bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marinas as habitats for nearshore fish assemblages: comparative analysis of underwater visual census, baited cameras and fish traps
Authors: Bosch Néstor E. , Gonçalves Jorge M.S. , Tuya Fernando , Erzini Karim
Published: May 2017

Understanding the ecological role that artificial structures might play on nearshore fish assemblages requires the collection of accurate and reliable data through efficient sampling techniques. In this work, differences in the composition and structure of fish assemblages between the inner and outer sides of three marinas located in the temperate northern-eastern Atlantic Ocean were tested using three complementary sampling techniques: underwater visual censuses (UVC), baited cameras (BCs) and fish traps (FTs). UVCs and BCs recorded a comparable number and relative abundance of species, which in turn were much greater than those recorded by FTs. This finding supports the use of UVCs and BCs over FTs for broad ecologically studies, especially when dealing with structurally complex habitats such as artificial structures. We found differences in fish assemblage structure between the inner and outer sides of marinas, independently of the sampling method. Four small-sized species (Similiparma lurida, Thalassoma pavo, Sarpa salpa and Symphodus roissali) associated with structurally complex vegetated habitats dominated, in terms of abundance, the outer sides of marinas; Diplodus vulgaris, Diplodus sargus and Gobius niger, species with high ecological plasticity in habitat requirements, dominated the inner sides of marinas. The information provided in this study is of great interest for developing sound monitoring programmes to ascertain the effects of artificial structures on fish communities.
Géographies du travail esclave rural contemporain
Authors: Théry Hervé , de Mello Neli Aparecida , Girardi Eduardo Paulon , Hato Julio
Published: May 2017

L’article analyse l’esclavage dans les campagnes brésiliennes en cartographiant les données disponibles sur les libérations de travailleurs esclaves et les dénonciations de cas d’esclavage. Il analyse la répartition du phénomène, identifie les situations liées à l’esclavage et construit des indices synthétiques de probabilité de présence d’esclaves et de vulnérabilité au recrutement. Il espère ainsi contribuer à la lutte contre l’esclavage rural, faciliter sa répression et sa prévention.
Le crime de réduction à l’esclavage d’une personne libre (Brésil, XIXe siècle)
Authors: Mamigonian Beatriz G. , Grinberg Keila
Published: May 2017

Cet article examine la manière dont la mise en esclavage de personnes libres a été jugée et punie au Brésil tout au long du XIXe siècle. Reposant sur des affaires de « réduction à l’esclavage de personnes libres » jugées dans le Rio Grande do Sul, notre analyse – encore préliminaire – porte sur l’application de l’article 179 du code pénal brésilien. Nous souhaitons attirer l’attention sur le profil des victimes, le contexte dans lesquels ces cas se sont produits et sur les décisions qui furent prises. Les différentes affaires étudiées ont été divisées en trois groupes selon les circonstances de la mise en esclavage : Africains introduits illégalement après l’interdiction de la traite atlantique et leurs descendants, affranchis (libertos) dont les manumissions furent révoquées pour différentes raisons, noirs libres ou affranchis qui furent kidnappés et vendus comme esclaves.
L’histoire devant les tribunaux : la notion d’esclavage contemporain dans les décisions judiciaires brésiliennes
Authors: Paes Mariana Armond Dias
Published: May 2017

Cet article vise à montrer comment l’interprétation jurisprudentielle du crime de réduction à une condition analogue à celle de l’esclave est fortement influencée par la conception chargée d’histoire que s’en font les juges et les juristes devant examiner des cas à la lumière des qualifications prévues par l’article 149 du code pénal brésilien. Cette hypothèse est considérée ici à partir de l’analyse de 107 décisions d’appels instruits dans les tribunaux régionaux fédéraux depuis le 30 novembre 2006, dans le cadre de poursuites sur le fondement de cet article.
Jouir ailleurs et autrement
Authors: Giard Agnès , Grimaud Emmanuel , Taylor Anne-Christine
Published: May 2017

Partant du statut accordé à la jouissance sexuelle dans les sociétés occidentales, cet article a pour objectif de prendre un peu de hauteur par rapport à l’« orgasmolâtrie » moderne et à sa critique. En s’intéressant aux choix opérés dans d’autres mondes culturels, faisant place aussi bien aux conceptions des Indiens d’Amazonie qu’aux dernières inventions japonaises en matière de sextoys ou aux débats suscités par le cybersexe, il envisage de nouvelles clés de lecture sur une thématique qui a déjà fait l’objet d’une abondante littérature. L’objectif est d’ouvrir des pistes de réflexion sur le statut varié accordé à l’expérience de l’orgasme : que doit-on entendre exactement par là et est-il partout envisagé sous les formes que nous lui connaissons ? Lorsqu’on choisit de le cultiver comme moment sensible du rapport entre les vivants, quels types de connexions socio-cosmologiques se trouvent alors développées ?
Stress Distribution of the Variable Dynamic Loading in the Dental Implant: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Djebbar Noureddine , Serier B. , Bachir Bouiadjra Bel Abbès
Published: May 2017

Stable osseointegration between implant threads and the surrounding marginal bone provides the mechanical base of an implant for daily chewing activity. The contact area of implant-bone interfaces and the concentrated stresses on the marginal bones are principal concerns of implant designers. In this work we numerically analyze by the finite element method the distribution of the equivalent stress and their level in the bone the most fragile element of the dental prosthesis. Each set of the model contained a crown, framework, abutment, implant and bone, subjected to variable dynamic loading according to time.
Effect of Glutaraldehid on Human Amniotic Membrane Characteristics as Wound Dressing
Authors: Rizkawati Dian Marta , Djony Izak R. , Widiyanti Prihartini
Published: May 2017

The wound dressing which have good mechanical properties, non toxic, anti inflammation, anti infection and has potency to accelerate wound healing are important to be found. This study aimed to determine the effect of glutaraldehyde on the human amniotic membrane cross linking, tensile strength, material toxicity and tissue response to a biomaterial which could be applied as an ideal wound dressing. Human amniotic membrane used was derived from one individual and was obtained from the Biomaterial Center and Tissue Bank in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya Indonesia while the glutaraldehyde used was a commercial product. The wound dressing from human amniotic membrane-glutaraldehyde was made by dipping the human amniotic membrane with a solution of different variation of glutaraldehyde compositions, ie 0:25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25%. The results of the research also found the pH measurements on human amnion membrane-glutaraldehyde according to skin balance range (4.0-7.0) by adding 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% glutaraldehid to human amniotic membrane. FTIR characterization test results indicate the change of intensity of tertiary amine group (C-N) in the human amniotic membrane–glutaraldehyde by 0,25%, 0,5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% glutaraldehyde concentration. The best concentration of glutaraldehyde to be applied as wound dressing was at a concentration of 1%, which was based on the results of tensile test 26.67 MPa, percentage of living cell in the cytotoxicity assay of 113.483%, and Histopathology Anatomy test that shows 100% of wound re-epithelialization on the mice’s skins.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment Tertiary Failure Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Purwati  , Wibisono Sony , Sutjahjo Ari , Askandar T.J. , Abdul Rantam Fedik
Published: May 2017

Recent progress in diabetes mellitus therapy has focused attention on generation of surrogate β-cells from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived adult tissues. In this study, we conducted a phase I clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in various age between 30-79 years old who were treated with autologous adipose-derived MSCs transplantation. MSCs injected into diabetic patients through catheterization then we measured levels of fasting blood glucose, 2h postprandial blood glucose, insulin, c-peptide pre and post stem cell transplantation, also HbA1c. Levels of blood glucose (fasting and 2h post prandial) and insulin were absolutely decreasing after injection. Meanwhile, level of c-peptide was increasing after injection. Level of HbA1c was significantly decreasing after 3 months injection. Thus, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for treatment tertiary failure diabetes mellitus type 2 was better than insulin treatment only.
Characterization of Polystyrene Nanocomposites Containing Nanoparticles of Pseudoboehmite Obtained by Sol-Gel Process
Authors: de Miranda Leila Figueiredo , Goulart Leid Jeane Pastrolin , Silva Leonardo G.A. , Donadon Alexandre Crioruska , Yamasaki Fabio Yuji , Munhoz Jr. Antônio Hortêncio
Published: May 2017

Polymeric nanocomposites are hybrid materials in which inorganic substances of nanometric dimensions are dispersed in a polymeric matrix. These inorganic substances have high surface area allowing a better interaction with the polymeric matrix and consequently promote changes in the physical properties of the final composite with small additions of the same. The preparation of nanocomposites with polymer matrix allows in many cases to find a relationship between a low cost due to the use of lower amount of charge, reaching high level of performance. In this work, it was obtained polystyrene nanocomposites with pseudoboehmite synthesized by the sol-gel process with different concentrations of pseudoboehmite using and not using octadecylamine as a coupling agent. The nanocomposites were prepared by the melt intercalation technique. The pseudoboehmite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis. The nanocomposites were characterized by differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, heat deflection temperature, Vicat softening point, mechanical and rheological tests. The results showed an increase in the thermal properties, hardness and tensile strength values and decrease in the melt index, impact resistance and tensile elongation, showing the interaction of the filler with the polymer matrix. Although in the samples with the presence of octadecylamine the data shows that the thermomechanical properties practically do not vary in relation with the samples without octadecylamine.
Understanding indigenous knowledge: Bridging the knowledge gap through a knowledge creation model for agricultural development
Authors: Lwoga Edda T. , Ngulube Patrick , Stilwell Christine
Published: May 2017

This article addresses the management of agricultural indigenous knowledge (IK) in developing countries, with a specific focus on Tanzania. It provides background details on IK and its importance for agricultural development. It introduces various knowledge management (KM) concepts and discusses their application in managing IK in the developing world by placing Nonaka’s knowledge creation theory (Nonaka 1991; Nonaka & Takeuchi 1995; Nonaka, Toyama & Konno 2000) in the context of the local communities. Data from focus groups were used to triangulate with data from interviews in order to validate, confirm and corroborate quantitative results with qualitative findings. The study findings showed that knowledge creation theory can be used to manage IK in the local communities, however, adequate and appropriate resources need to be allocated for capturing and preserving IK before it disappears altogether. For sustainable agricultural development, the communities have to be placed within a knowledge-creating setting that continuously creates, distributes and shares knowledge within and beyond the communities’ boundaries and integrates it with new agricultural technologies, innovations and knowledge.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: May 2017

No abstract available.
Convergence of functional areas in information operations
Authors: Van Niekerk Brett
Published: May 2017

Background: Contemporary technology and its rapid rise to a ubiquitous nature are affecting the way in which technology is used. This holds implications for military information operations and information warfare concepts as the previously separate functional areas are increasingly overlapping due to the increased convergence of information technology.Objective: The aim of the article is to illustrate the convergence of the functional areas of information operations through the use of reported examples and descriptive models. Methods: A qualitative review and analysis of practitioner documents, academic publications, and other reports is conducted. The diverse views of this phenomenon are contrasted and discussed. The possible implications of the convergence and possible management techniques are proposed and discussed. Results: There is strong opinion that the domains are not converging, however practice shows that there is an increasing overlap of operational considerations and organisational structure. Conclusion: It is concluded that the domains are not converging, but the operations and management of the information operations functional areas may converge, and this has an impact across all functional areas that needs to be taken into consideration.
Comparative case study on website traffic generated by search engine optimisation and a pay-per-click campaign, versus marketing expenditure
Authors: Kritzinger Wouter T. , Weideman Melius
Published: May 2017

Background: No empirical work was found on how marketing expenses compare when used solely for either the one or the other of the two main types of search engine marketing. Objectives: This research set out to determine how the results of the implementation of a pay-per-click campaign compared to those of a search engine optimisation campaign, given the same website and environment. At the same time, the expenses incurred on both these marketing methods were recorded and compared. Method: The active website of an existing, successful e-commerce concern was used as platform. The company had been using pay-per-click only for a period, whilst traffic was monitored. This system was decommissioned on a particular date and time, and an alternative search engine optimisation system was started at the same time. Again, both traffic and expenses were monitored.Results: The results indicate that the pay-per-click system did produce favourable results, but on the condition that a monthly fee has to be set aside to guarantee consistent traffic. The implementation of search engine optimisation required a relatively large investment at the outset, but it was once-off. After a drop in traffic owing to crawler visitation delays, the website traffic bypassed the average figure achieved during the pay-per-click period after a little over three months, whilst the expenditure crossed over after just six months. Conclusion: Whilst considering the specific parameters of this study, an investment in search engine optimisation rather than a pay-per-click campaign appears to produce better results at a lower cost, after a given period of time.[PDF to follow]
Sharing knowledge, sharing words
Authors: Berner S.
Published: May 2017

Translators might tell you that they know of knowledge management (KM) as a term they translate – but many of them are doing precisely that on any of the kudos boards, e-cafes or blogging spaces, not just occasionally, but almost on a daily basis. Yet just over 50% of translators polled on the question are consciously aware that they are engaging in KM, and over 30% of those polled did not know what 'knowledge management' meant.
Internet applications, sites, trends and happenings
Authors: Raitt David
Published: May 2017

This column aims to draw your attention to various interesting Web sites, which I have come across and which might appeal to you, and to keep you up-to-date with news and views on Internet trends, developments and statistics. It offers essentially a personal selection rather than comprehensive coverage.
Plasmodium cynomolgi malaria: Accidental human infection
Authors: Most Harry
Published: May 2017

A student repeatedly in contact with monkeys and mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium cynomolgi developed chills and a tertian pattern of fever which proved to be malaria. Parasitemia was submicroscopic, except on one occasion. However, the patient's blood on the 7th day of his illness was injected into a monkey, resulting in infection 7 days later. Clinically, the mild illness was characterized by severe headache, no abnormal objective physical signs, and slight though significant alterations in some hematologic and biochemical parameters.
Survival of dengue virus in post mortem samples of tissues from experimentally infected rhesus monkeys
Authors: Marchette Nyven J. , Halstead Scott B.
Published: May 2017

Dengue virus was shown to persist at 4° C for at least 96 hours and at room temperature for at least 24 hours in tissues removed from experimentally infected monkeys. Virus could not be recovered from samples of the same tissue stored at -70° C for 1 week.
Intermediate and transport hosts in the natural history of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wallace Gordon D.
Published: May 2017

Three species of rats, Rattus exulans, R. rattus and R. norvegicus, and the house mouse, Mus musculus and certain species of birds and geckos were tested experimentally and in nature for their potential to serve as intermediate hosts of Toxoplasma gondii. Data reported herein, and from studies by others, indicate that common species of domestic rats are chronic carriers of the parasite and probably serve as a reservoir of infection for the cat, the apparent definitive host. The house mouse and certain species of birds are good experimental hosts, but more information on natural infection in these animals is needed. Infection could not be established in the gecko, but this animal may serve as a transport host. Experiments to evaluate the cockroach Leucophaea maderae as a potential transport host of Toxoplasma revealed that viable Toxoplasma oocysts, were harbored in the digestive tract of this cockroach, when starved, for as long as 20 days aiter it had fed on cat feces.
Renal manifestations of leprosy: Glomerulonephritis, a complication of erythema nodosum leprosum
Authors: Drutz David J. , Gutman Robert A.
Published: May 2017

Although Mycobacterium leprae does not invade the renal parenchyma, there are many reports of “nephritis” in patients with leprosy. Glomerulonephritis has been observed in autopsy studies, but the relationship to leprosy has never been clearly established. In the present study, we found urinary abnormalities consistent with glomerulonephritis in 11 of 636 leprosarium inhabitants: there was a strong correlation with a history of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Seven of 8 noninstitutionalized patients with active ENL also had urinary findings suggestive of glomerulonephritis. In 2 patients with ENL, 1 of whom had alterations of serum complement suggestive of complement consumption, renal biopsies revealed proliferative glomerulonephritis. ENL has been considered to reflect, in part, the deposition of circulating immune complexes throughout the body. These studies suggest that patients with lepromatous leprosy may experience glomerulonephritis as one manifestation of ENL, and are consistent with recent observations of immune complex deposition in the glomerular capillary walls of the kidneys of patients with leprosy.
Annually recurrent epidemic polyarthritis and Ross River virus activity in a coastal area of New South Wales: II. Mosquitoes, viruses, and wildlife
Authors: Gard Geoff , Marshall Ian D. , Woodroofe Gwendolyn M.
Published: May 2017

During field investigations of recurrent small outbreaks of epidemic polyarthritis on Port Stephens Peninsula, New South Wales, 12 strains of Ross River virus (RRV) were recovered from pools of mosquitoes collected in a small area of dry sclerophyll forest on stable sand dunes in the vicinity of the township of Nelson Bay. The viruses were recovered during April of 3 successive years. The Nelson Bay strains of RRV are antigenically indistinguishable from Queensland strains by routine serological methods, but consistent biological differences are apparent in laboratory mice. It is unlikely that the virus is annually reintroduced from northern foci. Pseudomys novaehollalldiae, the New Holland mouse, is the only vertebrate so far found in the area which fulfills the criteria for a reservoir vertebrate host, but it is not suggested that this is the only host involved. Most RRV strains were recovered from Aedes vigilax, but the highest infection rates were obtained in pools of Culex and Mansonia species. One recovery was made from Mansonia linealis, which has not previously been recorded as a vector of this virus. In addition to RRV, 9 strains of Edge Hill virus, 4 strains of a previously undescribed Mapputta group virus, 1 orbivirus related to Eubenangee, and 1 uncharacterized probable arbovirus were recovered from mosquitoes collected in the same area.
An outbreak of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis in upstate New York during 1971
Authors: Morris C. D. , Whitney E. , Bast T. F. , Deibel R.
Published: May 2017

During August 1971 three horses died and one human infant became ill during an outbreak of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis in Upstate New York. Fifteen of 93 wild avian sera collected in the area reacted in hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). EEE virus was isolated from four avian specimens (White-throated Sparrow, Towhee, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing) and 5 of 159 arthropod pools (3 from Culiseta morsitans and 1 each from Culex territans and Culex restuans). Sera from 54 humans and 89 healthy equines were HI-negative for EEE. It is believed that southward moving Baltimore Orioles and White-throated Sparrows carried the virus into the area from an unknown location to the north. Virus circulation in the avian population is attributed to C. morsitans. The vector to equines and humans is unknown.
Five day primaquine therapy—an evaluation of radical curative activity against vivax malaria infection
Authors: Contacos Peter G. , Coatney G. Robert , Collins William E. , Briesch Peter E. , Jeter Marvin H.
Published: May 2017

The radical curative efficacy of the 5-day primaquine regimen for vivax malaria was assessed in nonimmune volunteers infected with a West Pakistan strain of Plasmodium vivax. Treatment of each primary attack was with chloroquine, 1,500 mg base followed by primaquine, 15 mg base daily for 5 consecutive days. There was a 100% failure rate of radical cure for the 5-day primaquine regimen. Data on the pattern of relapse activity for this strain are included.
Pulmoary nodule caused by Enterobius vermicularis
Authors: Beaver P. C. , Kriz J. J. , Lau T. J.
Published: May 2017

A pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, collaped and with the egg-laden uterus prolapsed into the surrounding tissue was identified in histopathological sections of a nodule discovered by routine roentgenograph and surgically removed from the lung of a 23-year-old man in Connecticut, U.S.A., the second such case to be reported.
Biliary calculus associated with opisthorchiasis
Authors: Wilde Henry
Published: May 2017

The case of a 20-year-old Laotian student with cholangitis, Gram-negative speticemia, and a large common duct stone associated with heavy infection by Opisthorchis viverrini is presented. Opisthorchis infection has been previously related to chronic cholangitis and an increased risk of hepatic malignancy. The formation of biliary stones as a result of infection with this parasite also appears to be possible.
Plasmodium Falciparum: Effect of Infected Erythrocytes on Clotting Time of Plasma
Authors: Udeinya I. J. , Miller Louis H.
Published: May 2017

Procoagulant activity of erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum was determined by measuring the effect of infected erythrocytes on the clotting time of platelet-poor human plasma in the presence of Russell's viper venom. We found that erythrocytes infected with P. falciparum enhanced clotting. In the presence of the infected erythrocytes, clotting times were significantly shortened compared to clotting times in the presence of uninfected erythrocytes. Procoagulant activity of infected erythrocytes, especially at high parasitemia, may be a factor in the pathogenesis of disease in falciparum malaria.
Reduced Survival of Adult Culex Pipiens Infected with Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Faran Michael E. , Turell Michael J. , Romoser William S. , Routier Robert G. , Gibbs Paul H. , Cannon Timothy L. , Bailey Charles L.
Published: May 2017

The effect of Rift Valley fever (RVF) viral infection on the survival of female Culex pipiens was examined. In 3 experiments in which mosquitoes ingested RVF virus, there was a 44% decrease in survival to days 14–16 for transmitting vs. nontransmitting mosquitoes, and a 48% decrease in survival for individuals with disseminated vs. nondisseminated infections. These results were corroborated by other experiments in which survival of mosquitoes intrathoracically inoculated with RVF virus was compared with that of those inoculated with diluent. In both the per os and inoculation tests, uninfected mosquitoes survived significantly longer than infected mosquitoes. Even though mosquitoes with disseminated infections had a lower survival rate than did uninfected mosquitoes, dissemination and transmission rates were similar at days 7 and 14–18 after the infectious bloodmeal. This suggests that nondisseminated individuals were developing disseminated infections and becoming capable of transmitting virus between days 7 and 14–18 at approximately the same rate older transmitters were dying. The decreased survival associated with RVF viral infection should be considered in predictive models of this disease.
Immunity and morbidity in schistosomiasis japonicum infection
Authors: Olds G. Richard , Olveda Remigio , Wu Guanling , Wiest Peter , McGarvey Stephen , Aligui Gemiliano , Zhang Shaoji , Ramirez Bernadette , Daniel Bruce , Peters Pierre , Romulo Rodrigo , Fevidal Prudencio , Tiu Wilfred , Yuan Jianhua , Domingo Ernesto , Blas Bayani
Published: May 2017

Schistosomiasis japonica differs significantly from Schistosoma mansoni infection in several epidemiologic, immunologic, and operational characteristics for control. Because of numerous nonhuman hosts, transmission remains high despite aggressive case finding and treatment of human cases. Diagnosis of infection using the Kato-Katz stool technique is less sensitive and specific in this than in other species of human schistosomes, making case finding and treatment a less effective approach to control. Clinically, morbidity induced by S. japonicum appears unrelated to intensity of infection, and is more severe than that of S. mansoni in terms of liver pathology and stunting of child growth and development. Both hepatic enlargement and fibrosis appear to be reversible and preventable with aggressive treatment but several operational characteristics for control of infection due to S. japonicum make the community impact of case-finding and treatment with praziquantel less pronounced than would have been predicted by the analysis of individual cases. In the Philippines, rebound morbidity following reinfection mandates short treatment intervals between screening and treatment to have a significant impact on morbidity, while in China inapparent infection (infection not diagnosed by a single stool examination) appears to be a common cause for persistent hepatic pathology. The authors conclude that for S. japonicum, mass treatment or targeted mass treatment is a more cost-effective approach than case-finding and treatment for control.
The microsimulation approach to epidemiologic modeling of helminthic infections, with special reference to schistosomiasis
Authors: Habbema J. D. F. , De Vlas S. J. , Plaisier A. P. , Van Oortmarssen O. J.
Published: May 2017

The microsimulation technique has been used since 1985 as a tool for epidemiologic modeling of helminthic infections. This technique is characterized by mimicking individual life histories, which makes it possible to include several relevant processes and mechanisms that have not so far been considered in applied modeling. Biological, epidemiologic, and social processes can be simulated in detail, which allows realistic prediction of the impact of control strategies. It is clear that careful quantification and validation of the many processes and parameters in the model requires close collaboration with experts working on control projects. In the development and application of a microsimulation model, we distinguish eight steps, ranging from the identification of questions the model will be designed to address, to the completion of a model that can be used as a routine decision-making tool in a control program.
SCHISTOSIM: a microsimulation model for the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis
Authors: De Vlas S. J. , Van Oortmarssen G. J. , Gryseels B. , Polderman A. M. , Plaisier A. P. , Habbema J. D. F.
Published: May 2017

A computer simulation model, SCHISTOSIM, has been developed for the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis, based on the stochastic microsimulation technique. The eventual aim is to evaluate and predict the effects of different control strategies. In the current state of the model, human-, worm-, and infection-related aspects have been included. However, many others, including most transmission and transmission-related mechanisms, have yet to be modeled. By simulating a series of surveys and treatments in Burundi, short-term effects of this program were satisfactorily explained by the model. However, long-term predictions did not match the observed data. Possible extensions of the model to properly describe these effects are identified. The potential of SCHISTOSIM as a tool for the prediction of outcomes of alternative control strategies is illustrated and discussed.
Short report: severe malaria associated with blood group.
Authors: Fischer P R , Boone P
Published: May 2017

The ABO blood groups are not linked to the incidence of simple malaria infection but have been associated with rosette formation. In an effort to see if clinically severe malaria is associated with blood group, 489 patients were studied in Zimbabwe. Patients with malaria and group A blood had lower hemoglobin levels and more risk of coma than did infected patients with other blood groups. In this population, severe malaria is associated with blood group.
Diagnostic potential of Western blot analysis of sera from dogs with leishmaniasis in endemic areas and significance of the pattern.
Authors: Aisa M J , Castillejo S , Gallego M , Fisa R , Riera M C , de Colmenares M , Torras S , Roura X , Sentis J , Portus M
Published: May 2017

Serum samples collected from 237 dogs in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) were screened by Western blot analysis to detect the presence of antibodies specific to different Leishmania infantum polypeptide fractions. Leishmaniasis was confirmed in 72 of these dogs by direct examination and/or culture. Another 165 animals from the Priorat region were studied periodically for 2-8 years between 1987 and 1995, giving a total of 565 determinations. A control group of 93 dogs from nonendemic areas was also studied. Sera from dogs with leishmaniasis recognized antigens with molecular weights ranging from 12 to 85 kD. The most sensitive antigens were those of 70, 65, 46, 30, 28, 14, and 12 kD, which were recognized by 75%, 75%, 78%, 75%, 81%, 79%, and 75%, respectively, of the sera from dogs with positive parasitologic examination results. Antigens of 70 and 65 kD were also recognized by two dogs from nonendemic areas. Antigens of 14 and 12 kD were the first to be recognized by sera of asymptomatic dogs with titers less than the cut-off value of the dot-ELISA that increased during the longitudinal study, and the presence of antibodies specific for these fractions was observed for up to six years before seroconversion observed by dot-ELISA. These antibodies were also the first to disappear in dogs in which the disease was self-limited. The study corroborates the high sensitivity and specificity of Western blots in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis when the bands of low molecular weight (less than 46 kD) are considered, and indicates that fractions of 14 and 12 kD are useful in detecting early forms of the disease.
Effect of La Crosse virus infection on overwintering of Aedes triseriatus.
Authors: McGaw M M , Chandler L J , Wasieloski L P , Blair C D , Beaty B J
Published: May 2017

The effect of La Crosse (LAC) virus infection on Aedes triseriatus overwintering success was determined. Eggs from LAC virus transovarially infected (LAC TOT+) and uninfected (LAC TOT-) Ae. triseriatus colonies were induced into diapause, held in natural conditions, and returned to the laboratory at predetermined times for assay of diapause, mortality, and filial infection rates, and to examine viral transcription and replication during diapause. Embryos from the LAC TOT+ colony exhibited greater cumulative mortality (16.7%) than the LAC TOT- eggs (7.3%) throughout the overwintering periods. The increased mortality rate in LAC TOT+ eggs corresponded with a decrease in filial infection rates. Eggs from the LAC TOT+ colony terminated diapause more readily than the LAC TOT- colony. An RNA strand-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique was used to monitor viral transcription and replication in mosquito eggs during overwintering, and to compare viral replication in diapausing and nondiapausing embryos. Viral messenger and replicative form RNA were present in eggs in all sample periods, suggesting that some virus replication occurred during diapause.
A geographic information system applied to a malaria field study in western Kenya.
Authors: Hightower A W , Ombok M , Otieno R , Odhiambo R , Oloo A J , Lal A A , Nahlen B L , Hawley W A
Published: May 2017

This paper describes use of the global positioning system (GPS) in differential mode (DGPS) to obtain highly accurate longitudes, latitudes, and altitudes of 1,169 houses, 15 schools, 40 churches, four health care centers, 48 major mosquito breeding sites, 10 borehole wells, seven shopping areas, major roads, streams, the shore of Lake Victoria, and other geographic features of interest associated with a longitudinal study of malaria in 15 villages in western Kenya. The area mapped encompassed approximately 70 km2 and included 42.0 km of roads, 54.3 km of streams, and 15.0 km of lake shore. Location data were entered into a geographic information system for map production and linkage with various databases for spatial analyses. Spatial analyses using parasitologic and entomologic data are presented as examples. Background information on DGPS is presented along with estimates of effort and expense to produce the map information.
Short report: gnathostomiasis in Mexico.
Authors: Ogata K , Nawa Y , Akahane H , Diaz Camacho S P , Lamothe-Argumedo R , Cruz-Reyes A
Published: May 2017

Gnathostomiasis is an important food-borne parasitic zoonosis that is endemic mainly in Asian countries where some people prefer to eat raw freshwater fish. In North America, the first recorded case of gnathostomiasis was in Mexico in 1970, and the numbers of gnathostomiasis patients in Mexico seems to be increasing dramatically with time. However, the epidemiology of this disease in Mexico has never been described in detail. Here we review the current status of gnathostomiasis in Mexico.
Venezuelan equine encephalitis febrile cases among humans in the Peruvian Amazon River region.
Authors: Watts D M , Callahan J , Rossi C , Oberste M S , Roehrig J T , Wooster M T , Smith J F , Cropp C B , Gentrau E M , Karabatsos N , GÃƒÂ¼bler D , Hayes C G
Published: May 2017

A survey was conducted from October 1, 1993 to June 30, 1995 to determine the arboviral etiologies of febrile illnesses in the city of Iquitos in the Amazon River Basin of Peru. The study subjects were patients who were enrolled at medical care clinics or in their homes by Peruvian Ministry of Health (MOH) workers as part of the passive and active disease surveillance program of the MOH. The clinical criterion for enrollment was the diagnosis of a suspected viral-associated, acute, undifferentiated febrile illness of < or = 5 days duration. A total of 598 patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic information, medical history, clinical data, and blood samples were obtained from each patient. The more common clinical features were fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, retro-ocular pain, and chills. Sera were tested for virus by the newborn mouse and cell culture assays. Viral isolates were identified initially by immunofluorescence using polyclonal antibody. An ELISA using viral-specific monoclonal antibodies and nucleotide sequence analysis were used to determine the specific variety of the viruses. In addition, thin and thick blood smears were observed for malaria parasites. Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus subtype I, variety ID virus was isolated from 10 cases, including three cases in October, November, and December 1993, five cases in January and February 1994, and two cases in June 1995. The ELISA for IgM and IgG antibody indicated that VEE virus was the cause of an additional four confirmed and four presumptive cases, including five from January through March 1994 and three in August 1994. Sixteen cases were positive for malaria. The 18 cases of VEE occurred among military recruits (n = 7), agriculture workers (n = 3), students (n = 3), and general laborers (n = 5). These data indicated that an enzootic strain of VEE virus was the cause of at least 3% (18 of 598) of the cases of febrile illnesses studied in the city of Iquitos in the Amazon Basin region of Peru.
Rapid diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis using achatininH, a 9-O-acetylated sialic acid binding lectin.
Authors: Sharma V , Chatterjee M , Mandal C , Sen S , Basu D
Published: May 2017

We have developed a rapid, accurate, and inexpensive hemagglutination assay (HA) for diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using achatininH, a 9-O-acetylated sialic acid binding lectin. The assay is based on the selective binding of achatininH to 9-O-acetylated derivatives of sialic acid (9-O-AcSA), which appears exclusively on the erythrocytes of patients with VL. Blood samples from 35 patients with demonstrable splenic or bone marrow amastigotes were assayed by HA and compared with an ELISA. All cases were correctly diagnosed by HA, and were in concordance with the ELISA. The increase in 9-O-AcSA was corroborated by direct fluorimetric estimation of sialic acid and its 9-O-acetylated derivative. Therefore, 9-O-acetylated derivatives of sialic acid, absent in normal erythrocytes, serve as an important biomarker, and indirectly reflect the presence of the parasite. Accordingly, this assay can be used for detection of active kala-azar cases and merits clinical consideration.
Genotypic identification of an undescribed spotted fever group rickettsia in Ixodes ricinus from southwestern Spain.
Authors: MÃ¡rquez F J , Muniain M A , Soriguer R C , Izquierdo G , RodrÃ­guez-BaÃ±o J , Borobio M V
Published: May 2017

An undescribed rickettsia was directly analyzed with specific rickettsial molecular biology tools on Ixodes ricinus L. collected in different localities of the province of Cadiz (southwestern Spain). On the basis of the results of the citrate synthase (glta) gene, 190 kD-outer membrane protein (rOmpA) gene, and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene partial sequence data, it was found that this rickettsia is sufficiently genetically distinct from other Rickettsia to be considered a distinct taxonomic entity. The isolation and culture of this organism, as well as comparative antigenic analysis, are required to ensure its conclusive taxonomic placement among spotted fever rickettsiae. The epidemiologic role of this new rickettsial agent and its possible pathogenicity to wild and domestic animals or humans is still unknown and needs to be investigated.
In vitro and in vivo reversal of chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum with promethazine.
Authors: Oduola A M , Sowunmi A , Milhous W K , Brewer T G , Kyle D E , Gerena L , Rossan R N , Salako L A , Schuster B G
Published: May 2017

The effect of combining promethazine with chloroquine was examined against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro in the Aotus-P. falciparum model and in bioassays from volunteers given promethazine. The combination of chloroquine plus promethazine (1 x 10(-6) M) reversed chloroquine resistance in standard P. falciparum clones and patient parasite isolates from Nigeria. The combination reduced the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) for chloroquine against resistant parasites by 32-92%. Coadministration of promethazine with chloroquine also demonstrated a dose-dependent effect in Aotus monkeys infected with chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum. Monkeys were given a chloroquine dose (20 mg/kg of body weight for seven days), which normally has no effect on parasitemia, plus 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg of promethazine/kg of body weight. In one monkey, parasitemia was suppressed at the lowest promethazine dose, but re-treatment with 20 mg/kg resulted in clearance of parasitemia. Initial treatment with chloroquine and 20 or 40 mg/kg of promethazine cleared parasitemia in some animals followed by recrudescence. Re-treatment at higher doses cured one monkey and resulted in initial clearance and delayed recrudescence 28 or 63 days after treatment in two monkeys. Recrudescent parasitemia in the two monkeys was low (10 parasites/microl of blood) and subsequently cleared without re-treatment. An in vitro bioassay model was developed to examine the effects of clinically achievable doses of promethazine on parasites susceptibilities in vitro. Plasma samples taken at hourly intervals from patients given a single oral dose of 25 mg of promethazine decreased the IC50 values for chloroquine by 20-58% with the most significant reductions occurring in plasma obtained from volunteers 3-4 hr after ingestion. Plasma obtained from two volunteers 6 hr after ingestion of the drug demonstrated no effect on chloroquine susceptibility, suggesting that study of the pharmacokinetic disposition and potential interaction is warranted to optimize the dose regimen in patients for antimalarial efficacy. Historic use of this drug combination for treatment or prevention of chloroquine-associated pruritus or as an antiemetic suggest that the combination is safe and effective when used at standard dosages. The results from this study demonstrate that promethazine is a potent modulator of chloroquine resistance. Clinical evaluation of therapeutic regimens is required to validate clinical efficacy of this promising combination for treatment of uncomplicated chloroquine-resistant malaria.
Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum isolated from the Amazon region of Brazil: evidence for quinine resistance.
Authors: Zalis M G , Pang L , Silveira M S , Milhous W K , Wirth D F
Published: May 2017

The prevalence and severity of drug-resistant malaria is emerging rapidly in the Amazon basin of Brazil. In support of clinical trials using the new antimalarial drug combination of atovaquone and proguanil, we performed in vitro drug sensitivities, molecular characterization of parasite populations using the circumsporozoite protein, merozoite surface antigen-1 (MSA-1), and MSA-2 markers, and an analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance (pfmdr1) gene sequence and copy number in 26 isolates of P. falciparum obtained in a gold-mining endemic area in Peixoto de Azevedo, Mato Grosso State. All 26 isolates were found to be resistant to chloroquine (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 100-620 nM) and sensitive to mefloquine (IC50 < 23 nM) and halofantrine (IC50 < 6 nM). The isolates also show reduced susceptibility to quinine (IC50 = 48-280 nM). Sequence analysis of the pfmdr1 gene revealed Asn, Phe, Cys, Asp, and Tyr in positions 86, 184, 1034, 1042, and 1246, respectively. These point mutations were similar to that previously described in other Brazilian isolates. Southern blot analysis revealed no amplification of the pfmdr1 gene. These results suggest that three different mechanisms for drug resistance exist for chloroquine, mefloquine, and quinine.
Microgeographic genetic differentiation of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes from Asembo Bay, western Kenya: a comparison with Kilifi in coastal Kenya.
Authors: Kamau L , Lehmann T , Hawley W A , Orago A S , Collins F H
Published: May 2017

Microgeographic differentiation in Anopheles gambiae from seven villages less than 10 km apart in Asembo Bay, western Kenya was estimated by analysis of variability in seven microsatellite loci. Results from the Asembo Bay villages were compared with specimens collected in Kilifi, coastal Kenya, 700 km to the east. Allele frequency distribution was very similar in all villages in Asembo Bay, but differed for the Kilifi population. Genetic differentiation among villages was low with loci-specific Fst falling within the range of 0.0000-0.0085. These low estimates of differentiation correspond to among-village migration indices greater than 5.66, suggesting a high level of gene flow within the Asembo population. The Nm value between Kilifi and Asembo Bay was 1.54, indicating much lower levels of gene flow. Average observed heterozygosity among the seven villages was in all but one case less than the expected heterozygosity, most likely indicating the presence of null alleles, but possibly the presence of randomly mating units (demes) smaller than the village. We conclude that there is likely no genetic structure at the level of the village in Asembo Bay but that gene flow is restricted between western and coastal Kenya, probably by the high elevation rift.
Humoral nitric oxide levels and antibody immune response of symptomatic and indeterminate Chagas' disease patients to commercial and autochthonous Trypanosoma cruzi antigen.
Authors: PÃ©rez-Fuentes R , SÃ¡nchez-GuillÃ©n M C , GonzÃ¡lez-Alvarez C , MonteÃ³n V M , Reyes P A , Rosales-Encina J L
Published: May 2017

We report here the evaluation of chagasic patients for the presence and/or severity of the disease, antibody to Trypanosoma cruzi, and nitric oxide (NO) serum levels. Serum samples tested by ELISA with autochthonous and commercial antigen revealed that 10% and 7.5% of the individuals were anti-T. cruzi antibody-positive, respectively. Ten of 21 seropositive individuals had no clinical signs, the other 11 cases presented cardiomyopathy and/or mega-gastrointestinal syndromes, and three patients presented a combined form. A statistical difference (P < 0.001) in antibody titer between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with autochthonous antigen was detected, and serum NO levels was found to be three times higher in cases than in controls. These results suggest that it is recommended to use a sole source of antigen (autochthonous) for the serodiagnosis of Chagas' disease, and that the pathogenic role of NO in this disease should be evaluated.