bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of an Ecohydrology Classroom Activity on Middle School Students’ Understanding of Evapotranspiration
Authors: Villegas Juan Camilo , Morrison Clayton T. , Gerst Katharine L. , Beal Carole R. , Espeleta Javier E. , Adamson Matt
Published: October 2010

Current trends in ecological research emphasize interdisciplinary approaches for assessing effects of present and predicted environmental changes. One such emerging interdisciplinary field is the discipline of ecohydrology, which studies the feedbacks and interactions between ecological and hydrological processes. However, interdisciplinary science, which includes ecohydrology and other fields, has not yet been effectively translated into many K–12 curricula. We adapted an ecohydrological research project, originally conducted at the Biosphere 2 research apparatus, for use in a middle school classroom. The experiment focuses on describing the effects of changes in landscape vegetation cover on the partitioning of evapotranspiration, the major component of the water budget, into plant transpiration and soil evaporation. The 1‐week long experiment was conducted by Grade 6 students (n = 82) in classrooms in Oro Valley, AZ. Students completed pre‐ and post‐experiment tests designed to assess their general understanding of the components of evapotranspiration as well as the scientific procedures that can be used to differentiate them. Our results show significant improvement between the pre‐ and post‐experiment evaluations on the understanding of the water cycle concepts, particularly those associated with evapotranspiration. This improvement illustrates how the incorporation of experimental knowledge can constitute a key instrument to successful delivery of scientific information in the classroom. We discuss how current scientific research can be effectively incorporated into the science curriculum, which in turn can be used as an instrumental tool to produce scientifically relevant data.
Outbreak of Chikungunya Fever, Dakshina Kannada District, South India, 2008
Authors: Manimunda Sathya P. , Sugunan Attayur P. , Rai Subhodh K. , Vijayachari Paluru , Shriram Ananganallur N. , Sharma Sameer , Muruganandam Nagarajan , Chaitanya Itta K. , Guruprasad Dev R. , Sudeep Anakkathil B.
Published: October 2010

The outbreak of chikungunya fever that surfaced in India during late 2005 has affected more than 1.56 million people, spread to more than 17 states/union territories, and is still ongoing. Many of these areas are dengue- and leptospirosis-endemic settings. We carried out a cross-sectional survey in one such chikungunya-affected location in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka State to estimate the magnitude of the epidemic and the proportion of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections that remained clinically inapparent. The seropositivity for CHIKV infection was 62.2%, and the attack rate of confirmed CHIK fever was 58.3%. The proportion of inapparent CHIKV infection was 6.3%. The increasing trend in the seropositivity and attack rate of CHIKV infection with age group was statistically significant. The present study is an indicator of the magnitude of the ongoing outbreak of CHIKV infection in India that started during 2005–2006.
Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists in the United States About Chagas Disease
Authors: Verani Jennifer R. , Montgomery Susan P. , Schulkin Jay , Anderson Britta , Jones Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2010

Chagas disease affects an estimated 300,000 people in the United States, and as many as 300 congenital infections are estimated to occur annually. The level of knowledge about Chagas disease among obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States has not been assessed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 members about Chagas disease. Among 421 respondents, 68.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 63.5–72.6) described their knowledge level about Chagas disease as “very limited.” Only 8.8% (95% CI = 6.2–12.0) knew the risk of congenital infection, and 7.4% (95% CI = 5.1–10.4) were aware that both acute and chronic maternal infections can lead to congenital transmission. The majority of respondents (77.9%; 95% CI = 73.5–81.9) reported “never” considering a diagnosis of Chagas disease among their patients from endemic countries. Most of those who did consider the diagnosis did so “rarely.” Knowledge of Chagas disease among obstetricians-gynecologists in the United States is limited. Greater awareness may help to detect treatable congenital Chagas cases.
Optimizing Tuberculosis Testing for Basic Laboratories
Authors: Ramos Eric , Schumacher Samuel G. , Siedner Mark , Herrera Beatriz , Quino Willi , Alvarado Jessica , Montoya Rosario , Grandjean Louis , Martin Laura , Sherman Jonathan M. , Gilman Robert H. , Evans Carlton A.
Published: October 2010

Optimal tuberculosis testing usually involves sputum centrifugation followed by broth culture. However, centrifuges are biohazardous and scarce in the resource-limited settings where most tuberculosis occurs. To optimize tuberculosis testing for these settings, centrifugation of 111 decontaminated sputum samples was compared with syringe-aspiration through polycarbonate membrane-filters that were then cultured in broth. To reduce the workload of repeated microscopic screening of broth cultures for tuberculosis growth, the colorimetric redox indicator 2,3-diphenyl-5-(2-thienyl) tetrazolium chloride was added to the broth, which enabled naked-eye detection of culture positivity. This combination of filtration and colorimetric growth-detection gave similar results to sputum centrifugation followed by culture microscopy regarding mean colony counts (43 versus 48; P = 0.6), contamination rates (0.9% versus 1.8%; P = 0.3), and sensitivity (94% versus 95%; P = 0.7), suggesting equivalency of the two methods. By obviating centrifugation and repeated microscopic screening of cultures, this approach may constitute a more appropriate technology for rapid and sensitive tuberculosis diagnosis in basic laboratories.
Minimal Association of Common Red Blood Cell Polymorphisms with Plasmodium falciparum Infection and Uncomplicated Malaria in Papua New Guinean School Children
Authors: Lin Enmoore , Tavul Livingstone , Michon Pascal , Richards Jack S. , Dabod Elijah , Beeson James G. , King Christopher L. , Zimmerman Peter A. , Mueller Ivo
Published: October 2010

Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO), α+-thalassemia, and low expression of complement receptor 1 (CR1) have been associated with protection against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In a cohort of children 5–14 years of age the effect of α+-thalassemia, SAO (SLC4A1Δ27), CR1 polymorphisms, and Gerbich negativity (GYPCΔex3) on risk of P. falciparum infections and uncomplicated illness were evaluated. The risk of acquiring polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-diagnosed P. falciparum infections was significantly lower for α+-thalassemia heterozygotes (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.56) and homozygotes (HR: 0.51) than wild-type children. No such differences were seen in light of microscopy diagnosed infections (P = 0.71) or were α+-thalassemia genotypes associated with a reduced risk of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. No significant associations between the risk of P. falciparum infection or illness were observed for any of the other red blood cell polymorphisms (P > 0.2). This suggests that these polymorphisms are not associated with significant protection against P. falciparum blood-stage infection or uncomplicated malaria in school-aged children.
Antigenic Drift of Orientia tsutsugamushi in South Korea as Identified by the Sequence Analysis of a 56-kDa Protein-Encoding Gene
Authors: Park Sang-Won , Lee Chi Kug , Kwak Yee Gyung , Moon Chisook , Kim Baek-Nam , Kim Eu Suk , Kang Jae Myung , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: October 2010

This study was performed to determine the nationwide antigenic diversity of Orientia tsutsugamushi in South Korea. Sequence analysis was performed around variable domains I and II of a 56-kDa protein-encoding gene. We used eschar to overcome the disadvantages of conventional serotyping. The serological passive hemagglutination assay (PHA) was assessed based on the genotyping results. We analyzed 153 isolates from scrub typhus patients in major endemic areas and found that Boryong was the major strain (68.6%). New strains were also identified: Taguchi (19.6%), Kanda/Kawasaki (9.2%), and UAP7 (1.3%). PHA yielded significantly fewer positive results among Kawasaki strains (P < 0.001), which are not included in the PHA antigen panel. In South Korea, Boryong was still the predominant strain, but the sequence analysis identified new changes in minor strains (30.1%). This antigenic drift had a negative effect on the PHA results. Periodic surveillance of the contemporary strains using sequence analysis is needed.
Elevated Levels of Plasma Angiogenic Factors Are Associated with Human Lymphatic Filarial Infections
Authors: Bennuru Sasisekhar , Maldarelli Grace , Kumaraswami V. , Klion Amy D. , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: October 2010

Lymphatic dilatation, dysfunction, and lymphangiogenesis are hallmarks of patent lymphatic filariasis, observed even in those with subclinical microfilaremia, through processes associated, in part, by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). A panel of pro-angiogenic factors was measured in the plasma of subjects from filaria-endemic regions using multiplexed immunological assays. Compared with endemic normal control subjects, those with both subclinical microfilaremia, and those with longstanding lymphedema had significantly elevated levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and angiopoeitins (Ang-1/Ang-2), with only levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) being elevated only if lymphedema was evident. Furthermore, levels of these factors 1-year post-treatment with doxycycline were similar to pretreatment levels suggesting a minimal role, if any, for Wolbachia. Our data support the concept that filarial infection per se is associated with elevated levels of most of the known pro-angiogenic factors, with only a few being associated with the serious pathologic consequences associated with Wuchereria bancrofti infection.
Development of Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii in Clinical Specimens
Authors: Hamzah Zulhainan , Petmitr Songsak , Mungthin Mathirut , Leelayoova Saovanee , Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr Porntip
Published: October 2010

Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for differential detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii. Specific primers were designed for all three species, and then differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar was achieved simultaneously using a hybridization probe and melting curve analysis, whereas E. moshkovskii was detected with a separate probe under the same condition. This assay detected as little as 0.2 pg of E. histolytica DNA and 2 pg each for E. dispar and E. moshkovskii DNA. Thirty-five clinical samples suspected to be E. histolytica infection by microscopy were tested. The results showed 32 positive samples; four samples were E. histolytica and 28 samples were E. dispar. Interestingly, one E. dispar positive sample showed a mixed infection with E. moshkovskii. This is the first report of E. moshkovskii infection from Thailand and this assay is currently the most rapid and sensitive method to differentiate these human amoebas.
Large Variation in Detection of Histidine-Rich Protein 2 in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Colombia
Authors: Pava Zuleima , Echeverry Diego F. , Díaz Gustavo , Murillo Claribel
Published: October 2010

Most rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) available use histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) as a target. However, it has been reported that sequence variations of this protein affects its sensitivity. Currently, there is insufficient evidence for HRP2 variability in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Colombia and its relationship with RDT performance. To determine possible geographic differences and their effects on the performance of RDTs, 22 blood samples from patients with P. falciparum malaria from Tumaco and Buenaventura, Colombia were assessed by measurement of HRP2 concentration by an HRP2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RDTs, and thick blood smear. Statistical analysis showed an association between RDT performance and HRP2 concentrations. No significant difference was found between locations. A large variation of antigen concentration in samples was found at same parasitemia. In contrast to previously reports, there was no correlation between initial parasitemia and HRP2 concentration. Our results indicate that antigen quantity should be studied more carefully because the sensitivity of the RDT is affected more by antigen concentration than by parasitemia.
Different Chest Radiographic Findings of Pulmonary Paragonimiasis in Two Endemic Countries
Authors: Kanpittaya Jaturat , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Vannavong Anan , Intapan Pewpan M. , Maleewong Wanchai , Zhang Wei , Strobel Michel
Published: October 2010

We compared the chest radiographic findings of patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) with a report from Korea. The clinical and radiological characteristics of 50 confirmed Laotian pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis patients were studied between March 2003 and June 2007. In 49 patients, the chest radiographs showed abnormal findings (98%). Pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities were found in all 49 patients, whereas pleural effusion was only found in 11 patients (22%). The three most common intraparenchymal findings were multiple small cysts (90%), irregular linear densities (68%), and nodular opacities (40%). The numbers of patients who had these three findings were significantly different from the Korean report (P < 0.001). In conclusion, radiographic findings of pulmonary paragonimiasis may vary among countries.
Chikungunya Virus: A Novel and Potentially Serious Threat to New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands
Authors: Derraik José G. B. , Slaney David , Nye Edwin R. , Weinstein Philip
Published: October 2010

There has never been a locally transmitted outbreak of mosquito-borne disease in New Zealand, but the risk of an outbreak occurring is increasing with on-going interceptions of exotic mosquito vectors across its border, increasing traffic of goods and passengers, higher numbers of viremic travelers arriving, and local, regional, and global environmental change. The risk posed to New Zealand by chikungunya virus is potentially high because of the transmissibility of this virus in subtropical climates, compounded by a population that is predominantly immunologically naive to exotic arboviruses. However, risk reduction in New Zealand should not be considered in isolation but must be viewed within a wider South Pacific context. In this report, we discuss the potential threat posed by chikungunya to the region, focusing in particular on New Zealand, and re-emphasizing the need for a South Pacific–wide approach towards mosquito-borne disease prevention.
Climate, Landscape, and the Risk of Orbivirus Exposure in Cattle in Illinois and Western Indiana
Authors: Boyer Tim C. , Ward Michael P. , Singer Randall S.
Published: October 2010

Climate and environmental data were used to estimate the risk of testing positive for antibodies to bluetongue (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDV) in cattle in Illinois and western Indiana over three transmission seasons (2000–2002). The risks of BTV and EHDV seropositivity were positively associated with temperature during every year of the study. The EHDV seropositivity was also positively associated with forest patchiness in two of the years. During 2002, a year with unusually high spring rainfall, forest patchiness was not significantly associated with EHDV but spring rainfall did have a moderating effect on temperature. Maps of predicted probability of exposure to BTV or EHDV were created using these best-fitting models and show distinctly different spatial patterns within the same cattle population.
Mapping Malaria Risk in Bangladesh Using Bayesian Geostatistical Models
Authors: Reid Heidi , Haque Ubydul , Clements Archie C. A. , Tatem Andrew J. , Vallely Andrew , Ahmed Syed Masud , Islam Akramul , Haque Rashidul
Published: October 2010

Background malaria-control programs are increasingly dependent on accurate risk maps to effectively guide the allocation of interventions and resources. Advances in model-based geostatistics and geographical information systems (GIS) have enabled researchers to better understand factors affecting malaria transmission and thus, more accurately determine the limits of malaria transmission globally and nationally. Here, we construct Plasmodium falciparum risk maps for Bangladesh for 2007 at a scale enabling the malaria-control bodies to more accurately define the needs of the program. A comprehensive malaria-prevalence survey (N = 9,750 individuals; N = 354 communities) was carried out in 2007 across the regions of Bangladesh known to be endemic for malaria. Data were corrected to a standard age range of 2 to less than 10 years. Bayesian geostatistical logistic regression models with environmental covariates were used to predict P. falciparum prevalence for 2- to 10-year-old children (PfPR2–10) across the endemic areas of Bangladesh. The predictions were combined with gridded population data to estimate the number of individuals living in different endemicity classes. Across the endemic areas, the average PfPR2–10 was 3.8%. Environmental variables selected for prediction were vegetation cover, minimum temperature, and elevation. Model validation statistics revealed that the final Bayesian geostatistical model had good predictive ability. Risk maps generated from the model showed a heterogeneous distribution of PfPR2–10 ranging from 0.5% to 50%; 3.1 million people were estimated to be living in areas with a PfPR2–10 greater than 1%. Contemporary GIS and model-based geostatistics can be used to interpolate malaria risk in Bangladesh. Importantly, malaria risk was found to be highly varied across the endemic regions, necessitating the targeting of resources to reduce the burden in these areas.
Increased Risk of Early Vomiting among Infants and Young Children Treated with Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Compared with Artemether-Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Malaria
Authors: Creek Darren , Bigira Victor , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Wanzira Humphrey , Kakuru Abel , Tappero Jordan , Kamya Moses R. , Dorsey Grant , Sandison Taylor G.
Published: October 2010

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) are highly efficacious antimalarial therapies in Africa. However, there are limited data regarding the tolerability of these drugs in young children. We used data from a randomized control trial in rural Uganda to compare the risk of early vomiting (within one hour of dosing) for children 6–24 months of age randomized to receive DP (n = 240) or AL (n = 228) for treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Overall, DP was associated with a higher risk of early vomiting than AL (15.1% versus 7.1%; P = 0.007). The increased risk of early vomiting with DP was only present among breastfeeding children (relative risk [RR] = 3.35, P = 0.001) compared with children who were not breastfeeding (RR = 1.03, P = 0.94). Age less than 18 months was a risk factor for early vomiting independent of treatment (RR = 3.27, P = 0.02). Our findings indicate that AL may be better tolerated than DP among young breastfeeding children treated for uncomplicated malaria.
Differential West Nile Fever Ascertainment in the United States: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Silk Benjamin J. , Astles J. Rex , Hidalgo Jaime , Humes Rosemary , Waller Lance A. , Buehler James W. , Berkelman Ruth L.
Published: October 2010

We evaluated the completeness of West Nile fever (WNF) surveillance within the U.S. public health system. We surveyed laboratory and surveillance programs on policies, practices, and capacities for testing, confirmation, and reporting (collectively called ascertainment) from 2003 through 2005. We calculated syndrome ascertainment ratios by dividing WNF counts by neuroinvasive disease counts; separately, we performed multilevel modeling. Jurisdictions were more likely to ascertain at least one WNF cases per West Nile neuroinvasive disease case when ≤ 1 testing restrictions existed (odds ratio [OR] = 7.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–46.4), when conducting ≥ 4 activities to enhance reporting (OR = 9.3, 95% CI = 1.6–54.8), and when ≥ 5.0 staff per million residents were dedicated to arboviral surveillance (OR = 6.4, 95% CI = 1.0–40.3). Ascertainment of WNF was less likely among Blacks (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.31–0.99) and Hispanics (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–0.98) than among Whites. Ascertainment was more complete when testing and reporting were enhanced, but differentially incomplete for minorities.
Epidemiological Study of the Association between Anti-Lutzomyia longipalpis Saliva Antibodies and Development of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity to Leishmania Antigen
Authors: Aquino Dorlene M. C. , Caldas Arlene J. M. , Miranda José Carlos , Silva Antonio A. M. , Barral-Netto Manoel , Barral Aldina
Published: October 2010

Recent reports from animal models and from cross-sectional studies have suggested that host responses to anti-Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva antibodies may be related to delayed-type hypersensitivity to Leishmania antigen. In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated 1,080 children from two endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) by means of Kaplan-Meier analysis. The incidence rate of delayed-type hypersensitivity to Leishmania antigen, measured at the 24th follow-up month, was higher among those reactive to Lu. longipalpis saliva antibodies at the beginning of the study (0.0217 cases per person-month) than among those previously negative (0.0131 cases per person-month) (P value for the log-rank test = 0.0006). It seems that mounting an anti-saliva immune response helps the development of a cell-mediated anti-Leishmania response.
Migratory Birds and the Dispersal of Arboviruses in California
Authors: Reisen William K. , Wheeler Sarah S. , Garcia Sandra , Fang Ying
Published: October 2010

Each spring large numbers of neotropical migrants traversing the Pacific flyway pass through the Coachella Valley enroute to northern destinations, providing an opportunity to test the hypothesis that mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses are introduced annually into California by migratory birds. A total of 5,632 sera were collected from 43 species of migrants during spring (April–June), of which 34 (0.61%) comprised of 14 species tested positive by enzyme immunoassay; only 10 were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). In addition, of 1,109 migrants comprised of 76 species that were reported dead by the public and necropsied, 126 (11%) were positive for West Nile virus (WNV) RNA; however, only three (0.7%) of 428 birds tested during the spring were positive. Limited experimental infection studies with WNV showed that Orange-crowned Warblers were highly susceptible and frequently died, whereas most Yellow Warblers survived. Our results indicated that birds entering California rarely exhibited a history of infection and that most birds probably became infected after entering California.
Seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Sydney, Australia
Authors: James Rodney , Barratt Joel , Marriott Deborah , Harkness John , Stark Damien
Published: October 2010

A retrospective analysis was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection in Sydney, Australia. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 429 high risk human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), 446 low risk HIV-uninfected MSM, and 456 HIV-uninfected controls were assessed. Seroprevalence rates were 5.13% for the high risk HIV-infected MSM group, 0.22% for the low risk HIV-uninfected MSM group, and 0.44% for the control group. We found that high risk HIV-infected MSM have a significantly greater seroprevalence of E. histolytica with a relative risk of 22.87, when compared with low risk HIV-uninfected MSM and 11.69 when compared with controls. These findings show that in Sydney, sexually active HIV-infected MSM are at greater risk of developing amoebic disease caused by E. histolytica than HIV-uninfected MSM and the general population.
Brucellosis in Northern Australia
Authors: Eales Katie M. , Norton Robert E. , Ketheesan Natkunam
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to define the clinical presentation of brucellosis in northern Australia and to assess the long-term impact of brucellosis on individual lives. A retrospective review was conducted to assess 32 patients with brucellosis caused by Brucella suis in Townsville, Australia during 1996–2009. All patients were Caucasian males with a mean age of 35 years. The greatest risk factor for brucellosis was feral pig hunting (94%, n = 30). There was one laboratory-acquired case. The most frequent clinical features included fever (94%, n = 30), fatigue (78%, n = 25) and arthralgia (78%, n = 25). The complication rate was 25% (n = 8). A delay in diagnosis of more than 14 days significantly increased the risk of the patient developing complications (95% confidence interval = 3.20–198.96, P = 0.002). The long-term impact of brucellosis was significant; 64% (16) of the patients reporting recurrent symptoms. This study highlights the need for further research on brucellosis caused by B. suis.
Surveillance for Japanese Encephalitis in Vietnam, 1998–2007
Authors: Yen Nguyen Thu , Duffy Mark R. , Hong Nguyen Minh , Hien Nguyen Tran , Fischer Marc , Hills Susan L.
Published: October 2010

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is recognized as an important public health problem in Vietnam. A JE immunization program was introduced in 1997 in high-risk districts and expanded to additional districts over subsequent years. We reviewed national acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) surveillance data for 1998–2007 and analyzed more detailed data regarding JE from five northern provinces in 2004 and 2005. The annual reported incidence of AES in Vietnam ranged from 3.0 to 1.4 cases per 100,000 population with a decreasing trend over the 10-year period. The mean annual incidence of AES was highest in the northern region of the country. Of 421 AES cases from five northern provinces with laboratory results reported, 217 (52%) had laboratory evidence of recent JEV infection. As Vietnam moves closer to control of JE through immunization, accurate JE surveillance data will be important to evaluate and guide the program.
Genetic Consequences of Mass Human Chemotherapy for Schistosoma mansoni: Population Structure Pre- and Post-Praziquantel Treatment in Tanzania
Authors: Norton Alice J. , Gower Charlotte M. , Lamberton Poppy H. L. , Webster Bonnie L. , Lwambo Nicholas J. S. , Blair Lynsey , Fenwick Alan , Webster Joanne P.
Published: October 2010

Recent shifts in global health policy have led to the implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) for neglected tropical diseases. Here we show how population genetic analyses can provide vital insights into the impact of such MDA on endemic parasite populations. We show that even a single round of MDA produced a genetic bottleneck with reductions in a range of measures of genetic diversity of Schistosoma mansoni. Phylogenetic analyses and indices of population differentiation indicated that schistosomes collected in the same schools in different years were more dissimilar than those from different schools collected within either of the study's 2 years, in addition to distinguishing re-infection from non-clearance (that might indicate putatively resistant parasites) from within those children infected at both baseline and follow-up. Such unique results illustrate the importance of genetic monitoring and examination of long lived multi-cellular parasites such as these under novel or increased chemotherapeutic selective pressures.
The Potential of Molecular Diagnosis of Cutaneous Ectopic Schistosomiasis
Authors: van Dijk Karin , Starink Markus V. , Bart Aldert , Nijhuis Erik W. P. , van der Wal Allard C. , van Thiel Pieter P. A. M. , de Vries Henry J. C. , van Gool Tom
Published: October 2010

A 28-year-old woman presented with extensive erythematous lesions on her back after visiting Malawi. Skin biopsies showed ova, which could belong to Schistosoma spp. Sequencing of the Schistosoma 28S rRNA gene, extracted and amplified from paraffin biopsies, identified DNA of Schistosoma haematobium. Cutaneous ectopic schistosomiasis can present with extensive lesions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions in returning travelers. Microscopy and serology are the classical methods to obtain a diagnosis. Alternatively, molecular methods can be a valuable new tool for diagnosis and species determination.
Effectiveness of School-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention on Handwriting
Authors: Case-Smith Jane
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated the effects of school-based occupational therapy services on students’ handwriting.

METHOD. Students 7 to 10 years of age with poor handwriting legibility who received direct occupational therapy services (n = 29) were compared with students who did not receive services (n = 9) on handwriting legibility and speed and associated performance components. Visual-motor, visual-perception, in-hand manipulation, and handwriting legibility and speed were measured at the beginning and end of the academic year. The intervention group received a mean of 16.4 sessions and 528 min of direct occupational therapy services during the school year. According to the therapists, visual-motor skills and handwriting practice were emphasized most in intervention.

RESULTS. Students in the intervention group showed significant increases in in-hand manipulation and position in space scores. They also improved more in handwriting legibility scores than the students in the comparison group. Fifteen students in the intervention group demonstrated greater than 90% legibility at the end of the school year. On average, legibility increased by 14.2% in the students who received services and by 5.8% in the students who did not receive services. Speed increased slightly more in the students who did not receive services.

CONCLUSION. Students who received occupational therapy services demonstrated improved letter legibility, but speed and numeral legibility did not demonstrate positive intervention effects.
Testing the Effect of Kinesthetic Training on Handwriting Performance in First-Grade Students
Authors: Sudsawad Pimjai , Trombly Catherine A. , Henderson Ann , Tickle-Degnen Linda
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesthetic training on handwriting performance in first-grade students 6 to 7 years of age who had kinesthetic deficits and handwriting difficulties.

METHOD. With a randomized–blinded three group research design, 45 children were assigned to either a kinesthetic training group, a handwriting practice group, or a no treatment group. Kinesthesis and handwriting legibility were measured before and after intervention. Teachers’ judgments of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting were sought at 4 weeks after the intervention to see whether any improvement gained would be maintained in the natural setting. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analyses.

RESULTS. At posttest, all groups showed significant improvement of kinesthesis, with no significant difference in the magnitude of improvement among the groups. There was no significant improvement of handwriting legibility as measured by a standardized test in any of the groups, although teachers indicated improvement of handwriting legibility in the classroom setting in all groups. Teachers also reported maintenance of handwriting legibility at 4 weeks after posttest.

CONCLUSION. Kinesthetic training did not improve handwriting or kinesthesis in these children. The findings of this study offer no support for use of kinesthetic training to improve handwriting legibility in first-grade students.
The Relationship Between Hand Strength and the Forces Used To Access Containers by Well Elderly Persons
Authors: Rahman Nafees , Thomas Julie Jepsen , Rice Martin S.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. This study extended previous work of Rice, Leonard, and Carter [AJOT, 52(8), 621–626] and examined the relationship between grip and pinch strengths and the forces produced while accessing common household containers in healthy, elderly persons.

METHOD. Forty-two women and 9 men 60 years of age and older were assigned randomly to one of four order groups in a counterbalanced, repeated-measures design. Grip strength was measured via a dynamometer and pinch strength via a pinch meter. The forces required to access six common household containers were measured with force sensing resistors applied to each container. Data analysis included Pearson product-moment correlations between the dependent variables of grip and pinch strength and force produced on the containers. Analyses of variance were used to determine differences by gender on the dependent measures and order of presentation of containers.

RESULTS. A fair relationship (r = .31 to .44) was found between grip and pinch strength and the ability to open three containers. Little or no relationship was found between grip and pinch strength and the ability to open the remaining three containers (r = −.03 to .25). Significant gender differences existed on overall strength and the force used to access two of the six containers. No order effects were found.

CONCLUSIONS. Strong relationships did not exist between the grip and pinch strength and the amount of force the elderly participants used to open the containers, which is similar to what Rice et al. found for younger persons. The participants appeared to use a greater proportion of their available strength when accessing the containers than did their younger counterparts previously studied. Further research is needed to determine at what level of weakness one would expect to see performance deficits in common daily occupations.
Functional Outcomes and Daily Life Activities of African-American Elders After Hospitalization
Authors: Spencer Jean , Hersch Gayle , Shelton Margarette , Ripple Joanne , Spencer Cheryl , Dyer Carmel B. , Murphy Kathleen
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. African-American elders were recruited from a transitional unit after hospitalization and tracked for 6 months in the community after discharge to (a) examine functional outcomes on the unit and in the community and (b) identify patterns of participation in daily life activities. The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH-2) framework provided the structure to examine the connections among body systems, functional outcomes, and social participation for this population that has been underrepresented in past research.

METHOD. A mixed design combined qualitative and quantitative methods, including qualitative interviews to document personal adaptive experience, a standardized functional assessment to identify functional outcomes, and a structured format to record activity participation.

RESULTS. Findings revealed that 11 of the 17 participants improved their functional outcomes after discharge. Three patterns of activity participation identified were self-care, self-care and household management, and mixed activities. Contextual influences were diverse family support arrangements.

CONCLUSION. Complex relationships were identified among body systems, functional outcomes, and daily life activities that were influenced by individual values and support arrangements.
Young Children’s Occupations: Explicating the Dynamics of Developmental Processes
Authors: Humphry Ruth
Published: October 2010

Describing development as sequential sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial milestones does not explain how children learn to do or improve their occupations. In response to changes within occupational therapy and challenges in early intervention, this article focuses on development of occupation and proposes a dynamic system perspective. Contemporary research suggests that processes are in place to ensure that children develop as occupational beings. Social participation and caregiving routines guide the child toward becoming occupational by introducing intentional acts and by endowing experiences with meaning. A self-organizing process enables children to integrate their immature capacities and engage in occupations. Simultaneously, caregiving shapes these emerging behaviors, ensuring that performance is culturally compatible. Finally, using self-organization to maintain occupational engagement enables the child to accommodate to maturing abilities and environmental challenges. This reorganized pattern in turn is the basis for developmental changes, new behaviors, and refinement of current abilities. Application of concepts is made to acquisition of skills for eating a meal.
Range of Motion at the Wrist: A Comparison Study of Four Wrist Extension Orthoses and the Free Hand
Authors: Collier Sarah E. , Thomas Julie Jepsen
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. This study compared the total wrist range of motion permitted by four different styles of wrist extension orthoses and the free hand.

METHOD. Using a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design, 40 healthy female volunteers 20 to 39 years of age shot a basketball while free handed and while wearing each of four wrist extension orthoses: AlignRite; Rolyan D-Ring Long; Rolyan D-Ring Short; and a custom-made, thumb hole design orthosis. The motion at the wrist was measured by an electrogoniometer.

RESULTS. No significant differences were found in total wrist motion permitted among the four orthotic conditions. Analyses revealed that the custom-made orthosis allowed significantly less palmar flexion and significantly more dorsiflexion than the three commercially available orthoses. All orthoses significantly restricted wrist movement compared with the free hand.

CONCLUSION. The commercially available wrist extension orthoses offered little difference in the amount of restriction they provided. The custom orthosis restricted movement to a different portion of the available range than did the commercial orthoses. Future research should examine how different strapping techniques on custom-made orthoses affect total range of motion permitted at the wrist. Knowledge of patterns of restriction among various styles of orthoses will help therapists to select the most appropriate orthosis for a client‘s individual needs.
A Synthesis of the Effects of Occupational Therapy for Persons With Stroke, Part II: Remediation of Impairments
Authors: Ma Hui-ing , Trombly Catherine A.
Published: October 2010

This article is the second of a two-part synthesis of research regarding the effects of occupational therapy to improve activity and participation and to reduce impairment for persons with stroke. Part I synthesized research findings for restoration of role participation and activity performance. Part II synthesizes research findings regarding the effects of occupational therapy to remediate psychosocial, cognitive-perceptual, and sensorimotor impairments. Only 29 studies involving 832 participants (mean age = 64.3 years) addressed these goals. No studies directly researched the effects of occupational therapy on depression after stroke. Eight studies addressed cognitive-perceptual abilities. The findings indicated that homemaking tasks resulted in greater improvement of cognitive ability than paper-and-pencil drills and that tasks that forced awareness of neglected space, including movement of the opposite limb into that space, improved unilateral neglect. Fifteen studies examined the effect of occupational therapy on various motor capacities after stroke. Coordinated movement improved under these conditions: (a) following written and illustrated guides for movement exercises, (b) using meaningful goal objects as targets, (c) practicing movements with specific goals, (d) moving both arms simultaneously but independently, and (e) imagining functional use of the affected limb. Research on inhibitory splinting was inconclusive. Based on these few studies and lack of replication, we could make only tentative recommendations for practice. Further definitive research is needed.
Doing-Being-Becoming: Occupational Experiences of Persons With Life-Threatening Illnesses
Authors: Lyons Michael , Orozovic Nicole , Davis Joanne , Newman Julie
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. Life-threatening illness profoundly affects people’s occupational functioning, yet continuing occupational engagement seems vital to their well-being. This qualitative study used a doing-being-becoming framework to explore the place of occupation in human lives threatened by illness.

METHOD. The experiences of 13 male and 10 female day hospice participants were investigated through a combination of focus groups, individual interviews, and participant observation. These data were interpreted by a process of constant comparison, coding, and theme building.

RESULTS. Experiences of doing were evident in accounts of losing and maintaining valued occupations and striving to preserve physical and mental functioning. A sense of being through occupational engagement arose in social relationships and self-exploration that enhanced feelings of self-worth. Occupation promoted the experience of becoming by providing fresh learning opportunities and a sense of contributing to others’ welfare.

CONCLUSION. The data offer new insights into the potential benefits of occupational engagement for persons dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Use of the doing-being-becoming framework enriched analysis of these data, which, in turn, have contributed to the understanding of the framework’s theoretical concepts.
Research Productivity Among Occupational Therapy Faculty Members in the United States
Authors: Paul Stanley , Liu Yuanlong , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the current research performance patterns of occupational therapy faculty, identify factors that influence individual faculty members productivity, and compare current faculty research performance with earlier studies in occupational therapy. Survey questionnaires from 158 faculty members were analyzed. Compared to earlier data, the results showed that today’s occupational therapy faculty members have obtained higher degrees, published more refereed articles, acquired larger external grants, stayed in academia longer, and developed clinical specialty areas. Tenured senior faculty members spent more time on research-related tasks, produced more publications and grants, and perceived institutional factors as more favorable for research than did untenured faculty in lower ranks. The overall enhancement in productivity among occupational therapy faculty members in the 1990s suggests an increase in academic scholarly activities.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Faculty Development Workshops
Authors: Mitcham Maralynne D. , Lancaster Carol J. , Stone Beth M.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, from the participants’ perspective, the effectiveness over time of 10 occupational therapy faculty development workshops conducted between 1994 and 1998.

METHOD. Surveys were mailed to 179 occupational therapy faculty participants to gather demographic data and perceptions of the following aspects of the workshops: benefits over time of the instructional content, changes made in current teaching practices, progress as a faculty member, and future needs for faculty development.

RESULTS. The response rate was 63% (n = 106). The majority (72%) of respondents had less than 5 years of teaching experience. Respondents were women in their early 40s with approximately 12 years of clinical experience and a master’s degree. Respondents perceived the most effective aspect of the faculty development workshops as the opportunity to participate in a face-to-face environment in which they observed the skills of a master teacher demonstrating instructional principles. Further, respondents reported that the greatest changes in their current teaching practices occurred in their ability to design, implement, and evaluate a course of instruction, thus increasing their perceptions of progress as a faculty member.

CONCLUSION. The 10 faculty development workshops conducted between 1994 and 1998 were judged effective by occupational therapy faculty members who perceived that their participation resulted in benefits over time to their current teaching practices.
Outcomes of an Occupational Therapy Program for Mothers of Children With Disabilities: Impact on Satisfaction With Time Use and Occupational Performance
Authors: VanLeit Betsy , Crowe Terry K.
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVE. This experimental research study evaluated the impact of an 8-week psychosocial occupational therapy intervention program for mothers who have children with disabilities.

METHOD. Thirty-eight mothers of children with disabilities were randomly assigned to participate either in the treatment or the control group (19 in each). The occupational therapy intervention was designed to facilitate increased perceptions of satisfaction with time use and occupational performance, thereby positively affecting maternal and family well-being. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was administered to measure self-perceptions of occupational performance and satisfaction over time.

RESULTS. No significant differences were found between the two groups on time use perceptions. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups on the COPM Performance subscale, the treatment group demonstrated significantly greater score increases (p < .05) on the COPM Satisfaction subscale.

CONCLUSION. This preliminary study suggests that attending to the time use and occupational concerns of mothers of children with disabilities can have a positive impact on their satisfaction with occupational performance.
The Importance of Leisure in the Lives of Persons With Congenital Physical Disabilities
Authors: Specht Jacqueline , King Gillian , Brown Elizabeth , Foris Carey
Published: October 2010

Although occupational therapists emphasize a balance among the three occupational areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure in people’s lives, leisure often is focused on less than the other areas in both the research literature and clinical practice. Very little research has been conducted on the benefits of leisure activities in adults with congenital disabilities. The information contained in this article is a secondary analysis of the interview protocols of nine adults (30–50 years of age) with either cerebral palsy or spina bifida. The primary purpose of the interview was to determine protective processes surrounding turning points in the lives of persons with disabilities. This secondary analysis allowed us to determine the benefits and meaning of leisure for this population. Consistent with literature that focused on either persons without disabilities or persons with acquired disabilities, the participants in the present study reported that involvement in leisure activity provides mental and physical health benefits, enjoyment, opportunity to develop a self-concept and increase self-esteem, and opportunities to build and enhance social relationships. All these benefits enable people to find meaning in life through doing, belonging, and understanding self in the context of their worlds.