bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of Nasal Cavity
Authors: Patnayak Rashmi , Jena Amitabh , Reddy M Kumaraswamy , Chowhan Amit kumar , Rao LM Chandrasekhar , Rukhamangadha N
Published: October 2010

We present a rare case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) in the nasal cavity of a 40-year-old Indian male who presented with history of intermittent epistaxis. The lesion was tested for a panel of immunohistochemical markers like vimentin, CD31, CD34, Factor VIII, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ki67. Immunohistochemically, the neoplasm showed striking positivity for vimentin, CD31, CD34 and weak positivity for VEGF; positivity was also noted for Factor VIII especially in the miniature intracytoplasmic vascular lumina.
JAK2 Negative Polycythemia Vera
Authors: P. Geetha J , A. Arathi C , M. Shalini , G. Srinivasa Murthy A
Published: October 2010

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a stem cell disorder, characterized as a panhyperplastic, malignant, and neoplastic marrow disorder. Several reasons suggest that a mutation on the Janus kinase-2 gene (JAK2) is the most probable candidate gene involved in PV pathogenesis, as JAK2 is directly involved in intracellular signaling, following its exposure to cytokines, to which PV progenitor cells display hypersensitivity. A recurrent unique acquired clonal mutation in JAK2 was found in most patients with PV and other myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs). A female patient of age 50 years, presented with hemiplegia, diplopia, and had a consistent rise in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Serum Erythropoietin (Epo) was decreased. JAK2 mutation analysis was found to be negative. A diagnosis of polycythemia vera was made on the basis of the British Committee for Standards in Hematology (BCSH) guidelines.
Incisional Endometriosis: Diagnosed by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: P. Veda , M. Srinivasaiah
Published: October 2010

Incisional endometriosis (IE) is a rare entity reported in 0.03–1.08% of women following obstetric or gynecologic surgeries. Most cases reported in literature have appeared after cesarean sections and were often clinically mistaken for hernia, abscess, suture granuloma or lipoma. We hereby report a case of IE following a second trimester hysterotomy, which was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Our patient was 26 years old, presenting with a mass over anterior abdominal wall, associated with incapacitating pain during each menstrual cycle. FNAC showed epithelial cells, stromal cells and hemosiderin laden macrophages. Based on the typical history, clinical and cytological features, the diagnosis of IE was established. Wide surgical excision was done and the resulting rectus sheath defect was repaired. Patient was followed for 6 months during which time she was symptom free. This article also reviews the spectrum of cytological features and the rare possibility of malignant transformation that can occur in IE.
Placental Histopathologic Changes Associated with Subclinical Malaria Infection and Its Impact on the Fetal Environment
Authors: Parekh Falgunee K. , Davison Billie B. , Gamboa Dionicia , Hernandez Jean , Branch OraLee H.
Published: October 2010

Microscopic examination of placental tissue can provide an accurate assessment of malaria infection during pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study of 193 women in Iquitos, Peru, 1.0% and 6.6% had parasites in the peripheral blood as detected by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. However, 22% had placental malaria pigment indicating past, subclinical infections. Placental tissues with pigment from 24 cases were matched by gravidity and month of delivery to 24 controls and histopathologically examined. Cases had significantly higher number of monocytes in the intervillous space (44.7 versus 25.5; P = 0.012). Pigmented monocytes in fetal vessels were present in 33.3% of cases. This study demonstrated that subclinical malarial infection occurred frequently in pregnant women and is associated with increased presence of monocytes in the placenta. Pigmented monocytes in fetal vessels suggest parasites can breach the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation.
Rapid Scale-Up of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets through Integration into the National Immunization Program during Child Health Week in Togo, 2004
Authors: Wolkon Adam , Vanden Eng Jodi L. , Morgah Kodjo , Eliades M. James , Thwing Julie , Terlouw Dianne J. , Takpa Vincent , Dare Aboudou , Sodahlon Yao K. , Doumanou Yao , Hightower Allen W. , Lama Marcel , Thawani Neeta , Slutsker Laurence , Hawley William A.
Published: October 2010

In December 2004, Togo was the first country to conduct a nationwide free insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution as part of its National Integrated Child Health Campaign. Community-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted one and nine months post-campaign as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation of the nationwide distribution of ITNs to children 9–59 months of age to evaluate ITN ownership, equity, and use. Our results demonstrated that at one month post-campaign, 93.1% of all eligible children received an ITN. Household ITN ownership and equity increased significantly post-campaign. Nine months post-campaign, 78.6% of households with a child eligible to participate in the campaign retained at least one campaign net. Use by eligible children was 43.5% at one month post-campaign (during the dry season) and 52.9% at nine months post-campaign (during the rainy season). Household ownership of at least one ITN increased from 8.0% pre-campaign to 62.5% one month post-campaign. Together, these findings demonstrate that in this setting, increased household ITN ownership, equity, and retention can be achieved on a national scale through free ITN distribution during an integrated campaign.
Clinical Features of Children Hospitalized with Malaria—A Study from Bikaner, Northwest India
Authors: Kochar Dhanpat Kumar , Tanwar Gajanand Singh , Khatri Poonam Chand , Kochar Sanjay Kumar , Sengar Ghanshyam Singh , Gupta Anjana , Kochar Abhishek , Middha Sheetal , Acharya Jyoti , Saxena Vishal , Pakalapati Deepak , Garg Shilpi , Das Ashish
Published: October 2010

Severe Plasmodium vivax malaria in adults has been reported from Bikaner (northwestern India) but the reports on children are scanty. This prospective study was done on 303 admitted children of malaria. The diagnosis was done by peripheral blood smear and rapid diagnostic test. Further confirmation of severe P. vivax monoinfection was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The proportion of P. falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed (P. falciparum and P. vivax) infection was 61.01%, 33.99%, and 4.95%, respectively. Severe disease was present in 49.5% (150/303) children with malaria, with the risk greatest among P. vivax monoinfection (63.1% [65/103]) compared with P. falciparum, either alone (42.7% [79/185]; odds ratio [OR] = 2.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–3.76], P = 0.001) or mixed infections (40% [6/15]; OR = 2.57 [95% CI = 0.88–7.48]). In children < 5 years of age, the proportion of severe malaria attributable to P. vivax rose to 67.4% (31/46) compared with 30.4% (14/46) of P. falciparum (OR = 4.7 [95% CI = 2.6–8.6], P < 0.0001) and 2.2% (1/46) of mixed infection (OR = 92 [95% CI = 24.6–339.9], P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients having severe manifestations, which included severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, cerebral malaria, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hepatic dysfunction, renal dysfunction, abnormal bleeding was significantly high in association with P. vivax monoinfection in 0–5 year age group, while the same was significantly high in association with P. falciparum monoinfection in 5–10 year age group. Similarly P. vivax monoinfection had greatest propensity to cause multiorgan dysfunction in 0–5 year age group (34.1% [17/41], P < 0.0001) in comparison to P. falciparum monoinfection, which had similar propensity in 5–10 year age group (36.8% [35/95], P = 0.039). Plasmodium vivax monoinfection was almost equally serious to cause significant mortality in comparison to P. falciparum (case fatality rate of severe P. vivax was 3.9% versus 3.2% of severe P. falciparum malaria; P = 1.0). This study reaffirms the evidence of severe P. vivax malaria in children in Bikaner.
Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Cryptosporidium Infections in Children in a Semi-Urban Slum Community in Southern India
Authors: Ajjampur Sitara S. R. , Sarkar Rajiv , Sankaran Premi , Kannan Arun , Menon Vipin K. , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Ward Honorine , Kang Gagandeep
Published: October 2010

Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of childhood diarrhea in developing countries. We investigated symptomatic and asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis in 20 children less than two years of age in a semi-urban slum in southern India. All surveillance (conducted every two weeks) and diarrheal samples from 20 children (n = 1,036) with cryptosporidial diarrhea previously identified by stool microscopy were tested by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism for species and subgenotype determination. Thirty-five episodes of cryptosporidiosis were identified in 20 children, of which 25 were diarrheal. Fifteen episodes were associated with prolonged oocyst shedding. Multiple episodes of cryptosporidiosis occurred in 40% of the children. Most infections were with C. hominis, subtype Ia. Children with multiple infections had significantly lower weight-for-age and height-for-age Z scores at 24 months but had scores comparable with children with a single episode by 36 months. Multiple symptomatic Cryptosporidium infections associated with prolonged oocyst shedding occur frequently in this disease-endemic area and may contribute to the long-term effects of cryptosporidiosis on physical growth in these children.
Immunologic Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy and Mortality Reduction in a Cohort of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Positive Persons in Mozambique
Authors: Palombi Leonardo , Dorrucci Maria , Zimba Ines , Scarcella Paola , Mancinelli Sandro , Buonomo Ersilia , Guidotti Giovanni , Marazzi Maria C. , Rezza Giovanni
Published: October 2010

Since February 2002, the Drug Resources Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition Program has provided highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and immunologic and virologic monitoring free of charge. We conducted a cohort study of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Mozambique. Only persons treated with HAART with available CD4 cell counts at baseline and ≥ 1 CD4 cell count after HAART were included. Survival analysis was applied to evaluate the prognostic value of CD4 cell counts measured at three months. Possible confounders were considered. A total of 753 persons who started HAART included; 59% were females. Median age was 34 years (range = 16–67 years), and the median CD4 cell count at baseline was 172 cells/mm3 (interquartile range = 87–261 cells/mm3, range = 0–1,322 cells/mm3). Overall, 105 persons (14%) died. Of these persons 54 (51%) developed AIDS before they died; 25 (3%) died during the first three months. After three months of therapy, the individual median CD4 cell count change from the baseline value was +101 cells/mm3 (interquartile range = +27 to +187 cells/mm3, range = –723 to +310 cells/mm3). A median CD4 increment of 100 cells/mm3 in three months was associated with a mortality reduction of 50% compared with an increase of < 50 cells (relative hazard of death adjusted for baseline CD4 cell count = 0.54, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–0.95). A good initial response to HAART was associated with a significant reduction of mortality. This finding supports the effectiveness of HAART in resource-poor settings.
Association between Anemia and Aflatoxin B1 Biomarker Levels among Pregnant Women in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Shuaib Faisal M. B. , Jolly Pauline E. , Ehiri John E. , Jiang Yi , Ellis William O. , Stiles Jonathan K. , Yatich Nelly J. , Funkhouser Ellen , Person Sharina D. , Wilson Craig , Williams Jonathan H.
Published: October 2010

Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites that contaminate staple food crops in many developing countries. Up to 40% of women attending a prenatal clinic in Africa may be anemic. In a cross-sectional study of 755 pregnant women, Aflatoxin B1-lysine adducts (AF-ALB) levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Participants were divided into quartiles “low,” “moderate,” “high,” and “very high.” Anemia was defined as hemoglobin levels < 11 g/dL. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of anemia with AF-ALB. The mean AF-ALB level was 10.9 pg/mg (range = 0.44–268.73 pg/mg); 30.3% of participants were anemic. The odds of being anemic increased 21% (odds ratio [OR], 1.21, P = 0.01) with each quartile of AF-ALB reaching an 85% increased odds in the “very high” compared with the “low” category (OR, 1.85; confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.95). This association was stronger among women with malaria and findings were robust when women with evidence of iron deficiency anemia were excluded. This study found a strong, consistent association between anemia in pregnancy and aflatoxins.
Comparative Analysis of Full-Length Genomic Sequences of 10 Dengue Serotype 1 Viruses Associated with Different Genotypes, Epidemics, and Disease Severity Isolated in Thailand over 22 Years
Authors: Tang Yuxin , Rodpradit Prinyada , Chinnawirotpisan Piyawan , Mammen Mammen P. , Li Tao , Lynch Julia A. , Putnak Robert , Zhang Chunlin
Published: October 2010

Comparative sequence analysis was performed on the full-length genomic sequences of 10 representative dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) strains sampled from patients at Children's Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand over a 22-year period, which represented different epidemics, disease severity, and sampling time. The results showed remarkable inter-genotypic variation between predominant and non-predominant genotypes and genotype-specific amino acids and nucleotides throughout the entire viral genome except for the 5′-non-translated region. The frequency of intra-genotypic variation was correlated with dengue transmission rate and sampling time. The 5′-non-translated region of all 10 viruses was highly conserved for predominant and non-predominant genotypes and NS2B was the most conserved protein. Some intra-genotypic substitutions of amino acids and nucleotides in predominant genotype strains were fixed in the viral genome since 1994, which indicated that the evolution of predominant genotype strains in situ over time might contribute to increased virus fitness important for sustaining dengue epidemics in Thailand.
Bacteremia Caused by Aeromonas hydrophila Complex in the Caribbean Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe
Authors: Hochedez Patrick , Hope-Rapp Emilie , Olive Claude , Nicolas Muriel , Beaucaire Gilles , Cabié André
Published: October 2010

Aeromonas species are Gram-negative bacilli of the water environment whose survival appears facilitated by warm climates. There have been no reports on Aeromonas hydrophila complex (A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. veronii) in the Caribbean to date. Our aim was to describe clinical and bacteriological features in patients presenting with such bacteremia in Martinique and Guadeloupe. During a 14-year period, we retrospectively identified 37 patients. The mean age was 55 years and in 89% of cases underlying disease such as digestive diseases, cutaneous wounds, and malignancy were identified. One case was related to severe strongyloidiasis and one with snake bite. Polymicrobial bacteremia was identified in 38%, essentially with Enterobacteriaceae. All Aeromonas isolates were resistant to amoxicillin but extended-spectrum beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone were active against more than 95%. During hospitalization 10 patients died (27%). Older age, occurrence of multiorgan failure, and impaired renal function were associated with in-hospital mortality.
Sentinel Chicken Seroconversions Track Tangential Transmission of West Nile Virus to Humans in the Greater Los Angeles Area of California
Authors: Kwan Jennifer L. , Kluh Susanne , Madon Minoo B. , Nguyen Danh V. , Barker Christopher M. , Reisen William K.
Published: October 2010

In Los Angeles, California, West Nile virus (WNV) has followed a pattern of emergence, amplification, subsidence, and resurgence. A time series cross-correlation analysis of human case counts and sentinel chicken seroconversions revealed temporal concordance indicating that chicken seroconversions tracked tangential transmission of WNV from the basic passeriform-Culex amplification cycle to humans rather than antecedent enzootic amplification. Sentinel seroconversions provided the location and time of transmission as opposed to human cases, which frequently were reported late and were assumed to be acquired 2–14 days before disease onset at their residence. Cox models revealed that warming degree-days were associated with the increased risk of seroconversion, whereas elevated herd immunity in peridomestic birds dampened seroconversion risk. Spatially, surveillance data collected within a 5 km radius of flock locations 15–28 days before the bleed date were most predictive of a seroconversion. In urban Los Angeles, sentinel chicken seroconversions could be used as an outcome measure in decision support for emergency intervention.
Infection Rates of Triatoma protracta (Uhler) with Trypanosoma cruzi in Southern California and Molecular Identification of Trypanosomes
Authors: Hwang Wei Song , Zhang Guanyang , Maslov Dmitri , Weirauch Christiane
Published: October 2010

We report Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates of the native kissing bug Triatoma protracta in southern California. The rates are within the historically reported range, but differ significantly between the two sites (19% in Escondido and 36% in Glendora). Identification of T. cruzi in T. protracta was conducted for the first time by using partial 18S ribosomal RNA and 24Sα ribosomal RNA sequences. Incongruence of 24Sα ribosomal RNA phylogeny with current T. cruzi genotype classification supports non-clonality of some T. cruzi genotypes.
Outpatient Upper Respiratory Tract Viral Infections in Children with Malaria Symptoms in Western Kenya
Authors: Waitumbi John N. , Kuypers Jane , Anyona Samuel B. , Koros Joseph N. , Polhemus Mark E. , Gerlach Jay , Steele Matthew , Englund Janet A. , Neuzil Kathleen M. , Domingo Gonzalo J.
Published: October 2010

A cross-sectional study was performed in children 5 through 10 years of age presenting to outpatient clinics in Nyanza Province, Kenya, in which nasal swab and blood specimens were collected during the high malaria transmission season. Patients presenting with malaria-like symptoms within 4 days of fever onset were enrolled in the study. Plasmodium parasitemia was determined by blood smear microscopy. Nasal swabs were screened for a panel of respiratory viruses by polymerase chain reaction. Influenza A, rhinoviruses, and other respiratory viruses were detected in 18%, 26%, and 12% of 197 specimens, respectively. Four of 36 patients with influenza A had a positive malaria blood slide, compared with 20 of 52 patients with rhinovirus. A significant burden of disease caused by influenza A in febrile children during the study period was observed, highlighting the need for further research into the burden of influenza disease in regions where malaria is holoendemic.
Evaluation of Three Commercially Available Japanese Encephalitis Virus IgM Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays
Authors: Robinson Jaimie S. , Featherstone David , Vasanthapuram Ravi , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Desai Anita , Ramamurty Nalini , Chowdhury Anwarul Haque , Sandhu Hardeep S. , Cavallaro Kathleen F. , Johnson Barbara W.
Published: October 2010

We evaluated performance of three commercial Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC ELISA) kits with a panel of serological specimens collected during a surveillance project of acute encephalitis syndrome in India and acute meningitis and encephalitis syndrome in Bangladesh. The serum and cerebral spinal fluid specimens had been referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing. The CDC results and specimen classifications were considered the reference standard. All three commercial kits had high specificity (95–99.5%), but low sensitivities, ranging from 17–57%, with both serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Specific factors contributing to low sensitivity compared with the CDC ELISA could not be determined through further analysis of the limits and dilution end points of IgM detection.
Helicobacter pylori Infection among Aborigines (the Orang Asli) in the Northeastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Rahim Amry Abdul , Lee Yeong Yeh , Majid Noorizan Abd , Choo Keng Ee , Raj Sundramoorthy Mahendra , Derakhshan Mohammad H. , Graham David Y.
Published: October 2010

Whether the exceptionally low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection reported among Malays is also present among aborigines (the Orang Asli) living in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia is unknown. We studied asymptomatic Orang Asli from settlements situated 210 km from the city of Kota Bharu. The HP infection status was confirmed by a validated serology test. Nineteen percent of 480 Orang Asli tested positive for HP infection. The prevalence was 40.6% in the birth cohort of the 1940s and declined steadily in later cohorts to under 10% among 12–30 year olds. This may be related to the phases of relocation from the jungles into resettlement camps and ultimately into designated villages near rivers. The low prevalence pattern after the 1970s was probably partly a result of improvement in sanitation and hygiene practice in these villages but other unidentified factors may also be operating.
Epidemiologic and Clinical Features of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southeastern Tunisia
Authors: Bousslimi Nadia , Aoun Karim , Ben-Abda Imène , Ben-Alaya-Bouafif Nissaf , Raouane Mohamed , Bouratbine Aïda
Published: October 2010

Species-specific diagnosis was performed in 66 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) living in Tataouine focus in southeastern Tunisia. Leishmania DNA was extracted directly from dermal scrapings (n = 66) and from parasites obtained in culture (n = 12). Species were identified by using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for internal transcribed spacer region 1 and isoenzyme analysis. Leishmania tropica and L. major were identified in 31 (47%) and 35 (53%) cases respectively. Leishmania tropica CL cases were geographically scattered, and L. major CL cases were clustered. Lesions caused by L. tropica were mostly single (83.8%) and face-localized (55.8%), and lesions caused by L. major were multiple (57.1%; P < 0.001) and situated on limbs (83.7%; P < 0.001). For both species, most lesion onsets were reported during June–January. However, lesions that emerged during February–May were mainly caused by L. tropica (83.3%; P < 0.01). Moreover, the delay before seeking medical advice was higher for L. tropica infections than for L. major infections (P < 0.05).
Improving Outcome of Treatment of Kala-Azar by Supplementation of Amphotericin B with Physiologic Saline and Potassium Chloride
Authors: Thakur Chandeshwar P. , Kumar A. , Mitra Dipendra K. , Roy Ambak , Sinha Arun Kumar , Ranjan Alok
Published: October 2010

Complications of amphotericin B limit its wide application in the treatment of patients with kala-azar. This study was undertaken with an aim to minimize anti-renal complications and severe rigor in course of treatment with this drug. Parasitologically confirmed kala-azar cases (n = 230) were randomized equally into two groups: a control group received amphotericin B only at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight/day for 20 days and a patient (test) group received 500 mL of physiologic saline and 30 mL (60 meq/L) of KC1 with amphotericin B. We observed a significantly lower increase in serum creatinine levels (P = 0.0001) and a lower incidence of severe rigor and fever (P = 0.0165) in the test group than in the control group. However, the ultimate cure rate was not significantly different (P = 0.5637) between two groups after 12 months of follow-up. Relapses occurred after even after six months in both groups. Persons with relapses were treated with 25 infusions of amphotericin B and cured. Supplementation of amphotericin B with 500 mL of physiologic saline and 30 mL (60 meq/L) of KCl during treatment could help prevent an increase in serum creatinine levels and severe rigor and would make the treatment of kala-azar with amphotericin B easier.
Chronic Microsporidial Enteritis in a Missionary from Mozambique
Authors: Palmieri James R. , Elswaifi Shaadi F. , Lindsay David S. , Junko Gretchen , Callahan Cathy
Published: October 2010

Microsporidiosis often occurs in immunocompromised persons but may also occur in those who are immunocompetent. Infection by Microsporidia involves a variety of organs and systems, most notably, intestine, lung, kidney, brain, sinuses, muscle, and eyes. Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis are associated with gastroenteritis, and Enterocytozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi are associated with keratoconjunctivitis. We report a case of chronic microsporidiosis in a 28-year-old woman missionary from Mozambique who came to our diagnostic laboratory with nausea, lower abdominal pain, and frequent bowel movements. Over two years, the patient was clinically assessed and treated for malaria and giardiasis without laboratory diagnosis while in Mozambique. Identification of the causative agent of her condition was not attempted during the course of her illness in Mozambique. Furthermore, adverse effects of malaria and giardiasis medications may have exacerbated the chronic illness in this patient and mimicked chronic microsporidiosis.
Pathogenicity of High-Dose Enteral Inoculation of Burkholderia pseudomallei to Mice
Authors: West T. Eoin , Myers Nicolle D. , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Liggitt H. Denny , Chantratita Narisara , Peacock Sharon J. , Skerrett Shawn J.
Published: October 2010

Melioidosis is a frequently lethal tropical infection caused by the environmental saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. Although transcutaneous inoculation and inhalation are considered the primary routes of infection, suggestive clinical evidence implicates ingestion as a possible alternative route. We show that in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, direct gastric inoculation of high doses of B. pseudomallei causes systemic infection that may be lethal or cause chronic disseminated infection. Mice may shed bacteria in the stool for weeks after infection, and high titers of B. pseudomallei-specific IgG are detectable. This report of enteric murine melioidosis supports further consideration of this route of infection.
Social Acceptability and Durability of Two Different House Screening Interventions against Exposure to Malaria Vectors, Plasmodium falciparum Infection, and Anemia in Children in The Gambia, West Africa
Authors: Kirby Matthew J. , Bah Pateh , Jones Caroline O. H. , Kelly Ann H. , Jasseh Momodou , Lindsay Steve W.
Published: October 2010

The social acceptability and durability of two house screening interventions were addressed using focus group discussions, questionnaires, indoor climate measurements, and durability surveys. Participants recognized that screening stopped mosquitoes (79–96%) and other insects (86–98%) entering their houses. These and other benefits were appreciated by significantly more recipients of full screening than users of screened ceilings. Full screened houses were 0.26°C hotter at night (P = 0.05) than houses with screened ceilings and 0.51°C (P < 0.001) hotter than houses with no screening (28.43°C), though only 9% of full screened house users and 17% of screened ceiling users complained about the heat. Although 71% of screened doors and 85% of ceilings had suffered some damage after 12 months, the average number of holes of any size was < 5 for doors and < 7 for ceilings. In conclusion, house screening is a well-appreciated and durable vector control tool.
Association Between the pfmdr1 Gene and In Vitro Artemether and Lumefantrine Sensitivity in Thai Isolates of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Mungthin Mathirut , Khositnithikul Rommanee , Sitthichot Naruemon , Suwandittakul Nantana , Wattanaveeradej Veerachai , Ward Stephen A. , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: October 2010

We evaluated the influence of pfmdr1 mutations and copy number on in vitro artemether and lumefantrine sensitivity in 101 laboratory and adapted Thai isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Approximately one-fourth of these isolates exhibited reduced lumefantrine susceptibility. We found that both mutations and amplification of the pfmdr1 gene influenced in vitro artemether and lumefantrine sensitivity. Using multivariate analysis, 184F or 1042N alleles and a copy number of ≥ 4 were identified as the independent markers for decreased lumefantrine susceptibility. Separate analysis also indicated that parasites from different geographical areas were influenced by different genetic markers.
Outbreak of Beriberi in an Indian Population of the Upper Amazon Region, Roraima State, Brazil, 2008
Authors: Cerroni Matheus P. , Barrado Jean C. S. , Nobrega Aglaer A. , Lins Alysson B. M. , da Silva Iolanda P. , Mangueira Robson R. , da Cruz Rômulo H. , Mendes Sandra M. F. , Sobel Jeremy
Published: October 2010

Edema, parasthesias, and paresis affected 10 residents of an Indian community in Roraima state; three died. Mining with mercury occurs locally; caxirí, a traditional alcoholic drink, is consumed daily. We conducted a 1:2 unmatched case-control study; a case was an Indian from Uiramutã county (population of 9,127) who presented ≥ 1 of lower extremity edema, paresthesias, paresis, or weakness. Controls were asymptomatic Indians randomly selected from the population. We identified 90 cases (prevalence of 1%) and 180 controls; all were enrolled. Among cases, 79% were male, and the median age was 31 years. Ethnicity was Macuxí, and 49% had income. Cases had lower extremity edema (85%), upper extremity paresthesias (84%), and lower extremity weakness and pain (78%). Risk factors were male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 6.8; P < 0.001), age 31–40 years (OR = 5.63; P < 0.001), and consumption of caxirí (OR = 2.7; P < 0.003). Mercury exposure was not a risk. Thiamine therapy produced complete rapid clinical recovery in all cases, confirming the diagnosis of beriberi. We recommend surveillance, thiamine supplementation, and nutritional intervention.
Tube within Tube: Ascaris in Bowel and Biliary-Tract
Authors: Goyal Ankur , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Sriram Jaganathan
Published: October 2010

Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common human helminthic diseases worldwide. On ultrasound, it is seen as linear non-shadowing echogenic structures with target appearance in cross section, and the live worm may show writhing movements in real time. On barium meal follow through, it appears as radiolucent tubular filling defects within the bowel lumen. Though not sensitive, direct real-time visualization of Ascaris on ultrasound is quick, non-invasive, and definitive.
A Physical Map for an Asian Malaria Mosquito, Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Sharakhova Maria V. , Xia Ai , Tu Zhijian , Shouche Yogesh S. , Unger Maria F. , Sharakhov Igor V.
Published: October 2010

Physical mapping is a useful approach for studying genome organization and evolution as well as for genome sequence assembly. The availability of polytene chromosomes in malaria mosquitoes provides a unique opportunity to develop high-resolution physical maps. We report a 0.6-Mb-resolution physical map consisting of 422 DNA markers hybridized to 379 chromosomal sites of the Anopheles stephensi polytene chromosomes. This makes An. stephensi second only to Anopheles gambiae in density of a physical map among malaria mosquitoes. Three hundred sixty-three (363) probes hybridized to single chromosomal sites, whereas 59 clones yielded multiple signals. This physical map provided a suitable basis for comparative genomics, which was used for determining inversion breakpoints, duplications, and origin of novel genes across species.
Case-Control Study of Diarrheal Disease Etiology in a Remote Rural Area in Western Thailand
Authors: Bodhidatta Ladaporn , McDaniel Philip , Sornsakrin Siriporn , Srijan Apichai , Serichantalergs Oralak , Mason Carl J.
Published: October 2010

The objective was to assess the association of enteric pathogens in diarrheal disease in a remote rural area in Thailand. Stool specimens were collected from 236 children aged 3 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea (cases) and from 236 asymptomatic controls. Standard microbiologic methods, and enzyme immunoassay for viral pathogens, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, were used to identify enteric pathogens with susceptibility testing by disk diffusion. Campylobacter, Plesiomonas, Salmonella, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were commonly isolated from cases and controls (22% versus 25%, 10% versus 11%, 6% versus 9%, and 10% versus 6%, respectively). Only Shigella, rotavirus, and adenovirus were identified significantly more frequently in cases than controls (9% versus 0%, 18% versus 3%, and 16% versus 2%, respectively), whereas Giardia lamblia was detected less often in cases than controls. Most pre-school children were infested with enteric pathogens; laboratory-based studies are important to understand the epidemiology of enteric pathogens in remote areas among marginal populations.
Plasma and Urinary Aluminum Concentrations in Severely Anemic Geophagous Pregnant Women in the Bas Maroni Region of French Guiana: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Lambert Veronique , Boukhari Rachida , Nacher Mathieu , Goullé Jean-Pierre , Roudier Estelle , Elguindi Wael , Laquerrière Annie , Carles Gabriel
Published: October 2010

The clays consumed by geophagous individuals contain large quantities of aluminum, a known neurological and hematological toxin. This is the first study to evaluate the risk of aluminum poisoning in geophagous individuals. Blind determinations of plasma and urinary aluminum concentrations were carried out in 98 anemic geophagous pregnant women and 85 non-anemic non-geophagous pregnant women. Aluminum concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the geophagous anemic women than in the controls, with odds ratios of 6.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.72–19.31) for plasma concentrations (13.92 ± 14.09 μg/L versus 4.95 ± 7.11 μg/L) and 5.44 (95% CI = 2.17–14.8) for urinary concentrations (92.83 ± 251.21 μg/L versus 12.11 ± 23 μg/L). The ingested clay is the most likely source of this overexposure to aluminum. If confirmed, the clinical consequences of this absorption for pregnant women and their offspring should be explored.
A quantitative approach for comparing modeled biospheric carbon flux estimates across regional scales
Authors: Huntzinger D. N. , Gourdji S. M. , Mueller K. L. , Michalak A. M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Given the large differences between biospheric model estimates of regional carbon exchange, there is a need to understand and reconcile the predicted spatial variability of fluxes across models. This paper presents a set of quantitative tools that can be applied for comparing flux estimates in light of the inherent differences in model formulation. The presented methods include variogram analysis, variable selection, and geostatistical regression. These methods are evaluated in terms of their ability to assess and identify differences in spatial variability in flux estimates across North America among a small subset of models, as well as differences in the environmental drivers that appear to have the greatest control over the spatial variability of predicted fluxes. The examined models are the Simple Biosphere (SiB 3.0), Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA), and CASA coupled with the Global Fire Emissions Database (CASA GFEDv2), and the analyses are performed on model-predicted net ecosystem exchange, gross primary production, and ecosystem respiration. Variogram analysis reveals consistent seasonal differences in spatial variability among modeled fluxes at a 1°×1° spatial resolution. However, significant differences are observed in the overall magnitude of the carbon flux spatial variability across models, in both net ecosystem exchange and component fluxes. Results of the variable selection and geostatistical regression analyses suggest fundamental differences between the models in terms of the factors that control the spatial variability of predicted flux. For example, carbon flux is more strongly correlated with percent land cover in CASA GFEDv2 than in SiB or CASA. Some of these factors can be linked back to model formulation, and would have been difficult to identify simply by comparing net fluxes between models. Overall, the quantitative approach presented here provides a set of tools for comparing predicted grid-scale fluxes across models, a task that has historically been difficult unless standardized forcing data were prescribed or a detailed sensitivity analysis was performed.
Analyzing catchment behavior through catchment modeling in the Gilgel Abay, Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Uhlenbrook S. , Mohamed Y. , Gragne A. S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Understanding catchment hydrological processes is essential for water resources management, in particular in data scarce regions. The Gilgel Abay catchment (a major tributary into Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile) is undergoing intensive plans for water management, which is part of larger development plans in the Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia. To obtain a better understanding of the water balance dynamics and runoff generation mechanisms and to evaluate model transferability, catchment modeling has been conducted using the conceptual hydrological model HBV. Accordingly, the catchment of the Gilgel Abay has been divided into two gauged sub-catchments (Upper Gilgel Abay and Koga) and the un-gauged part of the catchment. All available data sets were tested for stationarity, consistency and homogeneity and the data limitations (quality and quantity) are discussed. Manual calibration of the daily models for three different catchment representations, i.e. (i) lumped, (ii) lumped with multiple vegetation zones, and (iii) semi-distributed with multiple vegetation and elevation zones, showed good to satisfactory model performances with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies Reff > 0.75 and > 0.6 for the Upper Gilgel Abay and Koga sub-catchments, respectively. Better model results could not be obtained with manual calibration, very likely due to the limited data quality and model insufficiencies. Increasing the computation time step to 15 and 30 days improved the model performance in both sub-catchments to Reff > 0.8. Model parameter transferability tests have been conducted by interchanging parameters sets between the two gauged sub-catchments. Results showed poor performances for the daily models (0.30 < Reff < 0.67), but better performances for the 15 and 30 days models, Reff > 0.80. The transferability tests together with a sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations (more than 1 million model runs per catchment representation) explained the different hydrologic responses of the two sub-catchments, which seems to be mainly caused by the presence of dambos in Koga sub-catchment. It is concluded that daily model transferability is not feasible, while it can produce acceptable results for the 15 and 30 days models. This is very useful for water resources planning and management, but not sufficient to capture detailed hydrological processes in an ungauged area.
Integration of vegetation indices into a water balance model to estimate evapotranspiration of wheat and corn
Authors: Padilla F. L. M. , González-Dugo M. P. , Gavilán P. , Domínguez J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Vegetation indices (VIs) have been traditionally used for quantitative monitoring of vegetation. Remotely sensed radiometric measurements of visible and infrared solar energy, which is reflected or emitted by plant canopies, can be used to obtain rapid, non-destructive estimates of certain canopy attributes and parameters. One parameter of special interest for water management applications, is the crop coefficient employed by the FAO-56 model to derive actual crop evapotranspiration (ET). The aim of this study was to evaluate a methodology that combines the basal crop coefficient derived from VIs with a daily soil water balance in the root zone to estimate daily evapotranspiration rates for corn and wheat crops at field scale. The ability of the model to trace water stress in these crops was also assessed. Vegetation indices were first retrieved from field hand-held radiometer measurements and then from Landsat 5 and 7 satellite images. The results of the model were validated using two independent measurement systems for ET and regular soil moisture monitoring, in order to evaluate the behavior of the soil and atmosphere components of the model. ET estimates were compared with latent heat flux measured by an eddy covariance system and with weighing lysimeter measurements. Average overestimates of daily ET of 8 and 11% were obtained for corn and wheat, respectively, with good agreement between the estimated and measured root-zone water deficit for both crops when field radiometry was employed. Satellite remote-sensing inputs overestimated ET by 4 to 9%, showing a non-significant lost of accuracy when the satellite sensor data replaced the field radiometry data. The model was also used to monitor the water stress during the 2009 growing season, detecting several periods of water stress in both crops. Some of these stresses occurred during stages like grain filling, when the water stress is know to have a negative effect on yield. This fact could explain the lower yield reached compared to local yield statistics for wheat and corn. The results showed that the model can be used to calculate the water requirements of these crops in irrigated areas and that its ability to monitor water stress deserves further research.
Mediterranean hurricanes: large-scale environment and convective and precipitating areas from satellite microwave observations
Authors: Claud C. , Alhammoud B. , Funatsu B. M. , Chaboureau J.-P.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Subsynoptic scale vortices that have been likened to tropical cyclones or polar lows (medicanes) are occasionally observed over the Mediterranean Sea. Generated over the sea, they are usually associated with strong winds and heavy precipitation and thus can be highly destructive in islands and costal areas. Only an accurate forecasting of such systems could mitigate these effects. However, at the moment, the predictability of these systems remains limited. Due to the scarcity of conventional observations, use is made of NOAA/MetOp satellite observations, for which advantage can be taken of the time coverage differences between the platforms that carry it, to give a very complete temporal description of the disturbances. A combination of AMSU-B (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B)/MHS (Microwave Humidity Sounder) observations permit to investigate precipitation associated with these systems while coincident AMSU-A (Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A) observations give insights into the larger synoptic-scale environment in which they occur. Three different cases (in terms of intensity, location, trajectory, duration, and periods of the year – May, September and December, respectively) were investigated. Throughout these time periods, AMSU-A observations show that the persisting deep outflow of cold air over the sea together with an upper-level trough upstream constituted a favourable environment for the development of medicanes. AMSU-B/MHS based diagnostics show that convection and precipitation areas are large in the early stage of the low, but significantly reduced afterwards. Convection is maximum just after the upper-level trough, located upstream of cold mid-tropospheric air, reached its maximum intensity and acquired a cyclonic orientation.
Role of the Nav1.7 R1150W amino acid change in susceptibility to symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and multiple regional pain
Authors: Valdes Ana M. , Arden Nigel K. , Vaughn Frances L. , Doherty Sally A. , Leaverton Paul E. , Zhang Weiya , Muir Kenneth R. , Rampersaud Evadnie , Dennison Elaine M. , Edwards Mark H. , Jameson Karen A. , Javaid M. Kassim , Spector Tim D. , Cooper Cyrus , Maciewicz Rose A. , Doherty Michael
Published: October 2010

Objective

To assess the genetic association of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and those with multiple regional pain with the R1150W variant in the α‐subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7.

Methods

Knee OA patients from 2 UK cohorts (1,411 from the Genetics of Osteoarthritis and Lifestyle study and 267 from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study; 74% with symptomatic OA) with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) pain scores were genotyped for rs6746030 (encoding the R1150W change). One hundred seventy‐six knee OA patients (53% symptomatic) from the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study were also tested. A total of 4,295 samples (both affected and unaffected OA) from all 3 studies with data on multiple regional pain were tested. Fixed‐effects meta‐analyses were carried out with the WOMAC, symptomatic OA (adjusting for radiographic severity), and multiple regional pain as outcomes.

Results

No association with the WOMAC was seen in the UK cohorts. Overall, the meta‐analysis of WOMAC yielded a summary statistic of β = 0.47 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.04, 0.89; P = 0.030) for the variant allele. The meta‐analysis of symptomatic versus asymptomatic OA did not demonstrate an association with rs6746030 (odds ratio [OR] 0.90 [95% CI 0.71, 1.15], P = 0.38). The meta‐analysis of multiple regional pain resulted in a significant OR of 1.40 (95% CI 1.08, 1.80; P = 0.0085). No interstudy heterogeneity was seen for any of the analyses.

Conclusion

We find evidence that the R1150W amino acid change in the NaV1.7 α‐chain is associated with multiple regional pain. This variant is confirmed to be involved in genetic susceptibility to pain, but it does not appear to have a major role in OA‐specific pain.
Recent Progresses on Materials for Electrophosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian , Qu Bo , Luo Jiaxiu , Kong Sheng , Gong Qihuang , Kido Junji
Published: October 2010

Although organic light‐emitting devices have been commercialized as flat panel displays since 1997, only singlet excitons were emitted. Full use of singlet and triplet excitons, electrophosphorescence, has attracted increasing attentions after the premier work made by Forrest, Thompson, and co‐workers. In fact, red electrophosphorescent dye has already been used in sub‐display of commercial mobile phones since 2003. Highly efficient green phosphorescent dye is now undergoing of commercialization. Very recently, blue phosphorescence approaching the theoretical efficiency has also been achieved, which may overcome the final obstacle against the commercialization of full color display and white light sources from phosphorescent materials. Combining light out‐coupling structures with highly efficient phosphors (shown in the table‐of‐contents image), white emission with an efficiency matching that of fluorescent tubes (90 lm/W) has now been realized. It is possible to tune the color to the true white region by changing to a deep blue emitter and corresponding wide gap host and transporting material for the blue phosphor. In this article, recent progresses in red, green, blue, and white electrophosphorescent materials for OLEDs are reviewed, with special emphasis on blue electrophosphorescent materials.