bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral and Biological Studies on New Mixed Ligand Complexes
Authors: Pal T. K. , Alam M. A. , Hossen J. , Paul S. , Ahmad H. , Sheikh M. C.
Published: September 2018

In this study, new mixed ligand complexes have been prepared from bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid (C16H35PS2) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (C14H12N2) with various metal(II) ions. The molecular formula of the metal complexes were [Mn(C16H34PS2)(C14H12N2)]Cl (1), [Fe(C16H34PS2)(C14H12N2)]Cl (2), [Co(C16H34PS2) (C14H12N2)]Cl (3), [Zn(C16H34PS2)(C14H12N2)]Cl (4) and [Cd(C16H34PS2)(C14H12N2)]Cl (5). These complexes have been characterized by various physico-chemical techniques such as melting point, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements as well as UV-Vis, IR, TG and mass spectroscopic analyses. The surface morphology was determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The magnetic moment value, color as well as spectral measurements suggested that the geometrical structures of the metal complexes were tetrahedral. The spectral data showed that bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)dithiophosphinic acid and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligands  acted as uninegative and neutral bidentate ligand, respectively. The obtained mixed ligand complexes were more stable in air and highly soluble in common organic solvent. The bio-efficacy of ligands and metal complexes have been screened against the test microorganism using agar disc diffusion method. The complex 4 showed potential antibacterial activity against Sterptococcus aureus as compared to standard drug, imipenem. On the other hand, the complex 3 also displayed more potent antifungal activity against Lecanicillium fungicola. Moreover, the complex 3 was also found to have better scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.
Current state of the spin exchange theory in dilute solutions of paramagnetic particles. New paradigm of spin exchange and its manifestations in EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Salikhov K M
Published: September 2018

Kinetic equations are presented for single-particle spin-density matrices with the Heisenberg exchange interaction in bimolecular collisions of particles and the dipole–dipole spin–spin interaction between particles taken into account. It is shown that interactions between individual paramagnetic particles, despite being rather weak compared to the exchange interaction, can result in a nonequivalent spin exchange. Spin-coherence transfer generates collective modes of quantum spin coherence motion. Collective resonance lines have a mixed form (absorption + dispersion). A new interpretation of the exchange narrowing of the spectrum when the spin-coherence transfer rate is sufficiently large is proposed. An advanced theory of paramagnetic relaxation of paramagnetic particles in dilute solutions due to dipole–dipole interaction is discussed. A modern paradigm of spin exchange is also presented.
The Effect of Statin Use on Mortality in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Jorge April M. , Lu Na , Keller Sarah F. , Rai Sharan K. , Zhang Yuqing , Choi Hyon K.
Published: September 2018

Objective.

Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) are associated with an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. We examined the potential survival benefit of statin use among patients with SARD in a general population setting.

Methods.

We conducted an incident user cohort study using a UK general population database. Our population included patients with a SARD as determined by Read code diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, Behçet disease, or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. We compared propensity score–matched cohorts of statin initiators and noninitiators within 1-year cohort accrual blocks to account for potential confounders, including disease duration, body mass index, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and medication use.

Results.

Of 2305 statin initiators, 298 died during the followup period (mean 5.1 yrs), whereas among 2305 propensity score–matched noninitiators, 338 died during the followup period (mean 4.8 yrs). This corresponded to mortality rates of 25.4/1000 and 30.3/1000 person-years, respectively. Statin initiation was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.98). When we compared the unmatched cohorts, the statin initiators (n = 2863) showed increased mortality (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.58–2.16) compared with noninitiators (n = 2863 randomly selected within 1-year cohort accrual blocks) because of confounding by indication.

Conclusion.

In this general population–based study, statin initiation was shown to reduce overall mortality in patients with SARD after adjusting for relevant determinates of CVD risk.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE ACIDENTES OFÍDICOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO PAULO NO PERÍODO DE 2001 A 2012
Authors: Carniatto Caio Henrique De Oliveira , Schultz Cristiany , Pombo Ana Paula Miranda Mundim
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos no município de São Paulo, nos anos de 2001 a 2012. Foram utilizados dados secundários provenientes do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN. Nos anos estudados, foram notificados 738 acidentes ofídicos no município de São Paulo, com maior frequência nos meses mais quentes, de outubro a abril. A maioria dos casos envolveu vítimas predominantemente do sexo masculino, com idade entre 20 e 59 anos. As serpentes responsáveis pelas notificações foram representadas pelo gênero: Bothrops, Crotalus, Micrurus e Lachesis. Acidentes com Bothrops representaram 61,65% dos casos notificados, seguidos por notificações com Crotalus (2,71%). Acidentes com Micrurus e Lachesis foram raros, enquanto que 197 casos ocorreram com serpentes não peçonhentas. A classificação final dos acidentes foi estratificada em leve, moderado e grave. A maioria dos acidentes foi classificada como leve, e não foram notificados óbitos, tampouco de quadros decorrentes ao envenenamento, como infecções. Os resultados deste estudo corroboram com a epidemiologia de acidentes ofídicos em outras regiões do Brasil, sendo mais frequentes em meses quentes, quando as serpentes estão mais ativas e em período reprodutivo, e as vítimas são predominantemente a população masculina adulta.
Biologia e manejo nutricional de tamanduás das espécies Myrmecophaga tridactyla e Tamandua tetradactyla mantidos em cativeiro: revisão.
Authors: Francisco Anderson Rodrigo , Teixeira Paulo Sergio dos Santos
Published: September 2018

A manutenção de tamanduás em cativeiro é dificultada devido às peculiaridades desses animais. Em seu habitat natural, formigas e cupins fazem parte de sua dieta. Mimetizar a alimentação natural desses animais em cativeiro desafia as instituições que os mantêm. O alimento fornecido atualmente para tamanduás cativos, mirim e bandeira, é uma formulação pastosa contendo leite de baixa lactose, ovos, carne, couve, ração para gatos triturada e complexos vitamínicos, sofrendo alterações dos ingredientes utilizados de acordo com o local em que é preparada. Tendo em vista que há raros relatos na literatura nacional sobre o manejo nutricional de tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) e tamanduás-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla), considerando que o tamanduá-bandeira está atualmente em situação vulnerável na natureza e o tamanduá-mirim está em situação vulnerável em alguns locais, fazendo-se necessário a manutenção dessas espécies em cativeiro para a preservação das espécies, pretende-se realizar levantamento bibliográfico sobre a biologia e o manejo de tamanduás mantidos em cativeiro.
Parasitos com potencial zoonótico em fezes de cães presentes na areia da praia do Laranjal, Pelotas-RS
Authors: Ferraz Alexsander , Ança Evaristo Mendes Cardoso Tainá , Dos Santos Pires Bruna , Seibert de Leão Maysa , Moscarelli Pinto Diego , De Ávila Antunes Tatiana
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste estudo, foi analisar a contaminação das fezes de cães, presentes na areia da praia do laranjal, na cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, por helmintos gastrintestinais de cães, principalmente os com potencial zoonótico, como Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. Foram coletadas e analisadas 139 amostras de fezes de cães, as quais, 84 foram positivas para pelo menos um tipo de helminto gastrintestinal, representando 60,4% e 11% das amostras apresentavam associação de parasitas. O gênero, encontrado em maior frequência, foi o Ancylostoma spp. presente em 55,4% do total das amostras. Todas as fezes foram processadas pelo método de Willis & Mollay (1927), técnica que utiliza o princípio da flutuação em solução hipersaturada. Pelo fato de ser um local público e de grande circulação de pessoas, a contaminação da areia da praia por ovos de helmintos com potencial zoonótico, indica que a população está em risco de contrair estas zoonoses, sendo necessário adotar medidas sanitárias com a finalidade de diminuir esta exposição
STRONG ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSE CHARACTERISTICS AND MALARIA VECTORS IN SRI LANKA
Authors: KONRADSEN FLEMMING , AMERASINGHE PRIYANIE , VAN DER HOEK WIM , AMERASINGHE FELIX , PERERA DEVIKA , PIYARATNE MALDENIYA
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to determine whether house characteristics could be used to further refine the residual insecticide-spraying program in Sri Lanka. Indoor-resting mosquito densities were estimated in 473 houses based on fortnightly collections over a two-and-a-half-year period. The type of house construction and the exact location of all houses were determined. In a multivariate analysis, distance of less than 750 meters between a house and the main vector-breeding site was strongly associated with the presence of Anopheles culicifacies in the house (odds ratio [OR] 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4–6.8) and to a lesser extent with the presence of An. subpictus (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Poor housing construction also was an independent risk factor (OR for An. culicifacies 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.9; OR for An. subpictus 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6). It is recommended that a malaria control strategy focus on residential areas within 750 meters of streams and rivers, with special attention given to areas with the poorest type of house construction.
A GEOGRAPHIC SAMPLING STRATEGY FOR STUDYING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HUMAN ACTIVITY AND MALARIA VECTORS IN URBAN AFRICA
Authors: KEATING JOSEPH , MACINTYRE KATE , MBOGO CHARLES , GITHEKO ANDREW , REGENS JAMES L. , SWALM CHRIS , NDENGA BRYSON , STEINBERG LAURA J. , KIBE LYDIAH , GITHURE JOHN I. , BEIER JOHN C.
Published: September 2018

This paper describes a geographic sampling strategy for ecologic studies and describes the relationship between human activities and anopheline larval ecology in urban areas. Kisumu and Malindi, Kenya were mapped using global positioning systems, and a geographic information system was used to overlay a measured grid, which served as a sampling frame. Grid cells were stratified and randomly selected according to levels of planning and drainage. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April and May 2001 to collect entomologic and human ecologic data. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the abundance of potential larval habitats, and house density, socioeconomic status, and planning and drainage. In Kisumu, 98 aquatic habitats were identified, 65% of which were human made and 39% were positive for anopheline larvae. In Malindi, 91 aquatic habitats were identified, of which, 93% were human made and 65% were harboring anopheline larvae. The regression model explains 82% of the variance associated with the abundance of potential larval habitats in Kisumu. In Malindi, 59% of the variance was explained. As the number of households increased, the number of larval habitats increased correspondingly to a point. Beyond a critical threshold, the density of households appeared to suppress the development of aquatic habitats. The proportion of high-income households and the planning and drainage variables tested insignificant in both locations. The integration of social and biologic sciences will allow local mosquito and malaria control groups an opportunity to assess the risk of encountering potentially infectious mosquitoes in a given area, and concentrate resources accordingly.
PERMETHRIN-TREATED BED NETS IN THE PREVENTION OF MALARIA AND ANEMIA IN ADOLESCENT SCHOOLGIRLS IN WESTERN KENYA
Authors: LEENSTRA TJALLING , PHILLIPS-HOWARD PENELOPE A. , KARIUKI SIMON K. , HAWLEY WILLIAM A. , ALAII JANE A. , ROSEN DANIEL H. , OLOO AGGREY J. , NAHLEN BERNARD L. , KAGER PIET A. , TER KUILE FEIKO O.
Published: September 2018

The impact of insecticide (permethrin)-treated bed nets (ITNs) on the health of adolescent schoolgirls was investigated during a community-based, randomized, controlled trial of ITNs in western Kenya. Two school-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria and anemia in 644 schoolgirls 12–18 years old in a rural area with intense perennial malaria transmission. In 12- and 13-year-old schoolgirls, ITNs were associated with a reduced prevalence of all cause anemia (hemoglobin level <12 g/dL, 16.9% versus 31.4%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21, 0.69%) and a 0.34 g/dL (95% CI = 0.02, 0.66) increase in mean hemoglobin concentrations. No beneficial effect on all-cause anemia (adjusted OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.43, 1.45) or hemoglobin concentrations (difference in mean = 0.14 g/dL, 95% CI = −0.24, 0.53) was evident in older girls. In all age groups, no effect was found on malaria parasite prevalence or density, clinical malaria, all-cause morbidity, standard measures of nutritional status and growth, or the use of antimalarials and other medications. ITNs approximately halved the prevalence of mild anemia in young, school-attending, non-pregnant, adolescent girls, but had no impact in older girls or on other malaria-associated morbidity or nutritional status.
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION WITHIN THE ANOPHELES FUNESTUS GROUP OF MALARIA VECTORS IN CAMEROON AND EVIDENCE FOR A NEW SPECIES
Authors: COHUET ANNA , SIMARD FREDERIC , TOTO JEAN-CLAUDE , KENGNE PIERRE , COETZEE MAUREEN , FONTENILLE DIDIER
Published: September 2018

Anopheles funestus is a major vector of malaria in Africa. It belongs to a group of sibling species that can be identified morphologically only at certain stages of their development. A diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tool made it possible to differentiate five species of the group. The assay seems to be applicable over all their distribution area for four of these species: An. funestus, An. leesoni, An. parensis, and An. vaneedenip. The fifth species, An. rivulorum, is the second most abundant species of the group and can be mistaken at its adult stage for the major vector of malaria An. funestus. Molecular and morphologic observations of specimens identified as An. rivulorum from Cameroon and South Africa showed that they belong to two different taxa. The species identified in Cameroon, and named here An. rivulorum-like, might extend to western Africa and central Africa. The species-specific PCR assay is supplemented by a primer specific to An. rivulorum-like and thus makes it possible to differentiate the five species of the An. funestus group and the newly defined taxon.
POOR REPLICATION OF WEST NILE VIRUS (NEW YORK 1999 STRAIN) IN THREE REPTILIAN AND ONE AMPHIBIAN SPECIES
Authors: KLENK KACI , KOMAR NICHOLAS
Published: September 2018

Because West Nile (WN) virus primarily cycles between mosquitoes and birds, North American reptiles and amphibians have not been evaluated as reservoir hosts of this virus. We infected three species of reptiles and one species of amphibian: Iguana iguana (green iguana), Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Florida garter snake), Trachymes scripta elegans (red-ear slider), and Rana catesbeiana (North American bullfrog). After inoculation with WN virus, some of the green iguanas, bullfrogs, and garter snakes showed low but detectable viral loads in the blood, oral or cloacal swabs, and/or organs.
LACK OF BASOPHILIA IN HUMAN PARASITIC INFECTIONS
Authors: MITRE EDWARD , NUTMAN THOMAS B.
Published: September 2018

While basophilia is often found in animal models of parasitic infection, it has not yet been established whether it occurs in parasite-infected humans. We investigated the relationship between basophilia and parasitic infections in humans by reviewing charts from 668 patients with confirmed parasitic infection (472 with only helminths, 146 with only protozoa, and 50 with both helminth and protozoan infections) and from 50 patients without parasitic infections. Basophilia (> 290 cells/mm3 ) occurred in only four of the 668 parasite-infected patients (0.6%), and there were no statistically significant differences in the percentages of patients with basophilia or in the absolute basophil counts among either the helminth-infected, protozoa-infected, or uninfected populations. Analysis with regard to relative basophil levels revealed that basophils constituted more than 3% of the peripheral white blood cell population in only four patients. Thus, basophilia occurs only rarely in human parasitic infections and is consequently not a useful clinical marker in the evaluation of suspected parasitic disease.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ANDEAN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS: INCRIMINATION OF LUTZOMYIA AYACUCHENSIS (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) AS A VECTOR OF LEISHMANIA IN GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED, UPLAND VALLEYS OF PERU
Authors: CACERES ABRAHAM G. , VILLASECA PABLO , DUJARDIN JEAN CLAUDE , BAÑULS ANNE LAURE , INGA ROCIO , LOPEZ MARTIN , ARANA MARGARITA , LE RAY DOMINIQUE , AREVALO JORGE
Published: September 2018

The southernmost limit of the distribution of endemic Andean cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), commonly known as Uta, is localized in the western Andean valleys of Ayacucho, Peru. This area is completely isolated from other regions endemic for this disease. Identification of the insect vector for Andean CL was carried out by combining entomologic and parasitologic approaches. Two Lutzomyia species were captured: Lutzomyia ayacuchensis and Lu. noguchii. The former species was considered responsible for transmission of Leishmania because 1) there was a coincidence in space and time between the presence of this insect and the distribution of Andean CL, 2) it was shown to be highly anthropophilic, 3) Leishmania parasites of the subgenus Viannia were detected by a specific polymerase chain reaction assay, 4) promastigotes isolated from this insect were shown by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and molecular karyotyping to belong to the same deme of Leishmania (Viannia) peruviana as the one circulating in humans living in the study area, and 5) the complete cycle of L. (V.) peruviana was observed in experimental infections of Lu. ayacuchensis. Parasite and vector homogeneity found in Ayacucho contrasted with the heterogeneity reported for other areas endemic for Andean CL. The potential influence of ecologic determinants on this geographically isolated area is discussed.
ORGAN-SPECIFIC IMMUNITY IN CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS: ANALYSIS OF SYMPTOMATIC AND ASYMPTOMATIC DOGS NATURALLY INFECTED WITH LEISHMANIA CHAGASI
Authors: SANCHEZ MARTIN A. , DIAZ NILKA L. , ZERPA OLGA , NEGRON EMILIA , CONVIT JACINTO , TAPIA FELIX J.
Published: September 2018

We characterized key leukocyte immunophenotypes in the liver and spleen of naturally infected dogs from an area in Venezuela endemic for leishmaniasis. Dogs were classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic after serologic and physical analysis. Symptomatic dogs showed a higher parasite burden in the liver and spleen than asymptomatic dogs. The livers of asymptomatic dogs showed an effective immunity with well-organized granulomas walling off parasites in an environment of central memory CD44lo, CD45ROhi, activated effector CD44hi, and CD45ROhi T cells. These granulomas also had many major histocompatibility class II+ cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells, and cells expressing CD18 and CD44. In contrast, symptomatic livers showed a non-organized and non-effective infiltrate composed of T cells and heavily parasitized Kupffer cells and a diminished expression of activation molecules. In the spleen, the immune responses of symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs were very similar. The results showed a distinct immune response against Leishmania chagasi in target organs.
A REVIEW OF THE CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC BURDENS OF EPIDEMIC MALARIA
Authors: KISZEWSKI ANTHONY E. , TEKLEHAIMANOT AWASH
Published: September 2018

The role of epidemic malaria as a distinct epidemiologic entity posing unique intervention challenges is reviewed from a global perspective. Epidemic malaria derives from particular interactions of vectors, parasites, and various environmental and anthropogenic determinants. Malaria epidemics generally afflict immunologically vulnerable populations, and their explosiveness can strain the capacity of health facilities, causing case fatality rates to increase five-fold or more during outbreaks. People of all ages remain susceptible to the full range of clinical effects. This flatter demographic profile may translate into larger economic consequences, although the full economic impact of epidemic malaria remains undefined. Specialized intervention approaches are recommended for epidemic-prone areas, including enhanced surveillance activities and intensified antivector interventions. Such considerations are particularly critical during a time when malaria epidemics are occurring more frequently in Africa and throughout the world.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR ROSS RIVER VIRUS DISEASE IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Authors: HU WENBIAO , NICHOLLS NEVILLE , LINDSAY MIKE , DALE PAT , McMICHAEL ANTHONY J. , MACKENZIE JOHN S. , TONG SHILU
Published: September 2018

This paper describes the development of an empirical model to forecast epidemics of Ross River virus (RRV) disease using the multivariate seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) technique in Brisbane, Australia. We obtained computerized data on notified RRV disease cases, climate, high tide, and population sizes in Brisbane for the period 1985–2001 from the Queensland Department of Health, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the Queensland Department of Transport, and Australian Bureau of Statistics, respectively. The SARIMA model was developed and validated by dividing the data file into two data sets: the data between January 1985 and December 2000 were used to construct a model, and those between January and December 2001 to validate it. The SARIMA models show that monthly precipitation (β = 0.004, P = 0.031) was significantly associated with RRV transmission. However, there was no significant association between other climate variables (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, and high tides) and RRV transmission. The predictive values in the model were generally consistent with actual values (root mean square percentage error = 0.94%). Therefore, this model may have applications as a decision supportive tool in disease control and risk-management planning programs.
THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF ILLNESS FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A REVIEW OF STUDIES FOCUSING ON MALARIA, TUBERCULOSIS, AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS/ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Authors: RUSSELL STEVEN
Published: September 2018

Ill-health contributes to impoverishment, a process brought into sharper focus by the impact of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic. This paper reviews studies that have measured the economic costs and consequences of illness for households, focusing on malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS. It finds that in resource-poor settings illness imposed high and regressive cost burdens on patients and their families. Direct and indirect costs of illness for malaria were less than 10% of the household income, but still significant when combined with the costs of other illnesses. The costs of TB and HIV/AIDS were catastrophic for households (more than 10% of the income). Health service weaknesses in many countries, including low coverage, user charges, and poor quality of care, contributed to high costs. Poor households in developing countries with a member with TB or HIV/AIDS struggled to cope, highlighting the urgent need for a substantial increase in health sector investment to expand access to preventive and curative health services. Government and non-governmental interventions should also be broadened to encompass measures that reduce the substantial indirect costs associated with diseases such as malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS.
PEDIATRIC MORTALITY IN AFRICA: PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA AS A CAUSE OR RISK?
Authors: SNOW ROBERT W. , KORENROMP ELINE L. , GOUWS ELEANOR
Published: September 2018

The disability adjusted life year (DALY) approach of defining cause-specific health burdens is becoming the benchmark for international disease control prioritization. For malaria, this categorical approach may not fully capture its burden that includes chronic anemia, low birth weight, and enhancement of the severity of other childhood diseases. We investigated the extent to which malaria acts as a risk factor for all-cause mortality in African children less than five years of age from 1) ecologic associations between Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence (PR) and under-five mortality, and 2) reductions in all-cause under-five mortality achieved in malaria intervention trials. Across 48 demographic surveillance studies, when adjusted for secular trends, PR more than doubled all-cause mortality (P = 0.0001). Trials of insecticide-treated mosquito nets generally found smaller population-attributable fractions of pediatric mortality to malaria infection, which may relate to their imperfect coverage and efficacy. In conclusion, the disability and death burden due to malaria in African children could be higher than that detectable from cause-specific DALY estimations.
REDUCING THE BURDEN OF ANEMIA IN INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN IN MALARIA-ENDEMIC COUNTRIES OF AFRICA: FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION
Authors: CRAWLEY JANE
Published: September 2018

Anemia is one of the commonest and most intractable public health problems in Africa. This paper illustrates how, in areas of stable malaria transmission, anemia is apparent from the first few months of life, with the highest prevalence towards the end of the first year. The antenatal and postnatal factors predisposing to anemia in infants and young children are discussed, together with the interventions that are available for prevention. The paper stresses the need to target interventions at pregnant women and infants, the groups at highest risk of anemia, and to develop an integrated, non disease-specific approach to this complex problem.
PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA IN SPLENECTOMIZED PATIENTS: TWO CASE REPORTS IN FRENCH GUIANA AND A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: DEMAR MAGALIE , LEGRAND ERIC , HOMMEL DIDIER , ESTERRE PHILIPPE , CARME BERNARD
Published: September 2018

Some of the immunologic mechanisms involved in malaria physiopathology remain unclear. In animals, the spleen seems to play a key role in protecting the host against malaria. However, little is known about the effect of spleen dysfunction on human malaria. We report two severe cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection with unusual clinical and parasitologic features in two splenectomized men living in French Guiana. The peripheral blood of these cases showed hyperparasitemia, with a high proportion of mature parasites and leukocytes with malaria pigment. Despite appropriate treatment and adequate absorption, hyperparasitemia persisted. Parasite clearance was delayed and one patient died. Only the patient who died had the merozoite surface protein 1 allele B-K1 and the varD gene genotype, which is considered to be a probable parasite virulence factor. These uncommon cases differ from most of those described in the literature, illustrating the complexity of the mechanisms underlying the protective function of the spleen in human malaria.
PHYSIOGRAPHIC AND ENTOMOLOGIC RISK FACTORS OF MALARIA IN ASSAM, INDIA
Authors: DEV VAS , PHOOKAN SOBHAN , SHARMA VINOD P. , ANAND SURAJ P.
Published: September 2018

Fever surveys were conducted in several districts of the Indian state of Assam to ascertain the prevalence of malaria in relation to vector abundance, entomologic inoculation rates (EIRs), and geographic location of human settlements. Anopheles minimus were incriminated, but their relative abundance and biting rates varied among districts, and no significant correlation was observed between these two indicators (r = 0.43, P = 0.34). Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant parasite species except in two districts where P. vivax was the majority parasite. The EIRs per person/night were 0.46–0.71 in P. falciparum-predominant areas and 0.12 in the district where P. vivax predominated. The correlation of percentage of fever cases positive for malaria infection in each district with the corresponding EIR was not significant (r = 0.6, P = 0.21). Malaria cases were detected in all months of the year but peaked during May–June, which corresponded to the months of heavy rainfall. These were also the months with highest incidence of infection with P. falciparum. Malaria cases were observed in all age groups of both sexes, and there was clustering of cases in villages near the vector-breeding habitat (perennial seepage streams), and foothill villages. However, malaria incidences were consistently lower in villages within 5 km of the nearest health care facility, which were in town areas. The data presented are indicative of low-to-moderate levels of malaria transmission by An. minimus, and would be of value for developing future intervention strategies.
QUANTITATIVE BIOFILM ASSAY USING A MICROTITER PLATE TO SCREEN FOR ENTEROAGGREGATIVE ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: WAKIMOTO NAOKO , NISHI JUNICHIRO , SHEIKH JALALUDDIN , NATARO JAMES P. , SARANTUYA JAV , IWASHITA MAYUMI , MANAGO KUNIHIRO , TOKUDA KOICHI , YOSHINAGA MASAO , KAWANO YOSHIFUMI
Published: September 2018

The gold standard for identification of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) remains the HEp-2 cell adherence test, which is time-consuming and requires specialized facilities. We evaluated the usefulness of a quantitative biofilm assay to screen for EAEC from a total of 1,042 E. coli strains from children with diarrhea. Bacteria were incubated overnight in high-glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium using a polystyrene microtiter plate. The plate was stained with crystal violet after washing, and the biofilm was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate reader. The aggR gene was evaluated by a polymerase chain reaction. Forty-eight (77.4%) of 62 strains with an optical density at 570 nm (OD570) > 0.2 were identified as EAEC by the HEp-2 adherence test, while no EAEC was found in strains with an OD570 ≤ 0.2. Twenty-one aggR+ and 27 aggR - EAEC strains could be screened by an OD570 > 0.2 using this assay. Although confirmation by a HEp-2 cell adherence test is needed, this biofilm assay is convenient and useful in screening for EAEC.
PHARMACOKINETIC INVESTIGATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF ARTEMOTIL (β-ARTEETHER) IN THAI PATIENTS WITH SEVERE PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA
Authors: LI QIGUI , LUGT CHARLES B. , LOOAREESUWAN SORNCHAI , KRUDSOOD SRIVICHA , WILAIRATANA POLRAT , VANNAPHAN SUPARP , CHALEARMRULT KOBSIRI , MILHOUS WILBUR K.
Published: September 2018

Pharmacokinetic data were obtained to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Artemotil (β-arteether) in 56 Thai patients with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Intramuscular administration was given at 1) a low dose of 3.2 mg/kg on day 0 and 1.6 mg/kg/day on days 1–4 and 2) a high dose of 4.8 mg/kg on day 0 at 0 hours, 1.6 mg/kg at 6 hours, and 1.6 mg/kg/day on days 1–4. Cmax values of 63.7 ng/mL at 6.1 hours and 140.8 ng/mL at 5.7 hours were reached in low-dose and high-dose patients, respectively. Drug concentrations decreased slowly with half-lives of 12.5–22.4 hours on day 0 and 31.6–40.7 hours on day 4 for both dosage regimens. Although the maintaining dosage on the last day was much lower than the loading dose on day 0, the area under the curve (AUC) and Cmax on day 4 were significantly increased (2.85–4.55 fold), suggesting drug accumulation in the blood. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an active metabolite of Artemotil, was detected in most patients. The mean ratios of DHA and Artemotil were 0.16–0.19 in both dosage regimens for the entire study period. Similar to previous reports, all patients showed a slow response to treatment with mean values of 77.2 hours for the fever clearance time (FCT) and 75.8 hours for the parasite clearance time (PCT) (low dose) and 70.1 hours for the FCT and 64.4 hours for the PCT (high dose). Interestingly, a very rapid response to the treatment was exhibited in patient 151, with an FCT of 4 hours and a PCT of 36 hours, with different pharmacokinetic data from others on day 0. The patient had a very high Cmax (2,407 ng/mL) and AUC (12,259 ng·hr/mL) values without an intramuscular absorption phase on the first day. These values were approximately 21.9 (Cmax) and 2.6 (AUC) times higher than in other patients; this patient may have been to be injected through a vessel at first dosing. In conclusion, the patients treated with the high dosage regimen had higher AUC values and higher antimalarial efficiency (cure rate = 48%) than the low-dose subjects (cure rate = 23%). Despite the high accumulation and longer exposure time (9–11 days) when compared with other artemisinin agents, due to the slow prolonged absorption of Artemotil from injection sites, the two dosage regimens did not show a better therapeutic effects than other artemisinin drugs, including α/β-arteether dissolved in peanut oil used in Indian patients.
SHORT REPORT: PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A MULTI-TEST STRIP FOR THE DIAGNOSES OF SCRUB AND MURINE TYPHUS, LEPTOSPIROSIS, DENGUE FEVER, AND SALMONELLA TYPHI INFECTION
Authors: WATT GEORGE , JONGSAKUL KRISADA , RUANGVIRAYUTH RONNATRAI , KANTIPONG PACHAREE , SILPAPOJAKUL KHACHORNSAKDI
Published: September 2018

A multi-test strip dotblot immunoassay for the diagnosis of typhoid fever, scrub typhus, murine typhus, dengue virus infection and leptospirosis was evaluated in Thai adults presenting to hospital with acute, undifferentiated fever. The kit gave multiple positive test results in 33 of 36 patients with defined infections and was therefore not a useful admission diagnostic tool.
SHORT REPORT: SURVEILLANCE OF LEISHMANIA SP. AMONG SAND FLIES IN SICILY (ITALY) USING A FLUOROGENIC REAL-TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
Authors: GÓMEZ-SALADÍN EDUARDO , DOUD CARL W. , MAROLI MICHELE
Published: September 2018

Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum is a complex zoonotic disease, resulting in cutaneous and visceral manifestations in both dogs and humans. The present study involved a published Taqman fluorogenic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for surveillance of Leishmania sp. parasites among sand flies trapped in two provinces in Sicily, Catania and Agrigento, during the summer and fall of 2003. Only male specimens were identified to species level, while females were used to evaluate Leishmania sp. infection by PCR testing. The two most prevalent sand fly species found were Phlebotomus perfiliewi and P. perniciosus. Of the female sand flies tested, 2.9% were positive for Leishmania sp. DNA by the PCR.
THE SEARCH FOR EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE TREATMENTS FOR PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA IN AFRICA: A MODEL OF THE SELECTION OF RESISTANCE BY ANTIFOLATE DRUGS AND THEIR COMBINATIONS
Authors: WATKINS WILLIAM M. , SIBLEY CAROL HOPKINS , HASTINGS IAN M.
Published: September 2018

The extensive data on the relationship between parasite genotype and susceptibility to antifolate drugs can now be coupled with pharmacokinetic information to allow construction of models of the selection and spread of antifolate-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. In this report, we have modeled the effect on resistance selection processes of combinations of antifolate antimalarial drugs with artesunate and with amodiaquine under a variety of conditions that can be defined by the user. The model is intended to assist policymakers in forecasting the useful therapeutic life (UTL) for a range of potential combination treatments. The model is especially designed for use by African malaria programs so that the interactions of key variables can be explored and appropriate combinations of drugs can be chosen for field testing. The model provides some important general conclusions: 1) for optimal extension of UTL, combination therapy must be deployed before either constituent drug is used as monotherapy; 2) even short periods of monotherapy can severely limit the usefulness of subsequent combination therapy; and 3) that adding a second drug to rescue an antifolate antimalarial that is overtly failing is an inappropriate and ultimately wasteful exercise.
SHORT REPORT: OBSERVATIONS ON THE MULTIPLE FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF CULEX TRITAENIORHYNCHUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE), THE VECTOR OF JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS IN KERALA IN SOUTHERN INDIA
Authors: ARUNACHALAM N. , SAMUEL P. PHILIP , HIRIYAN J. , RAJENDRAN R. , DASH A. P.
Published: September 2018

A study was undertaken in villages endemic for Japanese encephalitis (JE) in Kerala in southern India during the period 1998–2001 to determine the host-feeding pattern of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the major vector of JE in southeast Asia. A total of 3,067 blood-engorged Cx. tritaeniorhynchus were tested and 2,553 (82.2%) of the samples could be identified. Culex tritaeniorhynchus had fed mainly (56.6%) on cattle. Pig feeding accounted 6.3% of the total samples. Some samples (n = 980, 38.3%) were of serologic mixed origin. Of 980 mixed blood-fed mosquitoes, 975 (99.5%) had imbibed blood from two distinct hosts and 5 (0.5%) imbibed blood from three distinct hosts. Mixed blood meals were mostly (96.7%) from cattle and goats. The epidemiologic implications of multiple feeding of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus on dampening (dead-end) hosts such as cattle and goats in the transmission of JE virus is discussed.
NEXUS OF INFECTION WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS, PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AND VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS: A CASE REPORT FROM BIHAR, INDIA
Authors: PANDEY KRISHNA , SINHA PRABHAT K. , RAVIDAS VIDYA N. , KUMAR NAWIN , VERMA NEENA , LAL CHANDRA S. , BIMAL SANJEEV , SUR DIPIKA , BHATTACHARYA SUJIT K.
Published: September 2018

A 37-year-old man was diagnosed as being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB), tuberculoma of the brain, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) at the Rajendra Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences in Bihar, India. He had taken anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) for two and a half months and had episodes of convulsions with loss of consciousness, tongue bites, and incontinence of urine. The results of a neurologic examination were normal except for a left plantar extensor. He was positive for both HIV-I (confirmed by Western blot) and VL (confirmed by splenic aspirate). Treatment was initiated with amphotericin B lipid complex, a four-drug regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) of ATT, highly active antiretroviral therapy, anti-convulsants, and other supportive therapies. A repeat computed tomography scan of the brain showed the disappearance of the lesion followed by gliosis. After six months, he was also cured of VL. The triad of infections (HIV, VL, and TB) is a real threat in Bihar as an emerging combination of diseases of public health importance. Keeping these facts in mind, efforts to develop simple and cost effective diagnostic techniques coupled with affordable therapeutic facilities are urgently needed in developing countries.
PERSISTENT SHEDDING OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN URINE OF EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED HAMSTERS
Authors: TONRY JESSICA H. , XIAO SHU-YUAN , SIIRIN MARINA , CHEN HONGLI , DA ROSA AMELIA P. A. TRAVASSOS , TESH ROBERT B.
Published: September 2018

Adult hamsters that survived experimental West Nile virus (WNV) infection developed persistent viruria. Infectious WNV could be cultured from their urine for up to 52 days. Immunohistochemical examination of kidneys of viruric animals showed foci of WNV antigen in renal tubular epithelial and vascular endothelial cells. These findings are compatible with virus replication and persistent infection of renal epithelial cells. The potential clinical and virologic significance of these findings as well as their possible epidemiologic importance are discussed.
VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS IN THE GUINEA PIG MODEL: EVIDENCE FOR EPIZOOTIC VIRULENCE DETERMINANTS OUTSIDE THE E2 ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEIN GENE
Authors: GREENE IVORLYNE P. , PAESSLER SLOBODAN , ANISHCHENKO MICHAEL , SMITH DARCI R. , BRAULT AARON C. , FROLOV ILYA , WEAVER SCOTT C.
Published: September 2018

Epizootic strains of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) cause epidemics by exploiting equines as highly efficient amplification hosts for mosquito transmission. Although phylogenetic studies indicate that epizootic VEEV strains emerge via mutation from enzootic progenitors that are incapable of efficient equine amplification, the molecular mechanism(s) involved remain enigmatic. The convergent evolution of E2 envelope glycoprotein mutations suggests that they are critical to VEEV emergence, but little is known about the role of non-envelope genes. We used the guinea pig, the small animal model that best predicts the ability to generate equine viremia, to assess the role of envelope versus other mutations in the epizootic phenotype. Using reciprocal chimeric viruses generated by swapping the envelope genes of closely related epizootic IC and enzootic ID strains, infections of guinea pigs demonstrated that envelope and non-envelope genes and sequences both contributed to virulence. However, early replication in lymphoid tissues appeared to be primarily envelope dependent.
CHARACTERIZATION OF DENGUE-2 VIRUS BINDING TO SURFACES OF MAMMALIAN AND INSECT CELLS
Authors: THAISOMBOONSUK BUTSAYA K. , CLAYSON EDWARD T. , PANTUWATANA SOMSAK , VAUGHN DAVID W. , ENDY TIMOTHY P.
Published: September 2018

The binding of dengue type 2 (DEN-2) virus to mammalian (LLC-MK2 and Vero) and mosquito (C6/36 and AP61) cell surfaces was investigated by a virus-binding assay using purified 3H-labeled DEN-2 virus. The DEN-2 virus binding to all four cell types was specific and saturable, indicating the presence of a single class of receptors (ranging from 3.7 × 103 to 3.5 × 104 receptors/cell) with a high affinity for DEN-2 virus (Kd ranging from 98 to 171 pM). Treatment of cell surfaces with certain glycosidases significantly reduced virus binding to mammalian cell lines, but not to the insect cell lines examined. Furthermore, heparin was found to compete with mammalian cell receptors for binding to DEN-2 virus and to inhibit viral infection of mammalian cells, but heparin had no effect on viral binding to or infection of insect cells. These results confirm previous reports suggesting that DEN-2 virus receptors on mammalian cell lines are different from those on insect cell lines.
ECOLOGIC COVARIATES OF HOOKWORM INFECTION AND REINFECTION IN RURAL KWAZULU-NATAL/SOUTH AFRICA: A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM–BASED STUDY
Authors: SAATHOFF ELMAR , OLSEN ANNETTE , SHARP BRIAN , KVALSVIG JANE D. , APPLETON CHRIS C. , KLEINSCHMIDT IMMO
Published: September 2018

Information on hookworm infection and re-infection in a cohort of primary school children and interview data on their socioeconomic background and behavior were combined with environmental data using a geographic information system (GIS). Multivariate models served to explore the covariation of environmental and infection patterns adjusted for possible confounders. Our aim was to identify environmental factors that might serve to predict infection and thus guide control efforts when epidemiologic information is insufficient. Furthermore, we wanted to establish whether soil type has a genuine influence on hookworm infection. Prevalence maps and spatial statistics showed considerable spatial clustering of infection in the small (∼28 × 16 km) study area. The multivariate logistic regression models showed strong positive associations of infection at baseline (baseline prevalence = 83.2%) with settlement density (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.38) and vegetation density (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.25–2.22) and a strong negative association with the clay content of the soil (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.62–0.73). Similar but weaker correlations were found after re-infection. Socioeconomic status and behavior did not seem to confound these associations. Spatial analysis of the model residuals suggested that because the models accounted for most of the spatial pattern, the model standard errors were not affected by spatial clustering. Our study shows that the pattern of hookworm infection is strongly influenced by several environmental factors. The GIS-aided prediction of areas in need of treatment is therefore a promising tool to guide control efforts when epidemiologic information is insufficient.
GENETIC STRUCTURE OF AEDES AEGYPTI POPULATIONS IN THAILAND USING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA
Authors: BOSIO CHRISTOPHER F. , HARRINGTON LAURA C. , JONES JAMES W. , SITHIPRASASNA RATANA , NORRIS DOUGLAS E. , SCOTT THOMAS W.
Published: September 2018

A hierarchical population genetic study was conducted among 19 Aedes aegypti populations in Thailand from Chiang Mai in the north to Songkhla province in the south. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was used to examine variation in a 359-basepair region of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 mitochondrial DNA gene (ND4). Seven haplotypes were detected in two lineages previously identified in ND4 haplotypes from North America. Gene flow estimates and highly significant variation among populations within 25 kilometers implicated genetic drift and vector control efforts as major factors in genetic structure. Mantel regression analysis demonstrated no isolation by distance. Urban areas were relatively panmictic, while suburban/rural sites exhibited more restricted gene flow. Significant genetic structure among groups of collections > 100 kilometers apart is consistent with recent (~50 year) expansion of Ae. aegypti from highly populated areas accompanied by founder effects, but could also reflect the overall low genetic diversity in ND4 in Thailand.
PREVALENCE OF BARTONELLA HENSELAE IN CATS IN CATALONIA, SPAIN
Authors: PONS IMMACULADA , SANFELIU ISABEL , QUESADA MARIELA , ANTON ESPERANZA , SAMPERE MAITE , FONT BERNAT , PLA JÚLIA , SEGURA FERRAN
Published: September 2018

Bartonella henselae, an emerging pathogen bacterium, is the main causative agent of the cat scratch disease. While the first clinical descriptions were associated with immunosupressed patients, it is now more frequently observed in patients with normal immune status (endocarditis and bacteremia). Cats were found to be the only known reservoir of B. henselae. In this paper, we report the results obtained in the first study made to investigate the prevalence of B. henselae bacteremia and antibodies in domestic cats in Catalonia, Spain. Serum samples from 115 cats were tested for antibodies to B. henselae by immunofluorescent antibody testing, and 29.6% had a titer ≥ 1:64. Seven B. henselae strains were isolated using standard culture techniques and amplification by a polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequencing was performed on the intergenic spacer region between the 16 and 23S ribosomal RNA genes. Of all factors concerning the studied bacteremia rate (age, sex, habitat, presence of antibodies, contact with animals, parasites), only the presence of antibodies to B. henselae was statistically significant.