bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer incidence in French Polynesia 1985–95
Authors: Le Vu Béatrice , de Vathaire Florent , Challeton de Vathaire Cécile , Paofaite John , Roda Laurent , Soubiran Gilles , Lhoumeau François , Laudon François
Published: March 2003

Summary objective  To describe the variations in cancer incidence in the population born in French Polynesia (FP) according to the archipelago of birth and to compare this incidence with that of Hawaiians and Maoris.

methods  Study of data from the Cancer Registry of FP, evacuation files, insurance records, hospital and pathology laboratory files.

results  The overall world standardized cancer incidence in FP during the 1985–95 period in the populations born and living in FP was 246 per 105 person‐years (PY) among women and 244 per 105 PY among men. The overall cancer incidence was similar to that in Hawaiians, but 25% lower than in Maoris. Digestive tract cancer incidence was a third that of these two reference populations, whereas that of pharynx, larynx and thyroid cancers was approximately twice as high. The overall cancer incidence rate increased between the period 1985–89 and the period 1990–95 in women, but was stable in men. Colorectal cancer incidence was highest in inhabitants born on the Windward Islands. Women born on the Austral Islands had a higher thyroid and liver cancer incidence and a lower breast cancer incidence.

conclusions  Further studies are needed to elucidate the variations observed between FP archipelagos, Maoris and Hawaiians.
Micronutrient and iron supplementation and effective antimalarial treatment synergistically improve childhood anaemia
Authors: Ekvall H. , Premji Z. , Björkman A.
Published: March 2003

Summary The control of childhood anaemia in malaria holoendemic areas is a major public health challenge for which an optimal strategy remains to be determined. Malaria prevention may compromise the development of partial immunity. Regular micronutrient supplementation has been suggested as an alternative but its effectiveness remains unsettled. We therefore conducted a randomised placebo‐controlled intervention trial with 207 Tanzanian children aged 5 months to 3 years on the efficacy of supervised supplementation of low‐dose micronutrients including iron (Poly Vi‐Sol with iron) three times per week, with an average attendance of ≥ 90%. The mean haemoglobin (Hb) level increased by 8 g/l more in children on supplement (95% CI 3–12) during the 5‐month study. All age groups benefited from the intervention including severely anaemic subjects. The mean erythrocyte cell volume (MCV) increased but Hb in children ≥ 24 months improved independently of MCV and no relation was found with hookworm infection. The data therefore suggest that micronutrients other than iron also contributed to Hb improvement. In the supplement group of children who had received sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) treatment, the mean Hb level increased synergistically by 22 g/l (95% CI 13–30) compared to 7 g/l (95% CI 3–10) in those without such treatment. Supplementation did not affect malaria incidence. In conclusion, micronutrient supplementation improves childhood anaemia in malaria holoendemic areas and this effect is synergistically enhanced by temporary clearance of parasitaemia.
Process indicators for safe motherhood programmes: their application and implications as derived from hospital data in Nepal
Authors: Pathak Laxmi R. , Kwast Barbara E. , Malla Dibya S. , Pradhan Ajit S. , Rajlawat Radhika , Campbell Bruce B.
Published: March 2003

Summary Measuring maternal mortality ratios is fraught with problems and underestimates. Therefore process indicators have been proposed for monitoring the availability and use of obstetrics services. We report the results of process indicators for measuring the availability, use and quality of obstetric care in five districts in Nepal between 1997 and 1998. The number of comprehensive essential obstetric care (EOC) facilities was adequate for four of the five districts, but none had a minimum acceptable level of basic EOC facilities as set by UNICEF et al. The proportion of expected births in hospital was 21.5% in Rupandehi and < 5% in Baglung, Kailali, Okhaldunga and Surkhet. The minimum acceptable level is 15%. The ‘met need’ for obstetric care which pertains to the proportion of all women with direct obstetric complications that are treated in hospital was 14.9% in Rupandehi and < 5% in the other four districts, against the required minimum of 15%. The caesarean section rate calculated of all expected births in the population varied between 0.2% and 1.4%. The case fatality rate was 4.0% in Rupandehi Zonal Hospital. Analysis of these indicators clearly identified tremendous underuse of maternity services which has stimulated national policy discussions in Nepal with ensuing safe motherhood interventions and monitoring strategies.
Exposure to Schistosoma mansoni infection in a rural area of Brazil. I: Water contact
Authors: Gazzinelli Andrea , Bethony Jeffrey , Fraga L. Alves , LoVerde P. T. , Correa‐Oliveira R. , Kloos Helmut
Published: March 2003

The study of water contact patterns in rural Brazil presents unique challenges due to widely dispersed settlement patterns, the ubiquity of water contact sites, and the privatization of water resources. This study addresses these challenges by comparing the two most widely used methods of assessing water contact behaviour: direct observation and survey. The results of a 7‐day direct observation of water contact were compared with water contact surveys administered 1 week after and then 1 year after the direct observation study. The direct observation study recorded a water contact rate higher than reported by other investigators (3.2 contacts per person per day); however, 75% of these contacts were for females and consisted mainly of domestic activities occurring around the household. A comparison of the frequency of water contact activities between the direct observation and the two surveys revealed several important points. First, no significant differences were found between methods for routine water contact activities (e.g. bathing), indicating that participants were able to accurately self‐report some types of water contact activities. Second, significant differences were found in the recording of water contact activities that took place outside the observation area, indicating that direct observation may under‐report water contact activities in areas where contact sites are dispersed widely. Third, significant differences between the direct observation and the survey method were more common for males than for females, indicating that the combination of widespread water contact sites and gender‐specific division of labour may result in under‐reporting of male contacts by direct observation methods. In short, despite the limitations in the recording of duration and body exposure, the survey method may more accurately record the frequency of water contact activities than direct observation methods in areas of widely dispersed water contact sites. Hence, surveys may be more suitable for the unique challenges of water contact in rural areas of Brazil.
School enrolment in Zanzibar linked to children’s age and helminth infections
Authors: Montresor Antonio , Ramsan Mahdi , Chwaya Hababu M. , Ameir Haji , Foum Ali , Albonico Marco , Gyorkos Theresa W. , Savioli Lorenzo
Published: March 2003

School health programmes have been identified as a cost‐effective strategy to reduce morbidity due to soil‐transmitted helminths in the school‐age population, but the low rate of school enrolment in developing countries is a major factor limiting their success.

OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to identify reasons for non‐enrolment and to evaluate differences in the occurrence of helminth infection between enrolled and non‐enrolled children in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.

METHOD A questionnaire was submitted to 520 households to obtain information about enrolment and other socio‐economic indicators. In addition, one school‐age child was randomly selected in each household and investigated for soil‐transmitted helminth infection.

RESULTS Overall, 71% of school‐age children were enrolled. Enrolment increased with age. Only 41% of children under 9 years of age were enrolled compared to 91% in children older than 12 years. Enrolment is delayed because of an insufficient number of schools. Among non‐enrolled school‐age children, the proportion of heavy intensity infections was twice that of enrolled school‐age children.

CONCLUSIONS Most of the non‐enrolled school‐age children live together with enrolled siblings in the same household, thereby representing an important opportunity for effective outreach activities. The effectiveness of the school‐based helminth control programme in reducing the intensity of infection was confirmed. The significant gains achieved by enrolled school‐age children in this study must be viewed as an attainable goal for the important numbers of non‐enrolled school‐age children in endemic areas. Decision‐makers must ensure that outreach activities are included in helminth control programmes targeted to school‐age children.
Dipstick assay to identify leprosy patients who have an increased risk of relapse
Authors: Bührer‐Sékula S. , Cunha M. G. S. , Foss N. T. , Oskam L. , Faber W. R. , Klatser P. R.
Published: March 2003

Classification of leprosy patients into paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) determines the duration of treatment; misclassification increases the risk of relapse because of insufficient treatment if an MB patient is classified as PB. We explored the possibility of using a simple dipstick assay based on the detection of antibodies to the Mycobacterium leprae‐specific phenolic glycolipid‐I (PGL‐I) as a tool for classification of patients into PB and MB for treatment purposes. The sensitivity of the dipstick test for detection of MB patients was 85.1%, the specificity 77.7%. We found that of the 71 dipstick negative PB patients 25 (35.2%) were clinically cured at the end of treatment, compared with only two (9.5%) of the 21 dipstick positive PB patients. Of 170 patients in the study population, nine (5.3%) relapsed within the 5‐year follow‐up period. Seven were MB patients, all dipstick positive. Two PB patients relapsed, one was dipstick negative and one was dipstick positive. Dipstick positivity is a risk factor for the future development of relapses, especially in those groups of patients who had received a shorter‐than‐usual course of treatment and the dipstick can be used as an additional, simple tool for classification of patients and for identification of those patients who have an increased risk of relapse.
The role of somatostatin in schistosomiasis: a basis for immunomodulation in host–parasite interactions?
Authors: Chatterjee S. , Van Marck E.
Published: March 2003

This review explores the possible modulatory role of the neuropeptide somatostatin in the outcome of Schistosoma‐caused morbidity in man. Somatostatin could play an important role in Schistosoma mansoni–man interactions via its influence on intersystem signalling; therapeutically, via its direct effect on Schistosoma‐caused morbidity (fibrosis, granuloma size, portal hypertension, variceal bleeding); and via immunomodulation of Schistosoma‐induced inflammatory responses in the liver and intestines. In schistosomiasis‐endemic regions two interesting patterns of infection emerge. First, the intensity of infection is higher in children than in adults; secondly, at any given time, only a fraction of Schistosoma‐infected individuals develop Symmer’s pipe‐stem fibrosis. These morbidity patterns cannot be explained on the basis of acquired immunity alone. Somatostatin has an inhibitory effect on hormone, immune and physiological body functions like growth hormone secretion, Interferon (IFN) γ production, collagen I and III formation and hepatic stellate cell activation. Levels of somatostatin secreted endogenously by man upon the onset of Schistosoma infection may be one factor regulating the activity of the above, and thereby fibrosis in the host. The neuropeptide hormone somatostatin may determine pre‐disposition to Schistosoma‐caused morbidity.
Epidemiology and clinical manifestations of Leishmania donovani infection in two villages in an endemic area in eastern Sudan
Authors: Khalil E. A. G. , Zijlstra E. E. , Kager P. A. , El Hassan A. M.
Published: March 2003

We conducted a longitudinal study in an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in eastern Sudan to compare the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Leishmania donovani infection in two populations differing in ethnic background and duration of residence in the area. The study took place in two villages from April 1994 to April 1996. In Um‐Salala village, which is inhabited by members of the Masaleet tribe, half of the villagers had previous exposure to cutaneous leishmaniasis (Leishmaria major) before moving there. The population of the second village, Mushrau Koka, belong to the Hausa tribe and most were born there. The incidence of VL was 20.4/1000 person‐years in 1994/1995 and increased sharply to 38.3/1000 person‐years in 1995/1996 in Um‐Salala. A rise in the incidence of VL was also observed in Mushrau Koka but with a lower incidence, 3.3/1000 person‐years to 4.6/1000 person‐years. The incidence rate of confirmed VL reflects only a limited part of the total infection rate which includes various forms of subclinical infection. The ratio of clinical to subclinical infection in Um‐Salala was 1.2 : 1 in 1994/1995 compared with 2.6 : 1 in 1995/1996. This ratio was 1 : 11 in 1994/1995 and 1 : 2.5 in 1995/1996 in Mushrau Koka. In both villages the mean age of subclinical cases was higher, but in Mushrau Koka the mean age of subclinical cases also was higher than that of subclinical cases in Um‐Salala. The leishmanin skin test (LST) was positive in 56% of individuals in Um‐Salala and in 33% in Mushrau Koka. VL only occurred in leishmanin‐negative individuals. Post kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) followed in 58% of confirmed VL patients in Um‐Salala; the low incidence of VL for Mushrau Koka did not permit to estimate a PKDL rate. The clinical manifestations resulting from exposure to L. donovani range from subclinical infection to VL and PKDL. No firm conclusion as to the difference in incidence of VL between the two villages could be reached but differences in exposure to VL and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as well as other factors such as ethnic background and differences in nutritional status may play a role.
Does radical cure of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum place adults in endemic areas at increased risk of recurrent symptomatic malaria?
Authors: Owusu‐Agyei Seth , Binka Fred , Koram Kwadwo , Anto Francis , Adjuik Martin , Nkrumah Francis , Smith Tom
Published: March 2003

A cohort of 197 adults in Kassena‐Nankana District (northern Ghana) was radically cured of malaria parasites to study subsequent incidence of malaria infection. During the following 20 weeks of the malaria transmission season, 49% experienced clinical attacks associated with Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia. In a group of 202 adults identically followed‐up 1 year later without being treated, only 38% experienced such episodes (log‐rank test for equality of survivor functions, P=0.035). Clinical attacks in radically cured individuals presented with lower parasite densities but more symptoms. Randomized studies are needed to test the hypothesis that radical cure of P. falciparum enhances the risk and severity of subsequent clinical malaria attacks.
Clinical predictors of bacterial meningitis in infants and young children in The Gambia
Authors: Weber Martin W. , Herman Joanna , Jaffar Shabbar , Usen Stanley , Oparaugo Anslem , Omosigho Charles , Adegbola Richard A. , Greenwood Brian M. , Mulholland E. Kim
Published: March 2003

Background  Bacterial meningitis is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality world‐wide. In the developing world, where the burden of acute meningitis and its long‐term sequelae are especially high, staff with limited training at primary health care facilities must be able to recognize the symptoms and signs of meningitis, so that suspected cases can be referred urgently to hospitals.

Methods  Children who presented with possible invasive bacterial infection to health facilities in The Gambia, West Africa, between 1993 and 1995 were investigated in a standardized manner and clinical findings were documented. Bacterial meningitis was defined as the growth of bacteria from the cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical findings were compared between cases of meningitis and other children.

Results  Of 2097 children between 2 months and 3 years of age investigated, 51 had a confirmed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In multivariate analysis using a model adjusting for age but not including respiratory signs, the variables associated independently with meningitis were appearance of being very sick (odds ratio for meningitis vs. no meningitis or no lumbar puncture performed (OR) 4.1, 95% CI 1.5–11.1), being lethargic or unconscious (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.1–13), a stiff neck (OR 29.3, 95% CI 12.2–70.3), a bulging fontanel (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2–8.5) and reduced feeding as a prompted complaint (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.7). A combination model of a history of convulsions, or being lethargic or unconscious, or having a stiff neck, as used in the WHO–Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 72% to predict meningitis.

Conclusions  A combination of a limited number of signs is sufficient to predict meningitis with high sensitivity, without a large number of children who do not have meningitis being unnecessarily referred.
Prevalence of diurnally subperiodic bancroftian filariasis among the Nicobarese in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: effect of age and gender
Authors: Shriram A. N. , Murhekar M. V. , Ramaiah K. D. , Sehgal S. C.
Published: March 2003

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey to assess the prevalence of disease and microfilaraemia caused by diurnally subperiodic strain of Wuchereria bancrofti transmitted by day biting Aedes niveus in Teressa Island, remotely located in the Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Lymphatic filariasis is a considerable public health problem on this island with an overall endemicity rate of 16.2%. There was a gradual increase in microfilaraemia prevalence with age, reaching a plateau above 30 years. Both the microfilaraemia and disease rates were significantly higher in males (14.7% and 5.2%) than females (8.6% and 1.5%, P < 0.001). The age and gender specific distribution of chronic manifestations show a gradual increase with age, whereas acute disease started to occur from age 40 in males. Hydrocele (84.6%) was the commonest disease manifestation among males, whereas lymphoedema was the only manifestation encountered among females. As vector control measures are not practicable in this setting, chemotherapy using diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the only potential option to control this disease.
Chloroquine and sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine efficacy for uncomplicated malaria treatment and haematological recovery in children in Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso during a 3‐year period 1998–2000
Authors: Tinto H. , Zoungrana E. B. , Coulibaly S. O. , Ouedraogo J. B. , Traoré M. , Guiguemde T. R. , Van Marck E. , D'Alessandro U.
Published: March 2003

We determined the parasitological resistance and the clinical failure to chloroquine (CQ) and sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) by the WHO 14‐day in vivo test over three consecutive years in 948 children aged 6–59 months with uncomplicated malaria attending four health centres in the province of Houet, Burkina Faso. Children were alternatively allocated to either CQ or SP. Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured at days 0 and 14. Parasitological resistance (RI, RII and RIII) to CQ was 18% (83 of 455) and to SP <1% (two of 308). Clinical failure with CQ was 12% (53 of 455) with no evidence of increase over time. Only one case of clinical failure was detected among the children treated with SP. The prevalence of anaemia (PCV <25%) was about 40% at day 0 and had decreased substantially by day 14 in both groups. However, in children treated with SP the prevalence of anaemia at day 14 was significantly lower than in those treated with CQ:RR = 3.15 (95% CI: 1.33–7.42, P = 0.008). CQ and SP are still efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children, at least in this area of Burkina Faso. However, the prevalences of CQ resistance reported from other areas of the country are worrying because of its potential spread. Regular surveillance of resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs should continue.
Aspects of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials used in veterinary dermatological practice
Authors: Schwarz S. , Noble W.C.
Published: March 2003

Aspects of bacterial resistance to the major classes of antimicrobials used in veterinary dermatology are presented in this review. Resistance of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria to tetracyclines, macrolide‐lincosamide‐streptogramin antibiotics, chloramphenicol, mupirocin, sulphonamides, trimethoprim, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and β‐lactam antibiotics are depicted with respect to the different mechanisms of acquired and intrinsic resistance. Examples are given for the three major resistance mechanisms, enzymatic inactivation, decreased intracellular drug accumulation and target modification. In addition, basic information about mobile genetic elements which carry resistance genes, such as plasmids, transposons and gene cassettes, and their modes of spreading via transduction, conjugation, mobilization and transformation is provided.
Fluoroquinolone resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius
Authors: Lloyd D.H. , Lamport A.I. , Noble W.C. , Howell S.A.
Published: March 2003

Four canine isolates of S. intermedius resistant to enrofloxacin were isolated amongst a total of 429 screened. Two of these were shown to exhibit resistance also to marbofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Whilst molecular studies have shown the mechanism of resistance to these quinolone antibiotics to be similar in a number of staphylococcal species, it was not possible to confirm this mechanism in Staphylococcus intermedius.
Changes in IgE antibodies to soy in sensitized and control dogs after challenge using three diets in a crossover design
Authors: Kennis R. A. , Tizard I. , Hannah S. , Ermel R. , Dziezyc J. , Bauer J. E.
Published: March 2003

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that food‐allergen‐sensitized dogs would produce higher levels of IgE antibodies to soy after challenge with an intact soy diet, compared with egg‐based (elimination diet), hydrolyzed soy‐ and corn‐based diets. Eight dogs were sensitized with six food allergens by subcutaneous injections. Seven dogs were used as nonsensitized controls. All dogs were fed an elimination diet containing egg and Brewer’s rice (to neither of which any dog had been sensitized) for six weeks. Serum samples were collected, frozen (−20°C), and submitted to Greer Laboratories® for ELISA analysis. The 15 dogs were randomly assigned into three groups and fed a pelleted diet consisting of hydrolyzed soy/corn starch, intact soy/corn starch or intact corn diet using a crossover design. After a three‐week challenge, serum samples were collected. All dogs were placed on the elimination diet during the 6‐week washout periods. ELISA results were expressed as relative values (%R) compared with pooled canine sera. There was a statistically significant difference between sensitized and control dogs for all diets including the elimination diet (SASS®). While there was a modest %R increase when intact soy was fed, no statistically significant differences in serum IgE to soy were found for any of the diets. We were unable to reject the null hypothesis (P < 0.05).

 Sponsored by a research grant through Nestle Purina Pet Care Company.
Easy way to differentiate short‐tailed demodectic mite from Demodex canis
Authors: Chen C. , Hou C. C. , Bourdeau P. J.
Published: March 2003

Mixed infestations of Demodex canis and a short‐tailed demodectic mite were reported from several countries since late the 1980s. Differentiations based on measurement of the length of this short demodectic mite have been inconclusive until now. Over 500 adult demodectic mites were collected by tape strip and skin scrapings from a 4‐year‐old intact male Shih Tzu dog with severe juvenile‐onset generalized demodicosis. The dog had a mixed infestation of D. canis and the short‐tailed demodectic mite. Two studies were performed on the mites. In the first study, 200 mites were divided into two groups based on different morphology. Group 1: mites short body, rounded end of abdomen, one to three fold lines bilaterally on the abdomen. These criteria were used by the investigators to define the ‘short‐tailed’ demodectic mite. Group 2: mites with a slender and tapering free body end and no bilateral abdominal fold lines. One hundred mites were counted in each group. In the second study, 298 mites’ measurements were made independent of body shape. Total body length, width and body ratio of gnathosoma plus podosoma (= prosoma) to opisthosoma were measured. The total body length and width did not easily differentiate the two mites. The body ratio plus morphological characteristics of the rounded end of the abdomen appear to be the easiest method to identify the short‐tailed demodectic mite in the clinic.

 This study was supported by the Association of Veterinary Dermatology, Taipei.
Selection for resistance to the herbicide imazethapyr in somaclones of soyabean
Authors: Taregyan M R , Mortimer A M , Putwain P D , Collin H A
Published: March 2003

Cultivars of soyabean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] resistant to the herbicide imazethapyr were identified by suspending the roots of 5‐day‐old seedlings in nutrient culture containing 2.5 mg a.i. L–1 imazethapyr and then comparing the inhibitory effect on root length and shoot dry weight. The four most resistant cultivars were subsequently screened as regenerating tissue cultures in a medium containing 2.0 mg a.i. L–l imazethapyr to select somaclonal cells with increased resistance. Surviving portions of cultures were regenerated to give shoots, the plants isolated, allowed to flower and seed. These progeny were then used for further seed multiplication and seedlings from this latter generation were exposed to imazethapyr in vivo and callus and cell suspension cultures derived from these seedlings were exposed to imazethapyr in vitro. A reduction in the inhibitory effect of the imazethapyr was noted in the somaclone seedlings and tissue cultures. However, measurement of acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity showed no differences among the parent cultivars and in the selected somaclones in this trait.
Effect of initial herbicide treatment and planting material on woody weed development and the growth of Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus regnans
Authors: Neilsen W A , Ringrose C
Published: March 2003

A research study of establishment techniques in plantations of Eucalyptus nitens (Deane et Maiden) Maiden and Eucalyptus regnans F Mueller was assessed for growth at age 12 years. Biomass of trees and woody weeds was determined in the 13th year to evaluate the long‐term effect of herbicide treatment on plots established with optimum seedling tree and site preparation. Eucalyptus regnans produced only 60% of the biomass of E. nitens. Under‐storey woody weed biomass under E. regnans comprised 18–30% of the total biomass compared with 6% for E. nitens plots. There was less total under‐storey weed biomass under the herbicide‐treated plots, but a similar weed leaf biomass. Under‐storey weed leaf biomass contributed 14–40% of the total leaf biomass on the plots. Despite under‐storey weed biomass being substantially greater on the no‐herbicide plots sampled, this competition had not generally reduced growth of the trees compared with the herbicide‐treated plots. Suitable site preparation, providing weed‐free conditions at the time of planting, resulted in woody weed control adequate to establish seedlings and allow full growth without the use of herbicides, given suitable seedling material. Although pre‐planting herbicide treatment was not necessary for optimum growth of E. nitens grown from bare‐root transplants, it did improve growth of slower‐growing planting stock.
Biological evidence for a 1:1 Ca2+:glyphosate association in deposit residuals on the leaf surface of barley
Authors: Gauvrit C , Gaudry J‐C , Lucotte T , Cabanne F
Published: March 2003

It has long been known that calcium ion antagonizes glyphosate, but it was not clear whether the stoichiometry of their interaction is 1:1 or 1:2. Two independent methods were used to determine which stoichiometry was the most probable. First, dose–response curves of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants treated with glyphosate were determined in the presence of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mM CaCl2. The doses of ‘free’ glyphosate (=not inactivated by calcium ion) were computed using the assumptions of 1:1 and 1:2 stoechiometries. The response curves were redrawn as a function of ‘free’ glyphosate. Analysis showed that the 1:2 hypothesis could be rejected, whereas the 1:1 hypothesis was highly probable. Second, kinetics of glyphosate penetration into barley leaves were determined in the presence of 0, 2.5 and 10 mM CaCl2. The concentrations of ‘free’ glyphosate were computed as above. The kinetics of glyphosate penetration at these concentrations were established and were compared to the kinetics of glyphosate penetration in the presence of CaCl2. Again, the 1:2 hypothesis was rejected, whereas the 1:1 hypothesis was more probable. These results strongly suggest that the stoichiometry of the Ca2+:glyphosate association is 1:1 in deposit residuals on the leaf surface.
Resistance to diclofop‐methyl in two Lolium spp. populations from Italy: studies on the mechanism of resistance
Authors: Bravin F , Zanin G , Preston C
Published: March 2003

The mechanisms of herbicide resistance were investigated in two diclofop‐methyl‐resistant Lolium spp. populations from central Italy, Roma ’94 and Tuscania ’97. These two populations were compared with two susceptible Italian populations (Vetralla ’94, Tarquinia ’97) and a resistant and a susceptible population from Australia, SLR31 and VLR1. The activity of acetyl Co‐A carboxylase (ACCase) extracted from susceptible (S) or resistant (R) individuals from the Italian populations was inhibited by both aryloxyphenoxypropanoate (diclofop acid and fluazifop acid) and cyclohexanedione (sethoxydim) herbicides. Diclofop‐methyl was rapidly de‐esterified to diclofop acid at a similar rate in both R and S populations. In all populations, diclofop acid was subsequently degraded to other metabolites. The rate of degradation of diclofop acid was not significantly faster in R than in S populations; however, diclofop acid was degraded more completely in Roma ’94 and Tuscania ’97 compared with the S populations. Application of the mixed‐function oxidase inhibitor 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT) significantly enhanced diclofop‐methyl toxicity towards both R populations, but not in S populations. However, enhanced herbicide metabolism does not completely account for the measured resistance level. A mechanism other than an altered ACCase and enhanced herbicide metabolism appears to be responsible for resistance to diclofop‐methyl in Roma ’94 and Tuscania ’97.
Stripped skin model to predict irritation potential of topical agents in vivo in humans
Authors: Zhai MD Hongbo , Poblete BS Nicholas , Maibach MD Howard I.
Published: March 2003

Background and objective The prediction of the irritation effects of products of low irritation potential remains problematic. An in vivo human model was utilized to define the irritation potential of a topical agent after partial removal of the stratum corneum by cellophane tape stripping.

Methods The tape was applied to and removed approximately 50 times (mean, 50.0 ± 16.7) from each test site on the volar aspect of the forearm. One site served as the stripping control, receiving tape stripping only. The other test sites received the topical agent and placebo control. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured before and daily for 5 days. The TEWL values at baseline after stripping represented the point of maximal stripping barrier disruption. The barrier disruption and irritation potential were assessed with TEWL measurements.

Results The results showed that the model topical agent had no adverse effect on barrier repair, i.e. did not interfere with TEWL normalization.

Conclusions This model provides a method for the prediction, with exaggerated sensitivity, of chemical irritation and proclivity to enhance or retard water barrier repair. We believe that the model may predict the response of low irritation materials and may be more sensitive than patch testing on normal skin, particularly for products to be used on certain areas, e.g. the face, anus, etc., or even mucous membranes. The model must receive extensive use with chemicals of varying properties in order to define its chemical relevance.
Pemphigus vulgaris: benefits of tetracycline as adjuvant therapy in a series of thirteen patients
Authors: Calebotta Adriana , Sáenz Ana María , González Francisco , Carvalho Marisol , Castillo Ricardo
Published: March 2003

Background Tetracycline is an antibiotic which has been proven beneficial as an immunomodulating drug in the treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases.

Methods Thirteen hospitalized patients with pempigus vulgaris received tetracycline

2 g/day for 1 month, then 1 g/day for the following 4 weeks. Prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day was then gradually reduced. The control group consisted of seven patients with pemphigus who had received prednisone and azathioprine.

Results A total of 13 patients in the study group achieved cessation of new blister formation within 5.4 days, compared to 23.71 days (p < 0.0001). The average initial dose of prednisone was 76.53 mg/day for the study group and 118.57 mg/day in the control group (p < 0.014). The average number of days before reduction of the prednisone dosage could begin was 16.53 days for the study group compared to 31.28 days in the control (p < 0.049). Total hospitalization time was also significantly lower: 34.07 days

(p < 0.001). The clinical response was not linked to the location of lesions nor to severity of disease.

Conclusions Tetracycline was shown to be effective as an adjuvant therapy for pemphigus with low toxicity and safety.
Computerized system to enhance the clinical diagnosis of pigmented cutaneous malignancies
Authors: Landau Marina , Matz Hagit , Tur Ethel , And Menachem Dvir , Brenner Sarah
Published: March 2003

Background  An increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in recent years has not been accompanied by satisfactory progress in diagnostic methods. This study was carried out to evaluate a specially designed computerized image analysis system, called Derma Vision, to aid in the differentiation between malignant and benign cutaneous pigmented lesions.

Methods  Seventy‐one lesions were photographed with a digital camera and the data were analyzed by the Derma Vision system. The system assessed the variation of hues in each image, calculated the mean standard deviation of the hues, and produced a value that expressed the range of hues in the lesion. The lesions were then excised and examined histologically. The computer‐assisted clinical diagnosis was correlated with the histologic diagnosis to determine the accuracy of the former.

Results  Derma Vision predicted the malignant character of a lesion with 92% precision, compared with 87% accuracy based only on the clinical features.

Conclusions  This simple, inexpensive device can boost the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and provide a useful tool to the physician faced increasingly with having to determine whether pigmented lesions are malignant or benign.
Rosacea induced by beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray
Authors: Egan Conleth A.. , Mb . , Mrcpi . , Rallis Tena M.. , Meadows Kappa P.. , Krueger Gerald G..
Published: March 2003

Case 1 A 46‐year‐old white woman presented with a new‐onset facial eruption that had developed soon after she had started to use a beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The patient did not complain of a history of facial flushing. On examination, she had inflammatory papules and pustules on a background of erythema localized around the mouth and paranasal area, extending onto both cheeks with sparing of the vermilion of the lips (
Fig. 1). The patient had no clinical evidence of conjunctivitis. She stopped the steroid spray and started to use desonide cream topically twice daily and minocycline 100 mg a day. After 8 weeks of therapy and stopping the steroid spray, the patient’s eruption had resolved completely without recurrence.

Patient 1 with inflammatory papules and pustules localized around the nose and mouth

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Case 2 A 42‐year‐old white woman presented with a history of flushing, facial erythema, and perinasal inflammatory papules. These symptoms had worsened after she had started to use a beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. On examination, she had facial erythema and telangiectasia with inflammatory papules on her nose. The patient stopped using the steroid spray and began applying metronidazole 0.75% cream twice a day with resolution of the inflammatory lesions and diminution of facial flushing.
The frequency of common nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia
Authors: Plunkett Anne , Merlin Kate , Gill David , Zuo Yeqin , Jolley Damien , Marks Robin
Published: March 2003

Background Nonmalignant skin conditions are believed to be common in adults, although there are very few community‐based studies to determine their exact frequency.

Objective To record the prevalence of common, nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia.

Methods A total of 1457 respondents from a random selection of adults aged 20 years and over from Maryborough, central Victoria, were given a total body examination by a dermatologist or dermatology trainee. People with any nail or skin signs suggestive of tinea had scrapings taken for fungal culture.

Results The age‐ and sex‐adjusted prevalence of warts was 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.8–8.4%), acne 12.8% (95% CI, 11.0–14.5%), atopic dermatitis 6.9% (95% CI, 5.6–8.3%), seborrheic dermatitis 9.7% (95% CI, 8.2–11.2%), asteatotic dermatitis 8.6% (95% CI, 7.1–10.0%), psoriasis 6.6% (95% CI, 5.7–7.9%), culture‐positive tinea 12% (95% CI, 10.3–13.6%), seborrheic keratoses 58.2% (95% CI, 55.6–60.7%), and Campbell de Morgan spots (cherry angiomas) 54.4% (95% CI, 51.9–57.0%). There was variation in the prevalence of many of these conditions with age.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that nonmalignant skin conditions are common in adults in Australia. Their diagnosis and management represent a considerable burden not only to those suffering from the conditions, but also to the health system which provides for their care.
Meteorological parameters and the pattern of dermatology clinic attendance through a calendar year: a Sri Lankan experience
Authors: Kumarasinghe Sujith P. W.
Published: March 2003

Background Dermatology clinic attendance at a major hospital depends on many factors. We planned to determine the monthly variations of skin disease presentation and whether there was a correlation between the clinic attendance pattern of skin diseases and meteorological parameters.

Methods The dermatology clinic attendance pattern was studied prospectively throughout a calendar year on a monthly basis at the dermatology clinic of the General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka. One thousand and twenty‐three consecutive dermatology consultations in the private sector were also analyzed for comparison. Meteorological data were obtained from the Government Department of Meteorology.

Results A total of 7419 first visit patients were seen at the general hospital. July and September recorded the highest number (718 each) and April recorded the lowest (426). The lowest relative humidity was in March (75%) and the highest in October (87%). The average maximum temperature ranged from 31.2 °C (April) to 29.1 °C (August, September). Average rainfall was between 622 mm (October) and 59 mm (June). Of the diseases considered to have a relationship to meteorological parameters, miliaria showed the biggest fluctuation (27 in May to zero in August). Photodermatitis was highest in August. The variation in asteatotic dermatitis patients was minimal. Dermatitis and fungal diseases comprised over 50% of clinic attendance throughout the year in both the state and private sectors.

Conclusions Although there were significant fluctuations in several disease categories in different months, a clear linear correlation between meteorological parameters and the disease presentation pattern could not be established. This could be due to the narrow range of variation in the meteorological parameters in the geographic area and the multiple variables involved in persons presenting to the dermatology clinic.
Pediculosis capitis in northern Jordan
Authors: Amr Zuhair S. , Nusier Mohamad K.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background  Little is known about the prevalence of pediculosis among school students in northern Jordan.

Objective  To study the incidence of pediculosis among school students of different socio‐economic levels in northern Jordan.

Method  A total of 2519 school students of both sexes enrolled in eight elementary governmental schools were examined for the presence of Pediculus capitis. Schools were grouped into four socio‐economic classes: very low (VL), low (L), medium (M), and high (H). The chi‐squared test was performed to analyze the results.

Results  Overall, 338 students (13.4%) were infested with nits, immature or adult P. capitis. Girls showed a higher prevalence (14.5%) than boys (11.1%).

Statistical analysis  for socio‐economic classes and infestation rates yielded a significant effect of the four classes on infestation. This conclusion was evident among schoolgirls, where infestation rates were 28.8%, 18.9%, 6.1%, and 0.2% in VL, L, M, and H socio‐economic classes, respectively. Schoolchildren in the age group 8–9 years exhibited higher prevalence rates (16% in boys and 22.1% in girls), while prevalences declined to 10.2% and 6.6% among boys and girls aged 10–12 years, respectively.

Conclusions  This study reveals that socio‐economic status is a major factor influencing the occurrence of pediculosis among school students of both sexes in Jordan. A national campaign should be implemented to enhance public awareness.
Climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis at the Dead Sea: demographic evaluation and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Harari Marco , Shani Jashovam , Seidl Vladimir , Hristakieva Eugenia
Published: March 2003

Background About 21% of the patients coming yearly to the DMZ Clinic at the Dead Sea for climatotherapy suffer from atopic dermatitis. This is a common, chronic, and relapsing disease which necessitates drug treatment (topical corticosteroids, antimicrobials, antihistamines, or immunomodulators), phototherapy, or climatotherapy.

Objective and methods As the improvement in the condition of patients after 4 weeks of climatotherapy at the Dead Sea is remarkable, we undertook to evaluate the demographic factors that have the strongest impact on this beneficial effect, in adults and children. The major factors studied were: gender, previous medical history, previous stays at the Dead Sea, skin type, skin involvement, age, and duration of treatment.

Results A retrospective study of 1718 patients revealed that previous treatments at the Dead Sea and stays longer than 4 weeks caused a clearance greater than 95%, the length of sun exposure was no longer than 5 h daily, and there was no impact of the percentage of skin involvement on the clearance of patients staying more than 4 weeks.

Conclusions Climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis at the Dead Sea is a highly effective modality for treating this disease. It is also a highly cost‐effective method, as the patients take no medications and experience no side‐effects. Successful climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis requires strict medical supervision throughout the whole length of the patient’s stay on shore.

Introduction
Late‐onset neurofibromatosis in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: Miller Martin B. ,   md, Tonsgard James H. ,   md, Soltani Keyoumars ,   md
Published: March 2003

A 44‐year‐old Caucasian man was admitted in December 1995 for the treatment of generalized skin pruritus. The patient had a history of cirrhosis felt to be caused by chronic ethanol abuse and renal insufficiency. He had undergone orthotopic liver transplantation in January 1991. Physical examination revealed numerous, fleshy, nontender nodules protruding from the face ( Fig. 1), trunk, and extremities, as well as axillary freckling. The patient was certain that the lesions had appeared 2–‐3 months after his liver transplant. Wood's lamp examination revealed several café‐au‐lait macules. Ophthalmic examination was remarkable for Lisch nodules (
Fig. 2).

A representative clinical lesion as a fleshy, non‐tender nodule on the neck. Also a few very small lesions are barely visible on the mandible line

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Iris hamartomas (Lisch nodules) in our patient

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Two skin nodules on contralateral sides of the body were biopsied. Histologic examination of the nodules revealed a normal epidermis and a nonencapsulated dermal mass composed of thin, wavy eosinophilic fibers lying in loosely textured strands. Interdispersed among these strands were cells with spindle‐shaped or oval nuclei and an increased number of mast cells. The histology was typical of a neurofibroma ( Fig. 3).

Histopathologic features of a cutaneous nodule demonstrating normal epidermis overlying a non‐encapsulated dermal mass (left panel), with loosely‐textured thin wavy eosinophilic fibers and strands, containing cells with spindle‐shaped or oval nuclei (right panel)

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Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis taken before and after the transplant surgery did not reveal any internal plexiform neurofibromas.

A thorough review of the patient's medical record dating to shortly after birth made no mention of any skin nodules or hyperpigmentation prior to the transplant. There was no family history of neurofibromatosis.

The patient's pruritus resolved with UVB light therapy and hemodialysis. Currently, the patient is on hemodialysis with no clinical progression of his neurofibromatosis.
Tinea capitis in Benghazi, Libya
Authors: Gargoom Ali Mohamed , Elyazachi Moayed B. , Al‐Ani Sabah Maki , Duweb Gamal Ahmed
Published: March 2003

Background Tinea capitis is a worldwide problem. It affects mainly school age children. Late detection and improper treatment of the inflammatory type of this disease may result in disfigurement and permanent alopecia. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, clinical types, and causative species of tinea capitis in Benghazi, Libya.

Methods One hundred and ninety six patients with tinea capitis were enrolled in this study. Hair stumps and scales were collected from every case and exposed to direct microscopic examination using 10% potassium hydroxide solution, and cultivation on modified Sabouraud's dextrose agar with cyclohexamide and chloramphenicol.

Results Tinea capitis accounts for 45% of all superficial fungal infection and 92% occurred in children below the age of 10 years. The gray patch type was the most common clinical variety (53.6%), followed by black dots, seborrhoid type, and kerion (25.5%, 10.2%, and 8.2%), respectively. Four patients with a clinical picture of alopecia areata‐like lesion and one patient with a favus‐type lesion were seen. Species identification revealed that Trichophyton violaceum was the most common causative agent, responsible for 49.4% of infection, followed by Microsporum canis (38.6%) and T. verrucosum (7.8%). From seven patients the isolate was a mixture of both T. violaceum and M. canis.

Conclusions There has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of favus with complete disappearance of T. schoenleinii. T. verrucosum as a causative agent of tinea capitis in this area has been reported for the first time in this study.