bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and association of hs-CRP with cardiovascular risk variables of metabolic syndrome in adolescent learners
Authors: Rensburg Megan A. , Matsha Tandi , Hoffmann Mariza , Hassan Mogamat S. , Erasmus Rajiv T.
Published: June 2012

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated cardiovascular risk are on the increase in children. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has emerged as a useful marker for inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to determine the distribution of hs-CRP in an effort to identify the MetS variable that is critical in modulating plasma CRP levels in a population of South African adolescents. Design: A cross-sectional analytical study design was used for this investigation, where the dependent and independent variables were measured simultaneously.Methods: Anthropometric variables, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipids were performed on 324 consenting learners aged 15–18 years from three different ethnic groups (Black, White and Coloured). The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) for ages 15–18 year olds was used to define MetS.Results: The prevalence of MetS and obesity was 3.7% and 7.1%, respectively. The hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with a waist-circumference greater than the 90th percentile (p < 0.01) and in obese learners with MetS, but was lower in adolescents with normal weight and MetS. Median hs-CRP levels increased with an increasing number of metabolic abnormalities and exceeded 3 mg/L in 19% of adolescents. Gender and ethnic differences were observed.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that obesity and waist circumference appear to be major mediators of hs-CRP levels in South African adolescents.
Prolonged febrile illness due to CTX-M-15 extendedspectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in Nigeria
Authors: Aboderin Oladipo A. , Adefehinti Olufemi , Odetoyin Babatunde W. , Olotu Amadin A. , Okeke Iruka N. , Adeodu Olugbenga
Published: June 2012

We report on an 8-year-old patient with septicaemia unresponsive to therapy for five weeks. Undetected, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production by the infecting Klebsiella strain was regarded as responsible for treatment failure. Intravenously administered imipenem during the sixth week led to sustained resolution of fever. Resource-limited hospitals can incur prohibitive costs from ESBL-producer infections because of diagnostic limitations and consequent treatment failure involving prolonged supportive therapy.
Deformations of Kähler manifolds with nonvanishing holomorphic vector fields
Authors: Amorós Jaume , Manjarín Mònica , Nicolau Marcel
Published: June 2012

We study compact Kähler manifolds

X

admitting nonvanishing holomorphic vector fields, extending the classical birational classification of projective varieties with tangent vector fields to a classification modulo deformation in the Kähler case, and biholomorphic in the projective case. We introduce and analyze a new class of

{tangential \ deformations}

, and show that they form a smooth subspace in the Kuranishi space of deformations of the complex structure of

X

. We extend Calabi's theorem on the structure of compact Kähler manifolds

X

with

c_1(X) =0

to compact Kähler manifolds with nonvanishing tangent fields, proving that any such manifold

X

admits an arbitrarily small tangential deformation which is a suspension over a torus; that is, a quotient of

F\times \mathbb C^s

fibering over a torus

T=\mathbb C^s/\Lambda

. We further show that either

X

is uniruled or, up to a finite Abelian covering, it is a small deformation of a product

F\times T

where

F

is a Kähler manifold without tangent vector fields and

T

is a torus. A complete classification when

X

is a projective manifold, in which case the deformations may be omitted, or when

\dim X\leq s+2

is also given. As an application, it is shown that the study of the dynamics of holomorphic tangent fields on compact Kähler manifolds reduces to the case of rational varieties.
Algebraic $K$-theory of the first Morava $K$-theory
Authors: Ausoni Christian , Rognes John
Published: June 2012

For a prime

p \ge 5

, we compute the algebraic

K

-theory modulo

p

and

v_1

of the mod

p

Adams summand, using topological cyclic homology. On the way, we evaluate its modulo

p

and

v_1

topological Hochschild homology. Using a localization sequence, we also compute the

K

-theory modulo

p

and

v_1

of the first Morava

K

-theory.
Algebraic cobordism of bundles on varieties
Authors: Lee Y.-P. , Pandharipande Rahul
Published: June 2012

The double point relation defines a natural theory of algebraic cobordism for bundles on varieties. We construct a simple basis (over

\mathbb Q

) of the corresponding cobordism groups over

\text{Spec}(\mathbb C)

for all dimensions of varieties and ranks of bundles. The basis consists of split bundles over products of projective spaces. Moreover, we prove the full theory for bundles on varieties is an extension of scalars of standard algebraic cobordism.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Plastic-Housing BioSand Filter and Its Impact on Diarrheal Disease in Copan, Honduras
Authors: Fabiszewski de Aceituno Anna M. , Stauber Christine E. , Walters Adam R. , Meza Sanchez Rony E. , Sobsey Mark D.
Published: June 2012

Point of use drinking water treatment with the BioSand filter (BSF) allows people to treat their water in the home. The purpose of this research was to document the ability of the Hydraid plastic-housing BSF to reduce diarrheal disease in households who received a BSF in a randomized controlled trial. The trial of the Hydraid plastic-housing BSF was carried out in rural, mountainous communities in Copan, Honduras during April of 2008 to February of 2009. A logistic regression adjusting for clustering showed that the incidence of diarrheal disease in children under 5 years was reduced by approximately 45% (odds ratio = 0.55, 95% confidence interval = 0.28, 1.10) in households that had a BSF compared with those households without a BSF, but this finding fluctuated depending on season and was not statistically significant. Households with a BSF had significantly better drinking water quality regardless of water source or season.
Serologic Study of Pig-Associated Viral Zoonoses in Laos
Authors: Conlan James V. , Vongxay Khamphouth , Jarman Richard G. , Gibbons Robert V. , Lunt Ross A. , Fenwick Stanley , Thompson R. C. Andrew , Blacksell Stuart D.
Published: June 2012

We conducted a serologic survey of four high-priority pig-associated viral zoonoses, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), Nipah virus (NiV), and swine influenza virus (SIV), in Laos. We collected blood from pigs at slaughter during May 2008–January 2009 in four northern provinces. Japanese encephalitis virus hemagglutination inhibition seroprevalence was 74.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 71.5–77.9%), JEV IgM seroprevalence was 2.3% (95% CI = 1.2–3.2%), and HEV seroprevalence was 21.1% (95% CI = 18.1–24.0%). Antibodies to SIV were detected in 1.8% (95% CI = 0.8–2.8%) of pigs by screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and only subtype H3N2 was detected by hemagglutination inhibition in two animals with an inconclusive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay result. No NiV antibody–positive pigs were detected. Our evidence indicates that peak JEV and HEV transmission coincides with the start of the monsoonal wet season and poses the greatest risk for human infection.
Leptospira and Rodents in Cambodia: Environmental Determinants of Infection
Authors: Ivanova Svilena , Herbreteau Vincent , Blasdell Kim , Chaval Yannick , Buchy Philippe , Guillard Bertrand , Morand Serge
Published: June 2012

We investigated infection of rodents and shrews by Leptospira spp. in two localities of Cambodia (Veal Renh, Kaev Seima) and in four types of habitat (forests, non-flooded lands, lowland rain-fed paddy fields, houses) during the wet and the dry seasons. Habitat preference was common, and rodent and shrew species were found only in houses or in rain-fed paddy fields or in forests. Among 649 small mammals trapped belonging to 12 rodent species and 1 shrew species, 71 of 642 animals tested were carriers of Leptospira according to the 16S ribosomal RNA marker used. Rodent infection was higher in low-slope locations, corresponding to rain-fed paddy fields, especially in the rainy season and in Kaev Seima. Rodents (Rattus exulans) and shrews (Suncus murinus) inhabiting households showed significantly low levels of infections, whereas rodents living in and near to forests (shrubby wasteland, orchards) showed high levels of infection.
Low Prevalence of Leishmania Infection in Post-Epidemic Areas of Libo Kemkem, Ethiopia
Authors: Sordo Luis , Gadisa Endalamaw , Custodio Estefanía , Cruz Israel , Simón Fernando , Abraham Zelalem , Moreno Javier , Aseffa Abraham , Tsegaye Hailu , Nieto Javier , Chicharro Carmen , Cañavate Carmen
Published: June 2012

In Libo Kemkem (a district of Amhara region, Ethiopia), no cases of kala-azar had ever been reported until 2005 when an outbreak occurred. Over one-third of those cases were children under 15 years of age. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Leishmania infection in children aged 4–15 years. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2009. Children participating in the survey were selected using a three-stage cluster sampling method. A total of 386 children were included in the study. The overall prevalence of Leishmania infection (direct agglutination test- and/or rK39 immunochromatographic test- and/or leishmanin skin test-positive subjects) in this population was 1.02% (95% confidence interval = 0–4.54), and prevalence was higher in boys and children older than 12 years. Only one case of active disease was encountered. The results suggest that the conditions responsible for the outbreak no longer reign. However, active surveillance remains necessary.
Clinical Epidemiologic Profile of a Cohort of Post–Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Patients in Bihar, India
Authors: Das Vidya Nand Rabi , Ranjan Alok , Pandey Krishna , Singh Dharmendra , Verma Neena , Das Sushmita , Lal Chandra S. , Sinha Naresh K. , Verma Rakesh B. , Siddiqui Niyamat A. , Das Pradeep
Published: June 2012

Post–kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) has important public health implications for transmission of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Clinical and epidemiologic profiles of 102 PKDL patients showed that median age of males and females at the time of diagnosis was significantly different (P = 0.013). A significant association was observed between family history of VL and sex of PKDL patients (χ2 = 5.72, P < 0.01). Nearly 33% of the patients showed development of PKDL within one year of VL treatment. The observed time (median = 12 months) between appearance of lesions and diagnosis is an important factor in VL transmission. A significant association was observed between type of lesions and duration of appearance after VL treatment (χ2 = 6.59, P = 0.001). Because PKDL was observed during treatment with all currently used anti-leishmanial drugs, new drug regimens having high cure rates and potential to lower the PKDL incidence need to be investigated.
Vector Competence of Culex neavei (Diptera: Culicidae) for Usutu Virus
Authors: Nikolay Birgit , Diallo Mawlouth , Faye Ousmane , Boye Cheikh S. , Sall Amadou A.
Published: June 2012

Usutu virus (USUV), a flavivirus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis serocomplex, was isolated for the first time from a Culex neavei mosquito in 1959 in South Africa. Despite multiple isolations of USUV from Cx. neavei in Africa, its vector competence remains unproven. Therefore, we infected Cx. neavei orally with the USUV reference strain and used reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and an indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect virus in bodies, legs, wings, and saliva of mosquitoes. We demonstrated the susceptibility of Cx. neavei mosquitoes for the USUV reference strain, its potential to be transmitted, and infection, dissemination, and transmission rates of 90.9%, 40.0%, and 81.3%, respectively. Also, we showed that infection rates are dependent on the virus titer of the blood meal. Given the bionomics of Cx. neavei, its role as enzootic vector for USUV in Africa in a mosquito-bird transmission cycle or as bridge vector for USUV transmission to humans is discussed.
Use of a Rhesus Plasmodium cynomolgi Model to Screen for Anti-Hypnozoite Activity of Pharmaceutical Substances
Authors: Deye Gregory A. , Gettayacamin Montip , Hansukjariya Pranee , Im-erbsin Rawiwan , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Rothstein Yarrow , Macareo Louis , Fracisco Susan , Bennett Kent , Magill Alan J. , Ohrt Colin
Published: June 2012

There remains a need for new drugs to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax or P. ovale infection. The relapsing primate malaria P. cynomolgi has been used for decades to assess drugs for anti-hypnozoite activity. After sporozoite inoculation and blood-stage cure of initial parasitemia with chloroquine, rhesus macaques were treated on subsequent relapses with chloroquine in conjunction with test regimens of approved drugs. Tested drugs were selected for known liver or blood-stage activity and were tested alone or in conjunction with low-dose primaquine. Tinidazole and pyrazinamide prevented relapse when used in conjunction with chloroquine and low-dose primaquine. Triamterene and tinidazole administered without primaquine achieved radical cure in some animals. All other tested drugs or combinations failed to prevent relapse. The rhesus macaque–P. cynomolgi model remains a useful tool for screening drugs with anti-hypnozoite activity. Tinidazole and pyrazinamide require further investigation as agents to enable dose reduction of primaquine.
Natural Infection of North African Gundi (Ctenodactylus gundi) by Leishmania tropica in the Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Southeast Tunisia
Authors: Bousslimi Nadia , Ben-Ayed Soumaya , Ben-Abda Imène , Aoun Karim , Bouratbine Aïda
Published: June 2012

North African gundis (Ctenodactylus gundi) were trapped in the Leishmania (L.) tropica focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis, situated in southeast Tunisia and evaluated for Leishmania infection by real-time kinetoplast DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Species identification was performed by internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1)-PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis of the 7SL RNA gene. Real-time PCR on blood was positive in 6 of 13 (46.2%) tested gundis. Leishmania tropica was identified in five infected gundis and Leishmania major in one specimen. Alignments of the ITS-1 DNA sequences and 7S-HRM curves analysis indicated that similar genotypes were present in humans, a sandfly, and gundis from the same region suggesting a potential role of this rodent as reservoir host of L. tropica in southeast Tunisia.
Use of Commercially Available Oral Rehydration Solutions in Lima, Peru
Authors: Pantenburg Birte , Ochoa Theresa J. , Ecker Lucie , Ruiz Joaquim
Published: June 2012

Caregivers' practices concerning oral rehydration of young children during diarrheal illness were investigated in a periurban community of low socioeconomic level in Lima, Peru. Data of 330 caregivers of children aged 6–36 months were analyzed; 72.7% of all caregivers would give commercially available oral rehydration solutions (ORSs). However, only 58.6% of those caregivers with children that had experienced diarrhea during the previous week stated that they had used commercially available ORSs, a significantly lower percentage. The main reason for not using commercially available ORSs was that caregivers did not know about them. Of all recipes caregivers provided for homemade ORS, none contained the recommended concentrations of sugar and salt. Educating caregivers about availability, benefits, and use of commercially available ORSs as well as correct preparation of homemade ORS is urgently needed.
Peritonitis in Patients with Scrub Typhus
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Lee Jae-Hoon , Yoon Ki Jung , Hwang Jeong-Hwan , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: June 2012

Various complications have been reported in scrub typhus cases including acute respiratory distress syndrome, encephalitis, pneumonia, pericarditis, acute renal failure, and acute hepatic failure. Few studies have reported on the gastrointestinal manifestations of scrub typhus. Typical gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with scrub typhus include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, and diarrhea. The two cases presented in this study are the first reported cases of peritonitis associated with scrub typhus. This study shows that scrub typhus should also be included in the differential diagnosis of peritonitis in areas where Orientia tsutsugamushi is endemic.
Pregnancy Outcomes among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wilson Nana O. , Ceesay Fatou K. , Hibbert Jacqueline M. , Driss Adel , Obed Samuel A. , Adjei Andrew A. , Gyasi Richard K. , Anderson Winston A. , Stiles Jonathan K.
Published: June 2012

Pregnancy in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality. This study determines pregnancy outcomes among women with SCD delivering at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Nine hundred sixty (960) medical records of pregnant women (131 HbSS, 112 HbSC, and 717 comparison group) from 2007 to 2008 were reviewed. The HbSS women were at increased risk of eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.60–30.96, P < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.38–11.64, P = 0.011), and placenta previa (AOR = 22.03, 95% CI = 9.87–49.14, P < 0.001) compared with the comparison group. The HbSC women had increased risk for intrauterine fetal death (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI = 1.15–9.96, P = 0.027) and decreased risk of delivering low birth weight babies (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06–0.73, P = 0.014). Women with SCD in Ghana are at a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy compared with women without hemoglobinopathies. Improved maternal and fetal outcomes in Ghanaian women with SCD can be achieved through effective intervention by health care providers with thorough knowledge about predisposing factors toward adverse outcomes.
Geographic Variation in the Relationship between Human Lyme Disease Incidence and Density of Infected Host-Seeking Ixodes scapularis Nymphs in the Eastern United States
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Eisen Rebecca J. , Mead Paul S. , Piesman Joseph , Fish Durland , Hoen Anne G. , Barbour Alan G. , Hamer Sarah , Diuk-Wasser Maria A.
Published: June 2012

Prevention and control of Lyme disease is difficult because of the complex biology of the pathogen's (Borrelia burgdorferi) vector (Ixodes scapularis) and multiple reservoir hosts with varying degrees of competence. Cost-effective implementation of tick- and host-targeted control methods requires an understanding of the relationship between pathogen prevalence in nymphs, nymph abundance, and incidence of human cases of Lyme disease. We quantified the relationship between estimated acarological risk and human incidence using county-level human case data and nymphal prevalence data from field-derived estimates in 36 eastern states. The estimated density of infected nymphs (mDIN) was significantly correlated with human incidence (r = 0.69). The relationship was strongest in high-prevalence areas, but it varied by region and state, partly because of the distribution of B. burgdorferi genotypes. More information is needed in several high-prevalence states before DIN can be used for cost-effectiveness analyses.
Evaluation of a Rapid Point-of-Care Fecal Antigen Detection Test for Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Korpe Poonum S. , Stott Blake R. , Nazib Forida , Kabir Mamun , Haque Rashidul , Herbein Joel F. , Petri William A.
Published: June 2012

Amebiasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. A reliable point-of-care test would help to improve diagnosis and early treatment. We evaluated a novel rapid fecal antigen detection test for E. histolytica (E. HISTOLYTICA QUIK CHEK; TechLab, Inc., Blacksburg, VA), in a cohort of children in Bangladesh where amebiasis is endemic. This point-of-care test had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% when compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen detection.
Mycetoma Caused by Nocardia yamanashiensis, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Mitjà Oriol , Hays Russell , Van Straten Christian , Robson Jenny , Koka Murray , Bassat Quique
Published: June 2012

We report the first documented case of a mycetoma caused by Nocardia yamanashiensis after the initial description of this species. The 16S-rRNA gene sequence analysis was used to identify the novel species, which showed a similarity of 99.9% to the gene sequence of the type strain. The case showed both clinical non-response and reduced susceptibility in vitro to amoxicillin plus clavulanate, and it was treated successfully with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline. Given antibiotic resistance concerns, we suggest that antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be done for the majority of Nocardia species without well-established resistance patterns.
Facilitated Molecular Typing of Shigella Isolates Using ERIC-PCR
Authors: Kosek Margaret , Yori Pablo Peñataro , Gilman Robert H. , Vela Henry , Olortegui Maribel Paredes , Chavez Cesar Banda , Calderon Maritza , Bao Juan Perez , Hall Eric , Maves Ryan , Burga Rosa , Sanchez Graciela Meza
Published: June 2012

To evaluate the performance of enterobacterial repetitive intergenic sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) typing versus the current standard for the typing of Shigella pulsed gel electrophoresis (PFGE), we typed 116 Shigella isolates from a village in an endemic setting over a 20-month period using both methods. PFGE identified 37 pulse types and had a discrimination index of 0.925 (95% confidence interval = 0.830–1.00), whereas ERIC-PCR identified 42 types and had a discrimination index of 0.961 (95% confidence interval = 0.886–1.00). PFGE and ERIC-PCR showed a 90.4% correlation in the designation of isolates as clonal or non-clonal in pairwise comparisons. Both systems were highly reproducible and provided highly similar and supplementary data compared with serotyping regarding the transmission dynamics of shigellosis in this community. ERIC-PCR is considerably more rapid and inexpensive than PFGE and may have a complementary role to PFGE for initial investigations of hypothesized outbreaks in resource-limited settings.
Possible Links between Sickle Cell Crisis and Pentavalent Antimony
Authors: Garcerant Daniel , Rubiano Luisa , Blanco Victor , Martinez Javier , Baker Nancy C. , Craft Noah
Published: June 2012

For over 60 years, pentavalent antimony (Sbv) has been the first-line treatment of leishmaniasis. Sickle cell anemia is a disease caused by a defect in red blood cells, which among other things can cause vasooclusive crisis. We report the case of a 6-year-old child with leishmaniasis who during treatment with meglumine antimoniate developed a sickle cell crisis (SCC). No previous reports describing the relationship between antimonial drugs and sickle cell disease were found. Reviews of both the pathophysiology of SCC and the mechanism of action of Sbv revealed that a common pathway (glutathione) may have resulted in the SCC. ChemoText, a novel database created to predict chemical-protein-disease interactions, was used to perform a more expansive and systematic review that was able to support the association between glutathione, Sbv, and SCC. Although suggestive evidence to support the hypothesis, additional research at the bench would be needed to prove Sbv caused the SCC.
An Insight into the Sialotranscriptome of Triatoma matogrossensis, a Kissing Bug Associated with Fogo Selvagem in South America
Authors: Assumpção Teresa C. F. , Eaton Donald P. , Pham Van M. , Francischetti Ivo M. B. , Aoki Valéria , Hans-Filho Gunter , Rivitti Evandro A. , Valenzuela Jesus G. , Diaz Luis A. , Ribeiro José M. C.
Published: June 2012

Triatoma matogrossensis is a Hemiptera that belongs to the oliveirai complex, a vector of Chagas' disease that feeds on vertebrate blood in all life stages. Hematophagous insects' salivary glands (SGs) produce potent pharmacologic compounds that counteract host hemostasis, including anticlotting, antiplatelet, and vasodilatory molecules. Exposure to T. matogrossensis was also found to be a risk factor associated with the endemic form of the autoimmune skin disease pemphigus foliaceus, which is described in the same regions where Chagas' disease is observed in Brazil. To obtain a further insight into the salivary biochemical and pharmacologic diversity of this kissing bug and to identify possible allergens that might be associated with this autoimmune disease, a cDNA library from its SGs was randomly sequenced. We present the analysis of a set of 2,230 (SG) cDNA sequences, 1,182 of which coded for proteins of a putative secretory nature.
Dengue Outbreak in Hadramout, Yemen, 2010: An Epidemiological Perspective
Authors: Ghouth Abdulla Salim Bin , Amarasinghe Ananda , Letson G. William
Published: June 2012

We analyzed surveillance data of a dengue outbreak (2010) reported to the Hadramout Health Office (Yemen) and retrospectively analyzed dengue-related epidemiological and entomological events reported in Hadramout from 2005 to 2009. A total of 630 immunoglobulin M (IgM) -confirmed dengue cases of 982 febrile cases was reported during the period from February to June of 2010; 12 cases died, giving case fatality a rate of 1.9%. Among febrile cases, the highest proportion of dengue cases (37.3%) was reported in the 15- to 24-year-old age group. The overall attack rate was 0.89/1,000. The average number of cases reported by month over the preceding 5-year period compared with the 2010 data is consistent with endemicity of dengue in the region and supports epidemic designation for the dengue activity in 2010. Recognition of endemic dengue transmission and potential for substantial dengue epidemics highlight the need for consistent laboratory-based surveillance that can support prevention and control activities accordingly.
Characterization of the Humoral Immune Response against Gnathostoma binucleatum in Patients Clinically Diagnosed with Gnathostomiasis
Authors: Zambrano-Zaragoza José Francisco , Durán-Avelar Ma de Jesús , Messina-Robles Maud , Vibanco-Pérez Norberto
Published: June 2012

Gnathostomiasis is an emerging systemic parasitic disease acquired by consuming raw or uncooked fresh-water fish infected with the advanced third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spp. This disease is endemic to the Pacific region of Mexico, and one of its etiologic agents has been identified as Gnathostoma binucleatum. We characterized the humoral immune response of patients clinically diagnosed with gnathostomiasis by detecting total IgM, IgE, and IgG class and subclasses against a crude extract of the parasite by Western blotting. Our results do not show differences in the antigens recognized by IgM and IgE. However, we found that the specific humoral immune response is caused mainly by IgG, specifically IgG4. We found that 43%, 65.2%, 54.1%, and 26.3% of the patients recognize the 37-kD, 33-kD, 31-kD, and 24-kDa antigens, suggesting that the 33-kD antigen is the immunodominant antigen of G. binucleatum.
Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis from Guatemala and Costa Rica
Authors: Troyo Adriana , Álvarez Danilo , Taylor Lizeth , Abdalla Gabriela , Calderón-Arguedas Ólger , Zambrano Maria L. , Dasch Gregory A. , Lindblade Kim , Hun Laya , Eremeeva Marina E. , Estévez Alejandra
Published: June 2012

Rickettsia felis is an emerging human pathogen associated primarily with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. In this study, we investigated the presence of Rickettsia felis in C. felis from Guatemala and Costa Rica. Ctenocephalides felis were collected directly from dogs and cats, and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for Rickettsia-specific fragments of 17-kDa protein, OmpA, and citrate synthase genes. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 64% (55 of 86) and 58% (47 of 81) of flea pools in Guatemala and Costa Rica, respectively. Sequencing of gltA fragments identified R. felis genotype URRWXCal2 in samples from both countries, and genotype Rf2125 in Costa Rica. This is the first report of R. felis in Guatemala and of genotype Rf2125 in Costa Rica. The extensive presence of this pathogen in countries of Central America stresses the need for increased awareness and diagnosis.
Murine Typhus in Returned Travelers: A Report of Thirty-Two Cases
Authors: Walter Gaëlle , Botelho-Nevers Elisabeth , Socolovschi Cristina , Raoult Didier , Parola Philippe
Published: June 2012

Murine typhus, caused by Rickettsia typhi and transmitted mainly by the rat fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis, has emerged in the field of travel medicine. We analyzed retrospectively the epidemiological, clinical, and biological characteristics of the 32 murine typhus cases that were diagnosed during the past 3 years at the World Health Organization Collaborative Center for Rickettsial diseases, Marseille, France. All of the cases occurred in travelers and most of them had returned from Africa (N = 13 of 32) and South-east Asia (N = 12 of 32). Exposure to rats was reported only in a few (N = 2 of 32) patients. Almost half of the cases were diagnosed in August and September. Only four patients presented the classic triad: fever, rash, and headache. Moreover, we report the first known cases of a hemophagocytic syndrome associated with this disease. Murine typhus must be considered as an etiologic agent of febrile illness in returning travelers, particularly in those with unspecific symptoms.
Naturally Acquired and Conjugate Vaccine-Induced Antibody to Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Polysaccharide in Malian Children: Serological Assessment of the Hib Immunization Program in Mali
Authors: Hutter Julia , Pasetti Marcela F. , Sanogo Doh , Tapia Milagritos D. , Sow Samba O. , Levine Myron M.
Published: June 2012

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine for infants (6, 10, and 14 weeks of age) was introduced into the Malian Expanded Program on Immunization in July 2005, to diminish invasive Hib disease in young children. Antibodies to Hib capsular polysaccharide (PRP) were measured in infants and toddlers from an area already served by the Hib immunization program (Bamako) and in unimmunized children of the same age in a district (Kangaba) where Hib immunization had not yet begun. Among vaccinated Bamako children 6–23 months of age, 77–93% exhibited PRP titers ≥ 1.0 μg/mL, indicating long-term protection, versus only 10–23% of Kangaba children of that age. High PRP antibody titers in immunized children persisted through 2 years of age. Moreover, ∼50% of Bamako children exhibited anti-PRP titers ≥ 5.0 μg/mL; a level that impedes Hib upper respiratory carriage, and may thereby diminish the Hib transmission to the unimmunized susceptible population (i.e., providing indirect protection).
Localized Corrosion of Binary Mg-Nd Alloys in Chloride-Containing Electrolyte Using a Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique
Authors: Williams G. , Gusieva K. , Birbilis N.
Published: June 2012

The influence of neodymium (Nd) alloying additions in the 0.47 wt% to 3.53 wt% range on the localized corrosion behavior of Mg, when freely corroding in aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyte, is investigated using an in situ scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). For all samples, the point of surface breakdown is an intense focal anode that expands radially with respect to time, revealing a cathodically activated interior, which is galvanically coupled with the local anode at the perimeter. However, for Nd compositions of ≤0.74%, radial expansion ceases within ca. 2 h of initiation, whereupon dark filiform-like corrosion features are observed, which traverse over the exposed Mg surface. For Nd additions of ≥1.25%, the radial expansion continues with time up to a point where the entire intact surface becomes consumed. The intensity of the local anode ring of circular corroded regions is seen to increase as more cathodically activated corroded surface becomes exposed. Mean current density values measured within these corroded areas increase progressively with Nd content, leading to a progressive rise in localized corrosion rates. The cathodic activation of corroded regions is proposed to derive from an enrichment of noble, Nd-rich intermetallic grains caused as the alpha-Mg phase becomes attacked at local anode sites.
On the relaxation of magnetospheric convection when Bz turns northward
Authors: Kelley M. C.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The solar wind inputs considerable energy into the upper atmosphere, particularly when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is southward. According to Poynting's theorem (Kelley, 2009), this energy becomes stored as magnetic fields and then is dissipated by Joule heat and by energizing the plasmasheet plasma. If the IMF turns suddenly northward, very little energy is transferred into the system while Joule dissipation continues. In this process, the polar cap potential (PCP) decreases. Experimentally, it was shown many years ago that the energy stored in the magnetosphere begins to decay with a time constant of two hours. Here we use Poynting's theorem to calculate this time constant and find a result that is consistent with the data.
Apparent oxygen utilization rates calculated from tritium and helium-3 profiles at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study site
Authors: Stanley R. H. R. , Doney S. C. , Jenkins W. J. , Lott, III D. E.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. We present three years of Apparent Oxygen Utilization Rates (AOUR) estimated from oxygen and tracer data collected over the ocean thermocline at monthly resolution between 2003 and 2006 at the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) site. We estimate water ages by calculating a transit time distribution from tritium and helium-3 data. The vertically integrated AOUR over the upper 500 m, which is a regional estimate of export, during the three years is 3.1 ± 0.5 mol O2 m−2 yr−1. This is comparable to previous AOUR-based estimates of export production at the BATS site but is several times larger than export estimates derived from sediment traps or 234Th fluxes. We compare AOUR determined in this study to AOUR measured in the 1980s and show AOUR is significantly greater today than decades earlier because of changes in AOU, rather than changes in ventilation rates. The changes in AOU are likely a methodological artefact associated with problems with early oxygen measurements.
Sensitivity of North Patagonian temperate rainforests to changes in rainfall regimes: a process-based, dynamic forest model
Authors: Gutiérrez A. G. , Armesto J. J. , Díaz M. F. , Huth A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Rainfall changes due to climate change and their potential impacts on forests demand the development of predictable tools coupling vegetation dynamics to hydrologic processes. Such tools need to be accurate at local scales (i.e. < 100 ha) to develop efficient forest management strategies for climate change adaptation. In this study, we developed and tested a dynamic forest model to predict hydrological balance of North Patagonian temperate rainforests on Chiloé Island, Chile (42° S). The developed model includes detailed calculations of forest water fluxes and incorporates the dynamical linkage of rainfall regimes to soil moisture, and individual tree growth. We confronted model results with detailed field measurements of water fluxes in a young secondary stand (YS). We used the model to compare forest sensitivity in the YS and an old-growth stand (OG, > 500 yr-old), i.e. changes in forest evapotranspiration, soil moisture and forest structure (biomass and basal area). We evaluated sensitivity using changes in rainfall regimes comparable to future climatic scenarios for this century in the study region. The model depicted well the hydrological balance of temperate rainforests. We found a higher evapotranspiration in OG than YS under current climatic conditions. Dryer climatic conditions predicted for this century in the study area led to changes in the hydrological balance that impacted forest structure, with stronger impacts in OG. Changes in climatic parameters decreased evapotranspiration (up to 15 % in OG compared to current values) and soil moisture to 32 % . These changes in water fluxes induced decreases in above-ground biomass in OG (up to 27 %). Our results support the use of the model for detailed analyses of climate change impacts on hydrological balance of forests. Also, it provides a tool suitable for analyses of the impacts of multiple drivers of global change on forest processes (e.g., climate change, fragmentation, forest management).
Estimation of soil parameters over bare agriculture areas from C-band polarimetric SAR data using neural networks
Authors: Baghdadi N. , Cresson R. , El Hajj M. , Ludwig R. , La Jeunesse I.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to develop an approach to estimate soil surface parameters from C-band polarimetric SAR data in the case of bare agricultural soils. An inversion technique based on multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural networks was introduced. The neural networks were trained and validated on a noisy simulated dataset generated from the Integral Equation Model (IEM) on a wide range of surface roughness and soil moisture, as it is encountered in agricultural contexts for bare soils. The performances of neural networks in retrieving soil moisture and surface roughness were tested for several inversion cases using or not using a-priori knowledge on soil parameters. The inversion approach was then validated using RADARSAT-2 images in polarimetric mode. The introduction of expert knowledge on the soil moisture (dry to wet soils or very wet soils) improves the soil moisture estimates, whereas the precision on the surface roughness estimation remains unchanged. Moreover, the use of polarimetric parameters α1 and anisotropy were used to improve the soil parameters estimates. These parameters provide to neural networks the probable ranges of soil moisture (lower or higher than 0.30 cm3 cm−3) and surface roughness (root mean square surface height lower or higher than 1.0 cm). Soil moisture can be retrieved correctly from C-band SAR data by using the neural networks technique. Soil moisture errors were estimated at about 0.098 cm3 cm−3 without a-priori information on soil parameters and 0.065 cm3 cm−3 (RMSE) applying a-priori information on the soil moisture. The retrieval of surface roughness is possible only for low and medium values (lower than 2 cm). Results show that the precision on the soil roughness estimates was about 0.7 cm. For surface roughness lower than 2 cm, the precision on the soil roughness is better with an RMSE about 0.5 cm. The use of polarimetric parameters improves only slightly the soil parameters estimates.
High resolution reconstruction of monthly precipitation of Iberian Peninsula using circulation weather types
Authors: Cortesi N. , Trigo R. , Gonzalez-Hidalgo J. C. , Ramos A. M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula (IP) is highly variable and shows large spatial contrasts between wet mountainous regions, to the north, and dry regions in the inland plains and southern areas. In this work, a high-density monthly precipitation dataset for the IP was coupled with a set of 26 atmospheric circulation weather types (Trigo and DaCamara, 2000) to reconstruct Iberian monthly precipitation from October to May with a very high resolution of 3030 precipitation series (overall mean density one station each 200 km2). A stepwise linear regression model with forward selection was used to develop monthly reconstructed precipitation series calibrated and validated over 1948–2003 period. Validation was conducted by means of a leave-one-out cross-validation over the calibration period. The results show a good model performance for selected months, with a mean coefficient of variation (CV) around 0.6 for validation period, being particularly robust over the western and central sectors of IP, while the predicted values in the Mediterranean and northern coastal areas are less acute. We show for three long stations (Lisbon, Madrid and Valencia) the comparison between model and original data as an example to how these models can be used in order to obtain monthly precipitation fields since the 1850s over most of IP for this very high density network.
Anomalous frequency characteristics of groundwater levels before major earthquakes in Taiwan
Authors: Chen C.-H. , Wang C.-H. , Wen S. , Yeh T.-K. , Lin C.-H. , Liu J.-Y. , Yen H.-Y. , Lin T.-W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Unusual decreases in water levels were consistently observed in 78% (=42/54) of the wells in the Choshuichi Alluvial Fan of central Taiwan roughly 150 days before the Chi-Chi earthquake (M = 7.6 on 20 September 1999) when the influences of barometric pressure, earth tides, precipitation and artificial pumping were removed. Variations in groundwater levels measured in the anomalous wells between 1 August 1997 and 19 September 1999, the time period covering the unusual decreases, were transferred into the frequency domain to examine anomalous frequency bands associated with the Chi-Chi earthquake. Analytical results show that amplitudes at the frequency band between 0.02 day−1 and 0.04 day−1 were generally maintained at the low stage and were enhanced in the few weeks before the Chi-Chi earthquake. Variations in amplitude within this particular frequency band were further examined in association with earthquakes (M > 6) between 1 August 1997 and 31 December 2009. Enhanced amplitude phenomena are consistently observed prior to the other two earthquakes (the Rei-Li and Ming-Jian earthquakes) during the 12.5 yr, which sheds a promising light on research into precursors of strong earthquakes when combined with other geophysical observations such as geomagnetic anomalies and crustal displacements.
“Measuring the Immeasurable”—the Effects of Trademark Regimes: a Case Study of Arab Countries
Authors: Khoury Amir H
Published: June 2012

When the law sets out rules and standards it also sets in motion a complex set of mechanisms that determine how the law is implemented and how it functions. Thus, the “law in books” and the “law in action” are, in more ways than one, distinct creatures, separated at birth, leading separate lives. Trademark law is no exception.This research introduces, through data analysis, a method for measuring and assessing the effects of trademark law on countries. In constructing this model I have focused on four Arab countries. However, the model itself is applicable to all countries. Indeed, the comparative data that is presented in this research relates to various countries around the world.
Civil Rights for Trafficked Persons: Recommendations for a More Effective Federal Civil Remedy
Authors: Lack Shannon
Published: June 2012

In response to increasing public awareness of human trafficking in the United States, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in October of 2000. The TVPA consolidated existing legislation to create a comprehensive civil remedy; this ensures that trafficking victims are no longer forced to seek redress under multiple criminal and civil statutes that target only components of the human trafficking offense. However, despite its status as the first comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation to be enacted in the United States, the TVPA fails to sufficiently address human trafficking concerns. It is suggested that the failure of the TVPA is a result of both the prosecutorial focus of the legislation, a focus which tends to overlook victims’ civil rights, and the contingency of TVPA benefits upon adherence to the prosecutorial process. In response to the shortcomings of the TVPA, the legislation was amended by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 (TVPRA) to provide a civil remedy for trafficking victims. The civil remedy confers on trafficking victims the private right to vindicate their civil rights and hold their traffickers directly accountable for their exploitative acts. By directly compensating victims, the civil remedy acts as a financial deterrent against traffickers and provides a private enforcement anti-trafficking policy. In pursuing the civil remedy, trafficking victims possess several advantages over the prosecutorial process of the TVPA and other civil causes of action. However, despite its advantages, the civil remedy is infrequently utilized thus frustrating congressional intent that victims advance antitrafficking policy by enforcing a civil remedy against their traffickers.
Legal Costs as Damages in the Application of UN Sales Law
Authors: Peter Schlechtriem Freiburg
Published: June 2012

In the literature on the uniform UN sales law (CISG), the decisions in the first and second instances of the Zapata1 case triggered an extraordinarily lively discussion. Simply stated, the case concerned the delivery of painted cookie tins used for packaging Christmas cookies, for which the American buyer (i.e., place of business in the USA), citing flimsy pretexts, refused to pay. The Mexican seller (i.e., place of business in Mexico), sued and was awarded compensatory damages; as part of the damages, the trial court also awarded the plaintiff its attorneys’ fees. At the appellate level, where only the issue of attorneys’ fees was disputed, the appellate court rejected the claim for reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and reversed the trial court decision. [The seller’s] appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court by writ of certiorari was denied. The cases concerned the so-called “American rule,” according to which the parties each bear their own litigation expenses, and in particular their own attorneys’ fees, independent of the outcome of the case. This deviates from German legal understanding and has significant practical consequences. In particular, high attorneys’ fees could lead to the result that the compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff in actuality fall far short of covering his losses, and for the victorious defendant winning a case can be a pyrrhic victory. Yet, the American rule is not without exceptions, and especially for abusive lawsuits brought on obviously groundless claims, American procedural law permits the losing party bringing such claims to be partially burdened with the cost.Also in cases of especially serious breach of contract, an award of punitive damages could make it possible for the victorious plaintiff to recover his litigation expenses and attorneys’ fees. Nevertheless, in the large majority of cases the American rule leads to the described results, which for German jurists appear at first glance surprising and unacceptable. Especially for foreign parties to a contract who come before an American court and win, the American rule can lead to unpleasant surprises.
The Unidroit Principles of Contract Law; Is There Room for Their Inclusion into Domestic Contracts?
Authors: Zeller Bruno
Published: June 2012

When the UNIDROIT Principles (the Principles) were published in 1994 they were considered to be “soft law” and hence not binding on the courts. However, these principles have demonstrated that they are offering concrete and worthwhile solutions and arguably are a move forward in harmonizing and unifying contract laws. Indeed, the intention of the UNIDROIT Working Groups was to “develop a set of norms best suited to accommodate the needs of the international commercial community.” The Principles themselves argue that it reflects “concepts to be found in many, if not all, legal systems.” As a result the Principles are not: “a rigid and limitative legal source but instead leave considerable room for flexibility, either to accommodate specific provisions to further individual parties’ interest in their private dealings, or to promote national trade and economic policies. This makes the Principles a unique tool to be adapted into any contract and arguably protect the parties’ just expectations arising from their contract.