bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotaxonomic confirmation of two forms of Simulium sirbanum in the eastern part of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa
Authors: FIASORGBOR G. K. , WHO R. A. CHEKE
Published: March 2008

Abstract. An earlier report (Cheke et al., 1987) of morphological differences between populations of Simulium sirbanum Vajime & Dunbar in West Africa was confirmed cytotaxonomically. Populations with adult males having Type III scutal patterns were associated with male larvae heterozygous for the inversion IS‐3, whereas adult males with Type IV scutal patterns were associated with larvae homozygous for IS‐3. The taxonomic implications are briefly discussed but the evidence is considered to be inappropriate for resurrecting S.sudanense Vajime & Dunbar. Aspects of the biology of the two forms and their importance in onchocerciasis transmission are discussed.
Distribution and seasonality of Culex (Melanoconion) caudelli, a vector of arboviruses in Trinidad
Authors: CHADEE DAVE D. , TIKASINGH ELISHA S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Seasonal and spatial distributions of the arbovirus vector mosquito Culex (Melanoconion) caudelli Dyar and Knab (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Aripo‐Wallerfield forest, Trinidad, were studied by collecting mosquitoes attracted to mouse‐baited traps in forest, ecotone and savannah, one day per week throughout the year, 98% of the Cx caudelli mosquitoes were collected during the wet season, with a significant positive correlation between rainfall and mosquito catch. The reverse occurred during the dry season. Cx caudelli displayed a preference for the ecotone where 67% were collected, while 32% and 1% were collected in the forest and savannah respectively.
Snail predation by larvae of Sepedon scapularis Adams (Diptera: Sciomyzidae), a potential biocontrol agent of snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis in South Africa
Authors: MAHARAJ R. , APPLETON C. C. , MILLER R. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Malacophagous larvae of the fly Sepedon scapularis Adams were shown experimentally to be effective predators of three species of aquatic pulmonate snails tested as prey: Bulinus africanus (Krauss) an important intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium (Bilharz), Bulinus tropicus (Krauss) and the invasive species Physa acuta Draparnaud. Survival of S.scapularis larvae from instar to instar was negatively affected by the size of prey snails, since larvae tended to be asphyxiated by the mucous secretions of the snails, or by the larval hydrofuge hairs becoming entangled in snail faeces.

In experiments to test the choice of S.scapularis larvae for different species and sizes of snails, B. africanus was significantly disfavoured compared with the other two snail species. Small snails (< 3 mm) were more frequently killed by all three larval instars of S.scapularis. First instars killed few, if any, large snails (> 7mm), whereas second and third instars preyed effectively on all sizes of snails. Third instars killed significantly more snails than younger instars. For larvae offered only one species of snail as prey, the mean total number of snails killed per larva during its entire development was 49 B.africanus, 45 B.tropicus or 34 P.acuta.

It is concluded that S.scapularis is potentially useful as a biological control agent for use against indigenous Bulinus and exotic Physa snails.
Crossing type variability associated with cytoplasmic incompatibility in Australian populations of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say
Authors: O'NEILL S. L. , PATERSON H. E. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. An analysis of cytoplasmic crossing type variation in Australian populations of Culex quinquefasciatus, a member of the Culex pipiens complex of mosquitoes, revealed high levels of variability causing partial incompatibility between natural populations. Segregating crossing types were commonly found together within sampled sites. No correlation was evident between similarity of crossing type and environmental parameters of the sites, nor distance between sites. The nature of the observed variation did not support the hypothesis of paternally expressed nuclear ‘restorer’ genes. Such high levels of crossing type variation would be likely to impede attempts to control populations of the Culex pipiens complex using cytoplasmic incompatibility.
A comparison of African buffalo, N'Dama and Boran cattle as reservoirs of Trypanosoma congolense for different Glossina species
Authors: MOLOO S. K. , OLUBAYO R. O. , KABATA J. M. , OKUMU I. O.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Teneral Glossina morsitans centralis Machado were fed on the flanks of the African buffalo (Syncerus coffer Sparrman), N'Dama (Bos taurus L.) or Boran (Bos indicus L.) cattle infected with Trypanosoma congolense Broden. The infected tsetse were maintained on rabbits and on day 30 after the infected feed, the surviving tsetse were dissected to determine the infection rates. The mean infection rates (%±SE) in the midgut of tsetse fed on buffalo, N'Damas and Borans were 23.5 ± 3.3, 31.6 ± 2.7 and 33.7 ± 4.6, respectively. The differences were not significant. However, the mean mature infection rate in tsetse fed on the buffalo (13.2 ±2.1%) was significantly lower compared to the rates in tsetse fed on the N'Dama (20.4 ± 1.4) or the Boran cattle (21.4 ± 1.1). When groups of teneral G.m.centralis, G.pallidipes Austen, G.p.gambiensis Vanderplank, G.f.fuscipes Newstead, G.brevipalpis Newstead and G.longipennis Corti were fed simultaneously on either an infected buffalo, an N'Dama or a Boran steer, the mature infection rates ranged from 0 to 16.1%. Irrespective of the host species used, the T.congolense infection rate was highest in G.m.centralis, lowest in the palpalis and fusca group tsetse, with G.pallidipes being intermediate. Nevertheless, the trypanoresistant African buffalo and N'Dama may serve as reservoirs of T.congolense as can trypanosusceptible Boran cattle.
Biological control of container‐breeding mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, in a Japanese island by release of Toxorhynchites splendens adults
Authors: MIYAGI ICHIRO , TOMA TAKAKO , MOGI MOTOYOSHI
Published: March 2008

Abstract. To control container‐breeding mosquitoes in the small island of Minnajima (0.56km2), northern Okinawa, Japan, laboratory‐reared adults (aged 7–10 days) of Toxorhynchites splendens (Palawan strain), a mosquito with predatory larvae, were released repeatedly during 1984, 1986 and 1987.

Thirteen species of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) occurred in artificial containers, ground pools or crab‐holes on the island, the predominant species being Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus. Predatory mosquito larvae of Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus and Cx (Li.) halifaxii were found commonly in wet containers.

In the first year of study, during a period of 54 days from 13 May to 5 July 1984, totals of 879 female and 806 male adults of Tx.splendens were released on six occasions. Similarly, between 29 April and 30 August 1986, totals of 2920 female and 2878 male adult Tx.splendens were released. In the third study year, totals of 2041 female and 1783 male Tx.splendens were released on eight occasions during 199 days from 23 April to 7 November 1987.

After adult releases at two sites, the immature stages of Tx.splendens were found in 164 out of 502 traps in 1984, 421 out of 933 traps in 1986, and 151 out of 502 traps in 1987. The number of immatures of Tx.splendens present in each trap varied from 1 to 40 in 1984, 1 to 29 in 1986 and 1 to 9 in 1987. Numbers of immatures of the target species found in the traps during August–September averaged 71.9/trap/month in 1984, 114.7/trap/month in 1986 and 36.0/trap/ month in 1987, significantly less in the traps with Tx.splendens than in those without them.

The present field studies indicated that, in this small island, approximately 250 adult female and 200 male Tx.splendens per month should be released from April to November, and the releases should be carried out every year, in order to control effectively the target mosquitoes Ae.albopictus and Cx quinquefasciatus breeding in artificial containers in Minnajima.
Abiotic factors influencing embryonic development, egg hatching, and larval orientation in the reindeer warble fly, Hypoderma tarandi
Authors: KARTER ANDREW J. , FOLSTAD IVAR , ANDERSON JOHN R.
Published: March 2008

Wild‐caught, tethered females of the reindeer warble fly, Hypoderma tarandi (L.) (=Oedemagena tarandi (L.)), (Diptera, Oestridae) were stimulated to oviposit on hairs of a reindeer hide. Newly laid eggs incubated at constant temperatures and relative humidities hatched within 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the experimental conditions. Over a range of 7–40oC, hatching only occurred between 20 and 37oC. Eggs held at 100% relative humidity had lower hatchability and longer time to hatch relative to eggs held at 77% relative humidity. The average number of degree‐days for hatching was 50.35. Between 20 and 33oC there was a temperature‐dependent linear trend in developmental rate, and the proportion of eggs hatching was highest, and least variable, at the mid‐temperature ranges. The temperature range found in the natural host micro‐habitat where H. tarandi commonly affix their eggs (close to the skin at the base of a host hair) was consistent with the experimental temperature treatments that produced the highest hatching rate. Newly emerged larvae displayed positive thermotaxis, while showing no phototaxic or geotaxic behaviour. Results indicate that constraints of the host environment, coupled with temperature‐dependent hatching success, may impose a selective pressure on oviposition behaviour.
Seasonal abundance and biting behaviour of Anopheles punctulatus and An.koliensis in Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, and a trial of permethrin impregnated bednets against malaria transmission
Authors: SAMARAWICKREMA W. A. , PARKINSON A. D. , KERE N. , ALO O G
Published: March 2008

Seasonal abundance of the malaria vectors Anopheles punctulatus Donitz and An.koliensis Owen in Bilimanu, an isolated inland village with forty‐two houses in Malaita Province of the Solomon Islands, was monitored over 28 months by means of all‐night landing/biting catches at one site during June 1985 to September 1987. Totals of 1250 An.punctulatus and 141 An.koliensis were collected, the latter being the largest number of this species ever caught at any locality in the Solomons.

Bednets impregnated with permethrin 0.5 g/m2 were introduced in December 1986 to be used at night by all 190 villagers for protection against malaria vectors. Bioassay tests with An.punctulatus blood‐fed females exposed under nets for lOmin resulted in 100% mortality up to 50 weeks post‐impregnation.

For An.punctulatus, the main vector species, the mean catch (indoors + outdoors) per man hour was 2.9 (range 0.7–13.2) before a cyclone on 19 May 1986, and, 0.66 (0.2‐2.7) after the cyclone. The vector survival rates were usually high before the cyclone, but erratically lower thereafter for An.punctulatus. An.koliensis disappeared after the cyclone.

Both An.punctulatus and An.koliensis consistently showed higher rates of biting man indoors than outdoors and their diel biting cycle showed a peak around midnight. Outdoors, the parous proportion of An.punctulatus was twice the nulliparous, and nearly so indoors.

Following intervention with permethrin‐treated bednets, the mean catch of An.punctulatus fell to 0.35 per man‐hour (monthly range 0–1.5). The Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection rate reduced from 10% pre‐intervention to zero in September 1987, 9 months after intervention, and then rose again.

With re‐impregnation of bednets in November 1987, the P.falciparum infection rate was again reduced by March 1988. No effect of treated bednets was observed on the prevalence of P.vivax malaria.
The application of random amplified polymorphic DNA for sandfly species identification
Authors: ADAMSON RACHEL E. , WARD RICHARD D. , FELICIANGELI M. DORA , MAINGON RHAYZA
Published: March 2008

Abstract. We have applied the recently developed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method to produce species‐specific, DNA profiles for two sympatric, Venezuelan sandfly species, thought to be the vectors responsible for recent outbreaks of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in the Andean State of Tachira. Moreover, within the profile, it was possible to identify a diagnostic DNA band for Lu.youngi of 0.32 kb. Results showed that the size of this diagnostic DNA band remained constant and did not vary with sex or geographical distribution.
Climate, satellite imagery and the seasonal abundance of the tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus in southern Africa: a new perspective
Authors: RANDOLPH SARAH E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Recent predictive models for the distribution of the African tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann, based on the computer packages CLIMEX and BIOCLIM and data derived from meteorological satellites, and for the seasonal dynamics of the same tick using the computer simulation models ECFXPERT and T3HOST, all have their limitations. Statistical analysis of the relationships between the seasonal abundance of all three life stages of this tick and climatic and satellite‐derived data from five sites in southern Africa, taken from the literature, supports a new perspective that it is the timing of the questing activity of the desiccation‐vulnerable larvae that determines the pattern of the tick's seasonal dynamics. The timing of the activity of nymphs and adults is determined by temperature‐dependent development rates plus the delaying phenomenon of photoperiod‐sensitive diapause, the timing and duration of which have evolved to achieve maximum generation survival by ensuring the occurrence of eggs and larvae during periods of optimal climatic conditions. The most important environmental factor appears to be night‐time minimum temperature, determining condensation and saturation deficit and thus the tick's ability to replenish moisture lost during the daytime and so to survive while questing for hosts. It is the larvae whose numbers are correlated most closely with these factors, consistent with earlier experimental results showing larvae to be most susceptible to desiccating conditions. There is a statistical linkage between larval tick numbers and satellite imagery, arising from the correlation between larval numbers and minimum temperature and saturation deficit conditions, and in turn the relationship between these climatic conditions and the subsequent vegetational changes monitored by the satellites. Moisture availability to larvae is likely to be the critical factor throughout the geographical range of R.appendiculatus, but the precise combination of climatic conditions that optimize moisture availability and questing tick survival can be expected to vary geographically. The relationships between ticks, temperatures and satellite data in parts of equatorial Africa have yet to be established. These correlative patterns highlight both the critical life stage and environmental factors when trying to understand temporal, and ultimately spatial, variations in tick abundance.
The Anopheles punctulatus group of mosquitoes in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu surveyed by allozyme electrophoresis
Authors: FOLEY D. H. , MEEK S. R. , BRYAN J. H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Four species within the Anopheles punctulatus group of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were identified by allozyme analysis of samples collected from thirty‐three localities in Guadalcanal, Makira, Malaita, Temotu and Western Provinces in the Solomon Islands and six localities on Efate, Espiritu Santo, Maewo and Malekula Islands in Vanuatu. Three of these species are members of the An. farauti complex. A key is given to identify five species of the An. punctulatus group known to occur in the Solomon Islands using their isoenzyme characteristics.

An. farauti No. 1 was widespread in coastal areas of the Solomon Islands and was the only species detected in Vanuatu, including Efate Island (where Faureville is the type locality of An. farauti Laveran sensu stricto). An. farauti No. 2 and An. punctulatus were common in the Solomon Islands in more inland areas. An. farauti No. 7, reported here for the first time, was found as larvae in freshwater at six localities on north Guadalcanal. Three other members of the An. punctulatus group which have been reported previously from the Solomon Islands: An. koliensis, An. renellensis and an electrophoretic variant of An. farauti sensu lato, were not found in our samples.

Previously recognized vectors of malaria and bancroftian filariasis in the Solomon Islands are An. farauti No. 1 (i.e. An. farauti s.s.), An. koliensis and An. punctulatus s. s. Adult females of An. farauti No. 2 and An. farauti No. 7 were not attracted to human bait in areas where their larvae occurred, indicating that these two species are not anthropophilic and therefore unlikely to transmit human pathogens.
Protein hydrolysates and associated bacterial contaminants as oviposition attractants for the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: BEEHLER JEFFREY W. , MILLAR JOCELYN G. , MULLA MIR S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Six protein or protein hydrolysate solutions were tested for activity as attractants for ovipositing Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in the laboratory. Four of these solutions (egg albumin, lactalbumin hydrolysate, casein hydrolysate and yeast hydrolysate) were attractive to ovipositing females at varying concentrations, when compared to distilled water controls. Soy hydrolysate was repellent at 1%, but not significantly attractive or repellent at lower concentrations. ‘Nulure’, a tephritid fly bait containing protein hydrolysate, also had no significant effect on oviposition behaviour. Gravid females mostly oviposited within the first 4 h of the scotophase, regardless of the presence or absence of an oviposition attractant.

Lactalbumin hydrolysate 1% solution, with or without 0.1% neomycin antibiotic, was attractive to Cx quinquefasciatus. This effect was reduced by the presence of neomycin which, alone, had no effect on oviposition. Hence both lactalbumin hydrolysate and bacterial contaminants were shown to be attractive to gravid Cx quinquefasciatus.
Lactate dehydrogenase allozyme differentiation of species in the Anopheles culicifacies complex
Authors: ADAK T. , SUBBARAO S. K. , SHARMA V. P. , RAO S. R. V.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Genetically controlled enzyme variation exists within and between four sibling species of the Anopheles culicifacies complex of malaria vectors in India. A study on electrophoretic variation of nine enzymes in An.culicifacies sibling species revealed that the lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) locus has Fast (F) and Slow (S) allozymes distinguishing species A+D from species B+C with a probability of c. 95%.
Comparative study on the susceptibility of different laboratory strains of Glossina species to Trypanosoma simiae
Authors: MOLOO S. K. , ZWEYGARTH E. , SABWA C. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Teneral tsetse of four Glossina species from laboratory‐reared colonies were fed on four Large White pigs infected with three different stocks of Trypanosoma simiae isolated in Coast Province, Kenya. Thereafter the tsetse were maintained on goats and dissected on day 28 to determine the trypanosome infection rates. Glossina brevipalpis was as susceptible as G.pallidipes whilst G.palpalis gambiensis was not susceptible to T.simiae CP 11 a stock causing acute infection, which was isolated from a wild G.austeni. Glossina brevipalpis was as susceptible as G.pallidipes to another stock causing acute infection, T.simiae CP 813 isolated from a wild G.pallidipes. Glossina morsitans centralis was also as susceptible as G.brevipalpis and G.pallidipes whilst G.p.gambiensis was not susceptible to this T.simiae stock. Glossina m.centralis showed very low susceptibility to a stock causing chronic infection, T.simiae CP 1896 isolated from a bushpig, whilst G.brevipalpis, G.p.gambiensis and G.pallidipes could not be infected by this T.simiae stock. Male Glossina were generally more susceptible than females to the three T.simiae stocks.
A comparison of susceptibility to stocks of Trypanosoma simiae of Glossina pallidipes originating from allopatric populations in Kenya
Authors: MOLOO S. K. , ZWEYGARTH E. , SABWA C. L.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A colony of Glossina pallidipes which originated from Nguruman, Rift Valley Province, Kenya, was significantly more susceptible than a colony of the same species which originated from Shimba Hills, Coast Province, Kenya, to infection with a stock of Trypanosoma simiae CP 11 isolated from wild G. austeni in Coast Province, Kenya, irrespective of whether pigs or goats were used as infecting hosts. Male G. pallidipes from both the colonies were more susceptible than females to this T. simiae stock. Similarly, a G. pallidipes colony of Nguruman origin was significantly more susceptible than the colony of Shimba Hills origin to infection with another stock of T. simiae CP 813 isolated from wild G. pallidipes in Coast Province, Kenya, again irrespective of whether pigs or goats were used as infecting hosts. The susceptibility of the sexes of G. pallidipes from both the colonies to T. simiae CP 813 did not differ significantly when pigs were used as infecting hosts, but male G. pallidipes from both the colonies were significantly more susceptible than female tsetse to this T. simiae stock when goats were used as infecting hosts. Nevertheless, if the observed differences in susceptibility of the two G. pallidipes colonies reflect transmission of trypanosomes by the two allopatric populations of tsetse in the field, then the epidemiology of simiae‐trypanosomiasis probably differs between these two areas of Kenya.
Exposure to stable flies reduces spatial learning in mice: involvement of endogenous opioid systems
Authors: KAVALIERS MARTIN , COLWELL DOUGLAS D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Biting flies influence both the physiology and behaviour of domestic and wild animals. This study demonstrates that relatively brief (60min) exposure to stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), affects the spatial abilities of male mice. Stable fly exposure resulted in poorer subsequent performance in a water maze task in which individual mice had to learn the spatial location of a submerged hidden platform using extramaze visual cues. Determinations of spatial acquisition and retention were made with mice that had been previously exposed for 60min to either stable flies or house flies, Musca domestica (L.). Mice exposed to stable flies displayed over one day of testing (six blocks or sets of four trials) significantly poorer acquisition and retention of the water maze task than either mice that had been exposed to house flies or fly‐naive mice. This attenuation of spatial learning occurred in the absence of any evident sensorimotor or motivational impairments. The reduction in spatial abilites involved endogenous opioid systems, as the decreased performance resulting from stable fly exposure was blocked by pre‐treatment with the prototypic opiate antagonist, naltrexone. These results indicate that relatively brief exposure to biting flies can lead to a decrease in spatial abilities which is associated with enhanced endogenous opioid activity. These results support the involvement of endogenous opioid systems in the mediation of the behavioural and physiological effects of biting fly exposure. They further suggest that decreases in spatial abilities and performance may be part of the behavioural consequences of biting fly exposure in domestic and wild animals.
Anopheles arabiensis and An. gambiae chromosomal inversion polymorphism, feeding and resting behaviour in relation to insecticide house‐spraying in Tanzania
Authors: MNZAVA A. E. P. , RWEGOSHORA R. T. , WILKES T. J. , TANNER M. , CURTIS C. F.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Differential responses of the mosquitoes Anopheles arabiensis and An. gambiae sensu stricto to house‐spraying with DDT or lambda‐cyhalothrin were evaluated in relation to chromosomal inversion polymorphism, feeding and resting behaviour of these malaria vectors in Tanzania. Blood‐fed mosquitoes from pit traps outdoors, exit traps on windows and indoor‐resting catches were identified cytogenetically and the chromosomal inversion frequencies compared between samples and species. Their outdoor‐resting behaviour was assessed by a mark–release–recapture experiment and by determining the proportion of freshly blood‐fed individuals in exit traps. The source of bloodmeals was analysed by an ELISA method. Endophagic females of An. arabiensis were more likely than those of An. gambiae to exit from a house on the night of blood‐feeding. Only in one out of three villages was there evidence that chromosomally distinct individuals within a species had different preferences for resting sites. There were indications, but not conclusive evidence, that mosquitoes caught indoors or outdoors had a tendency to return to the same type of resting site. In villages sprayed with either insecticide, the mean age of the vector populations was greatly reduced, compared with those in the unsprayed villages. An. arabiensis females exited from DDT sprayed houses after blood‐feeding, whereas with lambda‐cyhalothrin those exiting were mostly unfed and there was a decline in the human blood index. The excitorepellency of DDT was perceived as a disadvantage, whereas lambda‐cyhalothrin apparently had more impact on malaria transmission by An. arabiensis.
Dispersal of the Old World screw‐worm fly Chrysomya bezziana
Authors: SPRADBERY J. P. , MAHON R. J. , MORTON R. , TOZER R. S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Dispersal of the Old World screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve, was studied in Papua New Guinea by releasing radio‐isotope labelled, laboratory‐reared flies and collecting their labelled egg masses from sentinel cattle. A log‐linear model was developed to describe recapture rate. Distance was found to dominate the model and was represented by a bilinear (‘broken‐stick’) term as log‐distance. Further terms in the model such as attractiveness of the site (estimated from the number of non‐labelled egg masses), the season of the year and a time trend were statistically significant but of minor importance. From the model, the median distance females dispersed before depositing an egg mass was 10.8 km. The maximum distance from the release site that egg masses were recovered was 100 km.

The dispersal ability of C. bezziana is discussed in terms of its impact on the prospects of eradicating this species using SIRM if an outbreak occurred in Australia.
Mosquito responses to carbon dioxide in B West African Sudan savanna village
Authors: COSTANTINI CARLO , GIBSON GABRIELLA , SAGNON N' FALÉ , TORRE ALESSANDRA DELLA , BRADY JOHN , COLUZZI MARIO
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Mosquito responses to carbon dioxide were investigated in Noungou village, 30 km northeast of Ouagadougou in the Sudan savanna belt of Burkina Faso, West Africa. Species of primary interest were the main malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae S.S. and An.arabiensis, sibling species belonging to the An.gambiae complex. Data forAn.finestus, An.pharoensis, Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia uniformis were also analysed.

Carbon dioxide was used at concentrations of 0.04‐0.6% (cf. 0.03% ambient concentration) for attracting mosquitoes to odour‐baited entry traps (OBETs). The ‘attractiveness’ of whole human odour was also compared with CO2, emitted at a rate equivalent to that released by the human bait. In a direct choice test with two OBETs placed side‐by‐side, the number of An.gambiae s. I. entering the trap with human odour was double the number trapped with CO2, alone (at the human equivalent rate), but there was no significant difference between OBETs for the other species of mosquitoes. When OBETs were positioned 20 m apart, again CO2, alone attracted half as many An.gambiae s.l. and only 40% Anlfunestus, 65% Ma.uniformis but twice as many An.pharoensis compared to the number trapped with human odour.

The dose‐response for all mosquito species was essentially similar: a linear increase in catch with increasing dose on a log‐log scale. The slopes of the dose‐response curves were not significantly different between species, although there were significant differences in the relative numbers caught. If the dose‐response data are considered in relation to a standard human bait collection (HBC), however, the behaviour of each species was quite different. At one extreme, even the highest dose of CO2, did not catch more An.gambiae s.1. than one HBC. At the other extreme, the three highest doses of CO2, caught significantly more Ma.unifonnis than did one HBC. An.pharoensis and Cx quinquefasciatus showed a threshold response to CO2, responding only at doses above that normally released by one man. An.funestus did not respond to CO2, alone at any dose in sufficient numbers to assess the dose response. Within the An.gambiae complex, An.arabiensis 'chose' the CO2,‐baited trap with a higher probability than An.gambiae S.S. Also An.arabiensis, the less anthropophilic of the two species, was more abundant in CO2,‐baited OBETs than in human bait collections.
Culturing Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes with a blood substitute diet for the females
Authors: GRIFFITH JEREMY S. R. , TURNER GRAHAME D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The tropical house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus was cultured by feeding the females on an artificial diet, not on live animals or whole blood. This anautogenous strain has been maintained for more than fifty generations. The blood replacement diet for female mosquitoes, designed to simulate the tonicity and density of host blood, was based on ovalbumin, soya infant formula, globulins and adenosine triphosphate.

Female adults of Cx quinquefasciatus were fed the artificial blood formula from ‘Parafilm’ wax membrane‐covered beakers. The diet was heated by radiant heat from a chamber containing an exothermic chemical reaction. This maintained the diet at a temperature of 33–37d̀C for a period of up to 6 h, sufficient time to enable all the female mosquitoes to imbibe to satiation. After six generations on the artificial diet, female fecundity stabilized to a satisfactory level: the number of eggs per gonotrophic cycle averaged c. 85% of the ‘control’ strain fed on whole blood from live anaesthetized guinea‐pigs, i.e. 156 eggs per female from nine feeds on the artificial diet compared with 183 from six feeds of whole blood. Adult weight of Cx quinquefasciatus females was not significantly different, from generation 6 onwards, for strains fed on artificial diet or whole blood. Sex ratio and the rate of egg viability were also equivalent for the two strains.
Protection of dogs from bites of phlebotomine sandflies by deltamethrin collars for control of canine leishmaniasis
Authors: KILLICK‐KENDRICK R. , KILLICK‐KENDRICK M. , FOCHEUX C. , DEREURE J. , PUECH M‐P. , CADIERGUES M. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Dog collars made of PVC plastic impregnated with the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin at 40 mg/g were investigated for their protective efficacy against phlebotomine sandflies. Collared dogs were kept separately (two untreated control dogs lived together) in outdoor enclosures, each with a kennel, in the Cevennes, southern France. To measure sandfly mortality and anti‐feeding effects due to the deltamethrin‐impregnated collars worn continuously by the dogs for up to 8 months, each dog was periodically sedated and exposed for 2h to 150–200 laboratory‐reared Phlebotomus perniciosus females (plus c. 25 males) inside a net (1.2m square, 1.8 m high) indoors. After dogs were removed from the nets, allowed to recover and returned to their kennels, any dead sandflies were collected from inside the net and counted. Surviving flies were kept overnight, then scored according to whether they were still alive or dead, unfed or blood‐fed.

From tests 2, 3, 4, 13, 20, 26 and 34 weeks after the dogs began wearing collars, the overall numbers of blood‐fed female sandflies recaptured were 75 from two dogs with collars, compared with 1911 from two collarless dogs. Thus, for every 100 flies which fed on collarless dogs, only 4 fed on collared dogs, i.e. the collars protected dogs from 96% of the bites and this activity was maintained for up to 34 weeks. During the same period, the percentage of recaptured female sandflies that had fed on collared dogs was 0–12% compared to 55–95% on collarless dogs. Immediately after dogs were taken out of the nets, 21–60% of flies confined with the collared dogs were found dead, compared to 0–12% with the controls.

It is concluded that, at least in the Mediterranean subregion, this insecticidal collar would protect a dog from the majority of sandfly bites and retain a killing effect for a complete sandfly season. Moreover, it seems likely that the use of collars on all dogs in a focus of Leishmania infantum would reduce contact between sandfly vectors and canine reservoir hosts sufficiently to diminish the risk of infection for humans as well as dogs.
Dosage differential effects of permethrin impregnated into bednets on pyrethroid resistant and susceptible genotypes of the mosquito Anopheles stephensi
Authors: HODJATI M. HASSAN , CURTIS C. F.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Effects of bednets impregnated with permethrin 200 mg and 500mg/m2 on pyrethroid resistant and susceptible strains of Anopheles stephensi and their F hybrid progeny were studied, using free‐flying female mosquitoes of these three genotypes, in a room with a human subject under a polyester net, having one of his arms in contact with the treated netting. Unexpectedly an apparently higher feeding rate, but lower knockdown and mortality rates, of mosquitoes were obtained for each of the three genotypes with the higher concentration of 500mg/m2 compared with the lower dose of 200mg/m2. At the lower dose there was 100% mortality 24 h after exposure of all three genotypes, suggesting that there would not be selection for resistance at this dose. However, at the higher dose there was significantly higher mortality of the susceptible strain than of the F hybrids, suggesting incomplete recessiveness of this resistance and that there would therefore be effective selection for resistance by this dose.

When female mosquitoes were confined in bioassay cones on treated netting, the resistant strain of An.stephensi showed significantly less irritability (scored as the time until first flight take‐off) in response to each dose, as compared with the susceptible strain and F, hybrids. The higher dose provoked more irritation of each genotype; this could explain the greater knockdown and mortality rates of mosquitoes exposed to the lower dose which was less irritating and hence more effectively insecticidal. Thus a dose of 200mg/m2 is preferable to 500mg/m2 for malaria vector control.
DOUBLE‐BLIND COMPARISON OF TOPICAL HALCINONIDE AND FLUOCINONIDE IN THE TREATMENT OE PSORIASIS
Authors: CLOSE JORGE E.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In a short‐term, double‐blind paired‐comparison study involving 50 patients with mild to severe psoriasis, halcinonide cream, 0.1% was superior to fluocinonide cream, 0.05%. The superiority of halcinonide was evident after 2 weeks of treatment.
SCABIES IN A SEMIURBAN AREA OF INDIA: AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY
Authors: GULATI P. V. , BRACANZA C. , SINGH K. P. , BORKER V.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: An epidemiologic survey was conducted in a population of 1,727 persons living in 253 households in a semiurban area of Goa, India. The prevalence of scabies was 9.7% by persons, 22.5% by households and 22.8% by families. Prevalence of scabies was highly associated with age. The highest prevalence (23.7%) was in school‐age children. Prevalence was higher for females than males age 25 or older, but there was no significant difference in prevalence by sex for all ages. Prevalence rate by persons was approximately the same in Hindus and Christians but prevalence rate between families was higher for Hindus, although prevalence within families was higher for Christians. First to contact scabies in the family was generally a school child.
CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST, PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS AND GYRATE ERYTHEMA
Authors: JACOBS RICHARD , ENG ANA M. , SOLOMON LAWRENCE M.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Pemphigus vulgaris and erythema gyratum repens were found to coexist in a woman with recurrent carcinoma of the breast. Biopsy sections of the figurate cutaneous lesions contained metastatic adenocarcinoma. Depression of both humoral and cell mediated immunity was demonstrated to exist in this patient.
PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY OF PSORIASIS
Authors: NIETSCHE ULLA‐BRITT
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Orally administered 8‐methoxypsoralen followed by irradiation with longwave ultraviolet light (UVA, 320–400 nm, maximum 365 nm) resulted in 90–100% clearing in 24 of 26 psoriasis patients. Recurrence could be prevented by maintenance treatment. The treatment was tolerated well; no serious side effects were observed. A moderate increase of serum transaminase values was observed in 6 patients; in 5, these values became normal in a short time. The connection between these enzyme increases and the treatment is uncertain. At completion of the treatment the skin is universally, evenly hyperpigmented—a side effect considered positive by the patients.
PARAPSORIASIS WITH HYPER‐IgE
Authors: DOWNHAM THOMAS F. , SAVOY L. BOYD
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A 56‐year‐old black man had generalized chronic dermatitis for two years before parapsoriasis en plaque (large type) with hyper‐IgE (12,000–22,000 ng/ml) was diagnosed. Lymphocyte cultures showed decreased response to mitogens. Direct immunofluoroscence of involved skin showed epidermal and dermal mast cells with bound IgE. Parapsoriasis with hyper‐IgB may represent a form of “hypersensitive immunosurveiltance” allowing a patient to reject a clone of malignant cells and retard transformation from a benign state (parapsoriasis) to a malignant state (mycosis fungoides)
CONGENITAL ICHTHYOSIS: CONCURRENT IMMUNODEEICIENCY AND ATYPICAL T CELLS
Authors: HENDRICKX G. F. M. , ZEGERS B. J. M. , VAN DELDEN L. , STOOP J. W.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A patient with Congenital ichthyosis and progressive anomalies showed disturbances in the specific humoral and cellular defense as well as the presemce of atypical lymphoid cells in skin and lymph node. The latter resembled the atypical T cells found in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The possibility of the presence of either a cutaneous T cell lymphoma or unregulated T cell stimulation leading to concurrent immunodeficiency in this patient is discussed.
METRONIDAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF TROPICAL PHAGEDENIC ULCERS
Authors: YESUDIAN PATRICK , TMAMBIAH ARTHUR S.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: In an uncontrolled preliminary trial, metroidazole administered orally to 30 patients was effective in resolving tropical phagedenic ulcers within a period of one to two weeks. The of this drug indicates the important role played by fusospirochetes in Causing tropical ulcers.
Cutaneous Immunofluorescence in Dermatomyositis
Authors: Nesbitt Lee T.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: Seven patients with dermatomyositis who displayed severe skin and muscle disease, and in whom coexistent systemic lupus erythematosus (LE) was excluded, were evaluated by direct immunofluorescent biopsies of skin lesions. Specimens from six showed deposits of immunoglobulins and complement in small to moderate amounts at the dermal‐epidermal junction zone. These deposits were usually in the form of focal granular accumulations which lacked continuity and were not well developed as are those seen in LE, or fluorescent subepidermal hyaline bodies. One patient, however, had a more well developed hand of immunoglobulins at the dermal‐epidermal junction. All normal skin specimens in these patients were negative by immunofluorescence.

These findings were helpful in clarifying differences in cutaneous immunofluorescence between dermatomyositis and LE, indicating that dermatomyositis specimens can usually be differentiated from those of LE patients. but demonstrating the possibility that confusion might rarely occur in interpreting a lesional immunofluorescent biopsy in dermatomyositis.
The Acne Questionnaire
Authors: Guin Jere D. , Witkowski Joseph A. , Charles Parish Lawrence
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A printed questionnaire can be used to help uncover the reason(s) for acne flares or failures in response. This method not only enhances office efficiency but is surprisingly thorough and well accepted by patients. A sample form is presented and its proper use is discussed in the text.
Non‐Aerosol Foam for Acne
Authors: Zimmerman Erwin H.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A system delivering a patented non‐aerosol foam exhibits comedolytic action and significantly reduces oiliness, while causing little or no erythema or peeling.
Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis Presenting with Necrotic Skin Lesions
Authors: D'Aubermont Peter C. Suhge , Honig Paul J. , Wood Margaret Gray
Published: March 2008

Classical lesions associated with subacute bacterial endocarditis include petechiae, splinter hemorrhages, Osler's modes and Janaway lesions. We describe a patient with subacute bacterial endocarditis, whose sole cutaneous findings were bullous necrotic lesions of the lower extremities. The vessels were occluded by acidophilic material and coccal bacteria were identified in the vessels. Immunofluorescent studies revealed Igm and C3 in the vessel walls.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Diffuse Soft Tissue Calcifications
Authors: Carette Simon , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: March 2008

A 26‐year‐old white woman developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and extensive soft tissue calcification. Striking features of this patient related to severe complication of corticosteroids, including proximal muscle weakness and multiple areas of avascular necrosis. In addition to localized areas of erythematous induration, the patient demonstrated yellowish papules on her legs. Biopsies of the former showed thickening of the dermis with extensive collagen deposition and focal deposits of calcium. The latter revealed eosinophilic degeneration of the subcutaneous fat.
Book Reviews
Authors: BEERMAN HERMAN
Published: March 2008

Book reviews in this aticle:

A MANUAL OF DERMATOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Orlando Canizares, M.D.

MALIGNANT SKIN TUMORS. A. J. J. Emmett and M. C. E. O'Rourke, editors.

VIRUS DISEASES AND THE SKIN. T. W. E. Robinson, M.A., M.B., F.R.C.P. and R. B. Heath, M.D., F.R.C.P.

PARASITIC DISEASES. Michael Katz, Dickson D. Despommier, and Robert Gwadz.

COMMON OFFICE DERMATOLOGY. Mark V. Dahl, M.D.

MICROBIAL SKIN DISEASE: ITS EPIDEMIOLOGY. W. C. Noble.
Unusual Hair Changes with Minoxidil Therapy
Authors: Ingles Roberto M. , Kahn Thomas
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT: A 28‐year‐old, black man with end‐stage renal disease developed alopecia over both temples while taking minoxidil. Red hair grew over these areas after several months.
The effect of potassium nutrition on pest and disease resistance in plants
Authors: Amtmann Anna , Troufflard Stephanie , Armengaud Patrick
Published: March 2008

Providing a fast growing world population with sufficient food while preserving ecological and energy resources of our planet is one of the biggest challenges in this century. Optimized management of chemical fertilizers and pesticides will be essential for achieving sustainability of intensive farming and requires both empirical data from field trials and advanced fundamental understanding of the molecular processes controlling plant growth. Genes involved in plant responses to nutrient deficiency and pathogen/herbivore attack have been identified, but we are lacking information about the cross‐talk between signalling pathways when plants are exposed to a combination of abiotic and biotic stress factors. The focus of this review is on the relationship between the potassium status of plants and their susceptibility to pathogens and herbivorous insects. We combine field evidence on potassium–disease interaction with existing knowledge on metabolic and physiological factors that could explain such interaction, and present new data on metabolite profiles and hormonal pathways from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The latter provides evidence that facilitated entry and development of pathogens or insects in(to) potassium‐deficient plants as a result of physical and metabolic changes is counteracted by an increased defence. A genetic approach should now be applied to establish a causal relationship between disease susceptibility on the one hand and individual enzymatic and signal components on the other. Once identified, these can be used to design agricultural strategies that support the nutritional status of the crops while exploiting their inherent potential for defence.
Group 2 sigma factors in cyanobacteria
Authors: Osanai Takashi , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Tanaka Kan
Published: March 2008

Group 1 and group 2 sigma factors are sigma factors of bacterial RNA polymerase responsible for transcription from consensus‐type promoters. Thus, these sigma factors form the framework for basic transcriptional regulation in bacteria. Cyanobacteria are known to have various group 2 sigma factors, typically more than 4, but only recently the particular function of each sigma factor is being elucidated. In response to environmental signals such as nutrients, light and temperature, cyanobacteria change their transcriptional profile first by activating specific transcription factors and subsequently by modifying the basic transcriptional machinery, which is often involved in the regulation of group 2 sigma factors. In this article, we give an overview of the composition and evolution of group 2 sigma factors in cyanobacteria and summarize what was presently revealed regarding their function.
Invasive aspergillosis and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: a 15‐year experience
Authors: Crassard N. , Hadden H. , Pondarré C. , Hadden R. , Galambrun C. , Piens M.A. , Pracros J.P. , Souillet G. , Basset T. , Berthier J.C. , Philippe N. , Bertrand Y.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a principal cause of mortality due to infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). In order to clarify the course of IA among children receiving an AHSCT before the advent of new drugs such as voriconazole or caspofungin, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all proven and probable IA between January 1986 and December 2000. 1) Ten children developed IA after AHSCT, mostly long after transplantation. Overall incidence was 2.7%. Seven of those children experienced 1 or more complications after AHSCT and before IA. Mortality was 90% with a median survival of 23 days (2–90). 2) Five children underwent AHSCT after a previous episode of IA. All patients were treated with systemic antifungal therapy combined with surgery. Median time between IA and AHSCT was 110 days (73–370). Two children were diagnosed with IA relapse after transplantation. One child was cured while the other died of IA and AHSCT complications. AHSCT could be considered even in the setting of previous IA, but established strategies implementing newer less toxic antifungal agents as treatment or prophylaxis in high‐risk patients are needed.