bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis Patients Opinion for Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) Programme of Nepal
Authors: Bhatt CP , Bhatt AB , Shrestha B
Published: April 2010

Background : DOTS is the most effective strategy available today for tuberculosis control. Objectives : To find out patients knowledge and opinion about DOTS programme of Nepal. Methods : The prospective study was conducted in tuberculosis patients attending DOTS programme in Nepal. Questionnaires are used to collect patient knowledge and opinion. Results : Tuberculosis was most (73%) commonly found in economically active age group (21-50 years old). The incidence of tuberculosis was found higher in male than in female, most of them were married (55%). Tuberculosis cases were commonly found in rural areas 59%, most of them were illiterate 27% and farmers 23.6% respectively. Majority of patients (72%) family size was large 5-7 persons. Knowledge about DOTS programme, majority of the patients (58.3%) answered correctly. The patient's opinion for improving DOTS programme of Nepal, most of them (26.6%) suggested to educate the TB patients and their family members about tuberculosis (method of transmission, dose and side effects of medicine, suitable method for disposable of sputum and other materials and what are the consequences, if drug doses are not completed), 20% of the respondents were of the view that the medicine for tuberculosis should be made available in each and every health care units, 17.6% suggested that according to patients problem drug should be allowed to bring home for one month, 10% suggested to improve behavior of health care workers, 7.3% suggested government should provide free balance diet along with free medicine, 5% suggested make more publicity and 13.3% of patients had no suggestion they thought it was satisfactory. Conclusion : To improve the efficacy of DOTS programme, along with free medicine and directly observed treatment, Tuberculosis control authority should design health education programme for patients, family members and community people such as mode of transmission, preventive methods of tuberculosis and consequences of incomplete treatment. Key words : DOTS; TB; Knowledge DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i1.3063 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (1) 39-45
Editorial Vol.6(2)
Authors: Jha KK
Published: April 2010

DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3050SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2)
Community Based Risk Behaviour Study on HIV/AIDS Targeting Women in Nepal - 2007
Authors: Jha KK , Salhotra VS , Weerakoon AP , Shrestha L , Malla P
Published: April 2010

Nepal has progressed from a HIV low prevalence country to one with a concentrated epidemic in certain subgroups of population. It has been documented that girls and women are more vulnerable to HIV infection. However there is little documented evidence on the risk behaviour among women in Nepal. This study was conducted to assess the pattern of risk behaviour for HIV among women in Nepal. Methodology : The main component of the study comprised a community based cross-sectional study, using a multi stage random sampling technique. Data was collected by trained field health workers using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Eight focus group discussions were also conducted to supplement the findings. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 13. Results : A significant number of un married (13.7%) women and 2.2% of married women indulged in high risk sexual behaviour. A significant positive association was observed between sexual risk behaviour of married women and monthly family income less than 5000 Nepali Rs ,age group 25-34y and young age group (15- 34) in unmarried women. Nearly 70% of participatory women have heard about AIDS and have satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. However, significant number of respondents had misconceptions that one could contract HIV through hand shaking, mosquito bites and hugging. Using Condoms during unprotected sexual intercourse in both married and unmarried women were low (19.4% and 6.2% respectively). Findings of Focus Group Discussions revealed there is a strong stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in this rural community in Nepal. Conclusions : One in every seven unmarried woman in Nepal indulged in high risk sexual behaviour, which is much more compared to married women. There is an urgent need for reproductive health education especially among teenagers and for the National HIV/AIDS Control Programme to expand its awareness generation activities. Keywords : HIV/AIDS, women, risk behaviour, Nepal DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3051 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2) 1-10
Perception and Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Students in a Medical College in Western Nepal
Authors: Shankar PR , Subish P , Paudel R , Alam K
Published: April 2010

Background : Medical students are taught about HIV/AIDS throughout the curriculum. The objectives of the present study were: a) To study the perceptions and knowledge of medical students regarding HIV/AIDS b) Obtain information on lacunae observed and. c) Compare the median scores among different subgroups Methods : The study was carried out among the first, third, (preclinical) and fifth and sixth semester (clinical) students at the Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal. The students were explained the objective of the study and invited to participate. Written informed consent was obtained. Student perception regarding HIV/AIDS was studied by noting their degree of agreement with a set of 22 statements using a modified Likert-type scale. The median score was compared among different subgroups. Results : 163 students participated. The median score was 77 (maximum score 110). The median score was significantly higher among Nepalese students compared to other nationalities (p=0.000) and among the scholarship students compared to the self-financing (p=0.000). The free text comments stressed the importance of safe sex in controlling HIV/AIDS. Conclusion : The overall scores were high. The lacunae observed can be addressed through educational interventions. The foreign and the self-financing students need greater training to tackle HIV/AIDS. The study had many limitations which may affect its generalizability and representativeness and more detailed studies are required. Key words : HIV/AIDS, Knowledge, Medical students, Nepal, Perceptions DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3052 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2) 11-16
The Study of Drug Induced Hepatotoxicity in ATT Patients attending in National Tuberculosis Center in Bhaktapur
Authors: Khadka J , Malla P , Jha SS , Poudel SR
Published: April 2010

The drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a significantly increasing problem worldwide, but it is of more concern in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) infection, especially in a third world country like Nepal, where tuberculosis is still endemic. Liver has a central role in drug metabolism and detoxification, and is consequently vulnerable to toxic effects of the drugs. The study was carried out from August 2006 to May 2007. The ATT patients, who visited the chest clinic, were sent to the laboratory for analysis of Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and bilirubin level. During the period of August 2006 to May 2007 total of 114 patients; 114 blood samples were collected for liver enzymes analysis. It was found that among114 ATT patients; 41 patients (35.0%) had abnormal parameters with the elevation of serum bilirubin level, AST level and ALT level. It showed that drug induced hepatotoxicity due to anti TB drugs is relatively higher rate among lower socio-economic status group. Out of 114 cases, the marked elevation of total bilirubin level (>5.0mg/dl) was found in 15 (13.0%) and mild elevation of bilirubin level (1.1-5.0mg/dl) was found in 25 (22.0%) patients while 74 (65.0%) patients were found to have normal level of bilirubin. Similarly, 17 (15.0%) patients were found to have moderate elevation of ALT level (above 51.0IU/L), 5 (4.0%) patients were found to have slight elevation of ALT level (36-50IU/L) and 92(81.0%) patients had normal level. Likewise 10 (9.0%) patients were found to have moderate elevation of AST level (above 51.0IU/L); 8 (7.0%) had slight elevation of AST level (41-50 IU/L); and 96 (84.0%) were found to have normal level. The facts associated behind these findings are probably poverty, malnourishment, alcohol consumption, illiteracy of people and poor health management system. Hence, for the treatment of TB, with ATT regimens, a baseline laboratory testing and monitoring system should be adopted before starting treatment which might help to reduce drug induced hepatotoxicity in ATT patients. Keywords : ATT patient; Rifampicin; Ethambutol; Hepatotoxicity; AST; ALT; Enzymes. DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3053 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2) 17-21
Comparison of Bronchodilator Effect of Salbutamol Delivered via MDI and DPI in COPD Patients
Authors: Shrestha R , Shakya R
Published: April 2010

Introduction : Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading problems affecting majority of population all over the world which diminishes the quality of life of the individual and create extra burden to the society as well as country. Inhaled bronchodilator therapy is the mainstay of treatment in the management of COPD. Various inhaled [e.g. metered dose inhaler (MDI) /dry powder inhaler (DPI)] formulations are available and are widely used among the COPD patients in Nepal. Methodology : This is cross sectional prospective study, designed to compare the bronchodilating effect produced when salbutamol is delivered via two devices: MDI (Asthalin® from Cipla) and DPI (Asthalin® rotacap delivered via Rotahaler® from Cipla), in patients with stable COPD. It is proven by previous studies that intervention is necessary to improve the compliance of the patients; all subjects (total n=60; 30 in each group) are counseled and trained to follow correct inhaling technique through particular device. Then their improvements in lung function were measured with reference to the pulmonary function test based on spirometry. Results : Patients enrolled in each group were not statistically different regarding to age (P=0.318), weight (P=0.324) & BMI (P=0.836). Among the total subjects 87% had smoking history and 2% were still smoking and there was no signifi cant difference in smoking habit between the two groups (p-value 0.544 > 0.05). Similarly 91.6 % of the total had exposure to indoor air pollution which had been the major risk factor for COPD. Most of the patients were on stage II COPD (62%). Salbutamol was found to have no effect on vital statistics of patients. Study showed there was no significant difference in the improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (p=0.802), FVC (p= 0.693), FEV1 % (p=1) and PEF (p=0.448) between MDI and Rotahaler groups. Major side effect associated with the MDI users is headache (79%) while those among Rotahaler users were muscle cramps (79%). Even though intervention improved the inhaler using technique among the patients in both the groups, it was found even after counseling, DPI seemed to be better understood by the patients in comparison to MDI (p=0.003 & 0.00). In addition DPI was preferred by most of the patients who were familiar with both delivery systems. It was also found to be cheaper than the MDI. Conclusion : Overall evidence suggests that although both MDI & DPI improve the lung function of COPD patients to similar extent, DPI is cheaper and more preferred and can be easily handled by the patients which can result in reduction of non-compliance. Keyword : COPD; Salbutamol; DPI; MDI; Spirometry DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3054 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2) 22-30
Nepalese People's Knowledge about Tuberculosis
Authors: Bhatt CP , Bhatt AB , Shrestha B
Published: April 2010

Introduction : Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa. Objective: Objective of this study was to determine Nepalese people's knowledge about tuberculosis. Methods : The diagnosed cases of tuberculosis was randomly selected, structured questionnaires were used to collect patient knowledge about tuberculosis. Results : This prospective study included 300 diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis who were attending the DOTS programme of Nepal. Tuberculosis was most commonly found in economically active age group (21-50 years old). The incidence of tuberculosis was found higher in male than female. Regarding the common part of the body affected by TB bacilli 58% correctly said that it is the Lungs. About the mode of transmission of tuberculosis 50% knew that it is transmitted by droplet infections. More then two third of the respondents had knowledge about the clinical symptoms of tuberculosis, among them chronic cough (82%), evening rise of temperature (72%) and blood in the sputum (72%) were the major symptoms described. Only 16.6% of the respondents knew that Tuberculosis is an common opportunistic infection in people infected with HIV/AIDS. 53.3% patients responded correctly that body secretion like sputum contains Tubercle Bacilli and regarding disposal of sputum and other body fluids 30% said that incineration is the proper way of disposal. On prevention of spread of tuberculosis 31.6% said that TB patients should use mask. Conclusion : The study found that majority of the patients had satisfactory knowledge about the signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis but their knowledge about causative agent for Tuberculosis, disposal method for sputum and body fluid and preventive method for tuberculosis was still low. It is recommended that National tuberculosis control authority should design health education programme focusing on causative agents, disposal of sputum and body fluids and prevention of Tuberculosis. The awareness campaign should be targeted to patients, family members, community and health care providers and should be disseminated through the media that will reach the general Public. Such awareness campaign will increase the patient's general awareness about the disease and will help to reduce transmission of disease, prevent drug resistant cases and improve the efficacy of DOTS programme. Keywords : HIV/AIDS; TB; Mycobacterium tuberculosis DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i2.3055 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (2) 31-37
Functional Properties of Peanut and Soybean Proteins as Influenced by Processing Method1
Authors: Ahmed Esam M. , Schmidt Ronald H.
Published: April 2010

Proteins were extracted from defatted Florunner peanuts and Cobb soybeans and dried using different methods. Freshly prepared peanut protein isolates contained 73.9 to 81.3% protein and 1.4 to 4.3% fat. The corresponding values for soybeans were 54.7 to 61.6% and 2.7 to 4.5%. Spray dried peanut protein isolate contained 69.1% protein after 36 months storage and exhibited less solubility than those stored for 24 months or freshly prepared. Freeze dried soybean isolate contained more soluble protein man the freeze dried peanut protein isolate. The reverse was true for the spray dried peanut and soybean isolates. Protein solubility, emulsifying capacity, foaming capacity and foam stability of peanut and soybean protein isolates were higher for the spray dried and freeze dried than the drum dried preparations. Heat treatment of peanuts (107°C for 20 min.) did not influence protein solubility or emulsifying capacity but decreased foaming capacity and foam stability. Storage of peanut isolates resulted in a loss of emulsifying capacity, especially for the freeze dried peanut preparation.
Evaluation of Tertiary Butylhydroquinone as an Antioxidant in Powdered Roasted Peanuts Products1
Authors: Hoover M. W. , Painter P. N.
Published: April 2010

A fifteen month shelf life study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) as an antioxidant in products made from roasted peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Five levels of TBHQ were studied, 0.0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, and 0.04% based on the fat content of the peanuts. Total carbonyl assays performed monthly served as indices of rancidity. Results indicate that the shelf life of the product may be extended up to thirteen months using the 0.02% level of TBHQ now allowed by the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the quantitative determination of total carbonyls proved to be an acceptable indicator of rancidity of roasted peanuts.
Effect of Variety, Location and Year on Tannin Content of Peanut Seed Coats
Authors: Sanders Timothy H.
Published: April 2010

Tannin concentrations in the seed coats of six peanut varieties grown in seven geographical locations for 2 years were determined. Tannin content within variety varied significantly between locations. Levels among varieties at a location were also variable. Tannin concentrations for a specific variety at a specific location in 1975 and 1976 were compared and 60% of the comparisons differed significantly. These data indicate that any resistance to Aspergillus parasiticus colonization associated with peanut seed coat tannin concentration would probably vary somewhat with production location and year.
Phosphine and Methyl Bromide Fumigation of Shelled Peanuts1
Authors: Leesch J. G. , Gillenwater H. B. , Davis R. , Wilson Ruel
Published: April 2010

In laboratory studies, neither germination nor quality of peanuts was adversely affected by fumigation with phosphine, regardless of the dosage or the number of times the peanuts were fumigated. Sorption of phosphine ranged from 55.3 to 71.1% and was highest for peanuts with 7% moisture content. Residues of phosphine generally increased with dosage and the number of fumigations; however, the highest residue (11.3 ppb) occurred after 3 fumigations at the highest dosage (1.12 mg/liter).

Methyl bromide fumigation of peanuts in the laboratory reduced germination and quality in direct proportion to the dosage applied and the number of fumigations. Sorption ranged from 88.8% to 92.9%, was inversely proportional to the dosage, and increased with an increase in moisture content of the peanuts. Also, total bromide residues increased proportionately with the dosage and the number of fumigations. Residues of >200 ppm were found on peanuts after 3 fumigations at the highest dosage tested (64 mg/liter), regardless of the moisture content, and after 3 fumigations at 48 mg/liter on peanuts of 7% moisture content.

When 900-kg (1-short ton) corrugated paper bulk containers were fumigated with phosphine, the gas mat penetrated the containers killed all insects exposed at the center of the peanut mass; there was no effect of phosphine on the germination or quality of the peanuts, and residues of phosphine were well below the tolerance regardless of the dosage or the number of times fumigated. When the containers were fumigated with methyl bromide, the gas that penetrated the containers killed all insects exposed in the center of the mass only at the highest dosage tested (64 mg/liter); germination was reduced, quality decreased with successive fumigations, and residues increased in proportion to the dosage and the number of times fumigated. Unlike the laboratory test, bromide residues exceeded 200 ppm only after 3 fumigations at the highest dosage tested.
Potential for Direct Harvesting of Peanuts1
Authors: Wright F. S. , Steele J. L.
Published: April 2010

The concept of harvesting peanuts has remained the same since the windrow-harvesting method replaced stack-pole harvesting. The purpose of this paper is to state the present position on conventional peanut harvesting and discuss the potential for direct harvesting of Virginia-type peanuts.

The field operations for the conventional and direct-harvesting methods are compared. Advantages and disadvantages of each harvesting method as they relate to peanut losses and peanut damages are discussed. The operational performance and evaluation of the direct harvester developed at Suffolk, Va., is presented. The importance of the drying operation for the conventional and direct-harvesting methods is discussed relative to cost of drying, managing the drying operation, and improving thermal efficiency.
Effects of Leaf Position and Plant Age on Photosynthesis and Translocation in Peanut I. Apparent Photosynthesis and 14C Translocation1
Authors: Henning R. J. , Brown R. H. , Ashley D. A.
Published: April 2010

Two experiments were conducted to determine the contribution of leaves at different stem positions to photosynthesis of peanut plants, and the change in this contribution with plant age. Apparent photosynthesis (AP) and translocation of assimilated 14C were determined on leaves 3, 5, and 8 from the tip of a cotyledonary lateral branch of the “Florunner” cultivar of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at 80, 110 and 140 days after planting. To determine 14C-photo-synthate translocation individual leaves were exposed for 15 min to 14CO2 and plants harvested 24 hr later were analyzed for 14C. Translocation was computed as the percentage of total 14C in the plant which was in plant parts other than the labeled leaf.

Highest AP was observed for leaf 3, the youngest fully expanded leaf on the branch, and the lowest AP for leaf 8. Leaf 5 exhibited intermediate AP rates. AP decreased with plant age, the average decrease in two experiments being 21 and 58% from 80 to 110 and 140 days, respectively. The decline in AP with plant age was similar in both experiments. The percentage of 14C translocated from labeled leaves for the two experiments averaged 64% and was not significantly affected by plant age. A significantly greater percentage (76%) of the 14C fixed was translocated from leaf 3 in Experiment II than from leaves 5 and 8 which averaged 55%. Leaf position had no effect on 14C translocation in Experiment I. These data indicate that leaves near the periphery of the peanut plant contribute most during pod filling and that the photo-synthetic capacity of all leaves decreases during this period.
Effects of a Lime Slurry on Soil pH, Exchangeable Calcium, and Peanut Yields
Authors: Adams Fred , Hartzog Dallas
Published: April 2010

The effectiveness of a low rate of lime slurry for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production was evaluated on four Coastal Plain soils of southeastern Alabama. The four experimental sites were selected on farmers' fields because of their low soil pH and low exchangeable Ca. Lime was applied just prior to planting at a 560-kg/ha rate and at the recommended rate; lime sources included a slurry, an equally-fine dry limestone, and an agricultural-grade limestone. Soil pH and exchangeable Ca of the Ap horizon were measured by depth increments when crop was harvested. Lime slurry and dry lime at equivalent rates had identical effects on soil pH and peanut yields. The 560-kg/ha rate was inadequate for maximum peanut yields on Ca-deficient soils. The recommended rate of agricultural-grade limestone was more reactive than the low rate of lime slurry, and it also produced higher peanut yields.
Sclerotinia Blight of Peanuts in Oklahoma and Occurrence of the Sexual Stage of the Pathogen1
Authors: Wadsworth D. F.
Published: April 2010

Sclerotinia blight of peanuts was discovered in Oklahoma in 1972. The disease is caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary varieties “Minor” and “Major” Purdy (Whetzelinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) Korf & Dumont). S. sclerotiorum “Minor” is more prevalent. Sclerotinia blight has been found in seven of the 23 major peanut-producing counties in Oklahoma since its discovery and it is regarded as a major peanut disease. Both fungal varieties overwintered in the field as sclerotia and produced apothecia and ascopores from late April to early June. Peanut plants exposed to natural ascospore discharges in the field became infected with both varieties of the fungus.
Web Blotch Resistance in Arachis hypogaea1
Authors: Smith O. D. , Smith D. H. , Simpson C. E.
Published: April 2010

Seventeen genotypes of peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., consisting of Spanish, Runner, and Virginia market types were evaluated for resistance to web blotch caused by Phoma arachidicola Marasas, Pauer and Boerema in small plot field tests. Disease ratings were obtained by determining percentages of infected attached leaflets and abscinded leaflets. Marked differences in disease resistance were observed, and three levels of susceptibility were evident. Entries of the Virginia and Runner market types were generally more resistant to web blotch than the Spanish. Definitive yield and grade effects were not discernible, but indications were that yield and kernel size were affected.
Soil Or Foliar Applied Nutrient Effects On Mineral Concentrations And Germinability of Peanut Seed1
Authors: Hallock D. L.
Published: April 2010

The mineral composition of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed is important to seed germinability, human dietary quality, and may indicate nutrients limiting peanut productivity. Low germinability of peanut seed is frequently a problem for seed producers. Little is known about nutrient effects on seed germination except for Ca. Experiments were conducted on two Aquic Hapludults, one in Southampton Co. and the other in Suffolk, Va. The effects of lime, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, S, or Fe applied to the soil and/or foliage on the elemental composition and germinability of peanut seed were studied.

Average germination varied from 39 to 82% and was highest where 1,120 or 3,360 kg/ha of landplaster (LP) was applied alone. Germination was decreased by application of KCl or K2SO4 at 1,120 kg/ha, or urea or NH4NO3 each at 224 kg/ha of N. Percentage germination was correlated positively with seed Ca and negatively with seed K concentrations. Also, a low but significant negative correlation was obtained between Fe or Cu and seed germinability.

All treatments which contained considerable Ca increased the Ca concentrations in seed, except lime at 2,240 kg/ha. Concentrations of K in the seed were increased by the K treatments only when LP was not applied. Treatments which included foliar-applied Zn or both Zn and Mn decreased seed K or seed Mg levels, respectively. None of the treatments decreased Fe, Cu, P, Mn, or Zn concentrations in seed.

The concentrations of the nutrients in the seed varied relative to the method of application. Fertilization practices which increase Ca uptake by the seed relative to K should enhance peanut seed germinability.
Inheritance of Resistance to Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum in Six Virginia-type Peanut Lines1,3
Authors: Kornegay Julia L. , Beute M. K. , Wynne J. C.
Published: April 2010

The inheritance of resistance to two cercospora leaf-spots, Cercospora arachidicola (early leafspot) and Cercosporidium personatum (late leafspot) in Virginia-type peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), was determined using F1 and F2 generations and parental lines from a six parent diallel cross under natural field conditions. Two techniques for rating disease severity were employed. General combining ability, determined from both rating techniques, was significant for both F1 and F2 generations, indicating that resistance to both fungi and tolerance to infection i. e., minimal leaf defoliation, was primarily due to additive genetic effects.

The six parents produced offspring with different levels of resistance to both fungi. From the estimates of general combining ability effects, only NC-GP 343 and NC 5 produced progeny resistant to both early and late leaf-spot. NC 3033 was resistant to early leafspot, but susceptible to late leafspot. NC-Ac 3139, Florigiant and NC 2 were resistant to late leafspot, but susceptible to early leaf-spot. Disease indices ranked NC 3033 and NC-GP 343 as, overall, the most resistant of the six lines and the most useful to include in a cercospora leafspots resistance breeding program.
Evaluation of Detached Leaf Culture for Screening Peanuts for Leafspot Resistance1
Authors: Foster D. J. , Wynne J. C. , Beute M. K.
Published: April 2010

A detached leaf culturing technique has been proposed as a rapid and simple method for screening peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes for leafspot resistance. This study was conducted to (a) determine the effect of both leaf age and outdoor plant weathering on infection with Cercospora arachidicola Hori as measured by the detached leaf technique, (b) evaluate the resistance to early leafspot of several peanut genotypes in the field and in the greenhouse using the detached leaf technique, and (c) determine the relationship between leafspot resistance measured in the field and the greenhouse.

The age of the leaf had a significant effect on leafspot resistance when evaluated using the detached leaf technique. Younger leaves averaged 11.4 lesions per leaflet compared to 5.6 lesions per leaflet for older leaves. The number of lesions per leaflet was similar for weathered and greenhouse-grown plants. PI 270806, PI 109839, Kanyoma, and PI 259679, four Virginia (ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) types, were the most resistant genotypes evaluated in these tests.

The number of lesions per leaflet caused by early leaf-spot for the 16 genotypes measured by the detached leaf technique was significantly correlated (r = 0.85) with the same trait measured in the field. PI 109839 had the fewest number of lesions per leaflet in both greenhouse and field tests.
Effects of Tillage Practices on Peanut Production in Virginia
Authors: Wright F. S. , Porter D. M.
Published: April 2010

A 3-year study was conducted in Virginia to evaluate tillage practices on peanut yield and crop value. Treatment factors included time of plowing, four seedbed preparations, and two cultivations. Pesticides were used to control insects and diseases. Commercially available field implements were used to perform all tillage operations. Peanut yields were higher when the moldboard plowing operation was performed in the fall (Dec) than those when the plowing operation was performed in the spring (Mar). Yields were similar for the four seedbed preparation methods: flat, rotary tiller with shaper, disk bedder, and ripper-bedder. Cultivation (two) did not improve peanut yields. The above tillage treatments affected crop value similarly to peanut yield. The cone index (resistance to cone penetration) was considerably less in the ripper-bedder treatment than in other seedbed treatments. The economic advantage of field equipment to decrease the resistance for root penetration should be evaluated further.
Greenhouse Screening Peanut Germ Plasm for Resistance to the Lesser Cornstalk Borer1
Authors: Smith J. W. , Posada Lazaro , Smith O. D.
Published: April 2010

An objective, rapid technique was developed for greenhouse screening of peanuts, (Arachis hypogaea L.), germ plasm for resistance to lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller). Seedlings planted one per container were infested with first instar larvae. Twenty-one days after infestation the plants were scored for damage visible above the soil surface, damage concealed by the soil surface, and survival. Larvae were scored for developmental stage and survival. Entries were screened in groups of 16 including the cultivar ‘Starr’ as a standard.

Evaluations were made of 490 cultivars, introductions and selections. Eighty-one cultivars scored significantly lower (p≥.05) than Starr in one or more rating categories. Re-evaluation of certain cultivars coupled with an analysis of the Starr standard entry show the techniques to be effective in selecting for resistance to the lesser cornstalk borer.
Peanut Maturity Method Evaluations. I. Southeast
Authors: Sanders T. H. , Williams E. J. , Schubert A. M. , Pattee H. E.
Published: April 2010

Arginine maturity index, methanol extract, shellout, and seed-hull maturity index methods of determining peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) maturity were compared. Peanuts from four planting dates in 1978 were used. The comparisons showed that some of the methods are affected by date of planting and environmental factors, such as drought stress. Under the conditions of this test, the seed-hull maturity index and shellout were the most consistent indicators of the optimum yield period in 1978.
Nodulation and Nitrogenase Activity of Peanuts Inoculated with Single Strain Isolates of Rhizobium1
Authors: Elkan G. H. , Wynne J. C. , Schneeweis T. J. , Isleib T. G.
Published: April 2010

Nodulation and nitrogenase activity (μM C2H4/plant/hr) for 48 diverse peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.2) genotypes were determined in a field site where the soil supported high populations of endemic rhizobia. These same rhizobia and peanut genotypes had previously been evaluated in a greenhouse study.

Both host genotypes and rhizobial strains significantly influenced nodulation and nitrogenase activity. Roots of Virginia-type host plants were better nodulated and exhibited higher nitrogenase activity than genotypes of the fastigiate type. Florigiant, the predominant cultivar in the Virginia-North Carolina area, produced the most nodules and had the greatest nitrogenase activity.

Variation in nodulation and nitrogenase activity for the single strain isolates in the presence of naturally occurring field populations indicated that the strains were able to compete for nodule sites. Strains both less and more effective than the naturally occurring rhizobial population were observed.

Nitrogenase activity of the strains was correlated with previous greenhouse results suggesting that greenhouse evaluation of rhizobial strains for peanuts is useful as a preliminary screen before evaluation in the field.
Prevalence of cervical spine injury in infants with head trauma
Authors: Katz Joel S. , Oluigbo Chima O. , Wilkinson C. Corbett , McNatt Sean , Handler Michael H.
Published: April 2010

Object

The incidence, type, and severity of pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are related to age and mechanism of injury. In this study, the authors assessed the prevalence of CSIs in infants with head trauma treated in their institution.

Methods

The authors reviewed the medical records of children younger than 1 year of age who presented to The Children's Hospital with head injuries between January 1993 and December 2007. They excluded infants with head injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents and known falls from heights greater than 10 ft. For each patient, collected data included age, cause of injury, diagnosis, discharge disposition, and outcome. Relevant imaging data were reviewed, and when appropriate, autopsy reports were also reviewed.

Results

Nine hundred five infants with head trauma and without a major mechanism/cause were identified. Their mean age was 4.3 months. Of the 905 patients, only 2 cases of CSI were detected, giving a prevalence of 0.2%. The mechanism of injury in these 2 patients was nonaccidental trauma (NAT).

Conclusions

The study revealed a very low prevalence of CSIs in infants with head trauma (0.2%). Routine cervical spine imaging in these infants, therefore, appears to have low diagnostic yield. The mechanism of head injury was NAT in the 2 patients who sustained an associated CSI. This supports the need for more stringent cervical spine imaging criteria for the infant with suspected NAT.
Akathisia after mild traumatic head injury
Authors: Desai Atman , Nierenberg David W. , Duhaime Ann-Christine
Published: April 2010

The authors describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who exhibited progressive disabling motor restlessness, torticollis, urinary symptoms, and confusion following a fall from a bicycle. The differential diagnosis of this striking symptom complex in this clinical context can be problematic. In this case, the symptoms ultimately appeared most consistent with severe akathisia resulting from a single administration of haloperidol used at an outside hospital to sedate the patient prior to a head CT scan. The literature on akathisia in pediatric patients, and especially in patients following acute head injury, is reviewed, with suggestions for an approach to these symptoms in this clinical setting.
Level of the conus in pediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Sasaki-Adams Deanna M. , Campbell Jeffrey W. , Bajelidze Gela , Assis Marcelo C. , Mackenzie William G. , Ritter Ann M.
Published: April 2010

Object

Skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect bone development and can result in reduced vertebral body growth and short stature. The level of the conus medullaris is unknown in this population. The purpose of this review was to determine the level of the conus in a population of pediatric patients with skeletal dysplasia.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of a 7-year period was undertaken at a tertiary care pediatric hospital to identify patients in whom skeletal dysplasia had been diagnosed. Radiographs and MR imaging studies were evaluated to discern the level of the conus with respect to the bony vertebral column.

Results

Four hundred sixty-seven patients with skeletal dysplasia were identified. One hundred eleven patients had quality MR images. Forty-seven different skeletal dysplasias were observed. The mean conus level was found at the L-1 vertebral body. No difference was noted with respect to the age of the patients or the type of skeletal dysplasia. Two patients (1.7%) had a conus level lower than L-2.

Conclusions

Skeletal dysplasia leads to abnormal bone formation and can result in short stature. The location of the conus with respect to the vertebral bodies appears to be stable at the L-1 level regardless of patient age or the type of skeletal dysplasia involved. However, the appearance of a low-level conus and associated tethered cord syndrome may be slightly increased in this population.
Harvey Cushing's use of a transplanted human vein to treat hydrocephalus in an infant in the early 1900s
Authors: Pendleton Courtney , Zaidi Hasan A. , Jallo George , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: April 2010

A review of the Johns Hopkins Hospital surgical records from 1896 to 1912 revealed a case from 1908 wherein Dr. Harvey Cushing attempted to treat hydrocephalus in a 4-month-old infant by constructing a shunt for which he used a venous segment harvested from the patient's father. Prior to this procedure, surgeons used shunts constructed from various often highly immunogenic materials. In addition to addressing the limitations of these materials, Cushing's technique allowed the inclusion of valves within the shunt, preventing the retrograde flow of CSF. Despite the success of this procedure in canine models, the child's postoperative death prevented an assessment of its success in a human. It is possible that Cushing's approach would meet with more success today, given the modern benefits of human leukocyte antigen tissue typing and immunosuppressant agents.
Reuse of ventricular drain sites for cerebrospinal fluid shunting in patients with no prior infection
Authors: Winston Ken R. , Bhardwaj Vinay
Published: April 2010

Object

The safety of reusing ventricular drain sites for shunting CSF in patients with no history of infection involving either the ventricular drain or the CSF was the focus of this investigation.

Methods

Prospectively accrued clinical data on all patients who, in an 8-year span ending in June 2008, underwent external ventricular drain placement and subsequently required CSF shunts were retrospectively evaluated for evidence of shunt infection and other complications.

Results

The infection rate for 50 consecutive operations in 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria was 2.0%.

Conclusions

Data from this study support the position that the reuse of ventriculostomy tracts when implanting first-time CSF shunts is, with regard to the risk of infection, a safe practice and avoids all risks associated with making a new ventricular entry.
Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with arteriovenous malformation in a patient presenting with progressive brain edema and cyst formation
Authors: Nishino Kazuhiko , Ito Yasushi , Sorimachi Takatoshi , Shimbo Junsuke , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: April 2010

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder presenting with a facial port-wine stain, along with an occipital leptomeningeal angiomatosis that is typically located ipsilateral to the stain. In this paper, the authors present a rare case of SWS associated with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) instead of an angiomatosis in the ipsilateral occipital lobe. While the patient was in the care of the authors, the AVM progressively enlarged, and was accompanied by progressive stenoocclusive changes of the venous system. The resulting brain edema finally brought about a serious neurological condition 13 years after the initial diagnosis. Transarterial embolization and medical treatments decreased the edema. Subsequently, however, a large intraparenchymal cyst appeared, aggravating the patient's motor weakness. Aspiration of the cyst ameliorated these symptoms. The analysis of the fluid from the cyst revealed that it contained a very high concentration of protein. Although there is no proven pathogenic mechanism to explain these protein concentrations and the enlargement of the AVM, the authors hypothesize that the progressive edema resulted from a synergic augmentation of the inflow from the AVM and the progressive obstruction of venous drainage that is a hallmark of SWS. The formation of the cyst probably resulted from the blood vessel hyperpermeability that is inherent to SWS.
Navigated endoscopic surgery for multiloculated hydrocephalus in children
Authors: Schulz Matthias , Bohner Georg , Knaus Hannah , Haberl Hannes , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm
Published: April 2010

Object

Multiloculated hydrocephalus remains a challenging condition to treat in the pediatric hydrocephalic population. In a retrospective study, the authors reviewed their experience with navigated endoscopy to treat multiloculated hydrocephalus in children.

Methods

Between April 2004 and September 2008, navigated endoscopic procedures were performed in 16 children with multiloculated hydrocephalus (median age 8 months, mean age 16.1 ± 23.3 months). In all patients preoperative MR imaging was used for planning entry sites and trajectories of the endoscopic approach for cyst perforation and catheter positioning. Intraoperatively, a rigid endoscope was tracked by the navigation system. For all children the total number of operative procedures, navigated endoscopic procedures, implanted ventricular catheters, and drained compartments were recorded. In addition, postoperative complications and radiological follow-up data were analyzed.

Results

In 16 children, a total of 91 procedures were performed to treat multiloculated hydrocephalus, including 29 navigated endoscopic surgeries. Finally, 21 navigated procedures involved 1 ventricular catheter and 8 involved 2 catheters for CSF diversion via the shunt. The average number of drained compartments in a shunt was 3.6 ± 1.7 (range 2–9 compartments). In 9 patients (56%) a navigated endoscopic procedure constituted the last procedure within the follow-up period. One additional surgery was necessary in 3 patients (19%) after navigated endoscopy, and in 4 patients (25%) 2 further procedures were necessary after navigated endoscopy. Serial follow-up MR imaging demonstrated evidence of sufficient CSF diversion in all patients.

Conclusions

Navigated endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for multiloculated hydrocephalus. The combination of the endoscopic approach and neuronavigation further refines preoperative planning and intraoperative orientation. The aim of treatment is to drain as many compartments as possible and as soon as possible, thereby establishing sufficient CSF drainage with few ventricular catheters in single shunt systems. Close clinical and radiological follow-up is mandatory because multiple revisions are likely.
Clinical impact of integrating positron emission tomography during surgery in 85 children with brain tumors
Authors: Pirotte Benoit J. M. , Lubansu Alphonse , Massager Nicolas , Wikler David , Van Bogaert Patrick , Levivier Marc , Brotchi Jacques , Goldman Serge
Published: April 2010

Object

In this paper, the authors' goal was to evaluate the impact of PET information on brain tumor surgery in children.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2007, 442 children were referred to the authors' institution for a newly diagnosed brain lesion. Of these, 85 were studied with FDG-PET and/or L-(methyl-11C)-methionine –PET in cases in which MR images were unable to assist in selecting accurate biopsy targets (35 patients) or to delineate tumors for maximal resection (50 patients). In surgical cases, PET and MR images were combined in image fusion planning for stereotactic biopsies or navigation-based resections. The preoperative planning images were compared postoperatively with MR imaging and PET findings and histological data for evaluating the clinical impact on the diagnostic yield and tumor resection.

Results

The PET data influenced surgical decisions or procedures in all cases. The use of PET helped to better differentiate indolent from active components in complex lesions (in 12 patients); improved target selection and diagnostic yield of stereotactic biopsies without increasing the sampling; provided additional prognostic information; reduced the amount of tissue needed for biopsy sampling in brainstem lesions (in 20 cases); better delineated lesions that were poorly delineated on MR imaging and that infiltrated functional cortex (in 50 cases); significantly increased the amount of tumor tissue removed in cases in which total resection influenced survival (in 20 cases); guided resection in hypermetabolic areas (in 15 cases); improved early postoperative detection of residual tumor (in 20 cases); avoided unnecessary reoperation (in 5 cases); and supported the decision to undertake early second-look resection (in 8 cases).

Conclusions

The authors found that PET has a significant impact on the surgical decisions and procedures for managing pediatric brain tumors. Further studies may demonstrate whether PET improves outcomes in children.