bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do insecticide‐treated curtains reduce all‐cause child mortality in Burkina Faso?
Authors: Habluetzel A. , Diallo D. A. , Esposito F. , Lamizana L. , Pagnonl F. , Lengeler C. , Traoré C. , Cousens S. N.
Published: December 2004

To evaluate whether insecticide‐treated netting (ITN) reduces child mortality in different epidemiological settings, 4 large, randomized, controlled trials were conducted in Africa. Here we report the findings from the trial in Burkina Faso, in an area of hyperendemic and markedly seasonal malaria transmission. The trial involved 158 villages, with a total population of some 90,000, grouped into 16 geographical clusters. Ascertainment of mortality among children aged 6–59 months began in early 1993. In June/July 1994, 8 of the clusters, randomly selected, received permethrin‐treated curtains. Follow‐up of children and ascertainment of mortality continued until May 1996. A 15% reduction in all‐cause mortality among children aged 6–59 months was observed over the 2‐year period following the installation of the curtains (95% c.i. ‐ 4% to 30%). In the first year, post‐intervention mortality was substantially lower in the clusters receiving curtains compared with the control clusters (rate ratio = 0.74; 95% c.i. 0.57, 0.95) but in the second year, there was no difference between mortality in the two groups (rate ratio = 0.99). The overall two‐year impact of the intervention is consistent with the impacts observed in other trials which have demonstrated reductions in child mortality of from 17% to 33%. However, the year‐by‐year analysis raises some concerns about the long‐term effect of ITN. Further follow‐up of this population is warranted.
Evaluation of efficacy of community‐based vs. institutional‐based direct observed short‐course treatment for the control of tuberculosis in Kilombero district, Tanzania
Authors: Lwilla Fred , Schellenberg David , Masanja Honorath , Acosta Camilo , Galindo Claudia , Aponte John , Egwaga Said , Njako Blasdus , Ascaso Carlos , Tanner Marcel , Alonso Pedro
Published: December 2004

Tuberculosis (TB) has reappeared as a serious public health problem. Non‐compliance to antituber‐culous drug treatment is cited as one of the major obstacles to the containment of the epidemic. Compliance may be optimized by Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) and short‐course treatment regimens. Since 1986, Tanzanian TB patients have received daily DOT at health facilities for the first 2 months of the treatment course. However, adherence and cure rates have been falling as the number of TB cases continues to increase and the burden on already stretched health facilities threatens to become unmanageable. We used an open cluster randomized controlled trial to compare community‐based DOT (CBDOT) using a short‐course drug regimen with institutional‐based DOT (IBDOT). A total of 522 (301 IBDOT and 221 CBDOT) patients with sputum‐positive TB were recruited. Overall, there was no significant difference in conversion and cure rates between the two strategies [M‐H pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23, 1.71 and OR = 1.58; 95% CI 0.32, 7.88, respectively] suggesting that CBDOT may be a viable alternative to IBDOT. CBDOT may be particularly useful in parts of the country where people live far from health facilities.
Intestinal parasitic infection and associated symptoms in children attending day care centres in Trujillo, Venezuela
Authors: Miller Steven A. , Rosario Carlos Luis , Rojas Elina , Scorza Jose Vicente
Published: December 2004

objectives  To examine the presence of intestinal protozoan and helminth infections and their association with clinical signs and symptoms in children in Trujillo, Venezuela.

methods  Conventional microscopic methods (thick‐smear, saline and iodine solutions) were used to identify parasites in stool samples of 301 children attending day care centres. A subgroup of 45 children was evaluated clinically and parasitologically five times during a 1‐month period using conventional methods and the Kinyoun acid‐fast stain for Cryptosporidium identification.

results  The point prevalence of protozoan infections was 21% for Giardia duodenalis, 1.0% for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 4% for Entamoeba coli, 16% for Blastocystis hominis, and 89% for Cryptosporidium parvum. Prevalence of helminth infection was 11% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 10% for Trichuris trichiura, 0.3% for Strongyloides stercoralis, and 1.3% for Hymenolepis nana. Over a 1‐month time frame, new infections were observed at a rate of 11% for G. duodenalis, 4% for E. histolytica/dispar, 7% for A. lumbricoides, 11% for T. trichiura, 0% for S. stercoralis, and 2% for H. nana. Intestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, vomiting, gas, stomach pain, and loss of appetite) were associated with presence of one or more of C. parvum or B. hominis organisms in stool samples.

conclusions  Intestinal parasitic infections contribute significantly to the enteric disease burden experienced by this group of children. The organisms most strongly implicated by this study are common and difficult‐to‐treat protozoan pathogens.
A health facility based case–control study of effectiveness of insecticide treated nets: potential for selection bias due to pre‐treatment with chloroquine
Authors: Webster Jayne , Chandramohan Daniel , Freeman Tim , Greenwood Brian , Kamawal Amin Ullah , Rahim Fazle , Rowland Mark
Published: December 2004

Case control studies offer an attractive way to assess the effectiveness of insecticide treated nets (ITN) under programme conditions but have the drawback of being susceptible to bias in the choice of controls. We evaluated the potential for pre‐treatment with chloroquine to result in misclassification of cases and controls and affect estimates of ITN effectiveness in case control studies in urban and rural clinics in Eastern Afghanistan. During the one‐month study, use of ITN showed no effect against malaria in the urban clinic (adjusted odds ratio OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.73–1.6) and the protective effect seen in the rural clinic was not significant (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.2–2.4). Levels of pre‐treatment were high in both clinics: 24% in urban and 19% in rural clinic attenders. In the urban clinic attenders the level of pre‐treatment between bed net users and non‐users was not significantly different (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.70–1.64); therefore the misclassification of cases as controls did not introduce any selection bias. Amongst rural clinic attenders, bed net users were less likely to pre‐treat with chloroquine than users (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.77); this introduced a selection bias that resulted in an underestimation of the effectiveness of bed nets. Case control studies using health facility data are liable to selection bias especially in areas of high pre‐treatment rates with chloroquine. Generalisation of results over a wide geographic region, or between urban and rural settings, may not be appropriate.
Clinical efficacy of chloroquine in young children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria – a community‐based study in rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Müller Olaf , Traoré Corneille , Kouyaté Bocar
Published: December 2004

We report on a 14‐day study on the efficacy of chloroquine for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in young children of a malaria holoendemic area in rural Burkina Faso. In this community‐based study, the overall treatment failure rate was 12/120 (10%), with no differences between villages. This supports the evidence for a still sufficient efficacy of chloroquine in north‐western Burkina Faso.
Lot quality assurance sampling for screening communities hyperendemic for Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Rabarijaona L. P. , Boisier P. , Ravaoalimalala V. E. , Jeanne I. , Roux J. F. , Jutand M. A. , Salamon R.
Published: December 2004

Lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) was evaluated for rapid low cost identification of communities where Schistosoma mansoni infection was hyperendemic in southern Madagascar. In the study area, S. mansoni infection shows very focused and heterogeneous distribution requiring multifariousness of local surveys. One sampling plan was tested in the field with schoolchildren and several others were simulated in the laboratory. Randomization and stool specimen collection were performed by voluntary teachers under direct supervision of the study staff and no significant problem occurred. As expected from Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, all sampling plans allowed correct identification of hyperendemic communities and of most of the hypoendemic ones. Frequent misclassifications occurred for communities with intermediate prevalence and the cheapest plans had very low specificity. The study confirmed that LQAS would be a valuable tool for large scale screening in a country with scarce financial and staff resources. Involving teachers, appeared to be quite feasible and should not lower the reliability of surveys. We recommend that the national schistosomiasis control programme systematically uses LQAS for identification of communities, provided that sample sizes are adapted to the specific epidemiological patterns of S. mansoni infection in the main regions.
Domiciliation process of Rhodnius stali (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Alto Beni, La Paz, Bolivia
Authors: Matias A. , De la Riva J. , Martinez E. , Torrez M. , Dujardin J. P.
Published: December 2004

We report a systematic collection of Triatominae inside houses and in the peridomestic environment of Alto Beni, department of La Paz, Bolivia. This area is free of Triatoma infestans and although we detected previously seropositivity for Trypanosoma cruzi, the Alto Beni region is not officially considered as endemic for Chagas disease. From 11 houses of five localities, we collected adults, nymphs and eggs of a Rhodnius species, which was confirmed by morphological and morphometric analysis as Rhodnius stali. This little‐known species has long been confused with R. pictipes, and was originally described from museum specimens labelled as R. pictipes. Our data show that R. stali is able to establish colonies in domestic and peridomestic habitats in Bolivia, and it is probably the vector responsible for Chagas disease seropositivity observed in the indigenous population of Alto Beni.
An evaluation of antiretroviral HIV/AIDS treatment in a Rio de Janeiro public clinic
Authors: Carmody Ellie R. , Diaz Theresa , Starling Paulo , Santos Ana Paula Rocha Beruth dos , Sacks Henry S.
Published: December 2004

The Brazilian public health system has implemented free, universal access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for HIV‐infected patients. To evaluate this system, we performed a pilot study to determine whether ARVs were prescribed according to Brazilian guidelines in place in 2000, and whether prescriptions were refilled in a timely manner. Year 2000 data were abstracted from all medical and pharmacy records of adult patients first registered for HIV/AIDS care in a Rio de Janeiro public clinic from January to June 2000 (n = 67). Results were analysed using frequency analyses, chi‐square tests and logistic regression. The patient sample was 41.8% female and had a mean age of 34.9 years. 54 (81%) had AIDS; total sample mean baseline CD4+/viral counts were 276 cells/mm3 and 237 517 copies per millilitre, respectively. Delays between clinic request and receipt of first CD4+/viral load results ranged from 25 to 107 (mean 66) and 33 to 139 (mean 86) days, respectively. Fifty‐nine patients (88.1%) were prescribed ARV treatment. Forty‐two regimens (71.2%) were highly active antiretroviral therapies; 17 (28.8%) were combination regimens with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. No combinations were prescribed that were contraindicated in Brazilian guidelines, however 33 patients (55.9%) were prescribed ARV drugs before one or both HIV status parameters (initial CD4+ level or viral load) were recorded. Fourteen patients prescribed ARVs (23.7%) lacked a supply of medication for >1 month during the year at least once. Of these patients, 11 had treatment lapses as a result of failure to pick up medications, and three lacked medication because of drug shortages. Medication lapses were associated with female sex, being hospitalized in 2000, and having more than two drugs in regimen, but were not associated with age, CD4+ level or use of ARVs before 2000. The results from this pilot study suggest conservative prescription of HAART, high practitioner adherence to guidelines, and some problems with refilling medications in a timely manner. Monitoring delays were identified as a structural limitation to optimal adherence to practice guidelines. Better access to monitoring‐laboratory facilities and greater drug availability would improve programme success.
Treatment failure of pyrimethamine‐sulphadoxine and induction of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia in children in western Kenya
Authors: Bousema J. T. , Gouagna L. C. , Meutstege A. M. , Okech B. E. , Akim N. I. J. , Githure J. I. , Beier J. C. , Sauerwein R. W.
Published: December 2004

Sub‐Saharan Africa faces increasing levels of resistance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites to the first‐line drug pyrimethamine‐sulphadoxine (SP). Successful treatment with SP is reported to induce gametocytes and drug resistance may further increase gametocytaemia after treatment. Treatment success, gametocyte prevalence and gametocyte density were determined in 224 asymptomatic children in western Kenya on day 7 after treatment with SP. Treatment failure (R2 or R3 resistance) was observed in 22% of the children. The relative risk to show gametocytes on day 7 after treatment in children with treatment failure was 4.1 (95% CI 1.4–11.6) times higher compared to children with a sensitive infection, after adjustment for age and trophozoite density at the start of treatment. In addition, the gametocyte density was also higher upon SP treatment failure. These findings are reason for concern, as the increased gametocyte prevalence and density after SP treatment failure may increase the spread of SP‐resistant strains in the population.
Accuracy of perception and touch for detecting fever in adults: a hospital‐based study from a rural, tertiary hospital in Central India
Authors: Singh Manoj , Pai Madhukar , Kalantri S. P.
Published: December 2004

objectives To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the patient's perception, and of the touch of patient attendants and a doctor for detecting fever.

methods We enrolled patients older than 13 years who presented with history of fever to the in‐ and out‐patient departments of a rural teaching hospital. The design was a double‐blind, cross‐sectional analysis of a hospital‐based case series, independently comparing reported history of fever and touch of patient attendant and that of doctor against an established reference standard (axillary temperature > 37.5 °C). Diagnostic accuracy was measured by computing sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio values. The agreement between the patient, his attendant and the doctor was assessed by kappa statistic.

results We studied 462 patients of whom 274 (59.3%) were men. A total of 206 patients (44.58%) had fever. The patient's perception of fever (LR+ 1.77; 95% CI 1.52, 2.06), patient attendant's touch (LR+ 2.03; 95% CI 1.74, 2.36) and the doctor's touch (LR+ 3.08; 95% CI 2.51, 3.71) did not accurately distinguish those with and without fever. Doctors (LR− 0.20; 95% CI 0.17, 0.34) and patient attendants (LR− 0.24; 95% CI 0.14, 0.28) were more accurate in ruling out fever. The patient's perception agreed moderately with patient attendant's touch (κ = 0.44; 95% CI 0.36, 0.53), and the doctor's assessment (κ = 0.47; 95% CI 0.39, 0.55). There was moderate agreement between patients' attendants and the study doctor (κ = 0.48; 95% CI 0.40, 0.56).

conclusions Our findings suggest that patients, their attendants or doctors cannot accurately detect the presence of a fever without using a thermometer. Doctors should confirm a history of fever by recording temperature.
Adherence to tuberculosis treatment: lessons from the urban setting of Delhi, India
Authors: Jaiswal A. , Singh V. , Ogden J. A. , Porter J. D. H. , Sharma P. P. , Sarin R. , Arora V. K. , Jain R. C.
Published: December 2004

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), which incorporated the WHO DOTS strategy* was introduced in India in the mid‐1990s. An operational research project was conducted between 1996 and 1998 to assess the needs and perspectives of patients and providers in two chest clinics in Delhi, Moti Nagar and Nehru Nagar, during the introduction of the new strategy. This paper reports on the findings of the project, concentrating on information collected from 40 in‐depth interviews with patient defaulters and from non‐participant observations in clinics and directly observed treatment centres. In Moti Nagar chest clinic, 117 of 1786 (6.5%) patients and 195 of 1890 (10%) patients in Nehru Nagar left care before their treatment was complete. It was argued that the reasons for default stem from a poor correlation between patient and programme needs and priorities, and from particular characteristics of the disease and its treatment. Patient needs that were not met by the health system included convenient clinic timings, arrangements for the provision for treatment in the event of a family emergency and provision for complicated cases like alcoholics. The problems facing the provider were poor interpersonal communication with the health staff, lack of attention and support at the clinic, difficulty for patients to re‐enter the system if they missed treatment and, in certain areas, long distances to the clinic. Problems related to diseases were inability of the staff to deal with drug side‐effects, and patients’ conception of equating well‐being with cure. Simple, practical measures could improve the provision of tuberculosis (TB) treatment: more flexible hours, allowances for poor patients to reach the clinics and training health care staff for respectful communication and monitoring drug side‐effects. The findings indicate a need to rethink the label of ‘defaulter’ often given to the patients. The important areas for future operational research is also highlighted.
Performance of Sahli and colour scale methods in diagnosing anaemia among school children in low prevalence areas
Authors: Barduagni Paolo , Ahmed Ahmed Saad , Curtale Filippo , Raafat Mohamed , Soliman Layla
Published: December 2004

Our aim was to compare the performance of the Sahli and Colour Scale methods in diagnosing anaemia in school children, where the prevalence of anaemia is low and the haemoglobin level ranges from mild to moderate (8–11 g/dl). The study was conducted in February 2001, in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt. The haemoglobin level measured by the two methods in each child were compared with the result obtained by using a portable haemoglobin photometer ‘HemoCue’. A total of 149 school children were included in the study. Using HemoCue, 17.4% children were anaemic; using the Sahli method (SM), 66.4% children were anaemic; and using the Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) method, 57.7% children were anaemic. Neither method detected any cases of severe anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dl). Both the Sahli and Colour Scale methods are sensitive but have low specificity, giving a high rate of false positive results. Both methods perform perform very similarly in haemoglobin measurement; they fulfil many of the criteria for their use at primary health care level and detect almost all cases of anaemia in a given population, even if the level of anaemia is mild. Standards for collection, handling and disposal of blood samples are guaranteed more easily by the HCS than the SM. Moreover, lay people can easily manage the HCS with success after brief training. We suggest to gradually replace the SM by the HCS method in primary health care (PHC) centres. Where anaemia levels are moderate to mild, the use of SM and HCS as tools to define anaemia prevalence might be limited, as they often label healthy individuals as anaemic. Both methods remain a useful diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis of clinically suspected anaemia in areas where the prevalence of anaemia is low and the haemoglobin level ranges from mild to moderate.
Performance of the Haemoglobin Colour Scale in diagnosing severe and very severe anaemia
Authors: Montresor Antonio , Ramsan Mahdi , Khalfan Nassor , Albonico Marco , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Tielsch James M. , Savioli Lorenzo
Published: December 2004

Objective To assess the accuracy of Haemoglobin Colour Scale (HCS) in identifying severely anaemic [haemoglobin (Hb) <7 g/dl] and very severely anaemic (Hb <5 g/dl) individuals, and to compare the performances of a group of health workers using HCS after training with a standard method.

Method The study consisted of two parts. In part 1, the performance of HCS was compared with clinical examination in a hospital population of which more than 450 individuals were severely anaemic and more than 120 very severely anaemic. Part 2 of the study was conducted in eight dispensaries where the performances of 13 health workers using the colour scale were compared with the performances of eight other health workers using clinical signs to estimate Hb.

Results The colour scale was 92% sensitive for both severe anaemia and very severe anaemia and performed better than clinical examination. Health workers who used the colour scale did better in identifying anaemic and severely anaemic individuals, than those who used clinical examination.

Conclusions The colour scale improves health workers’ capacity to identify severely anaemic individuals and could be used as a basis for referral. Although the diagnostic accuracy of the workers using HCS varied widely, in most cases they did significantly better than those who used clinical investigation alone.
Stage determination and therapeutic decision in human African trypanosomiasis: value of polymerase chain reaction and immunoglobulin M quantification on the cerebrospinal fluid of sleeping sickness patients in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Jamonneau V. , Solano P. , Garcia A. , Lejon V. , Djé N. , Miezan T. W. , N'Guessan P. , Cuny G. , Büscher P.
Published: December 2004

In human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), two disease stages are defined: the first, or haemo‐lymphatic stage, and the second, or meningo‐encephalitic stage. Stage determination forms the basis of therapeutic decision and is of prime importance, as the drug used to cure second‐stage patients has considerable side‐effects. However, the tests currently used for stage determination have low sensitivity or specificity. Two new tests for stage determination in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated on 73 patients diagnosed with HAT in Côte d'Ivoire. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detecting trypanosome DNA (PCR/CSF) is an indirect test for trypanosome detection whereas the latex agglutination test detecting immunoglobulin M (LATEX/IgM) is an indicator for neuro‐inflammation. Both tests were compared with classically used tests, double centrifugation and white blood cell count of the CSF. PCR/CSF appeared to be the most sensitive test (96%), and may be of use to improve stage determination. However, its value for therapeutic decision appears limited, as patients whose CSF was positive with PCR were successfully treated with pentamidine. This result confirms those of previous works that showed that some patients with trypanosomes in the CSF could be treated successfully with pentamidine. LATEX/IgM, which depending on the cut‐off, showed lower sensitivity of 76% and 88%, but higher specificity of 83% and 71% for LATEX/IgM 16 and LATEX/IgM 8 respectively, appears more appropriate for therapeutic decision making.
Retrospective evaluation of steroid hormone intermediates in dogs with alopecia
Authors: Frank L. A. , Hnilica K. A. , Oliver J. W.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are specific steroid hormonal aberrations associated with suspect endocrine alopecias in dogs where hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism have been excluded. Steroid hormone panels submitted to the UTCVM endocrinology laboratory over a 7.5‐year period (783 samples) from dogs with alopecia were reviewed. To be included in the final analysis, complete information about age, sex, neuter status and breed was required; hypothyroidism had been ruled out; and cortisol concentration post‐ACTH stimulation was less than 200 ng mL−1. A total of 276 dogs met the criteria for inclusion (seven intact females, 32 intact males, 134 spayed females, 103 neutered males) and comprised of 54 different breeds. Approximately 73% of dogs had at least one steroid hormone intermediate greater than the normal range. The most frequent hormone elevation was noted in baseline and/or post‐ACTH stimulation progesterone (57.9% of samples). Breeds that contained seven or more dogs were statistically compared. Only malamute dogs failed to show an increase in progesterone for any dog. When compared with normal dogs, oestradiol was significantly greater in keeshond dogs and baseline progesterone was significantly greater in pomeranians and husky breed dogs. While significant difference existed among breeds, neither baseline nor post‐stimulation 17‐hydroxyprogesterone differed significantly from normal values. Chow‐chow and malamute dogs had the greatest percentage of dogs with completely normal steroid hormone intermediates. Results of this study suggest that the pathomechanism of the alopecia, at least for some breeds, may not relate to steroid hormone intermediates.

 Funded by the Companion Animal Fund, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
The clinical and immunological reaction to a flavoured monthly oral heartworm prophylatic in 12 dogs with spontaneous food allergy
Authors: Jackson H. A. , Hammerberg B.
Published: December 2004

There is debate among practicing veterinary dermatologists as to whether flavoured prophylactics should be avoided in the food‐allergic dog. At North Carolina State University we have a colony of dogs with spontaneous food allergy. They are maintained on a hypoallergenic diet (Prescription diet d/d Duck and Rice, Hills Pet Nutrition, Topeka, KS). A flavoured chewable tablet containing pork liver, soy and 2.3 mg of milbemycin (Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Novartis Animal Health, Greensboro, NC) was administered under controlled conditions to 12 dogs. Previous exposure to this medication was documented. A physical examination was performed prior to, and on four occasions after, tablet administration. A clinical score (CS) was assigned to determine the severity of skin and otic disease. Serum was collected at 3‐ to 5‐day intervals. Allergen‐specific IgE (soy, pork and corn) was measured by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software (Cary, NC, USA) and a longitudinal mixed model was employed for the evaluation of the clinical response. An increased CS was observed in 10 dogs post‐challenge; peak values were measured on day 2 (five dogs) and day 5 (five dogs). When compared with pre‐treatment CS this increase was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Significant peaks in serum allergen‐specific IgE were measured on days 5 and 20 to soy, pork and corn. The authors conclude that these dogs have a rapid adverse clinical response to this flavoured medication which is accompanied by a significant increase in serum allergen‐specific IgE, although this does not necessarily correlate with the orally administered allergen.
Synergistic inhibition of the growthin vitroofMicrosporum canisby miconazole and chlorhexidine
Authors: Perrins N. , Bond R.
Published: December 2004

Abstract An agar dilution technique was used to assess the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of miconazole, chlorhexidine and a 1:1 combination of both agents for 10 isolates ofMicrosporum canis. For nine of 10 of the isolates, a combination of miconazole and chlorhexidine was more effective than either agent alone; fractional inhibitory concentration indices indicated a synergistic effect for five isolates and an additive effect for four. These results illustrate the potent antimycotic effect of miconazole and chlorhexidine againstM. canisand are in accordance with previous clinical studies that showed the value of using miconazole and chlorhexidine shampoo in association with oral griseofulvin in the treatment of feline dermatophytosis caused byM. canis.
Effect ofn‐3 fatty acid ratio and dose on clinical manifestations, plasma fatty acids and inflammatory mediators in dogs with pruritus
Authors: Nesbitt Gene H. , Freeman Lisa M. , Hannah Steven S.
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe use ofn‐3 fatty acids is often recommended to manage pruritus. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various doses ofn‐3 fatty acids at differentn‐6:n‐3 ratios on plasma fatty acids, clinical response and inflammatory mediators in pruritic dogs. After baseline assessment, dogs were randomly assigned to receive diets varying in both totaln‐3 andn‐6 fatty acid dose andn‐6:n‐3 ratio. The total clinical score decreased significantly in all four diet groups after 8 weeks with no difference between groups. Plasma fatty acid changes generally mirrored the fatty acid content of the test diets, although alterations appeared to depend on both the dose ofn‐3 fatty acids and then‐6:n‐3 ratio. In this clinical trial, which controlled dietary intake of fatty acids,n‐3 fatty acid supplementation did not appear to have an added benefit on clinical signs over thorough clinical management.
Establishment of Cynodon dactylon from stolon and rhizome fragments
Authors: Fernandez O N
Published: December 2004

Summary A field survey and two field experiments were carried out to compare the performance of rhizomes and stolons of Cynodon dactylon, in terms of their sprouting efficiency and the dynamics and growth characteristics of the established ramets. The survey examined the relationships between morphological characteristics of above‐ and below‐ground structures of ramets naturally established from both types of fragments in a crop field. The first experiment compared the emergence and early growth of ramets from standardized stolon and rhizome fragments, grown under uniform field conditions without competition. It also comparatively analysed the predictive value of the maximum stolon length on dry matter partitioning. The second experiment investigated fragment type × size interactions on the establishment, dry matter accumulation and partitioning in stolon‐ and rhizome‐originated ramets. Results showed that under normal cropping conditions, more ramets can be originated from rhizome than from equivalent stolon fragments. Higher sprouting efficiency and dry matter partitioning to aerial structures, and a higher size dependence of the effective ramet recruitment were observed for stolon than for rhizome fragments. The observed differences between fragment type are dicussed in relation to their implications for predictions of weed emergence, and the efficacy of control strategies used under different cropping tillage systems.
Herbicides – a two‐edged sword*
Authors: Kudsk P , Streibig J C
Published: December 2004

Summary Weeds cause yield losses and reductions in crop quality. Prior to the introduction of selective herbicides, the drudgery of manual weeding forced farmers to adhere to a suit of weed management tactics by carefully combining crop rotation, appropriate tillage and fallow systems. The introduction of selective herbicides in the late 1940s and the constant flow of new herbicides in the succeeding decades provided farmers with a new tool, ‘the chemical hoe’, putting them in a position to consider weed control more independently of the crop production system than hitherto. The reliance on herbicides for weed control, however, resulted in shifts in the weed flora and the selection of herbicide‐resistant biotypes. In the 1980s, the public concern about side‐effects of herbicides on the environment and human health resulted in increasingly strict registration requirements and, in some countries, political initiatives to reduce the use of pesticides were launched. Today, the number of new herbicides being introduced has decreased significantly and integrated weed management has become the guiding concept. Farmers also have the option of growing herbicide‐resistant crops where the biology of the crop has been adapted to tolerate herbicides considered safe to humans and environmentally benign. This paper discusses some of the recent developments in herbicide discovery, technology and fate, and sketches important future developments.
The effect of sowing date, stale seedbed, row width and mechanical weed control on weeds and yields of organic winter wheat
Authors: Rasmussen I A
Published: December 2004

Three field experiments were carried out in organically grown winter wheat in Denmark. The treatments were sowing time (normal or late sowing) and false seedbed, row width (12 and 24 cm) and weed control method [untreated; mechanical weed control (weed harrowing at 12 cm supplemented with inter‐row hoeing at 24 cm); and herbicide weed control]. Weed biomass in midsummer was greatest on plots sown at the normal sowing time (compared with delayed sowing) and was reduced by mechanical or chemical weed control (compared with untreated plots). Row width alone had no influence on weed biomass, but in the experiment with high weed pressure, the more intensive mechanical weed control used at a row width of 24 cm reduced weed biomass. Normal sowing time tended to give higher yields, but this was only statistically significant in one of the three experiments. Wide rows gave a yield decrease in the experiment with low weed pressure. The effect of weed control on yield was dependent on the weed pressure. At low weed pressure, mechanical weed control caused a yield decrease compared with untreated or herbicide treated. At intermediate weed levels there were no differences, whereas at high weed pressure, mechanical weed control and herbicide treatment caused a yield increase compared with untreated. False seedbeds were shown to contribute to a decrease in the soil seed reserve.
Variation in resistance to Orobanche crenata in species of Cicer
Authors: Rubiales D , Alcántara C , Sillero J C
Published: December 2004

Crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata) is a major constraint for legume cultivation in Mediterranean agriculture. Field trials, pot and in vitro experiments demonstrated that resistance to O. crenata is present in chickpea and wild species of Cicer. The resistance is the result of the combination of several mechanisms, including low induction of parasite seed germination and in some accessions, either a darkening at the infection site on the host root that prevents establishment, or a reduced development of established parasite tubercles.
Combining competition from Lolium perenne and an insect–fungus combination to control Rumex obtusifolius seedlings
Authors: Keary I P , Hatcher P E
Published: December 2004

Although adult Rumex obtusifolius are problematic weeds, their seedlings are poor competitors against Lolium perenne, particularly in established swards. We investigated the possibility of using this weakness to augment control of R. obtusifolius seedlings with combinations of Gastrophysa viridula (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and the rust fungus Uromyces rumicis. Rumex obtusifolius seedlings were grown in competition with L. perenne sown at different rates and times after R. obtusifolius: they competed successfully with L. perenne when sown 21 days before the grass. Sowing both species at the same time resulted in a dominant grass sward, with R. obtusifolius becoming dominant when sown 42 days prior to L. perenne. Grass sowing rate had no effect on R. obtusifolius growth or biomass. A second experiment investigated how competition from L. perenne sown 21 days after R. obtusifolius combined with damage from G. viridula and/or U. rumicis (applied at either the 3–4‐ or 10–13‐leaf stage, or at both stages) affected the growth and final biomass of R. obtusifolius. Beetle grazing at the latter leaf stage was the only treatment that reduced R. obtusifolius biomass, although rust infection at the earlier application led to an increase in shoot and root weight. The results are discussed in terms of the potential for use of these agents in the field.
Crop and density effects on weed beet growth and reproduction
Authors: Sester M , Delanoy M , Colbach N , Darmency H
Published: December 2004

Weed beet populations growing in each crop of the arable rotation could be a relay for the gene flow from adjacent transgenic herbicide‐resistant sugarbeet. In this study, weed beet growth and reproduction were assessed under several conditions which could be found in the rotation: various weed beet densities (ranging from 1 to 120 plants m−2) and various crops (winter wheat, spring barley, spring pea, sugarbeet, maize, ryegrass). Measurements were carried out both on life‐cycle dynamics (bolting time, time to flowering onset, dynamics of flower opening) and on other quantitative data (survival rate, bolting rate and pollen, flower and seed production). Increasing weed beet density resulted in decreases in bolting rate and flower and seed production per plant. In cereals, weed beet establishment and reproduction were strongly reduced, compared with bare ground as a control situation. In pea, there was no effect on establishment, but the early harvest limited seed set. In the other crops, flower and seed production were reduced to a lesser extent. Parameters of the fitted equations on the bolting and flowering progress were modified by the weed beet density and by the crop. Our data may be used in a model predicting weed beet demographic evolution according to cropping system, and in assessing gene flow.
Germination ecology of seeds of the annual weeds Capsella bursa‐pastoris and Descurainia sophia originating from high northern latitudes
Authors: Baskin C C , Milberg P , Andersson L , Baskin J M
Published: December 2004

Low temperatures may inhibit dormancy break in seeds of winter annuals, therefore it was hypothesized that seeds of Capsella bursa‐pastoris and Descurainia sophia that mature at high latitudes in late summer–early autumn would not germinate until they had been exposed to high summer temperatures. Consequently, germination would be delayed until the second autumn. Most freshly matured seeds of both species collected in August and September in southern Sweden were dormant. After 3 weeks of burial at simulated August (20/10°C) and September (15/6°C) temperatures, 28 and 27%, respectively, of the C. bursa‐pastoris and 56 and 59%, respectively, of the D. sophia seeds germinated in light at 15/6°C. In contrast, in germination phenology studies conducted in Sweden, only a few seeds of either species germinated during the first autumn following dispersal. However, there was a peak of germination of both species the following spring, demonstrating that dormancy was lost during exposure to the low habitat temperatures between late summer and early autumn and spring. Nearly 100% of the seeds of both species subjected to simulated annual seasonal temperature changes were viable after 30.5 months of burial. In the burial study, exhumed seeds of C. bursa‐pastoris were capable of germinating to 98–100% in light at the simulated spring–autumn temperature regime (15/6°C) in both spring and autumn, while those of D. sophia did so only in autumn. In early spring, however, seeds of D. sophia germinated to 17–50% at 15/6°C. Thus, most seeds of these two annual weeds that mature in late summer do not germinate in the first autumn, but they may do so the following spring or in some subsequent autumn or spring.
Immunoglobulin M‐enriched intravenous immunoglobulin inhibits classical pathway complement activation, but not bactericidal activity of human serum
Authors: Walpen Alexander J. , Laumonier Thomas , Aebi Christoph , Mohacsi Paul J. , Rieben Robert
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Acute or even hyperacute humoral graft rejection, mediated by classical pathway complement activation, occurs in allo‐ and xenotransplantation due to preformed anti‐graft antibodies. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) preparations can prevent complement‐mediated tissue injury and delay hyperacute xenograft rejection. It is known that IgM‐enriched IVIg (IVIgM) has a higher capacity to block complement than IVIgG. Different IVIgs were therefore tested for specificity of complement inhibition and effect on anti‐bacterial activity of human serum. IVIgM‐I (Pentaglobin®, 12% IgM), IVIgM‐II (IgM‐fraction of IVIgM‐I, 60% IgM), and three different IVIgG (all >95% IgG) were used. The known complement inhibitor dextran sulfate was used as control. Hemolytic assays were performed to analyze pathway‐specificity of complement inhibition. Effects of IVIg on complement deposition on pig cells and Escherichia coli were assessed by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity as well as bactericidal assays. Complement inhibition by IVIgM was specific for the classical pathway, with IC50 values of 0.8 mg/ml for IVIgM‐II and 1.7 mg/ml for IVIgM‐I in the CH50 assay. Only minimal inhibition of the lectin pathway was seen with IVIgM‐II (IC50 15.5 mg/ml); no alternative pathway inhibition was observed. IVIgG did not inhibit complement in any hemolytic assay. Classical pathway complement inhibition by IVIgM was confirmed in an in vitro xenotransplantation model with PK15 cells. In contrast, IVIgM did not inhibit (mainly alternative pathway mediated) killing of E. coli by human serum. In conclusion, IgM‐enriched IVIg is a specific inhibitor of the classical complement pathway, leaving the alternative pathway intact, which is an important natural anti‐bacterial defense, especially for immunosuppressed patients.
Histological and immunological characteristics of, and the effect of immunosuppressive treatment on, xenograft vasculopathy
Authors: Briffa Norman P. , Shorthouse Randi , Chan Jason , Silva Helio , Billingham Margaret , Brazelton Timothy , Morris Randall E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Like allografts, vascularized xenografts are susceptible to a process of chronic rejection. We have used the hamster‐to‐rat aortic transplant model to study characteristics of this phenomenon and to determine whether it could be controlled or prevented by immunosuppressive therapy. Golden Syrian hamster aortas were transplanted into untreated Lewis rats, athymic rats, and Lewis rats receiving cyclosporin (10 mg/kg), leflunomide (5, 10 or 15 mg/kg), or 10 mg/kg of both drugs. Grafts were harvested on days 2, 7, 14, 28 and 56. Grafts and recipient spleens were analysed using computerized morphometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Blood was taken on various days for the measurement of anti‐hamster antibodies (flow cytometry) and of the leflunomide metabolite A77 127. In untreated rats, by day 56, transplanted aortas developed a cell‐free media with a mature neointimal lesion consisting of actin‐positive cells, CD4 T cells, and macrophages. There were large increases in anti‐hamster immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, collections of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells in splenic germinal centres, and IgM, C3 and C5a deposition in aortas. In athymic recipients, the media architecture was preserved, and the changes in the neointima and in anti‐hamster IgM and IgG were markedly abrogated, but not prevented. In Lewis rats receiving leflunomide, absence of circulating or deposited IgM did not prevent neointimal formation by day 14. Combination treatment was the most effective at preventing neointimal formation and humoral changes. Leflunomide monotherapy was the least effective. There were no changes in peak concentrations of the main metabolite of leflunomide over 8 weeks. The hamster‐to‐rat aortic transplant model is suitable for the study of xenograft vasculopathy, the histological and serological changes of which are predominantly T‐cell dependant. Combination treatment with 10 mg/kg of cyclosporin and 10 mg/kg of leflunomide was most effective in preventing xenograft vasculopathy.
Adult porcine islets produce MCP‐1 and recruit human monocytes in vitro
Authors: Ehrnfelt Cecilia , Kumagai‐Braesch Makiko , Uzunel Mehmet , Holgersson Jan
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Type 1 diabetes can be cured by transplantation of isolated pancreatic islets. Because of the shortage of human donor tissue, adult porcine islets (APIs) constitute a possible alternative tissue source. Upon intraportal injection, islets are subjected to an instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) leading to blood clotting, leukocyte islet‐infiltration, islet damage and insulin release. Xenogeneic islets surviving IBMIR are rejected in a cellular process involving CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. We have investigated whether APIs themselves produce and secrete chemokines and/or inflammatory cytokines that may contribute to IBMIR and/or cell‐mediated rejection. APIs, cultured for 1, 4, 8 and 11 days post‐isolation, expressed mRNA for monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), IL‐1β and TNF‐α. API culture supernatants induced migration of human monocytes, which was significantly blocked by an anti‐human MCP‐1 antibody (Ab). Immunohistochemistry revealed MCP‐1 in the cytoplasm of α‐ and β‐cells in isolated islets and in islets in situ. However, APIs or their supernatants were not able to activate human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) in vitro, and neither IL‐1β nor TNF‐α were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in API culture supernatants. Both recombinant porcine IL‐1β and TNF‐α were able to activate human endothelial cells (ECs) inducing CD62E and CD106 expression as analyzed by flow cytometry. In conclusion, MCP‐1 secreted by APIs may contribute to both IBMIR and rejection by attracting monocytes into the islet; monocytes which upon transformation into macrophages will potentiate antigen presentation and execute islet rejection.
Computerized Delivery Control – A Useful and Safe Complement to the Type and Screen Compatibility Testing
Authors: Säfwenberg J. , Högman C. F. , Cassemar B.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: Faster and less labor‐intensive crossmatching procedures are needed, but they must be as safe as the traditional antiglobulin method. We present twelve years' experience with a procedure involving antibody screening, blood group checks, and computerized delivery control (ABCD test). Methods: We use a computer for validation and printing documents and declaring compatibility between patient and blood component, based on screening results and earlier‐recorded data about the patient. Results: Of 257,400 units transfused during the period, 90% were declared compatible through the ABCD procedure, and 10% had to be crossmatched. We observed no hemolytic transfusion complications due to a failure of the procedure to detect red cell alloantibodies. Labor in the testing laboratory was reduced by 65% compared to a previous crossmatching period. Fewer blood units were returned unused. Conclusion: The procedure using a computerized system as a guard against human mistakes has been found to be safe and reliable and is now widely used in Sweden.
Positive Direct Antiglobulin Test due to Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Normal Healthy Blood Donors
Authors: Win Nay , Islam S. I. A. M. , Peterkin M. A. , Walker I. D.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: Positive direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) occur occasionally, without obvious cause, among normal blood donors. This is sometimes associated with a false‐positive serologic test for syphilis. Positive DATs due to antiphospholipid antibodies (APAbs) are well documented in the antiphospholipid syndrome with systemic lupus erythematosus and the primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Methods: Using conventional haematologic and serologic methods, we tested 474,545 normal blood donors in the west of Scotland during the years 1991 through 1993. Results: We identified 42 normal blood donors with a positive DAT and observed three who had positive DATs and false‐positive VDRL tests, all of whom expressed raised APAbs. Conclusion: APAbs may be an incidental cause of positive DATs among healthy blood donors.