bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is hygiene promotion cost‐effective? A case study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Borghi J. , Guinness L. , Ouedraogo J. , Curtis V.
Published: March 2003

objectives To estimate the incremental cost‐effectiveness of a large‐scale urban hygiene promotion programme in terms of reducing the incidence of childhood diarrhoeal disease in Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

methods Total and incremental costs of the programme were estimated retrospectively from the perspectives of the provider, from the households who change their behaviour as a result of the programme and from society (the sum of the two). The programme effects were derived from an intervention study that estimated the impact on handwashing with soap after handling child stools through a time‐series method of observing 37 319 mothers. Using data from the literature, the associated reductions in childhood morbidity and mortality were estimated. The direct medical savings and indirect savings of caregiver time and lost productivity associated with child death were estimated from interviews with households and health workers. The cost and outcome data were combined to provide an estimate of the cost per mother who starts handwashing with soap as a result of the programme and the cost per case of childhood diarrhoea averted.

results The total provider cost (including start‐up and 3‐year running costs) was $302 507. Core programme activities accounted for 31% of the cost, administration 40%. The total cost to the 7286 households associated with changing behaviour during the 3 years of programme implementation was $160 125 ($7.3 per year per household). An estimated 8638 cases of diarrhoea, 864 outpatient consultations, 324 hospital referrals and 105 deaths were averted by the programme during this time. Savings to the provider from reduced treatment costs were estimated at $10 716 and savings to the households from averted treatment cost were $9136, resulting in a total saving to society of $19 852, increasing to $393 967 if indirect savings are included. The incremental provider cost per case of diarrhoea averted was $33.8. The incremental cost to society was $51.3 falling to $7.9 if indirect savings are included. If the programme were to be replicated elsewhere, savings in the international research input and start‐up costs could reduce provider costs to $26.9 per case of diarrhoea averted. The annual cost of the programme represents 0.001% of the national health budget for Burkina Faso. The direct annual cost of implementing the programme at the household level represents 1.3% of annual household income.

conclusion Hygiene promotion reduces the occurrence of childhood diarrhoea in Burkina Faso at less than 1% of the Ministry of Health budget and less than 2% of the household budget, and could be widely replicated at lower cost.
The Rakai Project counselling programme experience
Authors: Matovu Joseph K. B. , Kigozi Godfrey , Nalugoda Fred , Wabwire‐Mangen Fred , Gray Ronald H.
Published: March 2003

During the initial survey (April 1999–January 2000) of an ongoing Community HIV Epidemiological Research (CHER) study, adults aged 15–49 years in 56 study communities were enrolled into the study. Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour, Practice questionnaires were administered and blood was obtained from 77.6%. HIV testing was performed using two different enzyme immunosorbent assays with Western blot confirmation of discordant results and first time positives. All those who gave blood had free and unlimited access to voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and were free to participate as individuals or couples. HIV results were provided in people's homes by trained and certified project resident counsellors. Ninety per cent of those who were bled requested their HIV results, while 64.6% of those who requested their HIV results received them. The proportion of people receiving HIV results has almost doubled in the last 6 years (1994–2000) from about 35% in 1994/1995 to 65% in 1999/2000. These data indicate high proportions of acceptance and receipt of VCT in this rural population‐based cohort, suggesting that home delivery of VCT could offer a unique opportunity for people in the rural areas to access counselling and testing services, given adequate resources.
Assessment of functional limitations caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans infection: towards a Buruli Ulcer Functional Limitation Score
Authors: Ellen Debora E. , Stienstra Ymkje , Teelken Margreet A. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Van Der Graaf Winette T. A. , Van Der Werf Tjip S.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study of treated Buruli ulcer patients in Ghana was to identify and assess late sequelae of treated Buruli ulcer using a goniometer, and to develop a scoring system for functional limitations. Of 78 patients, 58% (n = 45) had a reduction in the range of motion of one or more joints: 30% (n = 23) had one or more functional limitations of the leg and 21% (n = 16) of the arm; 49% (n = 38) had a functional limitation. Of all patients with affected knees, the predicted average extent of limitation was 63%. In patients with affected ankles, limitation was 78% on average; in those with elbow involvement, this was 76% on average, and in wrists involved, 65%. All of the hands involved were markedly restricted. We propose a simplified and functional scoring system that should be tested for validation in a second patient sample, and, if properly validated and adjusted, can be used in future intervention trials.
Urinary schistosomiasis in preschool children in settlements around Oyan Reservoir in Ogun State, Nigeria: implications for control
Authors: Mafiana C. F. , Ekpo U. F. , Ojo D. A.
Published: March 2003

We determined the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in preschool children below the age of 5 years in three settlements around Oyan Reservoir in Ogun State, Nigeria. Of 209 children screened, 150 (71.8%) had an infection, with no significant difference between males and females; 42.9% of infants were infected. Both prevalence and intensity of infection increased significantly with age (P < 0.005). Most (62.7%) infections were light (<50 eggs/10 ml urine). A 17.7 percentage of the children had visible haematuria, which increased with age (P < 0.005). Focus group discussions (FGDs) with adult men and women revealed that infection in preschool children was primarily because of exposure occasioned by the mothers' domestic (washing and bathing) and occupational (fishing) activities, while older children could go swimming on their own. Although the participants claimed that using a different water supply may not be effective in combating the disease, as their entire existence was tied to the reservoir, we propose that health education geared towards changing behaviour and attitudes is necessary. As preschool children are a source of both contamination and transmission, control programmes must take them into account.
Short communication: Concomitant malaria and filariasis infections in Georgetown, Guyana
Authors: Chadee Dave D. , Rawlins Samuel C. , Tiwari T. S. B.
Published: March 2003

Lymphatic filariasis and malaria are endemic in Guyana, South America. To determine the prevalence of concomitant infections, we conducted a 1‐year survey of febrile patients attending the malaria (day) and filariasis (night) clinics in Georgetown. In all, 1278 thick blood smears were collected: 769 for filariasis, of which 103 were positive forWuchereria bancrofti,and three for bothW. bancroftiand malaria parasites; and 509 for malaria, 21 of which tested positive for malaria and 17 for both malaria and filariasis. The age groups and sex of the infected persons with malaria andW. bancroftiare described. These results suggest that the incidence of concomitant infections in Guyana may be quite low but efforts should be made to reduce the disease burden in Georgetown, Guyana.
Treatment of symmetrical onychomadesis and onychodystrophy in five dogs with omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids
Authors: Bergvall
Published: March 2003

This paper describes five dogs with symmetrical onychomadesis and onychodystrophy. Two of the dogs were diagnosed by histopathologic examination as having symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy. The dogs have been successfully treated with omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids for 30–52 months.
Nodular dermatofibrosis and cystic renal disease in three mixed‐breed dogs and a Boxer dog
Authors: White  , Rosychuk  , Schultheiss  , Scot
Published: March 2003

Three mixed‐breed dogs and a Boxer dog with nodular dermatofibrosis are described. The three mixed breed dogs had concurrent renal epithelial cysts (n = 2) or renal cystadenomas (n = 1); these lesions were visualized antemortem on ultrasonographic examination. One of these dogs was a 7‐year‐old Labrador Retriever‐Gordon Setter mixed breed which survived 5 years after diagnosis, and was euthanized for unrelated causes. The Boxer dog had renal cystic adenomatous hyperplasia and renal cystadenocarcinomas which were not visualized on ultrasonographic examination but were diagnosed at necropsy.
Treatment ofCulicoideshypersensitive horses with high‐dose n‐3 fatty acids: a double‐blinded crossover study
Authors: Friberg  , Logas
Published: March 2003

In this double‐blinded crossover study the clinical efficacy of high dose α‐linolenic acid (linseed oil) for the treatment ofCulicoidesspp. hypersensitivity was evaluated. Seventeen privately owned horses from north Florida, USA completed the 18‐week study. Criteria for inclusion included negative dermatophyte cultures, negative skin scrapes, failure to respond to ivermectin treatment, compatible clinical signs, positive skin test toCulicoidesspp.antigen and a history of seasonal pruritus consistent withCulicoidesspp. hypersensitivity. Horses were randomized and each horse’s feed was supplemented with 200 mL of linseed oil (n‐3 source) or 200 mL of corn oil (n‐6 source) per day for a 6‐week period. After a 6‐week washout period, each horse was crossed over to the other supplement for an additional 6 weeks. Horses were evaluated every 3 weeks. The level of pruritus was determined by counting pruritic acts in a 30‐min period. Total lesional surface area was determined by computerized evaluation of scanned photographs and documented physical examination findings. There was no significant change in level of pruritus observed between the groups (P = 0.89). Additionally, lesional surface area was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.06). However, most owners stated that horses improved while supplemented with linseed oil.
The effects of omega‐3 fatty acid diet enrichment on wound healing
Authors: Scardino  , Swaim  , Sartin  , Hoffman  , Oglivie  , Hanson  , Coolman  , Davenport
Published: March 2003

Omega‐3 fatty acids were evaluated to determine how their anti‐inflammatory properties affect wound healing. Twelve Beagle dogs were divided into two groups of six. Group I was fed an n‐3 fatty acid enriched diet (n‐3 FAED) with an n‐6 to n‐3 fatty acid ratio of 0.3, and group II was fed a control diet (CD) with a ratio of 7.7. Open and sutured cutaneous wounds were created on the trunk of the dog, and evaluated by laser Doppler perfusion imaging, tensiometry, planimetry, histopathology, and eicosanoid content. At 5 days, the n‐3 FAED‐fed dogs had significantly less epithelialization of the open wounds (P = 0.0343) and significantly less oedema in sutured wounds (P = 0.015). There were also tendencies of less tissue perfusion (P = 0.086), lower PGE2levels (P = 0.0756) and negative wound contraction in open wounds at 5 days. The n‐3 FAED used in this study did not appear to have any outstanding long‐term negative effect on wound healing.
Idiopathic telangiectasia in a Golden Retriever
Authors: DeManuelle  , Gross  , Carlson
Published: March 2003

A case report of a 12‐year‐old spayed female Golden Retriever with a 4‐month history of persistent diffuse erythema involving the right and left antebrachia is presented. Cutaneous biopsies revealed superficial dermal vascular dilation and proliferation with moderate epidermal acanthosis. Diagnostic tests failed to reveal an underlying aetiology. Telangiectasia is defined as a permanent dilation of pre‐existing blood vessels creating small focal lesions. Generalized essential telangiectasia of humans is common in women of middle‐age and can involve entire segments of the body. Lesions predominantly affect the extremities and can persist for years without any systemic effects. The cutaneous lesions in this case have remained static for 3 years with no manifestation of systemic signs. A diagnosis of idiopathic telangiectasia was made based on the clinical and histological findings in the dog of this report. The lesions described in this dog resemble generalized essential telangiectasia of humans.
Serum immunoglobulin E concentrations in West Highland White Terrier puppies do not predict development of atopic dermatitis
Authors: DeBoer  , Hill
Published: March 2003

Sera from 154 West Highland White Terrier puppies between 6 and 12 weeks of age were assayed for total IgE using a sandwich ELISA method. Development of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in these dogs was monitored by use of an annual owner questionnaire, until the dog reached 3 years of age. Of 114 evaluated dogs, skin disease severe enough to warrant veterinary examination was reported in 52 (46%) during the three study years. A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was made by the attending veterinarian in 28 dogs (25%). Certain litters had an especially high prevalence of apparently atopic dogs, consistent with the genetic predisposition towards atopy in this breed, but clear evidence of consistent heritability was not present. The median IgE concentration in 154 puppies at 6–12 weeks of age was 0.9 units mL−1, with a skewed distribution. Significant (P< 0.01) variation in serum IgE concentrations was observed between litters, with median serum IgE concentrations for a litter ranging from 0 to 27.7 units mL−1. The median serum IgE concentration in puppies that later developed clinical signs of atopic dermatitis was not significantly different from that of puppies that remained healthy. There were no apparent correlations or significant differences found between serum IgE concentration as a puppy, parental history of skin disease, and subsequent emergence of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis. We conclude that early total serum IgE determinations seem to have little usefulness in predicting the later onset of atopic dermatitis in this breed.
Lymphoma with cutaneous involvement in three domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: White Stephen D. , Campbell Terry , Logan Ava , Meredith Anna , Schultheiss Patricia , Van Winkle Tom , Moore Peter F. , Naydan Diane K. , Mallon Francine
Published: March 2003

Three domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with cutaneous lymphoma are described. Two rabbits were young (7 weeks and 1 years) and were euthanized within 1 week of showing clinical signs. Lymphoma was found in the skin and internal organs. The third rabbit was 9.5 years of age, and lived for more than 1 year after diagnosis. No response was seen to either 2 months of alpha‐interferon administration or a 2.5‐week course of isotretinoin treatment. After 1 year the rabbit died suddenly; the owner refused necropsy. Immunologic stains of the tumour in all three rabbits showed T cells to be the lymphoma cell type.
Multiple cutaneous histiocytomas in a cat
Authors: Day M.J. , Lopatkin I. , Lucke V.M. , Whitbread T.J.
Published: March 2003

A 15‐year‐old domestic long haired cat developed nodular cutaneous masses over the right shoulder that were removed surgically. Similar masses developed in multiple cutaneous sites over the following three years. In each case, the lesions were characterized by diffuse dermal infiltration by histiocytic cells with a low mitotic rate and evidence of epidermotropism. The neoplastic population uniformly expressed class II molecules of the Major Histocompatibility Complex, but did not express the T and B lymphoid markers CD3 and CD79. Perivascular aggregates of CD3+ T lymphocytes were located at the deep margins of the tumour nodules. The clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of these tumours are consistent with cutaneous histiocytoma. This tumour has not been previously well‐documented in the cat.
MIB‐1 immunoreactivity correlates with biologic behaviour in canine cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Laprie C. , Abadie J. , Amardeilh M.‐F. , Net J.‐L.L.E. , Lagadic M. , Delverdier M.
Published: March 2003

The growth fraction of 68 canine cutaneous melanomas was determined by immunostaining with MIB‐1, a monoclonal antibody to a Ki‐67 epitope that recognizes all proliferating cells. Fifty tumours were classified histologically as benign and 18 as malignant. The Ki‐67 proliferative index (percentage of positive cells over 500 neoplastic cells) was low (< 15%) in 55 cases and high (⩾ 15%) in 13 cases. High Ki‐67 proliferative index and histological malignancy were both associated with significantly poorer 2‐year survival (P < 0.0001). However, the predictive value of the Ki‐67 proliferative index (97%) was higher than the predictive value of classical histology (91%). The evaluation of the growth fraction by the Ki‐67 proliferative index is highly predictive of the biological behaviour of canine cutaneous melanoma.
Identification of major allergens ofMalassezia pachydermatisin dogs with atopic dermatitis andMalasseziaovergrowth
Authors: Chen Tai‐An , Halliwell Richard E. W. , Pemberton Alan D. , Hill Peter B.
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe have previously shown that both atopic and normal dogs generate an IgG response to antigens ofMalassezia pachydermatis. The aim of this study was to compare IgE responses to separated proteins ofM. pachydermatisin 28 atopic dogs withMalasseziadermatitis and 22 clinically normal dogs using Western immunoblotting. Six different detection systems were evaluated in order to assess sensitivity and eliminate nonspecific binding and cross‐reactivity. The protocol yielding the best results utilized a monoclonal mouse antidog IgE, an alkaline phosphatase conjugated goat antimouse IgG which had been passed through a canine IgG column 3 times, a chemiluminescent substrate and a digital imaging system. Proteins of 45, 52, 56 and 63 kDa were recognized by more than 50% of the atopic dog sera and thus represented major allergens. Only a minority of normal dogs showed faint IgE binding to these proteins. The results indicate that the majority of atopic dogs withMalasseziadermatitis have a greater IgE response than normal dogs, suggesting an IgE‐mediated immune response may be clinically important in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Primary cutaneous extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumour with Leishmania‐laden neoplastic cells: a further suggestion of histiocytic origin?
Authors: Albanese Francesco , Poli Alessandro , Millanta Francesca , Abramo Francesca
Published: March 2003

Abstract The clinical signs and histopathological features of a primary extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) are described. Three subcutaneous round alopecic nodules were located on the anterior and caudal dorsal region and in the ventral area of the neck. Cytologically, tumour cells were intermediate in size with a moderate amount of cytoplasm, and the nuclei were immature with finely reticular chromatin. The cytoplasm was lightly to heavily basophilic and contained distinct small vacuoles at the periphery. On the basis of these characteristics, a diagnosis of TVT was made and confirmed by histological and ultrastructural investigations. Leishmania amastigotes were detected in the cytoplasm of macrophages and neoplastic cells of the tumoral mass. The presence of the parasite within neoplastic cells is consistent with a histiocytic origin of TVT.
Influence of vitamin E on mast cell mediator release
Authors: Gueck Thomas , Aschenbach Jörg Rudolph , Fuhrmann Herbert
Published: March 2003

Abstract We investigated the influence of vitamin E on mediator activity and release in a canine mastocytoma cell line (C2) as a model for canine atopic dermatitis. Cells were incubated without and with vitamin E (100 µm) for 24 h. The histamine and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) release as well as the chymase and tryptase activity were measured. To stimulate the PGD2 and histamine release, cells were incubated with the wasp venom peptide mastoparan (50 µm) for 30 or 45 min. Nonstimulated as well as mastoparan‐stimulated histamine and PGD2 release was reduced significantly in vitamin E‐treated cells. The activity of chymase tended to decrease, but the tryptase activity of C2 cells was not influenced by vitamin E. These results indicate that vitamin E decreased the production and release of inflammatory mediators in C2 cells, suggesting that vitamin E might have a possible beneficial effect in inflammatory diseases.
Influence of weed management strategies on soil seedbank diversity
Authors: MAYOR  , DESSAINT
Published: March 2003

The role of three weed management strategies on weed populations and community dynamics was investigated from 1989 to 1994. These were chemical weed control (CH), integrated weed control (IN) and mechanical weed control (ME). Weed populations and communities were analysed by univariate (species richness, rank:frequency diagrams) and multivariate (correspondence analysis) methods. Species richness of the soil seedbank differed with weed management strategies and over time, with an observed annual number of species that ranged from 18 to 32. The seedbank was dominated by the same pool of species in all cases, but these species responded differently among years and management strategies; their rank (relative abundance) and densities changed between strategy and within a strategy among the years. In the last 2 years of the study, the soil seedbank was characterized mainly by #Capsella bursa‐pastoris
Behaviour of buried and surface‐sown seeds of Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: NAVIE  , PANETTA  , MCFADYEN  , ADKINS
Published: March 2003

Parthenium hysterophorus L. seeds were buried at a depth of 5 cm for periods of 2–24 months to determine their longevity. The majority (73.7%) of these seeds were still viable after 24 months of burial. The remainder could not be recovered (18.0%) or were no longer viable (8.3%). There was a log‐linear decline in persistence of germinable seeds over time, which indicated a constant rate of loss and a half‐life of about 6 years. Seedling emergence from surface‐sown seeds was also studied. Although there was considerable rainfall (31 mm), seedlings did not emerge during the first month of this experiment. In the succeeding 3 months, there was substantial seedling emergence after rainfall, and 51.4% of seeds had germinated by the end of the fourth month. After 5 months had passed, further seedling emergence was not detected, and intact seeds could not be located. These findings suggest that seed incorporation into the soil is important to the long‐term persistence of P. hysterophorus seeds. In an initial test of germination, unburied seeds from the same seed lot exhibited a degree of innate dormancy, and this may explain the delayed germination observed in the surface‐sown seeds. In the seed burial and recovery experiment, innate dormancy was lost after 2 months of burial in the field, although in situ germination of buried seed remained low for at least 24 months. Therefore, it appears that more than one dormancy mechanism may contribute to the persistence of P. hysterophorus seeds.
Arbuscular‐mycorrhizal fungi: potential roles in weed management
Authors: Jordan  , Zhang  , Huerd
Published: March 2003

The importance of interactions between arbuscular‐mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and weeds of agro‐ecosystems is reviewed. Considerable evidence suggests that AMF can affect the nature of weed communities in agro‐ecosystems in a variety of ways, including changing the relative abundance of mycotrophic weed species (hosts of AMF), and non‐mycotrophic species (non‐hosts). These effects may merely change the composition of weed communities without affecting the damage that these communities cause. However, it is quite plausible that interactions with AMF can increase the beneficial effects of weeds on the functioning of agro‐ecosystems. Through a variety of mechanisms, weed:AMF interactions may reduce crop yield losses to weeds, limit weed species shifts, and increase positive effects of weeds on soil quality and beneficial organisms. If beneficial effects of AMF on the composition and functioning of weed communities can be confirmed by more direct evidence, then AMF could provide a new means of ecologically‐based weed management. Intentional management will be required to increase diversity and abundance of AMF in many cropping systems, but these actions (e.g. conservation tillage and use of cover and green‐manure crops) typically will confer a range of agronomic benefits in addition to potential improvements in weed management.
A viability study of Fallopia japonica stem tissue
Authors: De Waal L C
Published: March 2003

Vegetative regeneration of intact and split nodes of Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene was the focus of this greenhouse experiment. Stem material, collected in May, July and September 1997, was cut into 40‐mm‐long sections and incubated on the surface of moist compost in a greenhouse. All samples showed some regrowth of buds and new shoots from both intact and split nodes in any season. A maximum number of 0.25 buds per intact node was recorded after 6 days in a spring experiment. The vegetative regrowth of shoots generally appeared after 1 week and increased over time with a maximum mean height of 77 mm after 27 days and a maximum number of 0.39 shoots per intact node after 13 days. Adventitious roots developed from both intact and split nodes during both summer and autumn experiments. From this study, a maximum of 90 stem tissue propagules per square metre of F. japonica stand has been estimated. If the plant is cut as part of a control programme, these propagules can produce shoots with growth rates of up to 2.9 mm per day with a good chance of the development of adventitious roots. This considerable potential for vegetative regeneration of stem tissue shows a clear need for guidelines on the safe management and disposal of F. japonica plant material.
Modelling spatio‐temporal dynamics of herbicide resistance
Authors: RICHTER O , ZWERGER P , BÖTTCHER U
Published: March 2003

A mathematical model has been developed for the risk assessment of the spread of genes conferring herbicide resistance in plant populations. The model combines an age‐and‐stage‐structured population dynamic model, a population genetic model and a model of spatial spread. This is achieved by embedding a local matrix population model into a cellular automaton model with raster cells as spatial units. The dynamics of each cell is determined by both its local dynamics and the interaction with neighbouring cells. The model is applied to the evaluation of management strategies to delay or even to prevent long‐term evolution of resistance in an annual grass weed. The results show that the appearance and spread of resistant genes is a highly non‐linear process exhibiting threshold phenomena, which occur for a wide range of parameters. The properties of the seed survival curve constitute the `genetic memory' of the system and thus determine its long‐term dynamics. It is possible to delay the evolution of resistance by suspension of treatment, reduction in herbicide application rate and introducing fallow periods. Spatial spread from an infested plot is inhibited by leaving untreated strips between adjacent fields.
Germination characteristics and emergence time of annual Bromus species of differing weediness in Sweden
Authors: Andersson L , Milberg P , Schütz W , Steinmetz O
Published: March 2003

The germination ecology of four annual Bromus species, which differ in weediness on arable land in southern Sweden, was investigated. The most problematic species is Bromus sterilis, while Bromus hordeaceus frequently occurs on arable land. In contrast, Bromus arvensis is a rare weed, and Bromus tectorum is found infrequently in fields despite being a widespread ruderal species. Five experiments were conducted to identify germination characteristics that could explain differences in habitat and abundance: (i) intraspecific variation in dormancy level; (ii) germination response to different light conditions; (iii) light and temperature interactions at germination; (iv) timing of seedling emergence; and (v) seed persistence in soil. Bromus sterilis and B. tectorum behaved similarly in all tests. For both these species, there were large differences in dormancy level among populations and strong inhibition of germination by light. In addition, emergence from seeds sown on the soil surface was both delayed and reduced compared with buried seeds. In contrast, B. hordeaceus and B. arvensis showed generally weak dormancy, and germination was only slightly inhibited by light. It was concluded that germination characteristics alone do not explain the differences in weediness between these four species.
Variation in the development of secondary dormancy in oilseed rape genotypes under conditions of stress
Authors: Momoh E J J , Zhou W J , Kristiansson B
Published: March 2003

Summary A substantial amount of seed is left in the fields before and during harvest of oilseed rape. Although this crop exhibits little or no primary dormancy, the absence of certain environmental cues that promote germination of imbibed seeds induces secondary dormancy. The work reported investigated the extent to which environmental stress conditions, including osmotic stress, low oxygen stress and anaerobiosis, induce secondary dormancy in oilseed rape, and examined the variation in development of secondary dormancy between and within genotypes. Osmotic stress was most effective in inducing dormancy. Anaerobic treatment produced very few dormant seeds, as did an atmosphere low in oxygen and high in nitrogen. The development of secondary dormancy under osmotic stress varied considerably between and within genotypes. Dormancy ranged from almost zero to about 60% for winter genotypes and about 85% for spring types. Within genotypes, variations occurred between seed lots and years of harvest. Temperature variations affected the percentage of dormant seeds. More dormant seeds were likely to be produced with incubation under water stress at 20 °C than at 12 °C. In winter genotypes, fewer dormant seeds were produced when incubation temperature and germination test temperatures differed. Thus, incubating at 20 °C and 12 °C, followed by germination tests at 20 °C and 12 °C, respectively, produced most dormant seeds. Also, in the winter genotypes, the potential development of secondary dormancy was positively correlated with the pattern and speed of germination of untreated seeds.
Diabetic dermopathy and internal complications in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shemer, MD Avner , Bergman, MD Reuven , Linn, MD, Drph Shai , Kantor, MD Yoram , Friedman‐Birnbaum, MD Rachel
Published: March 2003

Background Diabetic dermopathy is the most common cutaneous marker of diabetes mellitus. The relationship of diabetic dermopathy to internal complications of diabetes mellitus, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, is still unknown.

MethodsThe possible role of diabetic dermopathy as a clinical sign of internal complications in diabetes mellitus was investigated. One hundred and seventy‐three patients with diabetes mellitus, of whom 125 (72%) had insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and 48 (28%) had non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, were studied.

ResultsDiabetic dermopathy was present in 69 (40%) of patients, statistically more significant in patients 50 years of age and older. The mean diabetic duration was significantly higher in patients with diabetic dermopathy than in those without. The associations of diabetic dermopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy were each statistically significant, and the increased frequency of diabetic dermopathy correlated with an increased number of these three complications in each patient.

Conclusions Some of the factors that affect the development of internal complications in diabetes mellitus may play a role in the development of diabetic dermopathy, and diabetic dermopathy may serve as a clinical sign of an increased likelihood of these internal complications in diabetic patients.
The relation between nailfold bleeding and capillary microscopic abnormality in pateints with connective tissue diseases
Authors: Ohtsuka Tsutomu
Published: March 2003

Background Patients with connective tissue diseases, mainly scleroderma, show nailfold bleeding and nailfold capillary abnormality. An attempt was made to determine the possible relation between nailfold bleeding and nailfold capillary abnormality.

MethodsThe correlation between nailfold bleeding and nailfold capillary abnormality was studied using quantitative nailfold capillary microscopy.

ResultsThe frequencies of nailfold bleeding in scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were significantly higher than those of normal controls. The distributions of abnormal values of capillary parameters in scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, primary Raynaud's phenomenon, and diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than those of normal controls. In normal controls, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue diseases, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, primary Raynaud's phenomenon, and diabetes mellitus, all nailfold bleeding was observed in subjects with nailfold capillary abnormality. The distribution of nailfold bleeding in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon with abnormal values of capillary parameters was significantly higher than that with normal values.

ConclusionsThere is a close relationship between nailfold bleeding and nailfold capillary abnormality.
Cytokines in leprosy, I. Serum cytokine profile in leprosy
Authors: Moubasher Alaa El‐Din A. , Kamel Neveen A. , Zedan Hatem , Raheem Diaa El‐Din Abdel
Published: March 2003

Background Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical forms depending on the patient's immune response, in particular cell‐mediated immune response.

Methods Cytokines can play a role in the cell‐mediated immune response. Serum levels of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 55 untreated leprosy patients and 35 reactional leprosy patients, in addition to 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.

Results Leprosy patients showed significantly higher serum levels of the studied cytokines (except IL‐2) compared with healthy controls. When the two poles were compared, tuberculoid leprosy (TT) patients showed significantly higher levels of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α with significant negative correlations with the bacterial index (BI), whereas lepromatous leprosy (LL) patients showed significantly higher serum levels of IL‐2R, IL‐10, and IL‐1β with significant positive correlations with the BI. Both type I and type II reactional patients showed significantly higher serum IFN‐γ, IL‐2R, and IL‐1β, in addition to IL‐10 in type II reactional patients, compared with nonreactional leprosy patients. When compared with each other, type I reactional patients showed increased levels of IFN‐γ, whereas type II reactional patients showed increased levels of IL‐10.

Conclusions In leprosy patients, both IFN‐γ and TNF‐α are immunoprotective, whereas IL‐2R, IL‐10, and IL‐1β are immunosuppressive. Our results indicate that type I reaction, with increased levels of IFN‐γ, is a cell‐mediated immune response, whereas type II reaction, with increased levels of IL‐10, is essentially an immune complex disease.
Short treatment schedules of itraconazole in dermatophytosis
Authors: Chow Kim W. , Ting Hoon C. , Yap Yen P. , Yee Kim C. , Purushotaman A. , Subramanian S. , Badsha S. A.
Published: March 2003

Patients were recruited from 1 December 1994 until 31 August 1995. Those presenting with tinea cruris/corporis received 200 mg of itraconazole every day for 7 days, whereas patients presenting with tinea pedis/manus were treated with 200 mg twice a day for 7 days. Those eligible were men and women at least 18 years of age, with a clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis, confirmed by KOH examination and culture. Pregnant or nursing patients and those who did not use adequate birth control methods were excluded. Patients with a known history of chronic liver disease or other concomitant serious disease were also excluded. Patients who had received any oral antifungal or corticosteroid therapy within 30 days before enrollment or any topical antifungal or corticosteroid treatment within a week before enrollment were not eligible.

Clinical and mycologic (KOH and culture) evaluation was carried out at baseline, at completion of therapy (day 7) and at the end of follow‐up (day 28 for tinea cruris/corporis and day 35 for tinea pedis/manus). The investigator evaluated the following clinical symptoms at each visit: desquamation, erythema, infiltration, pruritus, exudation, maceration, vesiculation, and pustules. Clinical results were rated as: healed, markedly improved, considerable residual lesions, not changed, or worse. The categories healed and markedly improved were considered as responders.

All mycology was performed centrally at the Department of Microbiology, University of Malaya.
Autoantibodies to autologous skin in guttate and plaque forms of psoriasis and cross‐reaction of skin antigens with streptococcal antigens
Authors: Pérez‐Lorenzo Rolando , Zambrano‐Zaragoza José Francisco , Saul Amado , Jiménez‐Zamudio Luis , Reyes‐Maldonado Elba , García‐Latorre Ethel
Published: March 2003

Background Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that appears to be of autoimmune nature. It has a strong association with throat streptococcal infections, as well as with stressful events. Although many groups consider psoriasis to be a T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease, autoantibodies could also play a role in the development of this process.

Methods In this work, we looked for autoantibodies to psoriatic skin in 21 psoriatic patients and four healthy donors (controls). The immunoperoxidase technique was used to look for autoantibodies in autologous sera in skin sections obtained from lesions or from healthy areas of the same patient, before and after immunoadsorption with a Streptococcus pyogenes extract. The skin biopsies were also analyzed with a pool of sera from mice immunized with the streptococcal extract.

Results We found that all psoriatic patients had autoantibodies to antigens present in keratinocytes, whereas healthy subjects did not. These antibodies did not recognize epitopes on healthy skin from the same psoriatic patients or controls. Immunoadsorption of autologous sera removed the reactivity to antigens in skin lesions in all cases. Mouse anti‐streptococcal sera recognized epidermal antigens present in lesional psoriatic skin, but not in healthy skin from psoriatic patients or controls. Deposits of immunoglobulin G (IgG) were not detected in the lesions.

Conclusions It seems that autoantibodies, although they do not appear to participate in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, are an important feature, and that skin antigens, which appear in lesional immature keratinocytes, cross‐react with S. pyogenes and contribute to the autoimmune process in psoriasis.
The genetics of vitiligo in Korean patients
Authors: Kim Soo Min , Chung Hae Shin , Hann Seung‐Kyung
Published: March 2003

Background Vitiligo is a common disorder whose exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors are thought to be involved. We analyzed 120 Korean proband families to clarify which genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo in Korean patients.

Methods The genetics of vitiligo were analyzed in 120 Korean proband families out of 1030 vitiligo patients. Each family was analyzed through a proband afflicted with vitiligo.

Results In 51 (42.5%) of 120 proband families, at least one first‐degree relative of the proband had vitiligo. The incidence of those affected among 1755 relatives (first‐,

second‐, and third‐degree) was found to be 8.0 ± 0.6%. There was a statistically significant departure for segregation analysis which was inconsistent with inheritance as an autosomal or X‐linked locus model. On the basis of our results, the inheritance pattern of vitiligo is more likely to tend toward the model of multifactorial inheritance. The threshold trait among first‐degree relatives (7.2%) appeared to tend more toward the square root of the frequency in the general population (10%) than towards those of dominant (50%) or recessive (25%) models.

Conclusions These results indicate that there are certain genetic factors involved in the etiology of vitiligo, and that vitiligo seems to have a polygenic nature.
Electron microscopy comparison of CO2 laser flash scanning and pulse technology one year after skin resurfacing
Authors: Trelles Mario A. , Rigau Josepa , Pardo Lourdes , García‐Solana Luisa , Vélez Mariano
Published: March 2003

Background The recent adaptation of laser technology in plastic and dermatologic surgery has provided a means to reduce efficiently the irregularities of the surface of the skin. Previous studies have analyzed the short‐ and medium‐term clinical and histologic results of two laser systems: the Sharplan 40C SilkTouchTM and the 5000C Coherent Ultrapulse® with Computer Pattern Generator® (CPG). This paper contains the long‐term ultrastructural findings observed with the aid of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Materials and Methods Twenty skin biopsy specimens were taken from ten Caucasion patients, between 54 and 72 years of age, who had undergone facial skin resurfacing with a CO2 laser 1 year previously. The treated areas of the face were divided into two equal parts. One half of the face was treated with the Sharplan SilkTouchTM laser and the other half with the Coherent Ultrapulse® laser. Using TEM, the cell composition of the epidermis was studied ultrastructurally, as were the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) and the different fibers and cells in the superficial and middle dermis.

Results On the side treated by the SharplanTM laser, little melanin was observed, the DEJ was thicker, and there were abundant collagen fibers well compacted in the dermis. Also present was abundant elastin fiber with scarce interstitial spaces. On the side treated by the Coherent®, the melanin was abundant and the DEJ was well structured. There were fibroblasts with lax chromatin in the dermis and collagen fibers in the papillary dermis oriented in a vertical and horizontal manner in relation to the epidermis. There was little elastin. The interstitial spaces were abundant.

Conclusions The SharplanTM laser system seems to provoke a significantly more intense tissue response, with abundant dermal collagen and elastic fibers. This indicates that the Sharplan 40C SilkTouchTM might produce longer lasting clinical effects.
Cutaneous diphtheria in a child
Authors: Pandit Neela , Yeshwanth Malathy
Published: March 2003

A 2‐year‐old, nonimmunized, lower socioeconomic stratum girl from the rural outskirts of Bangalore, southern India, was brought to the hospital with complaints of nonhealing “kissing ulcers” over the right thigh and inguinal region and fever of 1 month. The lesions started as small pustules. There was no history of respiratory illness or contact with tuberculosis. On physical examination, the child weighed 10 kg, was afebrile, and had mild anemia. The inguinal lymph nodes were enlarged. Systemic examination was essentially normal. Local examination revealed punched out ulcers with grayish slough over the ulcer measuring 3 cm × 4 cm (Fig. 1). The differential diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis, ecthyma, tropical ulcer, and mycotic ulcer were considered.

Two “kissing ulcers” with adherent slough

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Laboratory examination revealed the following. Hemoglobin was 10.3 g/dL. White blood cell count (WBC), 13,500/cm2. Differential count: P 58, L 40, E 2. The rest of the routine blood and urine tests were normal. The Mantoux test was negative. An X‐ray of the chest was normal. An electrocardiogram was not taken. Gram stain of the pus from the lesion revealed no pus cells, but many Gram‐positive cocci, Gram‐positive bacilli and Gram‐negative bacilli. Albert stain of the smear was positive for Corynebacterium diphtheria. Bacterial cultures grew organisms morphologically and biochemically characteristic of C. diphtheria and susceptible to ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamycin, co‐trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, vancomycin, and netilmycin. No other pathogens were cultured from the wound. The organisms isolated were confirmed as C. diphtheria (Baren EJ, Peterson LR, Finegold SM. Aerobic, non‐spore‐forming, Gram‐positive bacilli. In: Baily, Scott, eds. Diagnostic Microbiology, 9th edn. Town: C.V. Mosby. 1994: 457–473). Serum antitoxin levels were not measured.

With confirmation of the diagnosis of cutaneous diphtheria, the child was treated with 20,000 units of anti‐diphtheria serum and injected intramuscularly with procaine penicillin 400,000 units daily for 10 days. The ulcer healed over a period of 10–12 days without any other complications of diphtheria.
Atypical acral persistent papular mucinosis
Authors: Abalde Teresa , Ginarte Manuel , Fernández‐Redondo Virginia , Toribio Jaime
Published: March 2003

A 70‐year‐old woman presented with a 10‐year history of cutaneous lesions on her calves that worsened with solar exposure. Her past medical history was irrelevant. Physical examination revealed 10–15 erythematous, firm nodules with a diameter of 2–5 mm, which were slightly painful on palpation. The lesions were located on both calves, although some elements extended to the posterior side of the thighs ( Fig. 1). General physical examination did not show any abnormalities. A biopsy specimen from one of the elements showed a normal epidermis and, in the upper dermis, a slight inflammatory infiltrate of mononuclear cells, with the presence of splits between collagen fibers (
Fig. 2). Alcian blue stain at pH 2.5 revealed the existence of mucinous material in these spaces (
Fig. 3). An electron microscopic study did not show any abnormalities.

Clinical appearance of the lesions

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Histopathologic picture (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40)

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Alcian blue stain showing the presence of mucin in the dermis (Alcian blue, ×100)

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The patient was diagnosed as having papular mucinosis. The following studies were normal or negative: complete cell blood count, serum biochemistry, serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunoelectrophoresis, serologic test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and syphilis, antinuclear antibodies, and thyroid hormone levels. No treatment was carried out.