bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follicular Lymphoma Cell Lines, an In Vitro Model for Antigenic Selection and Cytokine‐Mediated Growth Regulation of Germinal Centre B Cells
Authors: Eray M. , Postila V. , Eeva J. , Ripatti A. , Karjalainen‐Lindsberg M.‐L. , Knuutila S. , Andersson L. C. , Pelkonen J.
Published: June 2003

In the periphery, B cells differentiate in germinal centres (GCs) of secondary lymphoid organs. Isolated GC cells die quickly in vitro by apoptosis. Therefore, cell lines originating from follicular lymphomas, which are the malignant counterparts of GC B cells, would provide a stable in vitro model to study the immunobiology of GC B cells. We have established three novel human follicular lymphoma cell lines that were characterized with special reference to immunophenotypic features, response to B‐cell receptor (BCR) triggering, response to cytokines and cytokine mRNA expression. One of the cell lines, HF‐1A3, has a phenotype of a centrocyte. It expresses surface immunoglobulin G (sIgG) and dies by apoptosis following BCR cross‐linking. Co‐stimulation with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐15 or interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) rescues HF‐1A3 cells from BCR‐induced apoptosis. The second cell line, HF‐28, also represents phenotypically an IgG+ centrocyte. Ligation of its BCR leads to the cell‐cycle arrest at G1 instead of apoptosis. HF‐28 cells express both CD45RA and RO isoforms, which is unusual in B lymphocytes apart from plasma cells, thus suggesting a transition to plasma cell phenotype. The third cell line, HF‐4.9, which phenotypically represents an sIgM+ centroblast, responds by proliferation to BCR cross‐linking. These cell lines offer a unique in vitro model to study antigenic selection and cytokine‐mediated growth regulation of human GC B cells.
Cytokines Affect Resistance of Human Renal Tumour Cells to Complement‐Mediated Injury
Authors: Blok V. T. , Gelderman K. A. , Tijsma O. H. M. , Daha M. R. , Gorter A.
Published: June 2003

Overexpression of membrane‐bound complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs) on tumour cells may hamper the effect of immunotherapy with complement‐activating monoclonal antibody (MoAb). Therefore, it is important to investigate whether cytokines can downregulate the expression of mCRP on tumour cells. In this study, the effect of 10 cytokines on the expression of the mCRP CD46, CD55 and CD59 and the renal tumour‐associated antigen G250/MN/CAIX on four human renal tumour cell lines and proximal tubular epithelial cells was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, it was measured whether changes in the expression of the classical pathway regulatory proteins CD55 and CD59 had an effect on C3 deposition and lysis. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) consistently downregulated the expression of CD46 and CD59; IL‐4 consistently downregulated the expression of CD46 and transforming growth factor‐β1, consistently downregulated the expression of both CD46 and CD55. However, treatment with IL‐1β and IL‐4 also decreased the expression of G250/MN/CAIX. Changes in the expression of CD55 and CD59 were associated with changes in the amount of C3 deposited and the extent of complement‐mediated lysis, respectively. This suggests that clinical immunotherapy, consisting of treatment with cytokines and MoAb, may induce either up‐ or downregulation of CD55 or CD59 and thus affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy with MoAb.
Less Sensitivity for Late Airway Inflammation in Males than Females in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Hayashi T. , Adachi Y. , Hasegawa K. , Morimoto M.
Published: June 2003

Several studies have investigated allergic airway inflammation, a T helper 2 (Th2)‐type immune response, using a mouse model of asthma. At present, however, no reports have described sex differences in the sensitivity of late airway inflammation (LAI). The LAI induced by ovalbumin in adult BALB/c mice was compared in males and females or sham‐operated males and castrated males. The males showed less severe bronchial‐bronchiolar inflammation with infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes and lower content of such cells in bronchoalveolar fluid than the females. Moreover, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) mRNA expression levels in splenic cells were lower in the males than in the females. Castrated males performed like the females. Moreover, when compared with the sham‐operated males, the castrated males showed lower testosterone levels in the blood. The present results suggest that less sensitivity for LAI in the males may be because of the decreased Th2 cell responses compared with the females. Moreover the testosterone, at least in part, may be responsible for the decreased Th2 cell responses in males in vivo.
On the Site of C4 Deposition upon Complement Activation via the Mannan‐Binding Lectin Pathway or the Classical Pathway
Authors: Møller‐Kristensen M. , Thiel S. , Hansen A. G. , Jensenius J. C.
Published: June 2003

The mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) pathway and the classical pathway of complement activation are initiated by the binding of the recognition structure of the initiator complexes, MBL and C1q, respectively, to their ligands, i.e. carbohydrate structures or immune complexes. Proenzymes associated with MBL or C1q are then activated and generate C3 convertase through the activation of C4 and C2. The cleavage product of C4, C4b, attaches covalently to nearby hydroxyl or amino groups. The current picture is that C2 must then attach to C4b before being cleaved by the same associated proteases into the enzymatically active fragment, C2b. This suggests a stringent requirement for the deposition of C4b very close to the initiator complex, or indeed onto the initiator complex. We examined the possibility of C4b being bound to the initiator complex by a solid‐phase assay, allowing for the selective elution of the initiator complexes, followed by quantification of the C4b being eluted and the C4b remaining on the solid phase. Also, we estimated the generation of complexes between the released initiator complex and C4b. More than 99% of deposited C4b was bound directly to the solid phase rather than to the initiator complex. Our approach cannot answer the question of the whereabouts of the C2 when it is cleaved.
Affinity and Epitope Profiling of Mouse Anti‐CD40 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Hager A.‐C. Malmborg , Ellmark P. , Borrebaeck C. A. K. , Furebring C.
Published: June 2003

The CD40–CD40L interaction plays a critical role in both humoral and cellular immune responses and interfering antibodies have been suggested as an effective approach for the treatment of lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. In this study we have profiled a panel of mouse antihuman CD40 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), regarding their CD40 binding affinity and epitope‐specificity relative to the CD40L binding in relation to their cellular activating potential. Despite a rather similar domain‐recognition profile, the MoAbs blocked the CD40L binding to a varying degree, with MoAb 5C3 being the poorest inhibitor. There was no correlation between affinity and cellular activation potential. In contrast, a correlation between the ability to block CD40L‐binding and activation potential could be seen. We believe that this analysis of several mouse anti‐CD40 antibodies can be used to develop strategies for producing new human anti‐CD40 antibodies that can more effectively induce or block B‐cell proliferation.
Restoration of Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐1‐Specific Responses in Patients Changing from Protease to Non‐Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor‐Based Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Sullivan A. K. , Burton C. T. , Nelson M. R. , Moyle G. , Mandalia S. , Gotch F. M. , Gazzard B. G. , Imami N.
Published: June 2003

The effect of altering antiretroviral therapy (ART) on responses to viral, recall and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1‐specific recombinant antigens and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in HIV‐1‐infected patients was assessed. A longitudinal cohort study in eight HIV‐1 infected individuals following a clinically indicated therapy change (seven for drug intolerance and one for virological failure) from protease inhibitor (PI) to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based antiretroviral regimens was performed. CD4 T‐cell counts, viral loads, lymphoproliferative responses, cytokine production and latent proviral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were measured at baseline and at weeks 12 and 24 after therapy substitution. Following therapy‐switch there was a 33% proportional increase in mitogen response (95% confidence interval (CI), 3–33%) and a 31% increase (95% CI, 15–48%) in viral and recall‐antigen responses. Six patients developed proliferative responses to low concentration IL‐2 stimulation. All patients demonstrated an increase in median HIV‐1‐specific responses, as three had detectable virus at baseline (two being viral rebound); this may reflect an autovaccination effect. Proviral DNA changes largely reflected plasma HIV‐1 ribonucleic acid (RNA). In conclusion, NNRTI substitution for a PI may favour immune reconstitution with an improvement in HIV‐1‐specific responses, which may reflect differential effects on antigen processing and presentation, an autovaccination effect or alternatively a potential suppressive effect of the PI.
The origin of thermal waters from the eastern flank of the Dead Sea Rift Valley (western Jordan)
Authors: Capaccioni Bruno , Vaselli Orlando , Moretti Elvio , Tassi Franco , Franchi Roberto
Published: June 2003

Thermal waters emerging along the eastern flank of the northernmost part of the Dead Sea Rift Valley close to the Yarmuk river are dilute, Ca–SO4–(HCO3) and Na–Cl water types with measured temperatures of 35–60 °C and estimated teperatures, according to silica solubility, of 60–110 °C. They are fed only by present‐day recharged meteoric waters (Wadi Hasa, Al Himma and North Shuna thermal baths) and by meteoric waters contaminated with saline waters (El Ma'in thermal Bath). Although they have been known for a long time, there is still dispute about their origins and the source of heat. On the basis of new chemical and isotopic analyses, the saline waters could represent residual pockets of groundwater in equilibrium with those filling the Dead Sea depression before the last retreat of Lake Lisan at 17–15 kyr bp or with the ancient seawaters of the Sedom Lagoon in the early Pleistocene, in both cases unaffected by significant evaporation processes but chemically and isotopically modified by water/rock interaction.
Systematic yet enigmatic depth distribution of the world's modern warm‐water carbonate platforms: the ‘depth window’
Authors: Vecsei A.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT The world's modern warm‐water carbonate platforms are large‐scale topographic features. This paper shows that the distribution of platform depths is systematic. The depths to the seafloor of most isolated banks and continent‐attached platforms, and the depths to the lagoon floors of most atolls, are all less than 70 m below present sea‐level, so that there is a 0–70 m ‘depth window’. The depth distribution reflects the platforms' evolution and its controls. The relation of this distribution to Quaternary sea‐level fluctuations and sedimentary dynamics sheds light on these controls.
The Piànico tephra: an early Middle Pleistocene record of intraplate volcanism in the Mediterranean
Authors: Pinti Daniele L. , Quidelleur Xavier , Lahitte Pierre , Aznar Cyril , Chiesa Sergio , Gillot Pierre‐Yves
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTDistal tephra are a valuable record of the volcano‐tectonic evolution of an area under study. Here, we document the case of the Early Middle Pleistocene rhyolitic tephra of Piànico, discovered in the Southern Italian Alps. The geochemical characteristics of Piànico are unique among the distal tephra outcropping in Italy and indicate an intraplate volcanism at the source. The alkali composition and trace elements show a striking resemblance with the rhyolitic complex of the Euganean Hills, located 170 km from Piànico. However, these rhyolites are much older (Oligocene). Alternatively, the source of this intraplate volcanic episode could be located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea.
Constraints on the provenance of the uppermost allochthonous terrane of the NW Iberian Massif: inferences from detrital zircon U–Pb ages
Authors: Fernández‐Suárez Javier , García Florentino Díaz , Jeffries Teresa E. , Arenas Ricardo , Abati Jacobo
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT Insight into the origin and pre‐orogenic palaeogeographical links of terranes involved in the assembly of collisional mountain belts is fundamental to the understanding of orogenic processes. Here we address the provenance and possible tectonic settings of the uppermost allochthonous terrane of the NW Iberian Variscan Belt through a 213‐nm Laser Ablation ICP‐MS study of U–Pb ages of detrital zircons. The age groups of zircons from greywackes in this terrane (c. 480–610, 1900–2100, 2400–2500 Ma) and the lack of Mesoproterozoic zircons suggest an origin in a Neoproterozoic – Early Palaeozoic peri‐Gondwanan realm along the periphery of the west African craton. It is further inferred that the greywackes were deposited in the periphery of a crustal unit that had been detached from the Gondwanan margin in relation to the opening of the Rheic ocean in Cambro‐Ordovician times. This terrane was thrusted back upon the Gondwanan margin during the course of the Variscan collision and closure of the intervening ocean.
The Gangdese thrust: a phantom structure that did not raise Tibet
Authors: Aitchison Jonathan C. , Davis Aileen M. , Badengzhu  , Luo Hui
Published: June 2003

Detailed field investigations do not support the existence of a ‘Gangdese thrust’ along the Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone in southern Tibet. A relationship where Lhasa terrane rocks are thrust southwards over components of this zone was not observed over 2000 km of the suture. On the contrary, at the type locality of this ‘Gangdese thrust’, Miocene conglomerates unconformably overlie an eroded surface of Lhasa terrane rocks. Interpretations that invoke Late Oligocene – Early Miocene south‐directed thrusting on a ‘Gangdese thrust’ as a mechanism for uplift of the Tibetan Plateau must therefore be reassessed.
Loading of a seismic zone to failure deforms nearby volcanoes: a new earthquake precursor
Authors: Gudmundsson Agust , Brenner Sonja L.
Published: June 2003

The South Iceland Seismic Zone (SISZ) was loaded to failure in June 2000, resulting in two M6.6 earthquakes. The SISZ is an E–W‐trending zone with an overall sinistral movement. Numerical models indicate that, when the SISZ is loaded to failure, there are stress concentrations at its ends: tensile in the north‐east and south‐west quadrants, and compressive in the north‐west and south‐east quadrants. These model predictions fit well with observations. Geodetic measurements indicate considerable compression, uplift and associated intense seismicity in recent years in the volcanoes of Hengill and Eyjafjallajokull, located in the quadrants of compression, whereas there have been unusually frequent eruptions in the past decades in the Hekla Volcano, located in one of the quadrants of extension. The models predict that following the large June 2000 earthquakes, stress relaxation within the SISZ should lead to stopping of the intense seismicity and deformation in the volcanoes of Hengill and Eyjafjallajokull, again in agreement with observations. However, when similar episodes of deformation and seismicity start again, particularly in the Hengill Volcano, a large earthquake would be expected within several years in the SISZ. The numerical models, and the deformation and seismic data, indicate that monitoring of ‘soft’ inclusions such as volcanoes (many with magma chambers) in the vicinity of a seismic zone may serve as precursors to large earthquakes.
Mantle peridotites from the Bouvet Triple Junction Region, South Atlantic
Authors: Brunelli D. , Cipriani A. , Ottolini L. , Peyve A. , Bonatti E.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT The Bouvet Triple Junction (BTJ) region in the South Atlantic, where the African, South American and Antarctica plates meet, is affected by several topographic/melting anomalies. Causes of these anomalies were investigated through a study of mantle‐derived serpentinized peridotites sampled from three sites in the BTJ region: (1) the Inner Corner High at the intersection of the America Antarctic Ridge (AAR) with the Conrad transform; (2) the south wall of the Bouvet transform (South West Indian Ridge, SWIR); and (3) the eastern Bouvet SWIR Transform Intersection. The degree of melting undergone by these rocks was estimated from relic mineral major‐ and trace‐element composition. Geochemical profiles from residual peridotites and associated basalts show a > 1000‐km‐wide melting anomaly centred on the Bouvet and Spiess topographic anomalies.
The Variscan orogeny in Chios (Greece): Carboniferous accretion along a Palaeotethyan active margin
Authors: Zanchi A. , Garzanti E. , Larghi C. , Angiolini L. , Gaetani M.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT New stratigraphic and structural data on the turbiditic succession of Chios (Volissos turbidites) suggest that this clastic wedge formed during the Early Carboniferous. These turbidites, fed long‐distance by erosion of the Variscan orogen, were most likely deposited in a Palaeotethyan remnant‐ocean basin. They were severely deformed and structurally thickened at anchi‐metamorphic conditions before the close of the Palaeozoic. Both contractional and layer‐parallel extensional structures, high strain rates, and broken‐in‐matrix fabrics along thick shear zones may suggest deformation at the toe of an accretionary wedge. Stratigraphic, petrographic and structural data indicate that Chios represents the westernmost part of Palaeotethys which escaped the Carboniferous collision between Gondwana and Laurasia, but received great volumes of terrigenous sediments from the Variscan belt, favouring the growth of a large accretionary prism.
Do transcurrent faults guide volcano growth? The case of NW Bicol Volcanic Arc, Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Pasquarè F. A. , Tibaldi A.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACT This paper shows that although volcanoes can be aligned along transcurrent faults, their growth can in reality be controlled by secondary structures that have a different orientation and kinematics. Assessing the relationships between local structures and volcano growth can be very useful for the evaluation of volcanic hazards and for economic purposes such as geothermal and hydrogeological exploration. In the north‐western Bicol Volcanic Arc (Luzon, Philippines) the Quaternary Labo and Caayunan volcanoes are aligned with the NW‐striking transcurrent Philippine Fault System. They are exceptional examples of composite volcanoes mostly comprising lava domes, where regional tectonic structures and hydraulic radial fracturing have alternated to control volcano growth. Field data and analogue modelling demonstrate that apical depressions affecting the domes reflect the geometry of magma‐feeding fractures. These data, together with alignments of domes and hot springs and other structural information, suggest that magma rose at depth along the NW‐striking transcurrent faults, but that in the uppermost crust magma rose along NE‐striking fractures parallel to the greatest principal stress.
K‐rich mantle metasomatism control of localization and initiation of lithospheric strike‐slip faulting
Authors: Vaughan Alan P. M. , Scarrow Jane H.
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTA conceptual model is proposed in which bulk transtension, or local transtension during bulk simple shear (resulting from mantle anisotropy contrasts or lithosphere rheology contrasts), of heterogeneously enriched lithospheric mantle, triggers localized K‐rich magmatism, which focuses strain and causes nucleation of lithosphere‐scale transtensional or strike‐slip shear zones. Transtension‐triggered magmatism is most likely to be located at sites of maximum metasomatism of the lithospheric mantle. Magma‐generated fractures propagate upwards, nucleating zones of lithospheric weakness, which focus shear in narrow transcurrent faults or at basin margins. In this way, magmatism controls fault timing and location. Although volcanism will be coeval with fault development and volcanoes will appear fault‐controlled, counterintuitively, our model suggests that faults are, in a sense, volcano‐controlled. We suggest that this new transtension – K‐rich magmatism – transcurrent faulting association represents a hitherto unrecognized genetic relationship as significant as, for example, the ocean island magma series.
Short communication: Prevalence of typhoid fever in febrile patients with symptoms clinically compatible with typhoid fever in Cameroon
Authors: Nsutebu Emmanuel Fru , Martins Peter , Adiogo Dieudonne
Published: June 2003

Typhoid fever is difficult to differentiate from other causes of infection such as malaria because their signs and symptoms often overlap. There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of typhoid fever cases diagnosed in Cameroon. Febrile patients are often treated for malaria and typhoid fever simultaneously. This cross‐sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of typhoid fever in 200 consecutive patients with fever and symptoms clinically compatible with typhoid fever to verify recent estimates of a high prevalence of typhoid fever in Cameroon. Patients were enrolled in three of the 10 provinces of Cameroon. Blood culture, thick and thin blood smears and Widal tests using acute sera were performed in all cases; stool culture for 120 patients. Typhoid fever was confirmed in only 2.5% as evidenced either by culture (four cases) or high salmonella antibody titres (one case); malaria was diagnosed in 94 (47%) patients. Typhoid fever is not as endemic in Cameroon as recently feared.
Self‐reported compliance with last malaria treatment and occurrence of malaria during follow‐up in a Brazilian Amazon population
Authors: Duarte Elisabeth C. , Gyorkos Theresa W.
Published: June 2003

The objective of this study was to describe the association between self‐reported compliance with last malaria treatment (CMT) and occurrence of malaria during follow‐up, controlling for current risk factors. We conducted a prospective open cohort study in Leonislândia, a rural area of Peixoto de Azevedo City, in the Amazon region of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 414 individuals were interviewed at baseline regarding CMT and followed‐up for either 8 or 4 months to assess malaria incidence. The associations between CMT and occurrence of malaria were examined through multiple linear regression (when the outcome was malaria episode frequency) or Cox regression (when the outcome was time to malaria onset). Poor CMT (prior to baseline) was identified as an important predictor of the occurrence of subsequent malaria episodes during follow‐up among individuals with an indication of being less immune – those whose first malaria episode was relatively recent or those who had an increased number of malaria episodes during the last 2 years. Moreover, surprisingly, it seems that for individuals who are probably more immune (individuals who had experienced their first malaria episode more than 4.5 years previously or those with few or no malaria episodes during the last 2 years), CMT was found to be a poor predictor of increased risk of subsequent malaria. These findings provide compelling evidence for the need to further study CMT and its effect on malaria outcomes.
The association between protein–energy malnutrition, malaria morbidity and all‐cause mortality in West African children
Authors: Müller Olaf , Garenne Michel , Kouyaté Bocar , Becher Heiko
Published: June 2003

Both malaria and protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) are highly prevalent in young children of sub‐Saharan Africa, and the association between PEM and malaria continues to be discussed controversially. We analysed the association between PEM, malaria morbidity and all‐cause mortality in a cohort of 709 children aged 6–30 months in a malaria holoendemic rural area of Burkina Faso. Study children were followed over the main malaria transmission period (June–December) in 1999 through longitudinal malaria surveillance complemented by three cross‐sectional clinical surveys. There was no association between PEM and malaria morbidity, but malnourished children had a more than two‐fold higher risk of dying than non‐malnourished children.
Malaria dipsticks beneficial for IMCI in Cambodia
Authors: Rimón M. M. , Kheng S. , Hoyer S. , Thach V. , Ly S. , Permin A. E. , Pièche S.
Published: June 2003

Objectives The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) approach and new clinical treatment guidelines to control malaria among children less than 5 years old were introduced recently in Cambodia. This study was conducted to finalize the malaria part of the national IMCI fever chart.

Methods A total of 323 sick children 2–59 months old were studied at rural health centres in northern Cambodia from February to April 2000. Cases with fever (by axillary temperature or history) or anaemia (by palmar pallor) were tested with dipsticks for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in high and low malaria risk areas and, if positive, treated with anti‐malarials.

Results The draft IMCI chart identified children with malaria safely and effectively (sensitivity 14 of 15, approximately 93% and specificity 292 of 308, approximately 95%). The study confirmed the potential of malaria dipsticks as a part of IMCI case management.

Conclusion The Cambodian Ministry of Health will use the studied malaria chart during the Early Implementation Phase of IMCI. Dipsticks able to detect P. falciparum and P. vivax with high sensitivity and acceptable cost will be needed for this purpose. To promote the rational use of dipsticks, the National Centre for Malaria Control, Parasitology and Entomology (Centre National de Malaridogie, Parasitologie et Entomologie, CNM) should list all known malaria risk areas in the country and prepare detailed local maps guiding case management especially in transitional zones.
The prevalence of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in Sekong Province, Lao PDR in relation to malaria transmission
Authors: Vythilingam I. , Phetsouvanh R. , Keokenchanh K. , Yengmala V. , Vanisaveth V. , Phompida S. , Hakim S. L.
Published: June 2003

A longitudinal study was conducted on the prevalence of Anopheles in three malaria endemic villages in Sekong province, in the southern region of Lao PDR, from August 2000 to October 2001. All night, human landing collections took place in August and October 2000 and April and October 2001, and blood smears were taken for malaria parasites during the same period. Mosquitoes were tested for sporozoite antigen using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In August 2000 (wet season) and April 2001 (dry season) the ovaries of the mosquitoes were examined for parity. A total of 16 species of Anopheles were caught in the study sites of which An. dirus A, An. maculatus sl and An. jeyporiensis were positive for sporozoites. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) ranged from 0.06 to 0.25. There was a good correlation between EIR and vectorial capacity in the wet season, especially in Pai Mai where the prevalence of malaria was also high during the wet seasons (11.8 and 10.53). An. dirus A showed ambivalence in their choice of feeding as approximately 50% attacked man indoors and an equal proportion outdoors. An dirus A was the main vector in Pai Mai. The parous rate did not significantly differ between the wet and dry season, although it was higher in the dry season. In Takaio the parasite prevalence ranged from 8.7% (dry season) to 37.1% (wet season) and An. jeyporiensis was the vector, and the risk of infection was 0.85 in the dry season while 0.99 in the wet season. In Toumgno An. maculatus sl was the vector and infection was found only in August and October 2000. However, malaria prevalence ranged from 9.69 to 20.4% and was equally high in the dry season. Cattle were also present close to the houses in all the villages and this might be a contributory factor in the prevalence of malaria.
The relationship between age, sex, egg‐count and specific antibody responses against Schistosoma mansoni antigens in a Ugandan fishing community
Authors: Naus Cynthia W. A. , Booth Mark , Jones Frances M. , Kemijumbi Jovanice , Vennervald Birgitte J. , Kariuki Curtis H. , Ouma John H. , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Dunne David W.
Published: June 2003

In schistosomiasis endemic areas, antibody isotype responses against Schistosoma mansoni antigens vary with host age, sex and duration or intensity of infection, and are associated with susceptibility or resistance to infection. Identifying the quality and quantity of these responses is important to our understanding of the host–parasite relationship; however, the various host and parasite factors have a strong tendency to confound each other. We investigated the relationships and interactions between age, sex, faecal egg‐counts and specific antibody isotype (IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgE, IgM) responses to S. mansoni worm (SWA) and egg (SEA) antigens, amongst 380 individuals aged 5–59 from a fishing community from Uganda. This community was characterized by high levels of exposure, and high infection intensities, with higher infection intensities in males than in females. Multivariate anova was conducted with interaction terms between the three categorized explanatory variables. Most anti‐SWA responses increased with age, whereas anti‐SEA responses tended to decline with age, especially after puberty. IgG1‐SWA, IgG4‐SWA, IgG4‐SEA, IgE‐SWA responses increased with egg count, whereas IgG2‐SEA decreased with egg count. IgG1‐SWA, IgG4‐SWA, IgE‐SWA and IgG4‐SEA responses were independently higher in males, whereas IgG2‐SEA responses were independently higher in females. The significant effects of sex on isotype responses to adult worm antigens may be partly because of different levels of cumulative exposure. IgG4‐SEA and IgG4‐SWA were both strongly correlated with egg count. Patterns of IgE‐SWA responses were qualitatively different to IgG4 responses, suggesting independent pathways of regulation.
Changes in house design reduce exposure to malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Lindsay S. W. , Jawara M. , Paine K. , Pinder M. , Walraven G. E. L. , Emerson P. M.
Published: June 2003

House design may affect an individual's exposure to malaria parasites, and hence to disease. We conducted a randomized‐controlled study using experimental huts in rural Gambia, to determine whether installing a ceiling or closing the eaves could protect people from malaria mosquitoes. Five treatments were tested against a control hut: plywood ceiling; synthetic‐netting ceiling; insecticide‐treated synthetic‐netting ceiling (deltamethrin 12.5 mg/m2); plastic insect‐screen ceiling; or the eaves closed with mud. The acceptability of such interventions was investigated by discussions with local communities. House entry byAnopheles gambiae, the principal African malaria vector, was reduced by the presence of a ceiling: plywood (59% reduction), synthetic‐netting (79%), insecticide‐treated synthetic‐netting (78%), plastic insect‐screen (80%,P < 0.001 in all cases) and closed eaves (37%, ns). Similar reductions were also seen withMansoniaspp., vectors of lymphatic filariasis and numerous arboviruses. Netting and insect‐screen ceilings probably work as decoy traps attracting mosquitoes into the roof space, but not the room. Ceilings are likely to be well accepted and may be of greatest benefit in areas of low to moderate transmission and when used in combination with other malaria control strategies.
A Piot model to analyse case management in malaria control programmes
Authors: Mumba Mutale , Visschedijk Jan , Cleeff Maarten van , Hausman Benson
Published: June 2003

At the beginning of the 21st century, malaria remains one of the most important public health problems in the world. An important control strategy to address this burden is adequate case management of malaria patients. The success of this strategy, however, does not solely depend on diagnosis and treatment, but also on a sequence of steps that patients have to take when they are ill. Only when patients go through all these steps successfully will they be cured. In this paper, a model is presented in which these steps are described. The model provides a framework for analysing this type of malaria control strategy and for identifying the most critical challenges faced. Furthermore, the model is used to analyse recent literature on case management as part of malaria control programmes in order to highlight current knowledge, core issues and constraints, and to make recommendations for programme development and research.
Should family planning clinics provide clinical services for sexually transmitted infections? A case study from Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Lafort Yves , Sawadogo Youssouf , Delvaux Thérèse , Vuylsteke Bea , Laga Marie
Published: June 2003

Objectives To evaluate the quality and usefulness of integrated sexually transmitted infection (STI) care at non‐governmental family planning (FP) clinics in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods Evaluation components included: (1) a survey measuring the prevalence of STI and the predictive value of the Ivorian vaginal discharge treatment algorithm, (2) client exit interviews, (3) direct observations of client–provider contacts, (4) the monitoring of the clinics’ workload and available equipment and supplies and (5) interviews of programme managers and FP providers.

Results Among 368 FP clients surveyed, the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, B. vaginosis and Candida albicans were respectively 1.6, 5.7, 7.1, 44.8 and 5.2%. The positive predictive value of the national algorithm for the detection of cervicitis was only 6.3%, and was 17.9% among a subgroup of young, single women. Of 200 clients interviewed, 96% were satisfied with the services and 95% would return to the FP clinic if they had genital problems. In 215 observed client–provider contacts, 88% of 94 STI cases were correctly managed. Programme managers and providers reported no substantial work overload as a result of the integration of STI services.

Conclusions The prevalence of cervical infections is relatively low in this population and the Ivorian algorithm that treats all women with vaginal discharge performs poorly. Over‐treatment of cervicitis can be reduced by modifying the algorithm, although improved diagnostic tools are urgently needed to detect cervicitis in this population. Continued STI case management at the FP clinics is nevertheless justified because there exists an easily identifiable group of higher risk women who need STI care; and because of the demand by a large proportion of clients, the high prevalence of vaginal pathogens, and the limited costs to the FP programme.
Safety, efficacy and determinants of effectiveness of antimalarial drugs during pregnancy: implications for prevention programmes in Plasmodium falciparum‐endemic sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Newman Robert D. , Parise Monica E. , Slutsker Laurence , Nahlen Bernard , Steketee Richard W.
Published: June 2003

Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy poses substantial risk to a pregnant woman and her neonate through anaemia and low birth weight (LBW), respectively, and is responsible for up to 35% of preventable LBW in malaria‐endemic areas. Chemoprophylaxis or intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with an effective antimalarial can ameliorate the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy. Current guidelines from the WHO recommend that women in highly malarious areas receive IPT with an effective antimalarial. Two central considerations in evaluating drugs for use during pregnancy are safety for the mother and her foetus and effectiveness, which is determined by efficacy, cost, availability, deliverability and acceptability of the drug. These factors may be scored and potential drugs or drug combinations ranked in order of potential effectiveness for use in prevention programmes. The seven most promising regimens are all IPT, primarily because they are more easily delivered and less expensive than chemoprophylaxis. Currently, IPT with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) is more likely to have the best overall effectiveness in preventing adverse outcomes associated with malaria in pregnancy. Its low cost, wide availability, easy deliverability and acceptability make it the clear choice in countries where efficacy of the drug remains good. For countries where resistance to SP is rising or already high, amodiaquine (alone or in combination with SP or artesunate) artesunate + SP, chlorproguanil–dapsone (with and without artesunate) and artemether–lumefantrine require urgent evaluation for use in pregnancy.
Acrochordonous plaques in two Bulldogs and a Pug dog
Authors: Bidaut A. P. , Gross T. L. , Noli C. , Welle M. , Suter M. M.
Published: June 2003

Abstract  Acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps are exophytic to pedunculated tumour‐like lesions of the skin reported to occur in humans and animals. We report here a new and unusual presentation of numerous, closely associated acrochordons forming a plaque, preferentially located at the dorsal neck of two Bulldogs and a Pug dog. Histopathologically these plaques were characterized by oedematous to fibrous cores enclosed by normal to moderately hyperplastic epidermis. We propose the name acrochordonous plaque to reflect the clinical lesion and the histopathological appearance of numerous, closely spaced acrochordons. Although the aetiology of these lesions remains unclear, there may be a breed predisposition for Bulldog‐like breeds.
A modified biopsy technique to improve histopathological evaluation of avian skin
Authors: Nett C. S. , Hodgin E. C. , Foil C. S. , Merchant S. R. , Tully T. N.
Published: June 2003

Abstract Skin biopsies are a viable diagnostic tool in avian dermatology, however, the thinness of avian skin makes it difficult to prevent rolling and contraction of skin biopsy specimens during collection and fixation. The difficulty orienting such rolled samples during processing ultimately interferes with the establishment of a histopathological diagnosis. We describe a modified skin biopsy procedure for obtaining avian skin biopsy specimens. In this technique nontranslucent self‐adhesive tape (Scotch tape®) was attached to skin biopsy sites before obtaining skin biopsies using a standard skin biopsy punch instrument. A total of 23 skin biopsy specimens were obtained: 15 from nonfeathered skin of 12 normal Hispaniolan parrots, 3 from feathered skin of 2 normal birds and 5 from feathered skin of 3 psittacines presented for pathologic feather‐picking. All 23 skin specimens consistently adhered to the tape during the biopsy procedure. The specimens were fixed in 10% neutral phosphate‐buffered formalin. During processing, no curling or rolling of specimens occurred, and all specimens could be easily orientated for correct trimming and subsequent histopathological evaluation. The tape technique did not produce any appreciable artefacts. Remnants of the tape were microscopically evident above the stratum corneum assuring that none of the stratum corneum was lost during processing. Obtaining avian skin biopsy specimens using this modified tape technique is easy and ensures flat fixation of the skin biopsy specimens, which later allows trimming at right angles, and through the longitudinal diameter of feather follicles for accurate histopathologic evaluation.
Evidence‐based veterinary dermatology: a systematic review of the pharmacotherapy of canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Olivry T. , Mueller R. S. ,   THE INTERNATIONAL TASK FORCE ON CANINE ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe efficacy of pharmacological interventions used to treat canine atopic dermatitis, excluding fatty acid supplementation and allergen‐specific immunotherapy, was evaluated based on the systematic review of prospective clinical trials published between 1980 and 2002. Studies were compared with regard to design characteristics (randomization generation and concealment, masking, intention‐to‐treat analyses and quality of enrolment of study subjects), benefit (improvement in skin lesions or pruritus scores) and harm (type, severity and frequency of adverse drug events) of the various interventions. Meta‐analysis of pooled results was not possible because of heterogeneity of the drugs evaluated. Forty trials enrolling 1607 dogs were identified. There is good evidence for recommending the use of oral glucocorticoids and cyclosporin for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, and fair evidence for using topical triamcinolone spray, topical tacrolimus lotion, oral pentoxifylline or oral misoprostol. Insufficient evidence is available for or against recommending the prescription of oral first‐ and second‐generation type‐1 histamine receptor antagonists, tricyclic antidepressants, cyproheptadine, aspirin, Chinese herbal therapy, an homeopathic complex remedy, ascorbic acid, AHR‐13268, papaverine, immune‐modulating antibiotics or tranilast and topical pramoxine or capsaicin. Finally, there is fair evidence against recommending the use of oral arofylline, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists.
Concurrent follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis in Boxer dogs
Authors: Rachid Milene A. , Demaula Christopher D. , Scott Danny W. , Miller William H. , Senter David A. , Myers Sherry
Published: June 2003

AbstractRecurrent or persistent follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis are described in nine Boxers. Data on age, sex, seasonality of alopecia and histopathological features of the follicular dysplasia in these nine Boxers are comparable with those described in previous reports. The interface dermatitis was characterized by multifocal annular crusted lesions confined to the areas of follicular dysplasia. The inflammatory lesions were neither pruritic nor painful and affected dogs were otherwise healthy. Histopathologically the clinically inflammatory lesions were characterized as an interface dermatitis. Immunohistochemical studies failed to demonstrate immunoglobulins or complement at the basement membrane zone or within blood vessel walls. In dogs with recurrent or persistent disease, the follicular dysplasia and interface dermatitis ran identical, concurrent courses of spontaneous remission and recurrence, or persistence, respectively. One dog with persistent disease was treated successfully with tetracycline and niacinamide for the interface dermatitis, and melatonin for the follicular dysplasia. Although the aetiopathogenesis of this newly described condition and the relationship between the two histological reaction patterns are not known, photoperiod and genetic predisposition appear to play a role.
Effects of propofol‐induced sedation on intradermal test reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Graham Lynelle F. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Jessen Carl R. , Horne Kim L. , Hendrix Paula K.
Published: June 2003

AbstractWe compared the effect of propofol and saline control on intradermal test reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis undergoing outpatient intradermal testing (IDT). Nineteen dogs were used in this clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either intravenous (IV) propofol or IV 0.9% saline, and IDT was performed on the right or left (randomized) lateral thorax. One investigator, unaware of the treatments, interpreted all IDT results. Injection sites were analysed using a subjective and objective method. A value ofP ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. When all injection sites were subjectively analysed for reactions ≥ 1+ on all dogs, significantly more positive sites were apparent during propofol sedation than during saline administration. In addition, the greater number of individual dogs experiencing more positive reactions ≥ 1+ during propofol sedation was significant. When subjectively analysing reactions ≥ 2+, the greater number of positive reactions and the greater number of dogs with more positive reactions observed during propofol treatment was not significantly different from the saline control. When analysed objectively, the greater number of positive reactions observed during propofol sedation was not significant. A greater number of dogs had higher subjective scores and larger objective measurements during propofol sedation compared with saline administration. In summary, propofol sedation was associated with an overall greater number of positive IDT reactions compared with the saline control. Although not always significant, this difference should be considered when choosing propofol for skin testing dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Existence of novel β‐1,2 linkage‐containing side chain in the mannan of Candida lusitaniae, antigenically related to Candida albicans serotype A
Authors: Shibata Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Hidemitsu , Okawa Yoshio , Suzuki Shigeo
Published: June 2003

The antigenicity of Candida lusitaniae cells was found to be the same as that of Candida albicans serotype A cells, i.e. both cell wall mannans react with factors 1, 4, 5, and 6 sera of Candida Check. However, the structure of the mannan of C. lusitaniae was significantly different from that of C. albicans serotype A, and we found novel β‐1,2 linkages among the side‐chain oligosaccharides, Manβ1→2Manβ1→ 2Manα1→2Manα1→2Man (LM5), and Manβ1→2Man‐β1→2Manβ1→2Manα1→2Manα1→2Man (LM6). The assignment of these oligosaccharides suggests that the mannoheptaose containing three β‐1,2 linkages obtained from the mannan of C. albicans in a preceding study consisted of isomers. The molar ratio of the side chains of C. lusitaniae mannan was determined from the complete assignment of its H‐1 and H‐2 signals and these signal dimensions. More than 80% of the oligomannosyl side chains contained β‐1,2‐linked mannose units; no α‐1,3 linkages or α‐1,6‐linked branching points were found in the side chains. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent inhibition assay using oligosaccharides indicated that LM5 behaves as factor 6, which is the serotype A‐specific epitope of C. albicans. Unexpectedly, however, LM6 did not act as factor 6.
Probing the interface between factor Xa and tissue factor in the quaternary complex tissue factor–factor VIIa–factor Xa–tissue factor pathway inhibitor
Authors: Carlsson Karin , Freskgård Per‐Ola , Persson Egon , Carlsson Uno , Svensson Magdalena
Published: June 2003

Blood coagulation is triggered by the formation of a complex between factor VIIa (FVIIa) and its cofactor, tissue factor (TF). TF–FVIIa is inhibited by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in two steps: first TFPI is bound to the active site of factor Xa (FXa), and subsequently FXa–TFPI exerts feedback inhibition of TF–FVIIa. The FXa‐dependent inhibition of TF–FVIIa activity by TFPI leads to formation of the quaternary complex TF–FVIIa–FXa–TFPI. We used site‐directed fluorescence probing to map part of the region of soluble TF (sTF) that interacts with FXa in sTF–FVIIa–FXa–TFPI. We found that the C‐terminal region of sTF, including positions 163, 166, 200 and 201, is involved in binding to FXa in the complex, and FXa, most likely via its Gla domain, is also in contact with the Gla domain of FVIIa in this part of the binding region. Furthermore, a region that includes the N‐terminal part of the TF2 domain and the C‐terminal part of the TF1 domain, i.e. the residues 104 and 197, participates in the interaction with FXa in the quaternary complex. Moreover, comparisons of the interaction areas between sTF and FX(a) in the quaternary complex sTF–FVIIa–FXa–TFPI and in the ternary complexes sTF–FVII–FXa or sTF–FVIIa–FX demonstrated large similarities.