bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMPLIACIÓN GEOGRÁFICA DEL TIBURÓN SIETE BRANQUIAS O BOCADULCE HEPTRANCHIAS PERLO BONNATERRE (HEXANCHIFORMES: HEXANCHIDAE) PARA EL CARIBE CONTINENTAL COLOMBIANO
Authors: Anguila Rafael , Nieto Alvarado Luis Eduardo , Narváez Barandica Juan Carlos , Hernández Beracasa Luis , Acero P. Arturo
Published: October 2017

The geographic distribution of the sharpnose seven gill shark Heptranchias perlo (Hexanchidae: Hexanchiformes) is expanded for the Colombian mainland Caribbean, from three specimens caught with monofilament gillnets of 13, 10 and 9 cm between 80 and 100 m depth, in the area between Puerto Colombia and Sabanilla, Atlántico. Specimens measured 1000, 978-980 mm total length; and a weight of 3, 3 and 2.75 kg respectively; sharks from Puerto Colombia were pregnant females and the Sabanilla specimen a nonpregnant but mature female.
ESTRUCTURA DE LA COMUNIDAD DE PECES EN LA BAHÍA LA ENTREGA, OAXACA, MÉXICO
Authors: Ramos-Santiago Eduardo , Tapia-García Margarito
Published: October 2017

The ecological studieson the fish community in La Entrega Bay about its composition, diversity, distribution, and abundance7-288 Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras • Vol. 46 (1) • 2017are insufficient, although it has one of the largest structured coral reef, with a variety of environments,habitats, and aquatic organisms poorly studied. Five samples were made in November 2002, March andApril 2003, which correspond to the dry season; and June and August 2003 during the rainy season,through visual censuses with band transects of 10 m long and parallel to coastline. Each census wasconducted by two divers and considering a field of view of 5 m. Ten transects were distributed in thefollowing way: five in the coral reef, three in the rocky reef, and two in the sandy bottom in front ofthe commercial area of the Bay. A total of 65 species, 49 genus and 28 families were identified. Themost representative families were Labridae, with nine species and five genera, Pomacentridae witheight species and four genera and Tetraodontidae with five species and three genera. The greatestabundance of fish was characteristic of the coral reef, mainly during the rainy season. The greatestdiversity and specific richness occurred on the rocky reef during the rainy season. The classificationanalysis indicates a different community structure for coral reef, rocky, and sandy environments.Thalassoma lucasanum, Stegastes acapulcoensis, Prionurus punctatus, Chromis atrilobata,Haemulon maculicauda and Chaetodon humeralis were dominant species on the coral reef. Stegastesacapulcoensis, Microspathodon dorsalis, C. atrilobata, Apogon pacificus and Halichoeres notospiluswere dominant species on the rocky reef. Haemulon maculicauda, Haemulon steindachneri, Mugilcurema and Mulloidichthys dentatus were dominant species on the sandy environment. The specificrichness has a direct relationship with temperature. The abundance variations during the five months ofsampling were statistically different.
DETECCIÓN DE CAMBIOS DE LA LÍNEA COSTERA AL NORTE DEL DISTRITO DE BUENAVENTURA MEDIANTE EL USO DE SENSORES REMOTOS
Authors: Cifuentes Ossa María Alejandra , Rosero Henao Leidy Viviana , Josephraj Selvaraj John
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on detecting the magnitude of shoreline changes of the northern District ofBuenaventura, in the Colombian Pacific, over a 30-year period, on a coast where the geomorphologyincludes beaches, cliffs, estuaries, deltas and salt marshes. Satellite imagery (Landsat MSS, ETM + andOLI TIRS) were used to detect historical positions of the shoreline in order to identify the processes ofchange, in terms of erosion and accretion, from 1986 to 2015. Statistical analysis of changes was carriedout to estimate distances and shoreline change rates, using a tool developed by the United States GeologicalSurvey (USGS): Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). The statistics on Net Shoreline Movement(NSM) and End Point Rate (EPR), provided information about the magnitude and trends of changes in theshoreline. The results indicate that areas with more advanced processes of accretion correspond to sectorsin Boca San Juan, Puerto España and near to La Concepción beach in the Department of Valle del Caucaand in the south of Chavica, in the Department of Chocó; all these sectors are located in the northern partof the study area. Also in the same sectors, particularly around Chavica, the most advanced processes oferosion were found, along with El Choncho beach and a small sector in the Malaga bay. Some sectors ofthe shoreline remained mostly stable, such as Malaga and Buenaventura Bays. Average shoreline changerate of (-) 0.21m per year was found, reflecting its erosive tendency with maximum EPR values 26.92mof accretion and (-) 21.01m for coastal erosion. Natural processes such as the influence of river dischargeand El Niño phenomenon, have contributed to these shoreline changes. The identified erosion and accretionprocesses can be recognized as priority areas of coastal management in the Colombian Pacific.
ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO ENTRE SALINAS SOLARES TRADICIONALES Y OTRAS ACTIVIDADES ECONÓMICAS EN UN ESTUARIO PROTEGIDO PORTUGUÉS
Authors: Sainz-López Noa
Published: October 2017

This study shows that Traditional Solar Saltworks can be competitive with other land uses in the Nature Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo Antonio Saltmarshes (“Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António”, in Portuguese), sited in the estuary of the Guadiana River (SW Iberian Peninsula, Europe); particularly, if they are specialized in extraction of Fleur de Sel (or Flower of Salt), a gourmet variety of sea salt. Artisanal sea salt production based on solar evaporationmethods of millennial history in the area is an environmentally sustainable activity in harmony withsaltmarsh landscape. Two crystallizers of a 1 ha Traditional Solar Saltworks were monitored during 70 days from June to August 2015 with the purpose of gathering detailed production data. Monitoring comprised weighing of daily Fleur de Sel harvest while coarse salt survey in one crystallizer, implied packing and weighing after two months. The competitiveness of this new commercialized variety ofsea salt was assessed with respect to other ongoing economic activities in the area, such as aquaculture,industrial salt production, and tourism. Comparison focused on the relationship between the occupied surface and production´s revenue. Water consumption was used as an economic and environmental sustainability indicator. Data were obtained through in-situ monitoring, literature review and from official statistics and spatial data sources. The results indicate that Fleur de Sel extraction in Traditional Solar Saltworks can be a high profile land use form in the area of Nature Reserve, which on a long-term basisis a sustainable activity from a socio-economic and environmental point of view.
PRIMER REGISTRO DEL TAMBORIL NARIGÓN (SPHOEROIDES LOBATUS: TETRAODONTIDAE) EN ISLA MALPELO, PACÍFICO COLOMBIANO
Authors: Rojas-Vélez Stephanía , Tavera José Julian
Published: October 2017

Among the eight species of the genus Sphoeroides (family Tetraodontidae) that inhabit the Tropical Eastern Pacific only Sphoeroides lobatus has been reported in more than onegroup of oceanic islands: Galápagos, Revillagigedo and Isla del Coco. This work presents the first documented record of the longnose puffer (S. lobatus) at Malpelo Island, Colombian Pacific.
Arene Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Phosphorous Ligands as Possible Anticancer Agents
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Pampaloni Guido , Marchetti Fabio
Published: October 2017

Ruthenium(II) complexes of formula [Ru(?6-arene)Cl2 (PTA)] (RAPTA) are potential anticancer drugs with notable antimetastatic and antiangiogenic activity, which are now pointing to clinical trials. Following the great interest aroused by these compounds, a
variety of RAPTA derivatives, obtained by chloride substitution and/or containing functionalized arene ligands, and complexes resembling the RAPTA structure but bearing different phosphorous ligands have been synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. An overview of all of these
biologically relevant complexes will be given, with particular reference to the anticancer behaviour exhibited by the compounds and the possible relationship with structural aspects.
Enantioselective Reductions Promoted by (Cyclopentadienone)iron Complexes
Authors: Piarulli Umberto , Fachini Sofia Vailati , Pignataro Luca
Published: October 2017

(Cyclopentadienone)iron complexes have recently gained widespread interest as cheap metal-based pre-catalysts for the reduction of carbonyl compounds and imines, thanks to their air- and moisture-stability and easy synthesis/purification. In this account, several approaches are presented
to achieve enantioselective C=O and C=N bond reduction using this class of iron complexes. Most of the examples, used in the asymmetric reduction of ketones, rely on chiral (cyclopentadienone)iron complexes, featuring a chiral cyclopentadienone backbone and/or a chiral monophosphoramidite
ligand, introduced by replacement of a CO ligand. The enantiomeric excesses achieved so far with this strategy are at best moderate. Better ees could be obtained with an alternative approach, used in the enantioselective reduction of C=N bonds, which consists in combining an achiral
(hydroxycyclopentadienyl)iron complex (i.e. the activated form of a (cyclopentadienone)iron complex) with a chiral phosphoric acid.
Organic Diselenides: Versatile Reagents, Precursors, and Intriguing Biologically Active Compounds
Authors: Santi Claudio , Tomassini Cristina , Sancineto Luca
Published: October 2017

In this account, we describe how some organic diselenides were successfully used in the past as reagents for asymmetric stereoselective synthesis and more recently as precursors of catalysts and reagents applied in new green protocols. A biomimetic approach offered the possibility to
perform oxidative reactions using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant and water as medium affording the desired products in excellent yields under mild conditions. The umpolung of the selenium atom gave novel nucleophilic reagents having a strongly accelerated reaction rate in on water conditions.
Finally, the use of diselenides to exploit specific biological activities is described here as seminal examples of a promising field of research currently under investigation in our group.
SCHeMA EU Project Summer School Report (Bilbao June 16 – 17, 2016)
Authors: Akter Mahfuza , Roman Olaya , Ruoyu Hu , Abdou Melina , Crespi Miquel Coll , Botia Maria Cuartero , Fighera Marianna , Gil-Diaz Teba , Kowal Justyna Lucja , Luxenburger Florian , Mirasole Cristiana , Pankratova Nadezda , Penezic Abra , Zieger Silvia , Tercier-Waeber Mary-Lou , Rodriguez Azibar , Roch Marlène , Rementeria Ane , Auguste Manon , Bir Joyanta , Blanco Esther , Briaudeau Tifanie , Dapueto Giulia , De Cerio Diaz , Coccoli Caroline , Creemers Marie , Espino Marinelle , Gain Dhiman , Gil-Uriarte Endika , Grimaldi Camille , Khalil Sarker Mohammed Ibrahim , Lopez Alizée , Nardin Corinne
Published: October 2017

This conference report describes the training activities that took place in the frame of the Integrated in Situ Chemical MApping probe (SCHeMA) summer school organized from the 14th to the 16th of June 2016 in Bilbao (Spain).
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of Schiff’s bases derivatives as potent antibacterial agents
Authors: Parcha Versha , Kumar Ankit , Mahajan Babita , Kaur Jaswinder
Published: October 2017

Objective: To design, synthesize and screen biologically newer Substituted Schiff bases by condensing substituted acid hydrazides with various benzaldehydes and explore their antimicrobial potential.Methods: Present study synthesis of various derivatives of Schiffs bases was carried out by: firstly converting substituted acids to acid hydrazides and then to Schiff's bases after condensation with substituted benzaldehyde. Synthesized compounds were characterised on the basis of spectral studies (like UV, IR, and NMR). All the synthesized derivatives were screened further for their antibacterial effect against Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus& Bacillus cereus.Results: From this study it could be observed that schiff’s bases 2-[( aminophenylhydrazinyldene o,m,dinitrobenzoyl] aniline (H) and compound 2-[( aminophenylzinyldene) p amino benzoyl] aniline (I) showed very good zone of inhibition against almost all strains tested for.Conclusions: So further attempts could be made to extend the series and explore their antibacterial potential to achieve hopeful goal.
Animal Asymmetries: Evolution and Mechanisms
Authors: Blum Martin
Published: October 2017

Asymmetry is a feature of animal body plans, which often reveals its elf only upon closer inspection. While asymmetric coiling of snail shells is obvious even to the untrained eye, sea stars and sea urchins don't even seem to qualify as bilaterians at first glance, and vertebrate asymmetry is restricted to the asymmetric placement of many of the inner organs of the chest and abdomen.
Control measures following a case of imported Lassa fever from Togo, North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, 2016
Authors: Lehmann Clara , Kochanek Matthias , Abdulla Diana , Becker Stephan , Böll Boris , Bunte Anne , Cadar Daniel , Dormann Arno , Eickmann Markus , Emmerich Petra , Feldt Torsten , Frank Christina , Fries Jochen , Gabriel Martin , Goetsch Udo , Gottschalk René , Günther Stephan , Hallek Michael , Häussinger Dieter , Herzog Christian , Jensen Björn , Kolibay Felix , Krakau Michael , Langebartels Georg , Rieger Toni , Schaade Lars , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Schömig Edgar , Schüttfort Gundolf , Shimabukuro-Vornhagen Alexander , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Wieland Ulrike , Wiesmüller Gerhard , Wolf Timo , Fätkenheuer Gerd
Published: October 2017

In a patient transferred from Togo to Cologne, Germany, Lassa fever was diagnosed 12 days post mortem. Sixty-two contacts in Cologne were categorised according to the level of exposure, and gradual infection control measures were applied. No clinical signs of Lassa virus infection or Lassa specific antibodies were observed in the 62 contacts. Thirty-three individuals had direct contact to blood, other body fluids or tissue of the patients. Notably, with standard precautions, no transmission occurred between the index patient and healthcare workers. However, one secondary infection occurred in an undertaker exposed to the corpse in Rhineland-Palatinate, who was treated on the isolation unit at the University Hospital of Frankfurt. After German authorities raised an alert regarding the imported Lassa fever case, an American healthcare worker who had cared for the index patient in Togo, and who presented with diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, was placed in isolation and medevacked to the United States. The event and the transmission of Lassa virus infection outside of Africa underlines the need for early diagnosis and use of adequate personal protection equipment (PPE), when highly contagious infections cannot be excluded. It also demonstrates that larger outbreaks can be prevented by infection control measures, including standard PPE.
The burden of visceral leishmaniasis in Italy from 1982 to 2012: a retrospective analysis of the multi-annual epidemic that occurred from 1989 to 2009
Authors: Gramiccia M , Scalone A , Di Muccio T , Orsini S , Fiorentino E , Gradoni L
Published: October 2017

Starting from 1989 Italy experienced an increase of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases over a baseline of 10 to 30 cases reported annually. The number of cases peaked in 2000 and 2004 with more than 200 cases/year, and subsequently declined to reach on average one third of the 2000 peak value in the period after 2010. A retrospective analysis from 1982 to 2012 showed that the multi-annual epidemic consisted of major components including (i) an outbreak involving infants and immunocompetent adults in parts of the Campania region (southern peninsular Italy) and that appears to have declined naturally, (ii) a second outbreak affecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals throughout the country, that declined owing to the use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART), (iii) a generalised increase of VL cases in immunocompetent individuals and patients affected by associated conditions other than HIV from endemic regions of peninsular and insular Italy (other than Campania), which was due to a geographical spreading of VL foci, with no major case-clusters or outbreak features. A minor component consisted in the appearance of a few autochthonous cases in formerly non-endemic areas, starting from the early 1990s. Epidemic determinants and reasons for VL decline in the Campania region remain largely unexplained, despite the information available on canine reservoir and phlebotomine vectors in Italy.
Emergence of resistance to oseltamivir among influenza A(H1N1) viruses in Europe
Authors: Lackenby A , Hungnes O , Dudman S G , Meijer A , Paget W  J , Hay A J , Zambon M C
Published: October 2017

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The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in Sweden
Authors: Duberg A , Janzon R , Bäck E , Ekdahl K , Blaxhult A
Published: October 2017

In Sweden, infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been a notifiable disease since 1990, when diagnostic methods became available. Blood donor screening indicated that about 0.5% of the Swedish population (9 millions) had been HCV infected. Here we present the Swedish hepatitis C epidemic based on data from all the HCV notifications 1990-2006. During this time about 42,000 individuals (70% men) were diagnosed and reported as HCV infected. The majority (80%) were born in 1950 or later, with a high percentage (60%) born in the 1950s and 1960s. Younger people, 15-24 years old at notification, were reported on the same level each year. The main reported routes of HCV transmission were intravenous drug use in 65%, blood transfusions/products in 6%, and sexual in 2%, though unknown or not stated in 26%. Approximately 6,000 of all notified individuals have died during the study period. To conclude, the Swedish HCV epidemic is highly related to the increase of intravenous drug use in the late 1960s and 1970s, with a high proportion of people now chronically infected for more than 25 years, resulting in an increase of severe liver complications in form of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore the unchanged number of notifications of newly infected younger people indicates an ongoing HCV epidemic.
European monitoring of notifications of hepatitis C virus infection in the general population and among injecting drug users (IDUs) – the need to improve quality and comparability
Authors: Wiessing L , Guarita B , Giraudon I , Brummer-Korvenkontio H , Salminen M , Cowan S  A
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health problem in Europe, and it is estimated that a large number of people are unaware of their infection [1-3]. HCV infection may lead to symptomatic chronic liver disease after many years of asymptomatic infection. Effective treatment is available for HCV infection; however, the efficacy for many genotypes remains low and therapy is prolonged, involving both weekly injections and daily oral medication, and can be associated with significant adverse effects [4,5]. Where documented, injecting drug use is a major transmission route for HCV infections [1,6,7]. In many European countries, national surveillance of HCV infections has been established relatively recently.
A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Agona, February - August 2008
Authors: O'Flanagan D , Cormican M , McKeown P , Nicolay N , Cowden J , Mason B , Morgan D , Lane C , Irvine N , Browning L
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting residents in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Finland is currently being investigated. As of Wednesday 13 August, a total of 119 cases have been identified. An investigation that includes interviews of persons with Salmonella Agona infections, comparison of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles of S. Agona isolates from cases and also food samples from an Irish food production company and retail outlet chain supplied by the company, suggests that food products from that company may be related to some of these cases. A number of food products including beef steak strips, chicken in various forms, bacon in various forms, and pork have been withdrawn (see: http://www.fsai.ie/ for details). The investigation is ongoing.
Outbreak of measles in two private religious schools in Bourgogne and Nord-Pas-de-Calais regions of France, May-July 2008 (preliminary results)
Authors: Noury U , Stoll J , Haeghebaert S , Antona D , Parent du Châtelet I , The investigation team Collective
Published: October 2017

To date, 110 cases of measles have been identified by local health authorities in the Bourgogne and Nord-Pas-de-Calais regions of France, with onset of symptoms between 3 May and 19 July. The first three cases were reported on 25 June by a general practitioner to the French national institute of health (Institut de Veille Sanitaire, InVS) regional office in Bourgogne, in the centre of France. The three unvaccinated cases were students at a private religious school for girls located in Bourgogne and had onset of rash between mid-May and 23 June. On the same day, another general practitioner in Nord-Pas-de-Calais reported a case of measles in an unvaccinated 14 year-old boy attending a private religious boarding school for boys. The boy had developed a rash on 19 June and happened to live in the same place in Bourgogne where the above-mentioned girls' school was located. The two schools have elementary to secondary students. Both are private religious boarding schools. Most of the students come from the surrounding areas, some resident pupils are from other French regions, and some from abroad. All students returned home on 26 June for summer holidays.
Community-wide outbreak of hepatitis A in Latvia, in 2008
Authors: Perevoščikovs J , Lucenko I , Magone S , Brila A , Curikova J
Published: October 2017

Since November 2007, an increase in the number of reported hepatitis A cases has been observed in Latvia. The aim of this report is to provide an update on the descriptive epidemiology of hepatitis A in Latvia and suggest some possible explanations of the recent increase in incidence.
Low coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination in the elderly in many European countries
Authors: Mereckiene J , Cotter S , Weber J T , Nicoll A , Lévy-Bruhl D , Ferro A , Tridente G , Zanoni G , Berra P , Salmaso S , O'Flanagan D , on behalf of the VENICE gatekeepers group Collective
Published: October 2017

In May 2003, the 56th World Health Assembly (WHA) recommended influenza vaccination for all people at high risk defined as the elderly and persons with underlying diseases [1]. The WHA countries, including all European Union (EU) Member States, also committed to the goal of attaining vaccination coverage of the elderly population of at least 50% by 2006 and 75% by 2010 and to having mechanisms for monitoring the uptake [1]. To date there has been no published survey on how successful European countries have been in implementing this WHA resolution.
Reported cases of congenital syphilis in the French national hospital database
Authors: Nicolay N , Gallay A , Michel A , Nicolau J , Desenclos J  C , Semaille C
Published: October 2017

In France, the resurgence of syphilis infection since the beginning of the 2000s, with cases reported among women of reproductive age is a reason for concern considering the possible occurrence of congenital syphilis (CS). Using the French national private and public hospital database, we investigated the number of children with a diagnosis of CS born in France in 2004. Six cases less than one year old were identified as probable CS in the database. Two of these cases were adopted children from outside Europe, whereas the other four were born in France. The mothers of these last four infants tested positive for syphilis during the third trimester of pregnancy, two of them during premature delivery. Three of the four mothers were born abroad. Specific socio-cultural conditions may have been responsible for a lack of antenatal care responsible for the disease. Since CS is a preventable disease and the treatment of syphilis infection is cost-effective, we conclude that surveillance of CS cases and assessment of syphilis screening practises during pregnancy should be performed to prevent the occurrence of CS cases in France.
HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe: update 2007
Authors: van de Laar M J , Likatavicius G , Stengaard A R , Donoghoe M C
Published: October 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains of major public health importance in Europe, with evidence of increasing transmission of HIV in several countries. This article provides an overview of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) surveillance data, and indicates that since 2000 the rate of newly reported cases of HIV per million population has almost doubled in Europe. In 2007, a total of 48,892 cases of HIV infection were reported from 49 of 53 countries in the Region, with the highest rates in Estonia, Ukraine, Portugal and the Republic of Moldova. In the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, the predominant mode of transmission for HIV infection is sex between men followed by heterosexual contact. Injecting drug use is still the main mode of transmission in the eastern part of the WHO European region, while in the central part heterosexual contact is the predominant mode of transmission. In 2007, the reported number of AIDS cases diagnosed decreased in the Region overall, except in the eastern part. HIV/AIDS surveillance data are vital to monitor the trends of the HIV epidemic and evaluate public health responses.
HIV among injecting drug users in Europe: increasing trends in the East
Authors: Wiessing L , van de Laar M J , Donoghoe M C , Guarita B , Klempová D , Griffiths P
Published: October 2017

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among injecting drug users (IDUs) shows different developments in different parts of the European region. In the countries of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the rates of reported newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in IDUs are mostly at stable and low levels or in decline. In contrast, those rates increased in 2007 in many of the other (eastern) countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, suggesting that the HIV epidemic among IDUs in Europe is still growing. In countries or regions where indicators of HIV incidence show upward trends, existing prevention measures may be insufficient and in need of strengthening. In the EU/EFTA region the larger availability of harm reduction measures such as opioid substitution treatment and needle and syringe programmes may have played a key role in containing the epidemic among IDUs.
Long-term Cryptosporidium typing reveals the aetiology and species-specific epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis in England and Wales, 2000 to 2003
Authors: Chalmers R M , Elwin K , Thomas A L , Guy E C , Mason B
Published: October 2017

To improve understanding of the aetiology and epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis, over 8,000 Cryptosporidium isolates were submitted for typing to the species level over a four year period. The majority were either Cryptosporidium parvum (45.9%) or Cryptosporidium hominis (49.2%). Dual infection occurred in 40 (0.5%) cases and six other known Cryptosporidium species or genotypes were found in 67 (0.9%) cases. These were Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium canis, and the Cryptosporidium cervine, horse and skunk genotypes. The remaining 3.5% were not typable. Epidemiology differed between infecting species. C. parvum cases were younger, although C. hominis was more prevalent in infants under one year and in females aged 15 to 44 years. Spring peaks in cases reported to national surveillance were due to C. parvum, while C. hominis was more prevalent during the late summer and early autumn as well as in patients reporting recent foreign travel. Temporal and geographical differences were observed and a decline in C. parvum cases persisted from 2001. Typing of isolates allowed outbreaks to be more clearly delineated, and demonstrated anthroponotic spread of C. parvum as well as C. hominis. Our findings suggest that national surveillance for Cryptosporidium should be conducted at the species level.
An outbreak of measles in orthodox Jewish communities in Antwerp, Belgium, 2007-2008: different reasons for accumulation of susceptibles
Authors: Lernout T , Kissling E , Hutse V , De Schrijver K , Top G
Published: October 2017

From August 2007 to May 2008, an outbreak of at least 137 cases of measles occurred in some orthodox Jewish communities in Antwerp, Belgium. The outbreak was linked to outbreaks in the same communities in the United Kingdom and in Israel. The reasons for this outbreak were diverse: cultural factors, misinformation on vaccination by some medical doctors and the lack of a catch-up vaccination programme in private Jewish schools. The identification of smaller susceptible groups for measles transmission and vaccination of these groups represent a major challenge for the measles elimination programme.
EpiSouth: a network for communicable disease control in the Mediterranean region and the Balkans
Authors: Dente M G , Fabiani M , Gnesotto R , Putoto G , Montagna C , Simon-Soria F , Martin de Pando C , Barboza P , Ait-Belghiti F , Kojouharova M , Vladimirova N , Vorou R , Mellou K , Thinus G , Declich S , for the EpiSouth Network Collective
Published: October 2017

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Can the Swedish new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis (nvCT) be detected by UK NEQAS participants from seventeen European countries and five additional countries/regions in 2009?
Authors: Unemo M , Rossouw A , James V , Jenkins C
Published: October 2017

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Endemic hepatitis E in two Nordic countries
Authors: Norder H , Sundqvist L , Magnusson L , Østergaard Breum S , Löfdahl M , Larsen L E , Hjulsager C K , Magnius L , Böttiger B  E , Widén F
Published: October 2017

Antibodies against hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) were found in 248 Swedish and Danish patients between 1993 and 2007. Most patients were symptomatic and tested for anti-HEV due to travel abroad. Among patients with known country of infection, most were infected in Asia, mainly on the Indian subcontinent. However, 29 patients were infected in Europe, nine of these had HEV IgM and/or HEV RNA in serum. In sera from 65 of 141 tested patients HEV RNA could be detected, and 63 strains could be typed by limited sequencing within ORF2. HEV RNA was found in sera from 71% of the patients with HEV IgM and IgG and in 18% of the patients with only detectable HEV IgG. It was also found up to three weeks after the onset of disease in 67% of the patients with known date of onset. Patients infected in Europe were infected by genotype 3, and were older than those infected by genotype 1 (mean age 55.3 vs 30 years, p<0.001). Since it is known that genotype 3 can infect domestic pigs, HEV strains from 18 piglets in 17 herds in Sweden and Denmark were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of the genotype 3 strains showed geographical clades and high similarity between strains from patients and pigs from the same area. There are thus autochthonous hepatitis E cases in Scandinavia, and there are probably many undiagnosed ones. Patients with hepatitis of unknown etiology should therefore be investigated for anti-HEV even if they have not been outside Europe, since infections acquired from pigs or other animals should be taken into consideration.
Influenza A(H5N1): an overview of the current situation
Authors: Melidou A , Gioula G , Exindari M , Chatzidimitriou D , Diza-Mataftsi E
Published: October 2017

Influenza viruses continue to threaten the world with a new pandemic. While currently attention is focused on the newly emerged A(H1N1) virus, the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus is still a cause of concern. Extended research is focused on the genetic evolution of the viruses, as well as their susceptibility to available antiviral drugs. One of the major priorities of the World Health Organization is to develop candidate vaccines, four of which are already licensed for use in the European Union. Since the last influenza pandemic in 1968, our knowledge of the influenza virus and its biology has greatly increased, revealing new avenues in the research for antiviral strategies and the development of effective vaccines.
Autochthonous cystic echinococcosis in patients who grew up in Germany
Authors: Richter J , Orhun A , Grüner B , Müller-Stöver I , Reuter S , Romig T , Häussinger D , Kern P
Published: October 2017

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis. Cases occurring in Germany are considered to result from imported infection and it is unclear if Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) is still transmitted in Germany. Therefore, exposure was investigated in 15 patients with cystic echinococcosis (7 female, 8 male; age-range 16-68, with a median of 48 years) who grew up in Germany. Fourteen patients had most likely acquired their infection in rural Germany, 11 from local dogs, one from an imported dog, two without obvious dog contacts. Taking into account multiple conceivable confounding factors might also account for some of infections: contacts with imported dogs or contact with dogs during travel in highly endemic regions, and ingestion of food contaminated by worm ova, whether in Germany or abroad. However, in at least two cases autochthonous transmission is beyond doubt, because these patients had never left Germany. The long pre-symptomatic development of cystic echinococcosis does not allow for a precise evaluation of the actual epidemiological situation. Compulsory notification of human cystic echinococcosis is an important instrument in the surveillance of the disease in humans. Regular inquiries at laboratories carrying out work in the field of veterinary medicine and at slaughterhouses, supervision of dogs at risk as well as genetic investigations on the strain or species of the causal agent of cystic echinococcosis are needed.
Evaluation of four real-time PCR assays for detection of influenza A(H1N1)v viruses
Authors: Ellis J , Iturriza M , Allan R , Bermingham A , Brown K , Gray J , Brown D
Published: October 2017

The sensitivity and specificity of four real-time PCR assays (HPA A(H1)v, CDC A (H1)v, HPA A(N1)v and NVRL S-OIV assays) was evaluated for detection of influenza A(H1N1)v viruses. Nose and throat swab samples containing influenza A(H1N1)v viruses, seasonal influenza AH3N2, AH1N1, influenza B viruses, or negative for influenza viruses were tested by the four assays. Specificity was also analysed using influenza A viruses of different subtypes and non-related respiratory viruses. The sensitivities and specificities of the four assays were in a similar range and suitable for diagnostic use. The HPA (H1)v and the S-OIV assays were the most sensitive assays for use as a first line test, but the S-OIV assay was less specific, detecting all avian subtypes of influenza A viruses tested. The results of this study demonstrate that the concurrent use of primary diagnostic and confirmatory assays provides rapid and accurate assessment of confirmed cases, and allows appropriate management of patients.
Epidemiology of influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection in Japan, May - June 2009
Authors: Shimada T , Gu Y , Kamiya H , Komiya N , Odaira F , Sunagawa T , Takahashi H , Toyokawa T , Tsuchihashi Y , Yasui Y , Tada Y , Okabe N
Published: October 2017

Between 9 May and 4 June 2009, a total of 401 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1)v virus were reported in Japan, from 16 of the 47 Japanese prefectures. The two areas most affected were Osaka prefecture and Kobe city where outbreaks in high schools occurred leading to school closures. To date all cases have had symptoms consistent with seasonal influenza and no severe or fatal cases have been reported.
A foodborne outbreak due to Cryptosporidium parvum in Helsinki, November 2008
Authors: Pönka A , Kotilainen H , Rimhanen-Finne R , Hokkanen P , Hänninen M L , Kaarna A , Meri T , Kuusi M
Published: October 2017

We report the first foodborne outbreak caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in Finland. The outbreak occurred among personnel of the Public Works Department in Helsinki, who had eaten in the same canteen. 72 persons fell ill with diarrhoea, none was hospitalised. Four faecal samples obtained from 12 ill persons were positive for Cryptosporidium by an antigen identification assay and microscopy. The vehicle of infection could not be identified with certainty but a salad mixture was suspected.
Validity of routine surveillance data: a case study on Swedish notifications of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Stenhem M , Örtqvist Å , Ringberg H , Larsson L , Olsson-Liljequist B , Hæggman S , Kalin M , Ekdahl K , the Swedish study group on MRSA epidemiology
Published: October 2017

Surveillance of communicable diseases is a public health corner stone. Routine notification data on communicable diseases are used as a basis for public health action as well as for policy making. While there are agreed standards for evaluating the performance of surveillance systems, it is rarely possible to analyse the validity of the data entered into these systems. In this study we compared data on all Swedish cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) routinely notified between 2000 and 2003 with follow-up information collected for each of these cases as part of a public health project. The variables Reason for testing (clinical sample, contact tracing, screening of risk group), Clinical presentation (disease, colonisation), Transmission setting (healthcare-acquired, community-acquired), Country of acquisition (Sweden, abroad) and Risk-occupation (yes, no) were analysed for sensitivity, positive predictive value and completeness of answers. The sensitivity varied between 23% and 83%, the positive predictive values were generally higher (55% to 97%), while missing answers varied from 11% to 59%. The proportion of community-acquired cases was markedly higher when excluding either cases of MRSA colonisation or cases found through public health-initiated activities (contact tracing or screening of risk groups). We conclude that the quality of routine surveillance data may be inadequate for in-depth epidemiological analyses. This should be taken into account when interpreting routine surveillance figures. Whether or not the case definition includes cases of MRSA colonisation may have a significant impact on population-wide estimates of MRSA occurrence.
Compliance and side effects of prophylactic oseltamivir treatment in a school in South West England
Authors: Wallensten A , Oliver I , Lewis D , Harrison S
Published: October 2017

School closure along with mass prophylactic oseltamivir treatment of pupils have been used in England and elsewhere to contain school outbreaks of influenza A(H1N1)v. We evaluated the protective effect, compliance with and side effects of oseltamivir chemoprophylactic treatment with a ten-day course of 1x 75mg given to 11-12-year-old pupils in one school year in a secondary school in South West England closed for ten days in response to a symptomatic laboratory-confirmed pupil.

We distributed a questionnaire to pupils in the affected school year in class after the school had re-opened. Questions included symptoms of flu-like illness, compliance with chemoprophylaxis and side effects. All present on the day, 248 (93.2%) participated. Compliance with chemoprophylaxis was high, 77% took the full course, 91% took at least seven days. Fifty-one percent experienced symptoms such as feeling sick (31.2%), headaches (24.3%) and stomach ache (21.1%). Although some children were ill with flu-like symptoms, those tested did not have A(H1N1)v infection. Compliance with oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis was high, although likely side effects were common. The burden of side effects needs to be considered when deciding on mass oseltamivir chemoprophylaxis in children especially given that the symptoms of A(H1N1)v influenza are generally mild.
Struggling with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections: is donor faeces the solution?
Authors: van Nood E , Speelman P , Kuijper E  J , Keller J J
Published: October 2017

Patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in hospitals and the community constitute an increasing treatment problem. While most patients with a first infection respond to either metronidazole or oral vancomycin, therapy in recurrent C. difficile infections tends to fail repeatedly. Lack of alternative treatment options can be a tremendous burden, both to patients and their treating physicians. Most guidelines recommend prolonged oral vancomycin pulse and or tapering schedules, but evidence-based treatment strategies are lacking. The role of immunoglobulins, whey prepared from vaccinated cows, probiotics or other antibiotics is unclear. Since 1958 several case series and case reports describe a treatment strategy where faecal infusions are successfully given for the treatment of recurrent CDI. Restoring intestinal flora has been historically thought of as the mechanism responsible for cure in these patients. In the literature, more than 150 patients have received faeces from a healthy donor, either infused through an enema, or through a nasoduodenal or nasogastric tube. We summarise the literature regarding treatment with donor faeces for recurrent CDI, and introduce the FECAL trial, currently open for inclusion.
Pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v in New Zealand: the experience from April to August 2009
Authors: Baker M G , Wilson N , Huang Q S , Paine S , Lopez L , Bandaranayake D , Tobias M , Mason K , Mackereth G F , Jacobs M , Thornley C , Roberts S , McArthur C
Published: October 2017

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Trichinellosis outbreak in Lithuania, Ukmerge region, June 2009
Authors: Bartuliene A , Liausediene R , Motiejuniene V
Published: October 2017

An outbreak of trichinellosis due to wild boar meat was detected in Lithuania in June 2009. The outbreak affected 107 people all of whom had consumed sausages made of wild boar meat. Inspection of food samples confirmed the presence of Trichinella larvae in the meat.
Botulism and hot-smoked whitefish: a family cluster of type E botulism in France, September 2009
Authors: King L A , Niskanen T , Junnikkala M , Moilanen E , Lindström M , Korkeala H , Korhonen T , Popoff M , Mazuet C , Callon H , Pihier N , Peloux F , Ichai C , Quintard H , Dellamonica P , Cua E , Lasfargue M , Pierre F , de Valk H
Published: October 2017

A family cluster of three cases of type E botulism were identified in south-east France in September 2009. The suspected food source of infection was a vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish of Canadian origin purchased by the family during a visit to Finland and consumed several weeks later in France on the day prior to symptom onset. No leftover fish was available to confirm this hypothesis. Vacuum packed hot-smoked whitefish has previously been associated with cases of type E botulism in multiple countries, including Finland, Germany, the United States and Israel.
HIV bio-behavioural survey among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Bratislava, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague and Verona, 2008-2009
Authors: Mirandola M , Folch Toda C , Krampac I , Nita I , Stanekova D , Stehlikova D , Toskin I , Gios L , Foschia J P , Breveglieri M , Furegato M , Castellani E , Bonavina M G , the SIALON network
Published: October 2017

Data from 23 European countries show that the annual number of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men (MSM) increased by 86% between 2000 and 2006. This paper reports the main preliminary results of a bio-behavioural survey in MSM with a specific focus on HIV prevalence and use of United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators in six cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used. A total number of 2,356 questionnaires and 2,241 oral fluid samples were collected (invalid samples 4.1%). The data show different socio-demographic patterns across countries regarding age, level of education, living conditions, living area and self-identity. Southern European cities had the highest percentage of people who had tested for HIV and collected the result. More than 50% of respondents in the sample from Barcelona reported having used a condom last time they had anal sex (57.2%), whilst in all other cities this proportion was below 50%. The cities with the highest HIV prevalence in MSM were Barcelona (17.0%) and Verona (11.8%) whilst lower percentages were reported in Bratislava (6.1%), Bucharest (4.6%), Ljubljana (5.1%) and Prague (2.6%). The low prevalence in Eastern European cities is encouraging. However, with the level of high-risk sexual behaviour documented and the lower frequency of HIV test seeking behaviour, there is a clear risk of an increase in HIV transmission.
A nosocomial outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in a paediatric oncology ward in Italy, October – November 2009
Authors: Chironna M , Tafuri S , Santoro N , Prato R , Quarto M , Germinario C  A
Published: October 2017

A nosocomial outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1), with eight confirmed cases, occurred in a paediatric oncology ward in Italy, in October/November 2009. The fact that one case was infected despite being isolated and without contact to a symptomatic patient, hints towards potential transmission through a health care worker (HCW) and underlines the importance of vaccination of HCW who are involved in the care of critically ill patients.
Preliminary case report of fatal anthrax in an injecting drug user in North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, December 2009
Authors: Radun D , Bernard H , Altmann M , Schöneberg I , Bochat V , van Treeck U , Rippe R  M , Grunow R , Elschner M , Biederbick W , Krause G
Published: October 2017

A fatal case of anthrax occurred in an injecting drug user in Germany, in December 2009. A potential link to similar cases in Scotland in the same time period is currently under investigation.
Underreporting of communicable diseases in the prefecture of Achaia, western Greece, 1999-2004 – missed opportunities for early intervention
Authors: Jelastopulu E , Merekoulias G , Alexopoulos E C
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the completeness of the reporting of infectious diseases in the prefecture of Achaia, western Greece in the period of 1999-2004. We collected hospital records relating to infectious diseases retrospectively from three major hospitals in the region and compared the records to corresponding records at the prefectural public health department (PHD). After record-linkage and cross-validation a total of 1,143 notifiable cases were identified in the three hospitals, of which 707 were reported to the PHD of Achaia, resulting in an observed underreporting of infectious diseases of 38% during the study period. At prefecture level, a further 259 cases were notified by other sources, mainly by the fourth hospital of the region not included in our study, resulting in a total of 966 cases reported to the PHD; 73% of these were reported from the three hospitals included in our study, 27% were notified by the fourth hospital not included in our study and less then 0,3% by physicians working in a private practice or health centre. Meningitis (51%), tuberculosis (12%) and salmonellosis (8%) were the most frequently reported diseases followed by hospitalised cases of varicella (7%), brucellosis (6%) and hepatitis (6%). During the study period, clustering of specific diseases like brucellosis, meningitis, mumps, and salmonellosis was observed, indicating possible outbreaks. Our results show that notification system needs to be improved, in order to ensure proper health resources allocation and implementation of focused prevention and control strategies.