bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of insecticide‐treated bednets on malaria and anaemia in pregnancy in Kassena‐Nankana district, Ghana: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Browne E. N. L. , Maude G. H. , Binka F. N.
Published: March 2003

The impact of insecticide‐treated bednet use on malaria and anaemia in pregnancy was assessed, as a supplementary study, in a major WHO/TDR‐supported bednet trial in northern Ghana between July 1994 and April 1995. The study area was divided into 96 clusters of compounds, with 48 clusters being randomly allocated to intervention. All pregnant women were included in the study but the focus was on primigravidae and secundigravidae. 1961 pregnant women were recruited into the study – 1033 (52.7%) in the treated bednet group and 928 (47.3%) in the no net group. 1806 (92.1%) had blood taken for malaria microscopy and haemoglobin determination in the third trimester. Pregnancy outcomes were reported for 847 women. The characteristics of women in intervention and control groups were comparable. The odds ratios, with 95% confidence interval (CI), for different study endpoints were, for Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia – 0.89 (0.73, 1.08), for anaemia – 0.88 (0.70, 1.09), for low birthweight (LBW) – 0.87 (0.63, 1.19), indicating no benefit for treated bednet use. Effective net use by parity varied from 42% in primigravidae to 63% in multigravidae, in spite of free nets and insecticide impregnation. The main reasons for not using a net were warm weather and perceived absence of mosquito biting. Chloroquine use in pregnancy was low and comparable in both groups. Implications of findings for malaria control in pregnancy and further research are discussed.
Community perception of school‐based delivery of anthelmintics in Ghana and Tanzania The Partnership for Child Development
Authors: Brooker S. , Marriot H. , Hall A. , Adjei S. , Allan E. , Maier C. , Bundy D. A. P. , Drake L. J. , Coombes M. D. , Azene G. , Lansdown R. G. , Wen S.‐T. , Dzodozmenyo M. , Cobbinah J. , Obro N. , Kihamia C. M. , Issae W. , Mwanri L. , Mweta M. R. , Mwaikemwa A. , Salimu M. , Ntimbwa P. , Kiwelu V. M. , Turuka A. , Nkungu D. R. , Magingo J.
Published: March 2003

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of community perception of two large‐scale, government‐run, school‐based health programmes delivering anthelmintic drugs to primary school children, in Ghana (80 442 children in 577 schools) and Tanzania (110 000 children in 352 schools). Most teachers (96% in Ghana and 98% in Tanzania) were positive about their role in the programme, including administration of anthelmintic drugs, and parents and children fully accepted their taking on this role. The benefits of the programme were apparent to teachers, parents and children in terms of improved health and well‐being of the children. Over 90% of parents in both Ghana and Tanzania indicated a willingness to pay for the continuation of drug treatment. The evaluation also highlighted areas that are critical to programme effectiveness, such as communication between schools and parents, the issue of collaboration between the health and education sectors, parents’ perception of the importance of helminth infection as a serious and chronic health problem (compared with more acute and life threatening illnesses such as malaria), and who should pay for treatment of side‐effects.
Evaluation of the World Health Organization standard tourniquet test and a modified tourniquet test in the diagnosis of dengue infection in Viet Nam
Authors: Phuong Cao Xuan Thanh , Nhan Ngo Thi , Wills Bridget , Kneen Rachel , Ha Nguyen Thi Thanh , Mai Ta Thi Tuyet , Huynh Tran Thi Thanh , Lien Doan Thi Kim , Solomon Tom , Simpson Julie A. , White Nicholas J. , Farrar Jeremy J. ,   the Dong Nai Paediatric Hospital Study Group
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES A positive tourniquet test is one of several clinical parameters considered by the World Health Organization to be important in the diagnosis of dengue haemorrhagic fever, but no formal evaluation of the test has been undertaken. As many doctors remain unconvinced of its usefulness, this study was designed to assess the diagnostic utility of both the standard test and a commonly employed modified test.

METHODS A prospective evaluation of the standard sphygmomanometer cuff tourniquet test, compared with a simple elastic cuff tourniquet test, was carried out in 1136 children with suspected dengue infection admitted to a provincial paediatric hospital in southern Viet Nam.

RESULTS There was good agreement between independent observers for both techniques, but the sphygmomanometer method resulted in consistently greater numbers of petechiae. This standard method had a sensitivity of 41.6% for dengue infection, with a specificity of 94.4%, positive predictive value of 98.3% and negative predictive value of 17.3%. The test differentiated poorly between dengue haemorrhagic fever (45% positive) and dengue fever (38% positive). The simple elastic tourniquet was less sensitive than the sphygmomanometer cuff, but at a threshold of 10 petechiae (compared with the WHO recommendation of 20) per 2.5 cm2 the sensitivity for the elastic tourniquet rose to 45% (specificity 85%). Other evidence of bleeding was frequently present and the tourniquet test provided additional information to aid diagnosis in only 5% of cases.

CONCLUSION The conventional tourniquet test adds little to the diagnosis of dengue in hospitalized children. The simple, cheap elastic tourniquet may be useful in diagnosing dengue infection in busy rural health stations in dengue endemic areas of the tropics. A positive test should prompt close observation or early hospital referral, but a negative test does not exclude dengue infection.
Molecular analysis of Cryptosporidium species isolated from HIV‐infected patients in Thailand
Authors: Tiangtip R. , Jongwutiwes S.
Published: March 2003

Cryptosporidium isolates from diarrhoeal stools of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients in Thailand were genetically analysed by sequencing the variable region in the 18S rRNA gene. Twenty‐nine isolates from four children and 25 adults attending King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok during 1996 and 2000 were analysed. All patients suffered from chronic watery diarrhoea and had low CD4+ lymphocytes (mean ± SD=105.5 ± 133.2 cells/μl). Four Cryptosporidium species were identified, i.e. C. parvum (genotype 1), C. meleagridis, C. muris and C. felis occurring in 24, 3, 1 and 1 isolates, respectively. Oocysts of C. muris were significantly larger than oocysts of other species; C. felis was the smallest in these populations (P < 0.01). Sequences of the ITS1, 5.8S rRNA and ITS2 regions of C. muris and C. meleagridis identified in this study displayed unique sequences from those of other known species. Based on a limited number of isolates analysed, only C. meleagridis and C. muris were found in HIV‐infected children, whereas the genotype 1 of C. parvum predominated in HIV‐infected adults.
Humoral and cellular immune responses to glucose regulated protein 78 – a novel Leishmania donovani antigen
Authors: Jensen Anja T. R. , Ismail Ahmed , Gaafar Ameera , El Hassan Ahmed M. , Theander Thor G.
Published: March 2003

The recently cloned glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) of Leishmania donovani has been suggested as a new and promising Leishmania vaccine candidate. We assessed antibody and T‐cell reactivity to GRP78 in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in lymphoproliferative assays. Serological evaluation of plasma samples obtained in Sudan revealed that 89% of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), 78% with post kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), and 85% with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) had antibody reactivity to this Leishmania antigen. Plasma from healthy Sudanese individuals living in an area endemic for malaria but free of leishmaniasis and plasma from healthy Danes was negative in the assay. GRP78 antibody was detected in 10% and 5% of plasma samples from Sudanese and Ghanaian malaria patients, respectively, whereas 35% of plasma samples from otherwise healthy Sudanese individuals with a positive leishmanin skin test showed antibody reactivity to recombinant GRP78 (rGRP78). In lymphoproliferative assays, 9 of 13 isolates of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from individuals previously infected with L. donovani and one of three individuals previously infected with L. major showed a response to rGRP78, whereas PBMC isolates from Danish control individuals did not respond. These findings, in addition to our previous observations in experimental CL (Jensen et al. 2001), confirm GRP78 as a possible vaccine antigen.
Serological screening for cysticercosis in mentally altered individuals
Authors: Sanzón Fernando , Osorio Ana M. , Morales José P. , Isaza Rodrigo , Cardona Edgar , Moncayo Luis C. , Villota Guido E. , Zapata Olga T. , Palacio Carlos A. , Arbeláez María P. , Restrepo Blanca I.
Published: March 2003

The parasitic infection neurocysticercosis may give rise to a variety of psychiatric manifestations that resemble, but are different from, primary psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to determine if among individuals from a neurocysticercosis‐endemic area of Colombia who apparently had a psychiatric manifestation with associated neurological finding (`cases'), some could have been infected with Taenia solium cysticerci. This case–control study was done in individuals hospitalized in two mental institutions. The control‐1 individuals were those classified with primary psychiatric disease, and the control‐2 group consisted of healthy, non‐hospitalized individuals. A serological test for cysticercosis was positive in 5/96 (5.1%) cases, 4/153 (2.6%) psychiatric controls, and 5/246 (2%) healthy controls. The data analysis indicated a weak association between the cases and a positive serology for neurocysticercosis (odds ratio > 2; P > 0.05). The lower education level of the cases influenced this association.
The economic payoffs of integrated malaria control in the Zambian copperbelt between 1930 and 1950
Authors: Utzinger Jürg , Tozan Yesim , Doumani Fadi , Singer Burton H.
Published: March 2003

It has long been suggested that malaria is delaying the economic development of countries that are most severely affected by the disease. Several studies have documented the economic consequences of malaria at the household level, primarily in communities engaged in subsistence farming. A missing element is the appraisal of the economic impact of malaria on the industrial and service sectors that will probably become the backbone of many developing economies. We estimate the economic effects of integrated malaria control implemented during the colonial period and sustained for 20 years in four copper mining communities of the former Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Integrated malaria control was characterized by strong emphasis on environmental management, while part of the mining communities also benefited from rapid diagnosis and treatment and the use of bednets. The programmes were highly successful as an estimated 14 122 deaths, 517 284 malaria attacks and 942 347 work shift losses were averted. Overall, 127 226 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were averted per 3‐year incremental period. The cumulative costs of malaria control interventions were US$ 11 169 472 (in 1995 US$). Because the control programmes were so effective, the mining companies attracted a large reservoir of migrant labourers and sustained healthy work forces. The programmes averted an estimated US$ 796 622 in direct treatment costs and US$ 5 678 745 in indirect costs as a result of reduced work absenteeism. Within a few years of programme initiation, Northern Rhodesia became the leading copper producer in Africa, and mining generated the dominant share of national income. Copper production and revenues, which increased dramatically during malaria control interventions, amounted to the equivalent of US$ 7.1 billion (in 1995 US$). Integrated malaria control in copper mining communities was a sound investment. It had payoff for public and occupational health, generally, and without it copper extraction and social and economic development would have been impossible.
Field evaluation of the CATT/Trypanosoma brucei gambiense on blood‐impregnated filter papers for diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis in southern Sudan
Authors: Chappuis F. , Pittet A. , Bovier P. A. , Adams K. , Godineau V. , Hwang S. Y. , Magnus E. , Büscher P.
Published: March 2003

Most Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) control programmes in areas endemic for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense rely on a strategy of active mass screening with the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis (CATT)/T. b. gambiense. We evaluated the performance, stability and reproducibility of the CATT/T. b. gambiense on blood‐impregnated filter papers (CATT‐FP) in Kajo‐Keji County, South‐Sudan, where some areas are inaccessible to mobile teams. The CATT‐FP was performed with a group of 100 people with a positive CATT on whole blood including 17 confirmed HAT patients and the results were compared with the CATT on plasma (CATT‐P). The CATT‐FP was repeated on impregnated filter papers stored at ambient and refrigerated temperature for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Another 82 patients with HAT, including 78 with a positive parasitology, were tested with the CATT‐FP and duplicate filter paper samples were sent to a reference laboratory to assess reproducibility. The CATT‐FP was positive in 90 of 99 patients with HAT (sensitivity: 91%). It was less sensitive than the CATT‐P (mean dilution difference: −2.5). There was no significant loss of sensitivity after storage for up to 14 days both at ambient and cool temperature. Reproducibility of the CATT‐FP was found to be excellent (kappa: 0.84). The CATT‐FP can therefore be recommended as a screening test for HAT in areas where the use of CATT‐P is not possible. Further studies on larger population samples in different endemic foci are still needed before the CATT‐FP can be recommended for universal use.
Canine epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: circulating autoantibodies target the aminoterminal non‐collagenous (NC1) domain of collagen VII in anchoring fibrils
Authors: OLIVRY THIERRY , FINE JO‐DAVID , DUNSTON STANLEY M. , CHASSE DAWN , TENORIO AUREA PASCAL , MONTEIRO‐RIVIERE NANCY A. , CHEN MEI , WOODLEY DAVID T.
Published: March 2003

The classification of autoimmune blistering skin diseases is based on the skin antigen(s) targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies. In humans and dogs, there is increasing evidence that autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases represent different nosological entities. This study establishes the existence of the canine equivalent of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) in humans. Canine EBA, like the inflammatory variant of its human counterpart, is characterized by spontaneous vesicles arising from an inflammatory eruption. Dermo‐epidermal separation occurs in association with neutrophilic infiltration in the superficial dermis. Tissue‐fixed and circulating IgA and IgG autoantibodies specific for the lower basement membrane zone can be detected by immunofluorescence methods. Using immunoelectron microscopy, autoantibodies are shown to target the distal end of anchoring fibrils in the sublamina densa. ELISA and immunoblotting utilizing eukaryotically expressed recombinant collagen VII subdomains confirm that the circulating autoantibodies are specific for the aminoterminal globular non‐collagenous NC1 domain of type VII collagen.
Evaluation in vivo and in vitro of the performance of interactive dressings in the management of animal soft tissue injuries
Authors: Cockbill
Published: March 2003

Over the last 35 years there has been extensive research into human wounds and consequent evolutionary changes in their management. Products such as vapour‐permeable films, alginates, hydro‐colloids, hydrogels and foams have been developed, all of which contribute in different ways to the enhance‐ment of the healing cascade. The first part of this study assessed the influence on animal wound healing of some of these contemporary wound‐management products

 With animal wounds the major problem is their isolation from the aggression of both the patient and the environment. The second part of this paper is directed at the development of an occlusive chamber to enable topically applied medicaments to remain in contact with the wound surface and presents the initial results of a programme of investigation directed at producing a ‘ring’ adhesive to overcome the adherence problems presented by lipid concentration and hirsutism. This adhesive also allows successive applications of contemporary dressings.
A case of diet‐related lymphocytic mural folliculitis in a cat
Authors: Declercq Jan
Published: March 2003

A 5‐year‐old cat developed a raised hair coat and adherent crusting lesions involving the skin of the head, dorsal neck and abdomen. Erosions were present on the lips and eyelids. The footpads were dry and scaly. Histopathology revealed infiltrative lymphocytic folliculitis, moderate lymphocytic infiltration into the epidermis and apoptotic epidermal cells. A restricted diet as the only therapy resulted in gradual resolution of the skin lesions. Despite an improvement in the dermatological condition, the cat increasingly lost all appetite and marked weight loss occurred. The cat died 4 months after presentation. Post‐mortem revealed a perforated gastric ulcer and a mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease. The clinical course of lesion resolution in this cat suggested a diet‐related pathogenesis. The late finding of intestinal disease in a patient with diet‐related skin disease is still interesting and needs to be evaluated by further case studies.
The suitability of medetomidine sedation for intradermal skin testing in dogs
Authors: Vogelnest L.J. , Mueller R.S. , Dart C.M.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to determine the suitability of medetomidine sedation for facilitating intradermal skin testing in dogs. Quality of sedation and immobilization, and effects of sedation on responses to intradermally injected histamine were evaluated. Ten clinically normal dogs were injected intradermally before and after medetomidine sedation (10 μg kg−1intravenously) with diminishing concentrations of histamine (100–10−5μg mL−1) and a negative control. Mean wheal responses at injection sites were compared before and during sedation, and no significant suppression of responses occurred during sedation. Medetomidine produced sedation that notably increased the ease of performing multiple intradermal injections in all dogs and sedative effects were rapidly reversed by the antagonist atipamezole. It was concluded that medetomidine may be an excellent sedative for facilitating intradermal skin testing in dogs provided further studies similarly reveal no inhibition of responses to intradermally injected allergens in atopic dogs.
Update on the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of atopy: a comparative review
Authors: Marsella R.
Published: March 2003

The pathogenesis of atopic disease (AD) is controversial in humans and dogs. In humans, leukotrienes (LT) are thought to play an important role in this disease and LT inhibitors are commonly used as treatment for AD. Leukotrienes are a heterogenous group of biologically active compounds that mediate many aspects of inflammatory and allergic reactions. This paper will review the role of LT in atopic disease in a comparative manner. Leukotriene inhibitors and their therapeutic use in the management of atopic disease in humans and dogs are discussed.
Induction of feline flea allergy dermatitis and the incidence and histopathological characteristics of concurrent indolent lip ulcers
Authors: Colombini S. , Hodgin E.C. , Foil C.S. , Hosgood G. , Foil L.D.
Published: March 2003

The objectives of this study were to characterize the role of intermittent vs. continual flea exposure in the development of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in cats, assess the accuracy of intradermal skin testing (IDST) and in vitro testing, and document the incidence and histopathological features of indolent lip ulcers. Ten flea‐naive cats were divided into two groups. One group received intermittent flea exposure for 120 days. Thereafter, both groups of cats received continuous flea exposure for 120 days. In vitro testing for flea salivary antibody and IDST utilizing both whole flea antigen and flea salivary antigen were performed. Eight of 10 cats developed clinical signs of FAD within 3 months and five of these eight cats developed lip ulcers which where characterized histopathologically by ulceration with predominantly neutrophilic inflammation and surface bacterial colonization. There was no association between the presence or absence of clinical signs and positive IDST or in vitro results, and no difference in the development of clinical signs was noted between the two groups of cats.
Review Cutaneous lesions of the canine scrotum
Authors: Cerundolo Rosario , Maiolino Paola
Published: March 2003

AbstractScrotal lesions are uncommon and often present a diagnostic challenge. In the veterinary literature there are no texts devoted to this subject. This study reviews and illustrates canine scrotal lesions following an aetiological layout with the aim of facilitating clinical identification and diagnosis. Infectious, immune‐mediated, endocrinological and neoplastic conditions are the most commonly reported causes of scrotal lesions in the dog. They may affect the scrotum only or other parts of the body as well. The clinical presentation of the lesions, the presence of primary or secondary lesions and the presence of clinical signs of systemic disease may help in obtaining a diagnosis. In some cases further investigations are necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Histopathology aids in understanding pathological reactions of the scrotal skin but unfortunately this is not commonly carried out and few reports in the literature include histopathology. The list of conditions given in this review is not exhaustive and other, more rare, diseases may be encountered.
A retrospective study of cutaneous neoplasms in domestic rabbits (1990–2001)
Authors: Mauldin E. A. , Goldschmidt M. H.
Published: March 2003

Spontaneous skin tumors in privately‐owned domestic rabbits, particularly nonviral‐associated neoplasms, have been sporadically documented in the veterinary literature. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively survey cutaneous neoplasms submitted from veterinary practitioners for routine histopathological evaluation. Four hundred and forty surgical pathology specimens from lagomorphs were submitted to the Laboratory of Pathology Diagnostic Service at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, from 1990 through 2001. Of those, 139 were cutaneous neoplasms. Trichoblastomas (basal cell tumors) were the most commonly diagnosed skin neoplasm (total = 45) and comprised 32% of all skin tumors, while three trichoepitheliomas (2%), and three papillomas (2%) were also identified. Malignant epithelial neoplasms (10%) consisted of four squamous cell carcinomas, three apocrine carcinomas, one basal cell carcinoma, one sebaceous carcinoma and five carcinomas that were not further classified. Two cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma were found. Cutaneous Shope and non‐Shope fibromas (34) comprised 25% of the cases. Seven lipomas (5%) were diagnosed. Malignant mesenchymal neoplasms consisted of 29 soft tissue sarcomas (21%). One case of cutaneous epidermotropic lymphosarcoma and one nonepitheliotropic malignant round cell tumor were also identified. In this study, trichoblastomas were found to be the most common nonviral‐associated cutaneous neoplasm.
Efficacy of pre‐treatment with lufenuron for the prevention of Microsporum canis infection in a feline cohabitant‐challenge model
Authors: Deboer D. J. , Moriello K. A.
Published: March 2003

We previously observed a trend towards clinically milder or delayed Microsporum canis infections in cats pre‐treated with lufenuron, suggesting a possible effect of this drug in limiting dermatophyte growth. We sought to determine the effect of pre‐treatment with lufenuron on development of M. canis infections induced via exposure to an infected cat. Lufenuron suspension (100 to 140 mg kg−1 orally, once monthly; or 40 mg subcutaneously, every 6 months) or placebo was administered to groups of eight juvenile cats. After 4 months of treatment, cats were challenged by introducing cats with mild, experimentally induced M. canis infections into the rooms. The extent of any resulting infection was monitored for 22 weeks after challenge. All cats became infected with M. canis. Cats treated with lufenuron had significantly lower infection scores during the early weeks following exposure, and there was a more prolonged initial progression phase of the infection. Once infections reached peak intensity, they resolved over a similar time period in both treated and control groups. We conclude that lufenuron, when used at the dose schedule and under the conditions in this study, did not prevent dermatophyte infection by exposure to an experimentally infected cat. The delay in establishment of infection may reflect an inhibitory effect of lufenuron on the organism that is measurable, but not sufficient to prevent development of infection under these conditions.

 This study was supported by Novartis Animal Health.
Influence of allocation and detoxification of metribuzin in Chenopodium album on the reliability of prediction of the minimum lethal herbicide dose rate
Authors: KETEL  , LOTZ
Published: March 2003

A new method for application of minimum lethal herbicide dose (MLHD) rates is based on the assumption that a MLHD for a photosystem (PS) II herbicide can be predicted for weeds when the developmental stage of seedlings, herbicide uptake and herbicide action are taken into account.Chenopodium album
Measures that describe weed spatial patterns at different levels of resolution and their applications for patch spraying of weeds
Authors: Wallinga  , Groeneveld  , Lotz
Published: March 2003

If weeds occur in aggregated spatial patterns, it is possible to reduce herbicide use by spraying only weed patches. The reduction in herbicide use will then depend on the spatial resolution of the patch sprayer and the weed‐free area at that level of resolution. Three distance measures are presented that describe the weed spatial pattern at different levels of resolution. They give information on aspects of pattern that are relevant to patch spraying. The distance measures were applied to a spatial pattern of Galium aparine L. seedlings recorded in an area of 18.0 m × 32.4 m. In this area, the herbicide use of an idealized patch sprayer that detects and sprays all weeds with a spatial resolution of 1.0 m would be 41% of the amount required for a whole‐field application. Spraying with a finer spatial resolution of 0.5 m would give a further 26% reduction in herbicide use.
Evaluating the accuracy of mapping weeds in fallow fields using airborne digital imaging: Panicumeffusum in oilseed rape stubble
Authors: LAMB  , WEEDON
Published: March 2003

The potential accuracy of using airborne multispectral imaging to map weed patches rapidly in a fallow field has been evaluated. An image of a field of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) stubble interspersed with Panicum effusum R. Br. was acquired using a four‐camera airborne digital imaging system; recording in the infrared, red, green and blue wavebands. The image was converted into georectified weed maps using supervised and unsupervised classification procedures. Comparison of the airborne‐derived maps with an accurate weed map compiled from a detailed ground survey demonstrated that weed:non‐weed classification and mapping accuracies of better than 87% are possible. The limitations of assessing the accuracy of classified imagery using ground‐truth data of similar spatial resolution are discussed.
The relative importance of root and shoot competition between water‐seeded rice and Echinochloa phyllopogon
Authors: Gibson  , Foin  , Hill
Published: March 2003

The relationship between root and shoot growth were determined for water‐seeded rice and Echinochloa phyllopogon in greenhouse experiments. When grown in monoculture at four nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, 180 kg N ha−1), root dry weight was highly correlated with canopy structure for both species. Echinochloa phyllopogon showed a significantly stronger response to the nitrogen rate than rice. When rice and E. phyllopogon were grown in competition, with roots either separated or allowed to mingle, root competition contributed more than shoot competition to reductions in the growth of the target species. The results suggest that root competition may be the primary mechanism determining competitive outcomes between water‐seeded rice and E. phyllopogon. The importance of root competition and the relationship between root and shoot growth demonstrated in this study suggest that researchers should not rely solely on correlations between shoot traits and competitive ability as evidence that competition is primarily for light. Our results also suggest the importance of considering the whole plant when assessing rice cultivars for competitive ability.
Comparison of sulfonylurea herbicide residue detection in soil by bioassay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and hplc
Authors: Hollaway  , Kookana  , McQuinn  , Moerkerk  , Noy  , Smal
Published: March 2003

The ability of bioassay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (hplc) methods to detect sulfonylurea herbicides in soil was evaluated as part of a project studying the leaching and persistence of these herbicides in the alkaline soils of south‐eastern Australia. Soil samples with known concentrations between 0.1 and 10 μg a.i. kg−1chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron‐methyl or triasulfuron were prepared by an independent laboratory and supplied in coded bags to separate laboratories for testing. The accuracy of the results was analysed, and the merits of each method are discussed. Bioassay was suitable for measuring biologically active residues from 0.1 to 1.0 μg a.i. kg−1. ELISA accurately measured residues in the range of 0.1–10 μg a.i. kg−1, making it the most widely adaptable assay tested. It will be useful for measuring residues in sodic subsoils where bioassay plants grow poorly. There was good reproducibility between the bioassay and ELISA. The hplc technique used in this study was not as accurate as bioassay or ELISA at quantifying residues of 3.0–10 μg a.i. kg−1and could not detect residues at or below 1.0 μg a.i. kg−1.
From laboratory to field: uses and limitations of pesticide behaviour models for the soil/plant system
Authors: Boesten
Published: March 2003

Modelling is an economic way of assessing pesticide behaviour under field conditions; it is cheaper and faster than field experiments. Modelling attempts to generalize knowledge of pesticide field behaviour through identification of the most important pesticide/soil properties that can be measured in the laboratory. The technology to simulate volatilization of volatile pesticides that are incorporated or injected into the soil is well developed. However, modelling of volatilization rates from plant and soil surfaces before the first significant rainfall event after application is barely possible with current knowledge. The technology to simulate pesticide persistence in the plough layer is well developed; the PERSIST model has been tested at least 178 times, usually resulting in a slightly faster decline in the field than was simulated. In general, available pesticide leaching models are reliable enough to assess the leaching of the bulk of the dose (leaching levels above 1%). The EU drinking water limit of 0.1 μg L−1 implies leaching of less than 0.1% of a dose of 1 kg ha−1. At such a low leaching level, the validation status of the models is still low, mainly because preferential flow processes in both structured and unstructured soils and the factors controlling the transformation rate in subsoil are not well enough understood.
Adjuvants and herbicidal efficacy – present status and future prospects
Authors: Zabkiewicz
Published: March 2003

The influence of adjuvants on spray liquid behaviour and herbicide performance is reviewed. Total formulation efficacy can be expressed as a function of [deposition:retention:uptake: translocation:a.i. toxicity]. Adjuvants influence the physico‐chemical and plant interactions involved for each factor. Deposition efficiency of spray droplets on to a target is dependent largely on the droplet spectrum, whereas retention performance is dependent on plant leaf surface character, orientation and canopy architecture, as well as droplet volume, velocity and dynamic surface tension effects. Uptake into plant foliage is affected by the leaf surface wax, cuticle age and composition and species variability. Uptake can be improved through appropriate formulation to provide either stomatal infiltration or much greater and faster cuticular absorption of the active ingredient. The inherent translocation capability of the a.i. is not affected directly by adjuvants, which are relatively immobile, but they can increase the mass of absorbed a.i. translocated, as a consequence of improved uptake or may reduce it as a result of localized contact phytotoxicity. Considerable progress has been made in developing models of spray droplet deposition, adhesion and retention, as well as uptake. In future, individual models may be combined to provide an integrated formulation efficacy decision support system.
Temperature‐mediated responses of flumetsulam and metosulam on Raphanus raphanistrum
Authors: Madafiglio  , Medd  , Cornish  , Van De Ven
Published: March 2003

The effect of temperature and light after spraying on the activity of flumetsulam and metosulam when applied to seedlings of Raphanus raphanistrum was evaluated under controlled environments. Flumetsulam and metosulam were applied at 0.01–3 times the recommended doses and the plants were subjected to a range of temperatures after spraying. Herbicide activity was estimated from dose–response curves of fresh weight. Varying the temperature after spraying from 1 to 20 °C increased the activity of flumetsulam and metosulam, as determined by comparison of ED50, by a factor of 97 and 7 respectively. Large increases in herbicide activity occurred in the 1–5 °C range and smaller but significant increases at temperatures greater than 5 °C. No significant differences in the activity of the herbicides were found when the plants were subjected to light or dark conditions at 5 °C after spraying. The influence of temperature on activity may lead to opportunities for rate adjustment of flumetsulam and metosulam based on the temperature prevailing around the time of spraying.
Genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of triazine‐resistant and triazine‐susceptible biotypes ofSolanum nigrum– analysis using RAPD markers
Authors: Stankiewicz M , Gadamski G , Gawronski S W
Published: March 2003

The expansion of weed species is a major problem in agriculture, especially when the number of herbicide‐resistant biotypes is rising continuously. The major ecological questions associated with the evolution of herbicide resistance involve an intricate understanding of the interplay between gene frequency, fitness, inheritance and gene flow. In this study, the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique, which facilitates detection of variability at DNA level, was used to examine the spread ofSolanum nigrumL. populations. Twenty‐five populations, from Poland, France and the UK, were analysed. Six populations from Poland and one from France showed target site‐based triazine resistance. The genetic relationship between individuals was studied using the RAPD technique. It was found that some resistant populations from the Gabin and Grojec areas show very high affinity levels compared with individuals from France. Three groups of populations in which resistance had developed independently were distinguished. The results of the present investigation suggest that migratory birds, such asTurdus pilarisL. andSturnus vulgarisL., play an important in spreadingS. nigrumseeds.
Shading effects on spatial growth and biomass partitioning of Cynodon dactylon
Authors: Guglielmini A C , Satorre E H
Published: March 2003

Cynodon dactylon is a low‐growing C4 weed that is highly sensitive to shading. This species shows severe biomass reductions and highly plastic morphological changes in response to resource availability. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of shading on the spatial and biomass growth of C. dactylon. Two experiments were carried out exploring different environmental conditions. Six treatments were applied on C. dactylon patches. Daylight and 18%, 41%, 48%, 69% and 85% shading of daylight photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) were imposed in Expt 1 and 0%, 22%, 44%, 50%, 74% and 87% shading of daylight PAR in Expt 2. Patches were slightly elliptical in shape and grew 3.2 and 1.5 cm d−1 with 0% shading, on average, during the whole studied periods in Expts 1 and 2 respectively. Biomass was significantly reduced from 41% shading onwards in Expt 1 and from 50% shading in Expt 2. However, patch extension rate was only significantly reduced from 85% and 74% shading in Expts 1 and 2 respectively. Biomass partitioning was modified by shading in both experiments. A functional analysis of C. dactylon patches showed that the patch extension rate diminished linearly when patch biomass growth rate was lower than 1.66 g d−1; above this value, the extension rate remained constant.
Orobanche species and population discrimination using intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)
Authors: Benharrat H , Veronesi C , Theodet C , Thalouarn P
Published: March 2003

Summary Orobanche species are commonly identified using morphological characteristics. In many cases, the distinction of closely related species is difficult, and a molecular tool is more suitable to differentiate them. In this study, genomic polymorphism between morphologically distinct species was investigated through amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) regions. Five primers were used to study genetic variation in the morphologically distinct species O. hederae and O. amethystea, as well as the closely related species O. cernua and O. cumana. For the first two species, all the primers detected genetic polymorphism. Anchored primers allowed the identification of more specific molecular markers than non‐anchored tri‐ and tetranucleotide primers. Genetic polymorphism was investigated among three O. hederae populations using the two types of primer. One non‐anchored and two anchored primers detected intraspecific variation, which was not correlated with the geographical location of those populations. The primer (GATA)4 detected polymorphism between five specimens each of O. cernua and O. cumana species collected from different countries, permitting these two closely related species to be clearly differentiated. This study demonstrated that ISSR markers can be highly reliable for precise identification of Orobanche species.
Steroid acne vs. Pityrosporumfolliculitis: the incidence ofPityrosporum ovaleand the effect of antifungal drugs in steroid acne
Authors: Yu Hee‐Joon , Lee Soo‐Keun , Son Sook Ja , Kim Yun Suck , Yang Hong Yoon , Kim Jae Hong
Published: March 2003

Background Steroid acne is a folliculitis that can result from systemic or topical administration of steroid, and has been described as showing a similar clinical picture to Pityrosporum folliculitis, but there have been few reports about the incidence of Pityrosporum ovale and the effect of antimycotic drugs in steroid acne and other acneiform eruptions. Our purpose was to describe the association between steroid acne and P. ovale, and to confirm the superior efficacy of oral antifungal drugs over anti‐acne drugs in the treatment of steroid acne.

Methods The history, clinical features direct microscopy, histopathologic analysis, and therapeutic results of 125 cases with steroid acne or other acneiform eruptions were described and compared.

Results Over 80% of patients with acneiform eruption receiving systemic steroid revealed significant numbers of P. ovale in the lesional follicle. Furthermore, oral antifungal drug (itraconazole) showed significantly better clinical and mycologic effects than any other group of medications used in this study.

Conclusions Steroid acne and other acneiform eruptions showing discrete follicular papules and/or pustules localized to the upper trunk and acneiform facial skin lesions associated with multiple acneiform lesions on the body in the summer period should be suspected as Pityrosporum folliculitis. In addition, oral antifungal drugs recommended for Pityrosporum folliculitis; however, it will require a larger case‐control study to confirm the superiority of antifungal therapy over anti‐acne treatment.
Cutaneous reactions at the site of post‐infection gp160 vaccination therapy in HIV‐1+ patients
Authors: Smith MD Kathleen J. , Skelton MD Henry G. , Ruiz MD Nancy , Samlaska MD Kurt , Wagner MD Kenneth F. ,   The Military Medical Consortium for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Published: March 2003

Background Post‐infection vaccination with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

(HIV‐1) specific antigens has been hypothesized as a mechanism for generating a more effective immune response to the HIV‐1 virus. Cutaneous reactions at the site of immunization may provide information on the pattern of immune activation induced by the vaccine.

Objective To evaluate exaggerated local cutaneous reactions in eight HIV‐1+ patients enrolled in a phase I and II gp160 vaccine study.

Methods Cutaneous biopsy specimens were obtained and evaluated using routine histologic, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical techniques.

Results A mononuclear cell infiltrate with tissue eosinophilia, in some cases forming flame figures, was present on histologic sections. There was no evidence of immune complex deposition. Activated T‐helper cells formed a major portion of the mononuclear cell infiltrate.

Conclusions A delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by T cells with a T‐helper 2 cytokine pattern, was favored by clinical and histologic features. The most likely antigen stimulating this reaction is residual lepidopteran used in the preparation of the vaccine; however, baculovirus antigens may also play a role. In addition, the adjuvant, aluminum phosphate, as well as the underlying patterns of immune dysregulation present in HIV‐1+ patients, may potentiate these reactions.
Itraconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Gupta MD Aditya K. , De Doncker PhD Piet , Scher MD Richard K. , Haneke MD Eckart , Daniel III MD Ralph C. , André MD Josette , Baran MD Robert
Published: March 2003

Background The broad spectrum of activity of itraconazole in vitro manifests itself clinically with the drug being effective for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes, Candida and some non‐dermatophyte molds. The pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in the nail results in drug remaining at therapeutic levels for 6–9 months after completion of therapy.

Methods An overview of studies where continuous or pulse itraconazole therapy has been used in the treatment of fingernail and toenail onychomycosis.

Results Following continuous therapy at 200 mg/day for 3 months for toenail onychomycosis (n = 1741), the rates of clinical cure, clinical response and mycologic cure were: (meta‐average ± 95% standard error (SE)), 52 ± 9%, 86 ± 2%, and 74 ± 3%, respectively, at follow‐up 12 months following start of therapy. In fingernail onychomycosis (n = 211), the duration of therapy was 6 weeks and the corresponding efficacy rates at follow‐up, 9 months after start of therapy, were meta‐average (± S.E.) 82 ± 5%, 90 ± 2%, and 86 ± 3%, respectively. In toenail onychomycosis treated with 3 pulses of therapy (n = 1389), the clinical response, clinical cure and mycologic cure were observed in meta‐average (± S.E.) 58 ± 10%, 82 ± 3%, and 77 ± 5% patients, respectively, at follow‐up 12 months after the start of therapy. In fingernail onychomycosis treated with 2 pulses of therapy (n = 210), at follow‐up 9 months after the start of therapy, the corresponding efficacy rates were meta‐average (± S.E.) 78 ± 10%, 89 ± 6%, and 87 ± 8%, respectively.

Conclusions Both the continuous and pulse therapy regimens are safe with few adverse effects. Compared to continuous therapy, the pulse regimen has an improved adverse‐effects profile, is more cost‐effective, and is preferred by many patients.
Epidemiologic aspects of scabies in Mali, Malawi, and Cambodia
Authors: Landwehr Dirk , Keita Somita M. , Pönnighaus Jörg M. , Tounkara Cheikna
Published: March 2003

Background The prevalence rates of scabies are compared in Bamako, Mali, Karonga District, Malawi, and Battambang Province, Cambodia.

Methods In Mali, children attending three different urban schools catering for different socio‐economic levels were examined specifically for scabies. In Malawi, data were collected during a total population survey for leprosy. In Cambodia, a sample survey was carried out in a rural area to determine the prevalence of leprosy and other skin diseases.

Results In Mali, the prevalence rate of scabies among all the children examined was 4% (44/1103), but only 1.8%7/388 in the higher socio‐economic group. In Malawi, the overall prevalence rate of scabies was 0.7%408/61,735. The highest rate (1.1%) was found among children 0–9 years of age. In Cambodia, the overall prevalence in the 13 villages screened was 4.3%645/14,843. The highest rate (6.5%) was found among children 0–9 years of age.

Conclusions Scabies was most prevalent among children in Cambodia and Malawi, but there were considerable differences in the overall rates between the two areas studied. The data from all three countries indicate that poor socio‐economic conditions, in particular crowding and public water supplies, are risk factors for scabies.
Cutaneous manifestations of the Hemiscorpius lepturus sting: a clinical study
Authors: Radmanesh Mohammed
Published: March 2003

Background and design Scorpion stings are a serious problem in Khuzestan, a southwestern province of Iran. In around 5 years, 36,463 patients with scorpion stings have been seen. Most of the patients had no cutaneous findings, but a small group of patients developed various local and generalized skin manifestations. Patients were evaluated in terms of cutaneous findings early in and during the course of their illness. The correlation between the site of the sting and the severity of the cutaneous and systemic problems is discussed.

Results
Hemiscorpion (Hemiscorpius) lepturus (HL), which is responsible for more than 10% of the scorpion stings in this area, was found to be the only scorpion with related cutaneous findings. Different species of the Buthidae family, which were responsible for the remaining 90% of scorpion stings, have a neurotropic and noncytotoxic venom and, as a result, induce no cutaneous reaction.

Conclusions HL venom is cytotoxic, and HL is the only scorpion whose venom induces a toxic reaction. Erythema, purpuric changes, bullae, necrosis, and ulcers, or a combination of these, may be seen at different stages. The site and the severity of the cutaneous reaction may aid in the prediction of the clinical outcome for the patients and in estimating the interval between the sting and presentation.