bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration model of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen concentrations in soils using ultraviolet absorbance and soil organic matter
Authors: Xu X. , Zhang T. , Liu Z.
Published: March 2008

There is a need for a rapid, simple and reliable method of determining soil microbial biomass (SMB) for all soils because traditional methods are laborious. Earlier studies have reported that SMB‐C and ‐N concentrations in grassland and arable soils can be estimated by measurement of UV absorbance in soil extracts. However, these previous studies focused on soils with small soil organic matter (SOM) contents, and there was no consideration of SOM content as a covariate to improve the estimation. In this study, using tropical and temperate forest soils with a wide range of total C (5–204 mg C g−1 soil) and N (1–12 mg N g−1 soil) contents and pH values (4.1–5.9), it was found that increase in UV absorbance of soil extracts at 280 nm (UV280) after fumigation could account for 92–96% of the variance in estimates of the SMB‐C and ‐N concentrations measured by chloroform fumigation and extraction (P < 0.001). The data were combined with those of earlier workers to calibrate UV‐based regression models for all the soils, by taking into account their varying SOM content. The validation analysis of the calibration models indicated that the SMB‐C and ‐N concentrations in the 0–5 cm forest soils simulated by using the increase in UV280 and SOM could account for 86–93% of the variance in concentrations determined by chloroform fumigation and extraction (P < 0.001). The slope values of linear regression equations between measured and simulated values were 0.94 ± 0.03 and 0.94 ± 0.04, respectively, for the SMB‐C and ‐N. However, simulation using the regression equations obtained by using only the data for forest profile soils gave less good agreement with measured values. Hence, the calibration models obtained by using the increase in UV280 and SOM can give a rapid, simple and reliable method of determining SMB for all soils.
Predictors of gross N mineralization and immobilization during decomposition of stabilized organic matter in agricultural soil
Authors: Herrmann A. M. , Witter E.
Published: March 2008

Long‐term additions of different types of organic amendments affect the amount of soil organic matter. Less is known about how this in turn affects carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization from the pool of stabilized soil organic matter, or the extent to which gross N immobilization influences the net amount of N mineralized. Soils, differing in the quantity and quality of organic matter inputs they had received since 1956, were sampled approximately 6 or 18 months after the most recent applications of organic amendments. Two laboratory experiments were carried out to: (i) evaluate if, and how, the organic amendments had affected C mineralization, gross and net N mineralization; (ii) examine the relation between gross N immobilized and free‐light fraction of organic matter; and (iii) assess predictors for gross N mineralization and immobilization rates in soils. The amount of soil organic C and N were major determinants of C and gross N mineralization, but not of net N mineralization. Carbon mineralization was related to gross N mineralization, but the ratio between the two was not constant. Gross N immobilization was related to the amount of free‐light fraction material in the soil with 90% variation explained. For most common organic amendments applied in autumn, our results support the use of total soil organic N and C mineralization as predictors of gross N mineralization from stabilized soil organic matter. In addition, we propose that the amount of free‐light fraction material present in the soil in spring is adequate as a predictor of the immobilization potential of the soil, without a need to consider the C‐to‐N ratio of this material.
Midazolam conscious sedation in a large Danish municipal dental service for children and adolescents
Authors: ULDUM BIRGITTE , HALLONSTEN ANNA‐LENA , POULSEN SVEN
Published: March 2008

Objective.  The aim of this study was to describe the introduction and the first six years use of midazolam for conscious sedation in a municipal dental service in Denmark.

Methods.  In 1998, all dentists were introduced to midazolam conscious sedation. A sedation chart was filled in for each session, and parents’ assessment was obtained. In 2004, all clinical materials were collected.

Results.  Six hundred and eighty sessions were performed; 63.7% of the children were between 2 and 6 years of age; 88.5% belonged to American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1; 74.8% of the sedations performed used the oral route of administration. Restorations were performed during 60.3% of the sessions, and extractions during 38.4%. Complications during the sessions were rare, the most frequent being double vision (6.1%), hiccups (2.7%), and paradoxical reaction (2.0%). Using Wilton's sedation scale, 42.9% were calm and 27.7% were agitated during treatment, whereas after treatment 61.7% were calm; 80.4% of the parents were very positive towards this sedation method.

Conclusion.  Sedation with midazolam for dental treatment of children with dental fear and anxiety is a feasible and an efficient method with a low rate of complications. It can probably reduce the need for dental treatment under general anaesthesia.
Body adiposity status in teenagers and snacking habits in early childhood in relation to approximal caries at 15 years of age
Authors: ALM ANITA , FÅHRAEUS CHRISTINA , WENDT LILL‐KARI , KOCH GÖRAN , ANDERSSON‐GÄRE BOEL , BIRKHED DOWEN
Published: March 2008

Background.  The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing in many countries. Dental caries and obesity are both multifactorial diseases and are associated with dietary habits.

Objective.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body weight status in adolescents and snacking habits in early childhood to approximal caries prevalence at 15 years of age.

Methods.  This study is part of a series of surveys of oral health in children followed from the ages of 1 year to 15 years. Body adiposity status was estimated at 13.5–16.4 years using the International Obesity Task Force cut‐off values [age‐specific body mass index (isoBMI)]. Information about snacking habits in early childhood was collected from interviews conducted at 1 year and 3 years. Approximal caries information was obtained from bitewing radiographs at 15 years. Data related to isoBMI and approximal caries were available in 402 teenagers.

Result.  Adolescents with isoBMI ≥ 25 (n = 64) had an approximal caries prevalence that was a mean of 1.6 times higher than those with isoBMI < 25 (n = 338) (4.64 vs. 2.94; P = 0.014). Furthermore, children's snacking habits at an early age were associated with approximal caries at 15 years.

Conclusion.  Overweight and obese adolescents had more approximal caries than normal‐weight individuals. Moreover, the frequent consumption of snacking products during early childhood appears to be a risk indicator for caries at 15 years. Future preventive programmes should therefore include, on a multidisciplinary level, strategies to prevent and reduce both obesity and dental caries at an early age.
Role perceptions and reported actual role content of hospital nurses in Mainland China
Authors: Lu Hong , While Alison E , Louise Barriball K
Published: March 2008

Aim.  The study aimed to explore nurses’ views and experiences regarding their working roles in Mainland China.

Background.  Ministry of Health guidance relating to the hospital nurse's role has been widely used in Mainland China since 1982 but it does not adequately cover the development of new roles arising from recent health care system reforms. This has led to increasing concerns about the potential of role conflict and role ambiguity for nurses especially where role expectations are not reflected in actual role content leading to job dissatisfaction and higher turnover.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey design using postal questionnaires comprising demographic questions and four scales measuring role perception and actual role content, job satisfaction, occupational stress, role conflict and role ambiguity was used. Five hundred and twelve hospital nurses in Beijing participated representing a response rate of 81%.

Results.  Most respondents reported that staff nurses should undertake most of the roles described in the domain of patients’ physical care, psychosocial and communication and professional aspects of patient care and patient care management and there was overall consensus regarding the roles of other health care personnel. Further, they reported that nurses always or sometimes carried out these roles. Different role perceptions were reported across educational groups. Additionally, nurses’ ratings of role perception and actual role content were related to their ratings of job satisfaction, occupational stress, role conflict and role ambiguity (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  There was relative consensus regarding role perceptions but the role boundary between nursing and non‐nursing work lacked clarity. The importance of role expectations is highlighted regarding job satisfaction and other components of working lives.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Acknowledgement of a potential gap between expectations and actual role of nurses provides the basis for developing strategies to reduce resulting occupational stress, role conflict and role ambiguity and increase job satisfaction. Additionally the findings provide a basis for international comparison of actual nurse role content and the potential support needs of nurses from Mainland China who move to work in other health care systems.
The challenges of caring in a technological environment: critical care nurses’ experiences
Authors: McGrath Mary
Published: March 2008

Purpose.  This paper presents and discusses the findings from a phenomenological study which illuminated the lived experiences of experienced critical care nurses caring within a technological environment.

Background.  While nursing practice is interwoven with technology, much of the literature in this area is speculative. Moreover, there is a debate as to whether and how ‘high tech’ and ‘high touch’ are reconcilable; this orientation is referred to as the optimism vs. pessimism debate. On a personal level, the motivation for this study came from the author's 13 years’ experience in the critical care area.

Method.  Following ethical approval, 10 experienced nurses from two cardiothoracic critical care units in Ireland participated in the study. A Heideggerian phenomenological methodology was used. Data collection consisted of unstructured interviews. A method of data analysis described by Walters was used.

Findings.  The findings provide research‐based evidence to illuminate further the optimistic/pessimistic debate on technology in nursing. While the study demonstrates that the debate is far from resolved, it reveals a new finding: life‐saving technology that supports the lives of critically ill patients can bring experienced nurses very close to their patients/families. The three main themes that emerged: ‘alien environment’, ‘pulling together’ and ‘sharing the journey’ were linked by a common thread of caring.

Conclusion.  Experienced critical care nurses are able to transcend the obtrusive nature of technology to deliver expert caring to their patients. However, the journey to proficiency in technology is very demanding and novice nurses have difficulty in caring with technology.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is recommended that more emphasis be placed on supporting, assisting and educating inexperienced nurses in the critical care area and that the use of technology in nursing be given serious consideration.
The meaning of consolation as experienced by nurses in a home‐care setting
Authors: Roxberg Åsa , Eriksson Katie , Rehnsfeldt Arne , Fridlund Bengt
Published: March 2008

Aims and objective.  The aim of this study was to illuminate nurses’ experiences of consolation and how these experiences relate to suffering and care.

Background.  Consolation is commonly associated with the relief of suffering. The question of consolation in terms of its definition and relevance for care has, however, been a matter of discussion among nurse researchers. The question raised concerns about the nature of consolation, its place and its role in relation to care and the caring sciences.

Design.  An explorative qualitative interview study with 12 participants, six registered and six enrolled nurses, was carried out in a home‐care context.

Methods.  A phenomenological‐hermeneutic method inspired by the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur was used for the text analysis.

Results.  Two main aspects of consolation appeared: ‘the present consolation’, which is flexible, sustaining and opening and ‘the absent consolation’, which conceals the suffering and is incapable of consoling. The result was interpreted from a philosophical‐ethical perspective, based on the works of Levinas and Lögstrup.

Conclusions.  Consolation appears as a complex phenomenon, both in terms of its existence and its absence consolation, constituting a caring and non‐caring consolation. A caring consolation entails meeting the other as different and being present in a way that gives the other space to be the one he or she really is. It requires acceptance, accepting the sufferer and his/her way of suffering as unique.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The clinical nurse is involved in complex care situations, which entails both reflecting upon and using intuition when consoling. A caring consolation is a contradictory phenomenon that requires a nurse to be capable of both reflecting upon and acting intuitively on the unique suffering of the other.
What do you think of your dentist? A dental practice assessment questionnaire
Authors: Mussard Jennie , Ashley Farrah A. , Newton J. Tim , Kendall Nick , Crayford Tim J. B.
Published: March 2008

Background  In order to comply with clinical governance requirements and receive payments under the Qualities and Outcomes Framework, GPs are required to undertake an annual survey of patient experience using a validated assessment tool. Dentists, in contrast, have embryonic clinical governance structures. The provision of quality dental services was identified in NHS Dentistry: Options for Change as a priority for the future. In anticipation of the PCT role in commissioning quality NHS dental care, Croydon PCT has developed an instrument to examine various aspects of the patient experience.

Methods  A review of existing literature identified five generic dimensions of patient satisfaction with dental care: technical competence, interpersonal factors, convenience, costs and facilities. The dental practice assessment questionnaire was developed to cover all of these dimensions using a number of validated measures and modified questions. A small scale pilot was undertaken before the questionnaire was sent to a 10% random stratified sample of the PCT population.

Results  Validation analyses were undertaken in conjunction with the GKT Dental Institute. Cronbach’s alpha demonstrated very high levels of internal consistency, and factor analysis and correlation coefficients demonstrated high levels of factorial and concurrent validity respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed differences in reported satisfaction by age and ethnic group, and that those who attend because of pain or a dental emergency are generally less satisfied with the care they receive. These results are consistent with previous research findings.

Conclusion  The dental practice assessment questionnaire is a valid and consistent measurement tool. Its use could be extended across the NHS without difficulty.
The relationships between need profiles, clinical symptoms, functioning and the well‐being of inpatients with severe mental disorders
Authors: Grinshpoon Alexander , Ponizovsky Alexander M.
Published: March 2008

Background  This study aimed to examine the subjective needs and their relationship with clinical symptoms, functioning and well‐being of hospitalized patients with severe mental disorders.

Methods  Using the Camberwell Assessment of Need, we surveyed 52 consecutive voluntarily readmitted inpatients aged 18–65 years fulfilling the ICD‐10 criteria for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Current levels of clinical symptoms, functioning and well‐being were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Global Life Functioning inventory and the General Health Questionnaire, respectively. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and t‐test comparisons were performed to examine the relationships between the parameters of interest.

Results  The basic needs of inpatients in food and accommodation were met in a greater extent than social needs (‘sexual expression’ and ‘intimate relationships’) and informational needs (‘information on condition and treatment’). Patients’ unmet needs were associated with current symptomatology severity rather than with the course of disorder.

Conclusion  In any course of illness, services must help patients in solution of their problem (met their needs) immediately after clinical improvement or alleviation of psychiatric symptoms.
Response and non‐response to postal questionnaire follow‐up in a clinical trial – a qualitative study of the patient’s perspective
Authors: Nakash Rachel A. , Hutton Jane L. , Lamb Sarah E. , Gates Simon , Fisher Joanne
Published: March 2008

Rationale, aims and objectives  Many studies have investigated response issues to postal questionnaires in educational and market research surveys. Behavioural theories have been applied to survey research to understand response decisions. Little attention has focussed specifically on response issues to postal questionnaires used to collect data in clinical trials. This qualitative study, nested within an acute injury RCT, examines factors affecting response and non‐response from the clinical trial participant’s perspective.

Methods  Qualitative study comprising of 22 semi‐structured interviews with a purposeful sample of clinical trial participants. The sample consisted of 14 ‘responders’ and 8 ‘non‐responders’ to postal questionnaire follow‐up. Data were analysed using the Framework Method.

Results  Prevalent reasons for responding to the questionnaires were the perceived personal benefit, commitment to the trial and perceived obligation to respond. Altruism was also a strong motivator. There was an association between the participant’s understanding of the trial and their likelihood of responding. Most non‐responders were happy with the trial and gave reasons for non‐response such as being ‘lazy’ and ‘forgetful’. Participants who considered themselves to be fully recovered were less likely to respond. There also emerged a relationship between response and treatment preference.

Conclusions  Saliency of the questionnaire topic is one of the most prevalent influences on response in clinical trials. This is not evident in the survey literature. Improvements in response rates may be gained by ensuring participants fully understand the trial procedures and stressing the importance of responding even if a full recovery has been made.
Once a week is not enough: evaluating current measures of teamworking in stroke
Authors: Baxter Susan K. , Brumfitt Shelagh M.
Published: March 2008

Rationale, aims and objectives  Stroke care has been at the forefront of the drive to deliver health care by teamworking in the UK. Teamworking is the subject of ongoing audit of stroke provision with measures such as a weekly team meeting being used to evaluate services. A qualitative study was recently undertaken to explore these evaluations and to gain further understanding of the processes underlying teamworking practice.

Methods  Three case study sites across the stroke care pathway were investigated using data collection methods of fieldwork observation, interviews and visual imagery. The data were coded and analysed in an inductive process in parallel to the data gathering.

Results  It was found that teamworking practice was affected by organizational conditions, such as location of staff, time constraints, management structures and team contact. Other important aspects of teamworking related to the formation of subteams, decision‐making processes, leadership, identification of goals, and training in teamworking.

Conclusions  It is suggested that additional measures of team functioning are required. This paper highlights the importance of the organizational background with the need to consider team size, accountability and changing group membership. It discusses the decision‐making systems and the need to more fully consider the role and purpose of team meetings.
Computing hospitalization rates in presence of repeated events: impact and countermeasures to avoid misinterpretation
Authors: Baldi Ileana , Ciccone Giovannino , Merletti Franco , Gregori Dario
Published: March 2008

Rationale, aims and objectives  The admission rate, including both first and recurrent events, is a clear overall measure of hospital utilization, its variability accounting for individual propensity to disease recurrence.

Method  In this paper, we compared two variance estimators derived from the Poisson and negative binomial distribution of directly and indirectly age/gender‐standardized hospitalization rates allowing for multiple events. The latter approach accommodates departures from the assumption of randomness of repeated events required by the Poisson distribution. We apply these methods to a retrospective cohort based on hospital discharge data in 2001 of Piedmont (north‐western Italy) residents.

Results  Estimated standard errors under the negative binomial for both directly and indirectly standardized rates result in almost twice those under the Poisson distribution.

Conclusion  Our analysis confirms that ignoring the typical non‐random nature of repeated events underestimates the true variance of rates and can lead to biased optimistic interpretation of study results.
Validation of the Chinese version of the MacNew Heart Disease Health‐related Quality of Life questionnaire
Authors: Yu Doris S. F. , Thompson David R. , Yu C. M. , Oldridge Neil B.
Published: March 2008

Rationale  Patient‐reported outcomes such as health‐related quality of life (HRQL) describe or characterize what patients have experienced as a result of their health care. However, treatment outcome comparisons among different pure or mixed populations of patients with myocardial infarction, angina or heart failure cannot be made using existing coronary heart disease (CHD)‐specific HRQL instruments.

Aims and objectives  The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the MacNew in a cohort of Hong Kong patients diagnosed with CHD.

Methods  Chinese translations of a CHD‐specific HRQL instrument, the MacNew Heart Disease HRQL questionnaire (MacNew), the Short‐form 36 Health Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to 365 Chinese‐speaking patients with CHD at baseline and again 3 months later (n = 363). The Medical Outcomes Trust Scientific Advisory Committee criteria were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese MacNew Heart Disease HRQL questionnaire.

Results  The results warrant recommending the use of the MacNew as an outcome measure to enhance treatment evaluation in Chinese patients with CHD and a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina or heart failure, substantiating previous psychometric data on the MacNew in a number of different studies in patients speaking seven different languages.

Conclusion  The MacNew questionnaire may have value as a core CHD questionnaire for treatment outcome comparisons among pure or mixed populations of patients with myocardial infarction, angina or heart failure.
Clinical diagnosis of pneumonia, typical of experts
Authors: Miettinen Olli S. , Flegel Kenneth M. , Steurer Johann
Published: March 2008

Background  Clinical diagnosis of pneumonia is a concern when a patient presents with recent cough – new or worsened – together with fever as the chief complaint. Given this presentation, the doctor would benefit from having access to software that specifies, first, what diagnostic indicators experts typically use in that diagnosis; then, upon entry of those facts, what experts’ typical probability of pneumonia is in such a case; and finally, how much this probability might change upon adding the facts from chest radiography.

Methods  We specified a set of 36 hypothetical presentations of this type by patients 20–70 years of age, involving a comprehensive set of clinical‐diagnostic indicators. Members of three separate expert panels independently set the probability of pneumonia in each of these cases, and also the range of possible post‐radiography probabilities. A logistic function of the diagnostic indicators was fitted to the medians of the probabilities.

Results  The median probability of pneumonia was a joint function of the patient’s age and current rate of cigarette smoking; history as to the cough’s duration, the fever’s maximum, dyspnea (including whether on effort only) and rigors; and physical examination as to temperature, signs of upper respiratory infection, prolongation of expiration, dullness on percussion and some auscultation findings. Non‐contributory were history of wheezing, pain on inspiration, type of sputum and signs of cold or influenza. This probability function, and the post‐radiography functions based on the same indicators, are accessible at http://www.evimed.ch/pneumonia.

Interpretation  The expert inputs to clinical diagnosis that were derived and made readily accessible provide for expertly clinical diagnosis of pneumonia, relevant for decisions about radiography and treatment without it.
Towards nonlinear plasmonic devices based on metallic nanorods
Authors: DICKSON W. , EVANS P.R. , WURTZ G.A. , HENDREN W. , ATKINSON R. , POLLARD R.J. , ZAYATS A.V.
Published: March 2008

The nonlinear optical properties of gold nanorod arrays have been studied with a two‐colour continuosly working (CW) pump‐probe spectroscopy. The hybridization of the nanorod arrays with a nonlinear polymer (poly‐3BCMU) has been investigated for the purposes of active photonic component design. The sensitivity of the plasmonic resonances of the hybrid nanostructured system to pump‐induced changes in the refractive index of the polymer surroundings has been used to control the optical extinction of the array. Both reversible and non‐reversible behaviour has been observed reflecting the combined effects from the third‐order nonlinear response of the hybrid metallo‐dielectric system and post‐photopolymerization triggered reactions in the polymer.
Regular molecular nano‐dot patterns for RW‐data storage in the optical near field
Authors: PORT H. , RATH S. , HEILIG M. , GÄRTNER P.
Published: March 2008

In this contribution further steps to realize our concept of optical data storage in molecular nano‐dots as storage bits are reported. A preparation method has been developed successfully to achieve regular nano‐dot patterns of high density. This is considered a breakthrough because regularity is prerequisite for the use of nano‐dots in storage media. Optical imaging of dot patterns and individual writing/reading access is realized by confocal and near‐field optical microscopy (fluorescence detection mode). Examples for regular patterns at different dot densities are shown. Perspectives towards terabit per square inch density are outlined.
Characteristics of light intensity enhancement of a silver nanoprism with rounded corners
Authors: YAMAGUCHI K. , INOUE T. , FUJII M. , OGAWA T. , MATSUZAKI Y. , OKAMOTO T. , HARAGUCHI M. , FUKUI M.
Published: March 2008

We have fabricated silver nanoprisms of 100–600 nm side length by focussed ion beam lithography and measured the light intensity scattering spectra using dark‐field microscopy. Two resonance peaks due to localized surface plasmon excitation were observed in the spectra and their central frequency shown to depend on the prism size. The near‐field electromagnetic intensity distribution with TE‐polarized light at the vacuum wavelength of 632.8 nm was measured. We have obtained a much lower light intensity enhancement than previously numerically predicated. However, scattering spectra obtained numerically, taking into account roundness of the prism corners, agree well with experimental ones. At the same time, the numerically determined field distribution was different to the near‐field intensity obtained experimentally. Our results suggest the particular shape of the corner region of the prism is a key factor for obtaining a large light intensity enhancement and shaping the local field distribution.
Experimental hut trials of permethrin‐impregnated mosquito nets and eave curtains against malaria vectors in Tanzania
Authors: LINES J. D. , MYAMBA J. , CURTIS C. F.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Permethrin impregnated netting was tested against Tanza‐nian populations of Anopheles arabiensis Patton, An.gambiae Giles and An.funestus Giles in experimental huts fitted with traps to catch samples of the mosquitoes exiting during the night. Treated bednets killed some mosquitoes and increased the tendency of survivors to exit during the night. Treated cotton did not perform so well as treated nylon bednets. An impregnated bednet in which holes had been cut, to simulate a torn net, reduced the number of mosquitoes which fed and survived approximately as well as an intact untreated net. Treated curtains around the eaves of experimental huts did not perform so well as bednets but caused considerable reductions in the number of mosquitoes which fed and survived. However, there was no such effect when treated netting was placed around the eaves of a dwelling house. When one child slept under a treated net and another slept outside the net in the same hut, the number of bites on the latter child was less than if neither child had been under a net. Various aspects of the applicability of permethrin impregnated nets on a community basis are discussed.
The larvae of some blowflies of medical and veterinary importance
Authors: ERZINCLIOGLU Y. Z.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Diagnostic features are described as a series of couplets that enable separation of the third instar larvae of the following pairs of closely related forms of blowflies of medical and veterinary importance: Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann) and Ch.putoria (Wiedemann), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and Ch.rufifacies (Macquart), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) and Co.macellaria (Fabricius), Lucilia sericata (Mergen) and L.cuprina (Wiedemann), Calliphora augur (Fabricius) and C.stygia (Fabricius).
DNA probes for species identification of mosquitoes in the Anopheles gambiae complex
Authors: GALE KEVIN R. , CRAMPTON JULIAN M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Identification of species within the Anopheles gambiae Giles species complex is essential for the correct evaluation of malaria vector ecology studies and control programmes. The development of DNA probes to distinguish species of the An.gambiae complex is described.

Genomic libraries were prepared for four members of the An.gambiae complex. These were screened using radiolabeled DNA from different species of An. gambiae sensu lato and a number of clones selected on the basis of their species specificity. These clones could be divided into two groups, each containing homologous sequences. Sequences homologous to group 1 inserts are highly reiterated in the genomes of Anopheles arabiensis Patton and Anopheles merus Dönitz, present in low copy number in Anopheles melas Theobald, but were not detected in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. Studies on the organization of this sequence in the genome of An.arabiensis show that homologous sequences are male specific and interspersed within the chromatin. Sequences homologous to group 2 inserts are highly repeated in the genomes of An.merus and An.melas, but present in low copy number in An.gambiae s.s. and An.arabiensis. Group 2 homologous sequences are not sex‐specific in the species tested and appear to be tandemly repeated. When used as hybridization probes, these sequences provide a sensitive means for the identification of species within the Anopheles gambiae complex.
Experimental hybridization between members of the Simulium damnosum complex
Authors: MEREDITH S. E. O. , BOAKYE D. A. , RAYBOULD J. N. , CHEKE R. A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Males of the Beffa form of Simulium soubrense Vajime and Dunbar were successfully crossed with female S.squamosum V. & D. and S.sanctipauli V. & D. Fertile eggs from both crosses were reared to larvae and, in the case of the BeifaXsquamosum cross, to adults.

Larval chromosomes from the Beffa x sanctipauli cross had normally paired homologues but those of the Beffaxsquamosum cross showed extensive asynapsis and large heterozygous loops. The morphology of the larval and adult hybrids from the BeftaXsquamosum cross were more characteristic of squamosum, but the adult males had scutal patterns typical of the Beffa form and retained this form's laboratory‐mating propensity.
The effect of permethrin‐impregnated bednets on a population ofAnopheles farautiin coastal Papua New Guinea
Authors: CHARLWOOD J. D. , GRAVES P. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.The effect of introducing bednets impregnated with 0.4 g/m2permethrin on local populations of the malaria vector mosquitoesAnopheles farautiLaveran andAn.koliensisOwen was monitored in a coastal village of Papua New Guinea. Whole‐night landing collections were undertaken for 25 consecutive nights before and 21 nights after the introduction of the nets. Capture‐recapture experiments and resting collections were also performed before and after the introduction of the nets.

Following the introduction of treated nets, the biting population ofAn.farauti, the predominant vector, dropped from an average of 689 to 483 per man‐night and the oviposition cycle became irregular, although survival rates (determined by time series analysis of the landing catches and log regression of recapture rates) were not significantly affected. The densities ofAn.farautiresting in and around houses and the human blood index of the engorged females also decreased significantly after introduction of the treated bednets.

The population ofAn.koliensisdropped prior to the introduction of the nets. However, the number of nulliparous females in the landing catches remained more or less constant which implies that, in this species, survival rates were affected by the nets but that recruitment to the population was not.
Leishmaniasis in Sardinia. III. Soil analysis of a breeding site of three species of sandflies
Authors: BETTINI S. , MELIS P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Soil analysis was carried out on samples obtained from a breeding‐site of the sandflies Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead, P. perfiliewi perfiliewi Parrot and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani) in Sardinia. Soil texture, pH, CaCo3, organic matter and water content showed no correlation with the number of sandflies that emerged from the places where soil samples were taken. It appears that pre‐imaginal stages of these phlebotomine sandflies are associated with a relatively stable, cool and humid environment protected from sunshine and rain, rich in clay and in organic nitrogen.
The tropical African latrine blowfly, Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann)
Authors: LAURENCE B. R.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The status of the tropical African latrine blowfly Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1830) is recognized as distinct from the sub‐tropical African blowfly C. chlowpyga (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The biology of C. putoria in laboratory culture is described briefly with emphasis on the differences in development found in three strains of this species from Tanzania, Liberia and Brazil. All three strains were reproductively compatible and there was no evidence of F1 hybrid sterility or hybrid breakdown in subsequent generations. Larval development was significantly faster in the Brazilian strain than in the strain from Tanzania. Sexual maturity was significantly faster in adults of the Liberian and Brazilian strains compared to that found in the strain from Tanzania. This latter strain was affected by the source of protein available as adult food. These differences between strains did not appear to be due to selection in laboratory culture, but rather evidence of the evolution of physiological divergence within a species occupying different geographical regions.
Ovitrap surveys of dengue vector mosquitoes in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand: seasonal shifts in relative abundance of Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti
Authors: MOGI M. , KHAMBOONRUANG C. , CHOOCHOTE W. , SUWANPANIT P.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) were surveyed using ovitraps in residential areas in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Egg populations (both species inclusive) remained low in the dry season, but increased/decreased exponentially during the first/latter half of the rainy season, respectively. This seasonal pattern was similar to the seasonal distribution of dengue haemorrhagic fever cases in the area. During the dry season (November–March) Ae. aegypti was dominant in urban and indoor ovitraps. With onset of the rainy season in April, relative abundance of Ae. albopictus increased in rural and outdoor ovitraps. Ae. albopictus displaced Ae. aegypti in the latter half of the rainy season in the rural area. Possible mechanisms to account for this seasonal decline of Ae. aegypti and reciprocal fluctuations in relative abundance of Ae. albopictus are discussed in relation to food availability for larvae in container habitats.
Onchocerciasis transmission levels and Simulium damnosum complex biting activity at riverside and rice field sites in Sierra Leone
Authors: DAVIES J. B. , BEECH‐GARWOOD P. A. , THOMSON M. C. , McMAHON J. E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Biting densities of the Simulium damnosum Theobald complex of blackflies and their levels of parasitism by Onchocerca volvulus (Leuckart) were compared at two ecologically contrasted sites in the Southern Province of Sierre Leone, West Africa: by the Tabe riverside close to Gbaiima village where onchocerciasis is hyperendemic (63.1% positive skin‐snips) and in open rice fields 2 km from the mesoendemic (54.9%) village of Senehun.

Using a combination of morphometric and enzyme electrophoresis techniques, the primary vector was found to belong to the S. sanctipauli sub‐complex and was most probably S. soubrense‘B’ (sensu Post, 1986). In the wet season biting activity took place throughout the day at the village, but had morning and evening peaks in the rice fields.

Transmission of O. volvulus was detected at the village in all months except February‐April, while in the rice fields it was detected only during September‐November and May at one tenth the level of the village. There was a significant difference between the two sites in the proportion of parous flies carrying third stage larvae in the head, but not of other larval stages.
Uptake and persistence of ingested antibody in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi
Authors: LACKIE A. M. , GAVIN S.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A sensitive ELISA was developed to monitor the persistence of a specific antibody, rabbit anti‐BSA, in the bloodmeal, haemolymph and tissues of the mosquito Anopheles stephensi Liston. Different concentrations of anti‐BSA were fed to female mosquitoes in sheep blood, via a membrane‐feeder, and it was found that antibody persisted in the gut as the bloodmeal was digested: concentrations present at 24 h were directly related to those fed.

Homogenates of mosquito bodies, from which the intact guts had been removed, were always antibody‐positive up to 9 days post‐feeding, indicating that undigested antibody had passed through the gut wall into the haemocoele. Haemolymph was extracted from mosquitoes at different times post‐feeding, using a microcapillary and manipulator, and antibody was detected in several of the assays. The level of antibodies in the haemolymph 24 h post‐feeding was less than half of the level in mosquito heads, indicating removal of antibodies from the haemolymph, perhaps by binding onto haemocoelic tissues.

The relevance of these results to the ingestion, survival and fate of antibody against malaria sporozoites is discussed.
The value of chorionic structure and size in the diagnosis of blowfly eggs
Authors: ERZINCLIOGLU Y. Z.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Chorionic structure and size can be of great value in the identification of the eggs of British blowflies of forensic importance. The most useful features are the shape and structure of the plastronic area between the hatching pleats. Correct identification of the eggs of the species considered here would be of use in forensic investigations, not only in Britain, but also in the wide area of the Holarctic region.
The effects of allatectomy and juvenile hormone replacement on the development of host‐seeking behaviour and lactic acid receptor sensitivity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: BOWEN M. F. , DAVIS EDWARD E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. Host‐seeking behaviour in newly emerged Aedes aegypti (L.) females is not expressed immediately after adult eclosion but develops gradually over a period of approximately 3–4 days. This development is accompanied by an apparent maturation of the antennal chemosensory afferent neurons involved in the detection of the airborne host attractant lactic acid. Since these events coincide in time with juvenile hormone‐dependent previtellogenic ovarian growth and since the expression of other reproduction‐associated behaviour has previously been shown to be dependent on juvenile hormone, the effects of juvenile hormone removal and replacement on the development of host‐seeking behaviour and the response characteristics of the lactic acid‐sensitive receptors were investigated. No effect of juvenile hormone removal by allatectomy or juvenile hormone replacement or augmentation by topical application of the juvenile hormone mimic methoprene was found. It was concluded that this hormone is not involved in the appearance of host‐seeking behaviour or the apparent maturation of the lactic acid receptors that occurs during early imaginal life.
The means of attachment of the larvae of horse, zebra and rhinoceros bot‐flies (Diptera: Gasterophilidae)
Authors: ERZINCLIOGLU Y. Z.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. The unusual structure of the mouth hooks of the third instar larvae of the species of Gasterophilus and Gyrostigma, parasites of the alimentary canal of Equideae and Rhinocerotidae respectively, is described.
Application of polar‐orbiting, meteorological satellite data to detect flooding of Rift Valley Fever virus vector mosquito habitats in Kenya
Authors: LINTHICUM K. J. , BAILEY C. L. , TUCKER C. J. , MITCHELL K. D. , LOGAN T. M. , DAVIES F. G. , KAMAU C. W. , THANDE P. C. , WAGATEH J. N.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Measurements of green‐leaf vegetation dynamics recorded by the advanced very high resolution radiometer instruments onboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites 7 and 9 were used to derive ground moisture and rainfall patterns in Kenya and monitor resultant flooding of mosquito larval habitats (dambos) likely to support Rift Valley Fever virus vector mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex spp.). Satellite‐derived data from mid‐1981 to December 1988 have been analysed with corresponding rainfall, flooding and vector population data as they relate to Rift Valley Fever virus ecology. Single (7times7 km) and multiple grid‐cell image analysis (200times300 km) in small localized areas and large geographical regions, respectively, of vegetation data were used to quantify the potential for flooding of mosquito breeding habitats. The ability to detect accurately parameters, such as ground moisture, that determine flooding could provide local officials with sufficient warning to allow for implementation of specific mosquito control measures before a disease outbreak.
Chrysops silacea and C.dimidiata seasonality and loiasis prevalence in the Chaillu mountains, Congo
Authors: NOIREAU F. , NZOULANI A. , SINDA D. , CAUBÈRE P.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Seasonal activity of the loiasis vectors Chrysops dimidiata Wulp and Chrysops silacea Austen (Diptera: Tabanidae) was studied during 1987–89 in villages and surrounding forest of the Chaillu Mountains, Congo.

Chrysops were captured mainly in the hot rainy season (November ‐May) and densities of both species were higher in the forest than in villages. C.silacea predominated at all sites and C.dimidiata was rarely found in villages.

In the rain forest, between 07.00 and 18.00 hours, 12 times more C.silacea and 3 times more C.dimidiata were collected with hand‐nets (range 15–81 per man‐day) than were caught in landing/biting collections on human bait. Chrysops man‐biting rates were higher in villages closer to the forest, but variations in loiasis prevalence among villagers (microfilaraemia rates 16–37%) were not proportional to the intensity of contact between people and vectors in the villages, indicating that the majority of loiasis transmission probably occurs when people go into the forest.
Probing behaviour and sporozoite delivery by Anopheles stephensi infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: LI XIAOHONG , SINA BARBARA , ROSSIGNOL PHILIPPE A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. We observed that Plasmodium berghei sporozoite‐infected Anopheles stephensi was not impaired in its ability to locate blood on a host. When probing rats, infected mosquitoes took as long as non‐infected mosquitoes to locate blood.

Contrary to previous suggestions, infective mosquitoes delivered sporozoites into mineral oil even after extensively probing a vertebrate host. We observed that, in mosquitoes having probed a host, both the mean number of sporozoites ejected over 3min into oil (35.9 v. 31.7 sporozoites) and the proportion of mosquitoes delivering sporozoites (60% v. 50%) were similar to mosquitoes not having probed.

We then developed a model of sporozoite delivery, taking into account observations that sporozoites are clumped in the lumen of the glands as well as upon delivery, and that output is uneven and inconsistent. We conclude that clumping optimizes transmission, if a threshold of infection exists and the mean number of sporozoites per clump is greater than the threshold.