared with no‐tillage seedling emergence. These findings establish that persistence of S. orientale in the seedbank is short if fresh seed production is prevented. This knowledge can be used to manage populations of S.␣orientale, especially in cases such as this where the population is herbicide‐resistant.
Effects of crop management practices on Echinochloa crus‐galli and Chenopodium album seed production in a maize/soyabean rotation
Authors: Perron F , Légère A
Published: March 2003

Seed production of residual weed populations needs to be taken into account when estimating the long‐term impact of low‐input agronomic practices. The objective of this study was to measure the effects and interactions of crop, weed control, tillage practice and nutrient source on the seed production of the dominant residual weed species in a maize/soyabean rotation at two sites: Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv. on a Sainte‐Rosalie clay and Chenopodium album L. on a Duravin clay loam. Seed production per unit area was estimated in each experimental unit. Weed seed production was greater under mechanical weed control compared with chemical weed control. In 1997, E. crus‐galli seed production reached over 326 000 seeds m–2 in mechanical weed control treatments, but averaged less than 500 seeds m–2 in the chemical weed control treatments. Chenopodium album produced in the range of 766 000 and 73 000 seeds m–2 in mechanical and chemical weed control treatments respectively. Very few or no weed seeds were produced in soyabean under chemical control. Tillage intensity and nutrient source did not affect seed production of either weed species, with the exception that E. crus‐galli produced more seeds in chisel than in mouldboard plough tillage in soyabean. Weed control method had more impact on seed production than tillage intensity and nutrient source in a maize/soyabean rotation.
Host–parasite relations between cowpea and Alectra vogelii
Authors: Rambakudzibga A M , Manschadi A M , Sauerborn J
Published: March 2003

Summary Although the angiospermous parasitic weed Alectra vogelii is a major biotic constraint to cowpea production in Africa, there is little information on the host:parasite association between them. Accordingly, the dry matter production and partitioning in a cowpea:A. vogelii association was studied over the growth cycle. Cowpea was grown in pots containing 1350, 2700 or 4000 A. vogelii seeds kg−1 top soil and with uninfected controls. Alectra vogelii attachment on to cowpea roots was first detected 30 d after crop emergence, and the first shoots emerged 44 d after crop emergence. New A. vogelii attachments on to cowpea roots continued to be produced throughout the growth of the crop. Alectra vogelii infection did not decrease cowpea dry matter production, but it significantly altered dry matter partitioning by increasing the proportion of root dry matter. Alectra vogelii infection significantly reduced dry matter accumulation in cowpea pods. The loss of dry matter in cowpea pods was largely accounted for by dry matter gain in A. vogelii shoots. The data are discussed in relation to how A. vogelii and other parasitic plants influence dry matter partitioning in their hosts.
Implications of delayed Echinochloa spp. germination and duration of competition for integrated weed management in water‐seeded rice
Authors: Gibson K D , Fischer A J , Foin T C , Hill J E
Published: March 2003

Summary Co‐ordinating herbicide applications with the suppressive ability of the crop has the potential to improve weed control and optimize herbicide use in water‐seeded rice. However, the successful integration of herbicide applications and crop development depends on the timing and duration of competition between rice and weeds. The critical period of competition between rice and Echinochloa species was examined in field and glasshouse experiments from 1996 to 2000. In 1999 and 2000, Echinochloa species seeded 30 days after rice in field experiments did not survive and rice yields were not reduced when plots were kept weed‐free for 30 days or longer. In a basin experiment conducted in 1998, E. phyllopogon seeded with the crop was unaffected by light competition alone but the relative importance of shading by the crop increased when E. phyllopogon was seeded after rice. Management strategies that delay the germination or growth of Echinochloa species might confer a competitive advantage to rice and reduce the need for herbicide applications. However, yields in the field experiments were reduced by at least 18% after only 30 days of competition in both years, suggesting that it may be difficult to integrate currently available herbicides with crop growth in water‐seeded rice.
Estimation of seed production by Stellaria media, Sinapis arvensis and Tripleurospermum inodorum in arable crops
Authors: Lutman P J W
Published: March 2003

Summary Seed production by Sinapis arvensis, Tripleurospermum inodorum and Stellaria media growing alone or in crops of spring wheat, spring field beans and spring linseed was studied in 11 experiments. Seed numbers for S. arvensis and T. inodorum were measured directly from samples harvested in late summer but for S. media were estimated from measurements of flower number and seeds/flower. Seed numbers were regressed against plant dry matter. In general, a linear log/log plot (y = mx + c) fitted the data for each species quite well (R2 = 0.75, 0.89, 0.89 for S. arvensis, T. inodorum and S. media respectively), but there were small differences between crops and years in the individual regression lines, especially the intercept values. Estimated seed production for a ‘mean’ 10‐g plant (dry matter) in the three crops for S. arvensis, T. inodorum and S. media was 590, 6300 and 8600, respectively. Seed production tended to be lower for the weeds in wheat than it was in field beans and linseed, or in the plants grown alone, primarily due to the differences in plant weight arising from the differing competition exerted by the crops involved.
Effect of the rust fungus Puccinia chondrillina TU 788 on plant size and plant size variability in Chondrilla juncea
Authors: Hanley M E , Groves R H
Published: March 2003

Chondrilla juncea is one of the most serious introduced weed species in Australia. Successful biological control has been achieved by the release of the rust fungus Puccinia chondrillina. Although P. chondrillina is thought to reduce the competitive ability of C. juncea by reducing plant size, the precise mechanism by which the pathogen controls its host is poorly understood. In this experiment, we examined the effect of P. chondrillina TU 788 infection on individual plant size, and size variability, in two genotypes (one resistant, one susceptible) of C. juncea. Exposure to P. chondrillina significantly reduced the average size of susceptible C. juncea plants, a reduction apparent in both roots and shoots. Plant size variability of the susceptible C. juncea genotype was also reduced by P. chondrillina. Plant size, and plant size variability of the resistant genotype were unaffected by exposure to rust, or association with rust‐affected plants. The effect of P. chondrillina on plant size in rust‐susceptible C. juncea plants shows how effective bio‐control of this weed may occur in field populations.
Influence of the physical and chemical properties of soil on the retention process of isoxaflutole and its two main derivatives
Authors: Beltran E , Fenet H , Cooper J F , Coste C M
Published: March 2003

Isoxaflutole is a new pre‐emergence herbicide for use in maize and sugarcane. Its two main derivatives are a diketonitrile derivative, the 2‐cyano‐3‐cyclopropyl‐1‐(2‐methanesulfonyl‐4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)propan‐1,3‐dione, named DKN, and a benzoic acid derivative, the 2‐methanesulfonyl‐4‐trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, named BA. The adsorption/desorption processes have never been studied for isoxaflutole (IFT) at high concentrations nor for BA, and the present work aimed at completing the knowledge of the behaviour of these three molecules in conditions close to those encountered in the context of agricultural use. The adsorption/desorption study was conducted on seven soils of different physical and chemical properties, using the batch equilibrium technique. During the experiments, IFT was chemically converted into DKN in a continuous manner. This reaction appeared to be dependent on the pH of the soil and was taken into account in the calculations of the adsorbed and desorbed amounts. The adsorption isotherms obtained were predominantly C‐shaped for IFT and DKN and S‐shaped for BA, but some differences appeared on a few soils. They fitted well the Freundlich equation, and the values of the Freundlich coefficient Kfa showed that, whatever the soil, IFT was more adsorbed than its two derivatives. The main parameter influencing the adsorption of IFT appeared to be the organic matter content, whereas this effect was not evident for DKN and BA. No correlation was found between the extent of adsorption and either clay content or pH of the soil, for the three molecules.