bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The problem of illegally induced abortion: results from a hospital‐based study conducted at district level in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Rasch Vibeke , Muhammad Hamed , Urassa Ernest , Bergström Staffan
Published: March 2003

Summary Illegal abortion is known to be a major contributor to maternal mortality. The objective of the study was firstly to identify women with illegally induced abortion, (IA) and to compare them with women admitted with a spontaneous abortion (SA) or receiving antenatal care (AC), and secondly to describe the circumstances which characterized the abortion. The population of this cross‐sectional questionnaire study comprised patients from Temeke District Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. After an in‐depth confidential interview, 603 women with incomplete abortion were divided into two groups: 362 women with IA and 241 with SA. They were compared with 307 AC women. IA women were significantly younger, more often better educated, unmarried, nulliparous and students than AC women. Regarding civil‐status, educational level, proportion of nullipara and proportion of students, SA patients were similar to AC women. These results lend support to the assumption that the in‐depth confidential interview made it possible to distinguish IA women from SA women.
High seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus in adult women in a tropical climate
Authors: O'grady Kerry‐Ann , Merianos Angela , Patel Mahomed , Gilbert Lyn
Published: March 2003

Summary objectives  To determine whether the seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) in adults is similar to that reported in tropical populations elsewhere.

methods  We measured the seroprevalence of VZV IgG antibodies, using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in women attending an antenatal clinic in an urban centre in tropical Australia.

results  The overall seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in 298 women was 92% (95% CI 88–95), with no difference between women who spent their childhoods in the tropics and colleagues. None of the overseas‐born women was seronegative.

conclusion  The seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in this tropical population in Australia is as high as that reported from temperate regions, suggesting that social and cultural factors and population mobility are more important determinants of age distribution of VZV immunity than tropical climate.
Costs of tuberculosis for households and health care providers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Wyss Kaspar , Kilima Peter , Lorenz Nicolaus
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To assess the costs of tuberculosis at household level in Dar es Salaam and to compare them with the provider costs of the national tuberculosis control programme.

DESIGN Tuberculosis patients were found by active case searching within a routine census in three areas of Dar es Salaam, and by examining records for residents already receiving treatment. Costs at household level were evaluated through a cross‐sectional household survey.

RESULTS One hundred and ninety‐one tuberculosis cases were included in the survey. With treatment periods of 8 to 12 months, extrapolated average costs of a period of illness to patients and their families were as follows: US $2 for examination and laboratory costs, between US $17 and US $50 for consultation and drugs, less than US $1 for hospitalization and between US $13 and US $20 for transport. The analysis revealed high costs due to inability to work, ranging from US $154 to US $1384. These data were compared with the operation costs of the tuberculosis programme and proved to comprise 68% to 94% of total costs.

CONCLUSIONS For patients and their families, tuberculosis implies three main types of cost: drugs, transportation and, most importantly, financial loss due to inability to work. They represent around two thirds of total cost and are a high economic burden for households, in particular those with a low‐income. While assessing tuberculosis control strategies such as direct case finding at home, it is therefore important to also include costs incurred at household level.
The impact of 34 years of massive DEC chemotherapy on Wuchereria bancrofti infection and transmission: the Maupiti cohort
Authors: Esterre Philippe , Plichart Catherine , Sechan Yves , Nguyen Ngoc Lam
Published: March 2003

Semi‐annual mass DEC chemotherapy combined with vector control at the beginning of the programme, has been administered on the remote island of Maupiti (French Polynesia) since 1955 (except two periods in 1960–67 and 1970–74). The results of two surveys in 1985 and 1989, reporting 0% microfilaraemia, led to the hope that the eradication of lymphatic filariasis had been achieved. We combined parasitological criteria (microfilaraemia by membrane filtration), immunological (antigenaemia and serum levels of specific IgG antibodies) and molecular (PCR‐based evaluation of infection in mosquitoes) techniques and found only good control of the parasite: We found residual microfilaraemia in 0.4% of the sample (mean level in carriers: 101.2 mf/ml), antigenaemia in 4.6% (mean level in positive persons: 714.4 units/ml) and specific IgG in 21.6% (including in one very young child). In addition, an infection rate of 1.4% was calculated in the Aedes polynesiensis vector population. These data, obtained in 1997 just before a hurricane, were partially confirmed in 1999 (0.1% of infection rate in the vector). Together with the possibility of some resistance to DEC, various epidemiological factors critical for the eradication of lymphatic filariasis are discussed.
Consequences of over‐prescribing on the dispensing process in rural Nepal
Authors: Holloway Kathleen A. , Gautam Bharat R.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of increasing numbers of drugs prescribed on the dispensing process in rural Nepal.

DESIGN Cross‐sectional survey, on average 25 exiting patients per facility in 33 government health facilities.

OUTCOME MEASURES Percentage of cases where there was a dispensing error, and where the patient knew the dosing schedules of the dispensed drugs.

RESULTS A greater number of drug items prescribed and dispensed per patient was significantly associated with a greater percentage of cases where there was a dispensing error (P=0.00000), and where the patient did not know the dosing schedules of the dispensed drugs (P=0.00000).

CONCLUSION The prescribing (and dispensing) of more drugs per patient, an indication of over‐prescription, is associated with significantly poorer dispensing.
Community‐directed treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin in Takum, Nigeria
Authors: Akogun O. B. , Audu Z. , Weiss M. G. , Adelakun A. O. , Akoh J. I. , Akogun M. K. , Remme H. , Kale O. O.
Published: March 2003

A study to identify factors within the community that can ensure sustainable community‐directed treatment (ComDT) with ivermectin compared the effectiveness of programme‐designed (PD) and community‐designed (CD) strategies in 37 villages in the Takum area of Nigeria. In a subset of PD villages, designated PD1, communities were asked to use the village heads as community‐directed distributors (CDD), and the other communities (PD2) were asked to select female distributors, and both were instructed to use the house‐to‐house method of distribution. Community‐designed communities, on the other hand, were asked to design their own approach. All study communities received health education, treatment guidelines, and training enabling them to determine appropriate dosage. A total of 1744 people were interviewed about their experiences after two treatment cycles. Communities preferred honest, reliable community members as CDDs, but few women were selected. The results show striking similarity between PD and CD villages in many respects. In the PD1 villages, where the programme designated the village head as CDD, the mode of distribution was changed from house‐to‐house to central point, and distribution took place in the compound of the village head. In the PD2 villages, where the programme specified distributors should be women, the women who were selected were replaced by their male children. These changes to the original design were consistent with the local cultural norms and made the arrangement for distribution more acceptable to the people. Programme‐designed villages that used the village head as distributors performed better than those that used women, and the coverage in the former group compares well with that of CD villages. Only five villages achieved coverage > 60%, but dosage was correct in most cases (87.4%). Drug shortage was the most frequent reason for non‐treatment. Communities devised means for ensuring equity and fairness in sharing their limited supply and freely altered the original designs to fit local norms and values. These changes to the original design were consistent with local norms and were acceptable to the people. The success of this strategy should be tested in other parts of Nigeria. Long‐term success of ComDT, however, requires a reliable drug supply and inputs from professionals in the health system for minimal supervision. The core issues that determine sustainability of ComDT appear to be not so much in the structure, but in the process by which they are introduced. Communities will only sustain a programme where the process of implementation fits well with local norms and where communities are free to alter PD procedures that are inconsistent with local customs.
Melarsoprol refractory T. b. gambiense from Omugo, north‐western Uganda
Authors: Matovu E. , Enyaru J. C. K. , Legros D. , Schmid C. , Seebeck T. , Kaminsky R.
Published: March 2003

Culture adapted T. b. gambiense isolated from Northwest Uganda were exposed to 0.001–0.14 μg/ml melarsoprol or 1.56–100 μg/ml DL‐α‐difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of each drug were scored for each isolate after a period of 10 days drug exposure. The results indicate that T. b. gambiense isolates from Northwest Uganda had elevated MIC values for melarsoprol ranging from 0.009 to 0.072 μg/ml as compared with T. b. gambiense isolates from Cote d‘Ivoire with MIC values ranging from 0.001 to 0.018 μg/ml or with T. b. rhodesiense from Southeast Uganda with MIC values from 0.001 to 0.009 μg/ml. All MIC values obtained fell below expected peak melarsoprol concentrations in serum of treated patients. However, it may not be possible to maintain constant drug concentrations in serum of patients as was the case in our in vitro experiments. Importantly, the MIC of 0.072 μg/ml exhibited by one of the isolates from Northwest Uganda was above levels attainable in CSF indicating that this isolate would probably not be eliminated from CSF of treated patients. PCR amplification of the gene encoding the P2‐like adenosine transporter followed by restriction digestion with Sfa NI enzyme revealed presence of fragments previously observed in a trypanosome clone with laboratory‐induced arsenic resistance. From our findings it appears that reduced drug susceptibility may be one factor for the frequent relapses of sleeping sickness after melarsoprol treatment occuring in Northwest Uganda.
How useful is a name‐based algorithm in health research among Turkish migrants in Germany?
Authors: Razum Oliver , Zeeb Hajo , Akgün Seval
Published: March 2003

Migrants often face particular social, economic and health disadvantages relative to the population of the host country. In order to adapt health services to the needs of migrants, health researchers need to identify differences in risk factor and disease profiles, as well as inequalities concerning treatment and prevention. Registries of health‐related events could be employed for these purposes. In Germany, however, routine data bases often hold no, or inaccurate, information on the national origin of the cases registered. We developed an algorithm based on a large data set of Turkish family and first names (n=15 000), with religion as additional criterion, to identify cases of Turkish origin in registries in a largely automatic search. We tested the performance of the algorithm in a population registry and in a cancer registry. The algorithm discriminates well against Greek and Arab names, with 1% false positive matches in our study. It achieves a specificity of > 99.9% in delimiting Turkish from German cases in the cancer registry. The sensitivity can be increased to 85%, provided the small proportion of case records with uncertain origin can be assessed manually. The name algorithm can be useful for registry‐based health research among Turkish migrants in Germany. Possible applications are e.g. in cancer registries to compare survival among German and Turkish cancer patients, or in health insurance registries to compare the relative importance of work‐related degenerative diseases. In specific circumstances, the algorithm may also be useful in aetiological research.
History and importance of antimalarial drug resistance
Authors: D'Alessandro U. , Buttiëns H.
Published: March 2003

The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to widely used antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine (CQ) has made malaria control and treatment much more difficult. This is particularly dramatic for Africa, as few affordable alternatives are available. Drug pressure has been identified as one of the key factors for the emergence and spread of resistance. The contribution of the extensive use and misuse of antimalarial drugs to the selection of resistant parasites became particularly evident during the Global Malaria Eradication campaign, launched by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1955. The first reports confirming P. falciparum resistance to CQ came almost simultaneously in the early 1960s from South America and South‐East Asia, where direct or indirect (through use of medicated cooking salt) mass drug administration (MDA) had been implemented. Similar approaches were very limited in Africa, where P. falciparum resistance to CQ was first reported from the eastern region in the late 1970s and spread progressively west. Most African countries still rely heavily on CQ as first‐line treatment despite various levels of resistance, although some states have changed to sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) as the first‐line drug. Unfortunately, the predicted SP useful therapeutic life might be very short, probably because of its prolonged half‐life, causing a higher probability of selecting resistant strains and a consequent fast development of resistance. CQ resistance is not evenly distributed and important differences can be found within and between countries. It seems to have spread more rapidly in East than in West Africa. Considering the high level of CQ use in West Africa, other factors such as intensity of transmission, population immunity or population movements should be considered when explaining the different levels of resistance. Understanding such factors may help us in devising strategies to contain the spread of drug resistance.
Case management of malaria in under‐fives at primary health care facilities in a Tanzanian district
Authors: Nsimba Stephen E. D. , Massele Amos Y. , Eriksen Jaran , Gustafsson Lars L. , Tomson Goran , Warsame Marian
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To study case management of malaria in children under 5 years of age at primary health care facilities in Kibaha district, Tanzania and to evaluate the accuracy of self‐reported mothers'/guardians' information on chloroquine use in children.

METHOD A random sample of 652 mothers/guardians with sick children under 5 years of age attending 10 primary health care facilities was observed and interviewed. Blood samples for determination of chloroquine levels were taken from all children and thick smears for detection of malaria parasites were taken from the children who were prescribed chloroquine. Information on diagnoses and prescriptions was collected from recording books.

RESULTS Fever and respiratory problems were the most common complaints and accounted for 75% and 46% of the presenting conditions, respectively (some complained of both). Fifty‐four per cent of the children received medication at home, most commonly antipyretics and chloroquine, 20% had been taken to another health facility and 3% to traditional healers before coming to the health facilities. There was a significantly higher use of antipyretics among home treated children compared with those taken previously to health facilities (P ≤ 0.001). Use of antibiotics was higher among children who had been taken to health facilities previously (P < 0.0001). Nine per cent had received injections. The average consultation time was 3.8 min. Thirty‐nine per cent of the children were physically examined, with large interfacility variations. In 71% of the children malaria was diagnosed, either as a single condition or in combination with others, and with respiratory problems as the leading overlapping condition (29%). Malaria parasites were found in 38% of the cases given a malaria diagnosis. A total of 81% of the health facility prescriptions included analgesics, 71% chloroquine and 54% antibiotics. A fourth of all prescriptions were injections. The proportions of chloroquine and antibiotic injections in relation to the total number of prescriptions varied between the facilities. Of the 529 blood samples successfully analysed for chloroquine, 98% had detectable blood drug levels. Ninety‐seven per cent of the children without history of prior chloroquine treatment had detectable drug levels in the blood, 11% had high levels (≥ 1000 nmol/l). Of those prescribed chloroquine, 16% already had high blood concentrations of the drug.

CONCLUSION Health care services, i.e. presumptive malaria diagnosis, consultation time and procedure for physical examination need to be improved.
People's perception of malaria in Mbarara, Uganda
Authors: Nuwaha Fred
Published: March 2003

To understand people's perceptions of malaria and their implications for control programmes, we held focus group discussions (FGDs) and conducted semi‐structured interviews (SSIs) with community members in Mbarara, Uganda. Mosquitoes were perceived as the cause or transmitters of malaria but the causation/transmission model of people differed from biomedical facts. Convulsions, a common complication of malaria, were perceived as a supernatural ailment, best treated by traditional medicine, as was splenomegaly. More than 70% of the patients with malaria had treatment from non‐public health sources. This included self‐treatment (13%), use of traditional healers (12%) and use of private medical practitioners/pharmacists (69%). Although 26% (887/3309) used bednets to prevent malaria, only 7% of the nets were impregnated with insecticide. People who did not use bednets cited discomfort because of heat/humidity and their high cost as reasons. To improve malaria control in this area, people need to be educated on the connection between mosquitoes and malaria and on seeking biomedical treatment for convulsions. The malaria control programme could collaborate with traditional and private health care providers to increase promotion of insecticide‐impregnated mosquito nets.
Symphysis‐fundal height growth chart of an obstetric cohort of 817 Mozambican women with ultrasound‐dated singleton pregnancies
Authors: Challis Kenneth , Osman Nafissa Bique , Nyström Lennarth , Nordahl Gunnar , Bergström Staffan
Published: March 2003

Our aim was to construct a new symphysis‐fundus height (SFH) growth chart, based on Mozambican women with ultrasound‐dated singleton pregnancy, who represent the largest obstetric cohort in a developing country followed for this purpose. Two antenatal clinics were chosen in the suburban area of Maputo City. A cohort of 904 consecutively recruited antenatal clients was followed until delivery. The growth of the SFH was measured every second to third week. Gestational age was determined by ultrasound at enrolment. Women with multiple pregnancy or with gestational age > 21 weeks at enrolment were excluded. The average number of antenatal SFH measurements per woman was 7.8 (SD 2.4). The drop out rate was 9.6%. Mean birthweight was 2909 g. Pre‐term deliveries occurred in 15% and low birthweight deliveries (< 2500 g) in 16%. Using proper longitudinal methods, we constructed an FH growth chart and compared it with various previously published SFH charts, which showed the Mozambican chart to be 0–3 cm below the others. Nulliparous women were 0.5 cm below multiparous women. We did not find any difference in the SFH growth charts between women with or without overt morbidity. Women with a body mass index (BMI) < 19 and women with a BMI > 27 had approximately 1 cm lower and 1 cm higher readings, respectively, than women with normal BMI. The Mozambican SFH growth chart is an example of an elaborated growth chart for a well‐defined population in alow‐income country. It constitutes the basis for further studies to predict the small‐for‐gestational age newborn from anthropometrical data obtained by use of appropriate technology.
Genetic structure of Aedes aegypti populations in Chiang Mai (Thailand) and relation with dengue transmission
Authors: Mousson Laurence , Vazeille Marie , Chawprom Srisucha , Prajakwong Somsak , Rodhain François , Failloux Anna‐Bella
Published: March 2003

We analysed the population genetic structure and differentiation regarding vector competence for a dengue virus of 15 Aedes aegypti samples collected from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Based on polymorphism of 10 isoenzyme loci, genetic differentiation was confirmed among samples collected in different subdistricts (high FST values and P < 0.05). Based on infection rate for a dengue 2 virus, susceptibilities were similar in mosquitoes collected in San Nuea subdistrict and in Choeng Doi subdistrict, and were heterogeneous in populations sampled in other subdistricts. These findings are discussed and related to insecticide treatments.
In vitro activity of chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine and halofantrine against Gabonese isolates of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Ndong Jérôme Mezui Me , Atteke Christiane , Aubouy Agnès , Bakary Mohamed , Lébibi Jacques , Deloron Philippe
Published: March 2003

objectives  To determine the in vitro activity of antimalarial drugs against isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in Gabon.

methods  Plasmodium falciparum isolates were collected from symptomatic infections in the hospitals of Bakoumba and Franceville, south‐east Gabon and in 2000. In vitro activity of chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine, halofantrine was measured by the isotopic microtest.

results  A total of 60 and 62 isolates gave interpretable data in Franceville and Bakoumba, respectively. In Franceville, 50.0% (mean IC50 = 111.7 nm), 0% (mean IC50 = 156.7 nm), and 21.2% (mean IC50 = 12.4 nm) of isolates, respectively, showed in vitro resistance to chloroquine, quinine and mefloquine. In Bakoumba, we saw resistance to chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine and halofantrine in 95.0% (mean IC50 = 325.8 nm), 10.2% (mean IC50 = 385.5 nm), 47.5% (mean IC50 = 24.5 nm) and 18.2% (mean IC50 = 1.9 nm) of isolates, respectively. Activities of chloroquine and mefloquine, chloroquine and quinine, and mefloquine and quinine were positively correlated.

conclusions  Antimalarial drug resistance is high in this area of Gabon. The extent of resistance is disparate, as all tested drugs were less efficacious in Bakoumba than in Franceville.
Improvement and retardation of wound healing: effects of pharmacological agents in laboratory animal studies
Authors: Kietzmann
Published: March 2003

Impaired wound healing is an important problem; retardation of healing may be induced by endogenous and/or exogenous factors and treatments capable of ameliorating these effects are needed. The effects of solutions containing light ichthyol or povidone iodine, of ointments containing zinc oxide (ZO) and/or cod liver oil (CLO), and of a polyurethane‐hydrogel foam wound dressing were examined on healing of full‐thickness murine skin wounds impaired by systemic dexamethasone. The effects of the ointments were also studied on murine skin ulceration induced by subcutaneous sodium dodecyl sulphate solution. Light ichthyol at 1% and 2% but not at 5% and 10%, povidone iodine at 1% and the foam accelerated impaired healing. The ointments containing ZO or CLO accelerated healing of impaired full‐thickness wounds and of ulcerated skin; ZO and CLO were synergistic. These studies demonstrate the value of murine models in the evaluation of agents employed in veterinary wound dressings.
Dermatophilus‐like infection in beluga whales,Delphinapterus leucas, from the St. Lawrence estuary
Authors: Mikaelian I. , Lapointe J.‐M. , Labelle P. , Higgins R. , Paradis M. , Martineau D.
Published: March 2003

Six beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) found dead on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary had multiple slightly depressed greyish round areas randomly distributed over the whole body. Histologically, the surface of these areas was covered with a thick layer ofDermatophilus‐like organisms which invaded the stratum corneum. The underlying stratum spinosum had marked spongiosis and vacuolar degeneration. Minimal neutrophilic infiltration was present within the underlying dermal papillae. To the authors’ knowledge, dermatophilosis in cetaceans has not been reported previously.
Notoedric mange in two free‐ranging North American racoons (Procyon lotor) in Japan
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroyoshi , Ogata Munetsugu
Published: March 2003

Abstract Mange was diagnosed in two North American racoons (Procyon lotor) at Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The mites were identified morphologically as Notoedres cati. Mite infestation affected the skin over the extremities and tail, and was characterized by moderate alopecia and erythematous dermatosis. Histopathologically, the affected skin showed marked epidermal hyperplasia and mites located within the parakeratotic stratum corneum. A slight dermal inflammatory response consisting principally of mononuclear cells was observed. N. cati mites were demonstrated in their tunnels using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This is the first report of notoedric mange in racoons.
The effects of capsaicin topical therapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over clinical trial
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Nicklin Constance F. , Melloy Caroline
Published: March 2003

Abstract The efficacy of twice daily topical application of capsaicin (0.025%) for the management of pruritus in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) was evaluated in double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Twelve dogs with AD were randomly assigned to either 0.025% capsaicin or vehicle lotion applied twice daily for 6 weeks. After a 4‐week wash‐out period, treatments were switched. Significant improvement was reported by owners (P = 0.0006), but not by investigators. Owners noted temporary worsening of pruritus after the first week of capsaicin therapy. Overall capsaicin was well tolerated. Substance P (SP) concentrations in the skin did not correlate with the severity of the pruritus and did not change significantly over time and between treatments. Lesional skin had less SP than nonlesional skin (P = 0.03). These observations suggest that topical capsaicin should be further evaluated as an adjunctive antipruritic agent in dogs with AD.
A pilot trial on the effect of Cyclosporin A on intradermal skin test reactions in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Burton G. , Robson D. , Bassett R. , Kiermeier A.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine if Cyclosporin A, given at a dose of 5 mg kg−1 per day for 42 days, negatively influenced intradermal skin test results in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Six mixed‐breed dogs of varying ages and sexes with a clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were included in this study. All dogs were intradermally skin tested (IDT) with 61 allergens from varying groups, grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, moulds, insects and dust mites. IDT reactions were recorded as absent, weak, moderate or strong reactions. All dogs showed several strong reactions in the initial IDT. On days 0 to 42, the dogs received 5 mg kg −1 per day of Cyclosporin A. On day 42, all dogs showed a marked reduction in pruritus. A second IDT was performed and the results of both tests compared. The χ2‐test was used to statistically analyse changes between pre‐ and post‐treatment reactions for each of the allergen groups. There were no mould reactions recorded and this group was discarded from analysis. When all reactions were used in analysis, Cyclosporin A tended to significantly reduce the number of IDT reactions. However, when only moderate and strong reactions were considered (weak reactions excluded) there were no significant differences between pre‐ and post‐treatment results for the other allergen groups. Cyclosporin A at a dose of 5 mg kg−1 per day for 42 days controlled pruritus, but did not significantly alter moderate and strong intradermal skin test reactions in the six dogs tested. This suggests that Cyclosporin A, at this dose, did not prevent mast cell degranulation.

 Funded by Novartis Animal Health, Australia.
Influence of environmental factors on glyphosate efficacy when applied to Avena fatua or Urochloa panicoides
Authors: ADKINS  , TANPIPAT  , SWARBRICK  , BOERSMA
Published: March 2003

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of soil moisture content, irradiance, temperature and relative humidity on the efficacy of glyphosate applied to six isogenic lines of Avena fatua L. (wild oat) and four near‐isogenic lines of Urochloa panicoides Beauv. (liverseed grass). The variables examined were four soil moisture conditions (29%, 42%, 55% and 100% of field capacity), two levels of irradiance (400 and 800 μmol m−2 s−1), two levels of relative humidity (>92% and 65%) and four temperature regimes (20/15, 25/20, 30/25 and 35/30 °C: day/night), representing the environmental conditions of winter or summer fallows in the north‐east grain region of Australia. The efficacy of 360 g acid equivalent ha−1 glyphosate was greatest under well‐watered (100% of field capacity), warm (30/25 °C for A. fatua and 35/30 °C for U. panicoides) and humid (>92/90%) conditions. The efficacy was least under severe water stress (29% of field capacity), warm (30/25 °C for A. fatua and 35/30 °C for U. panicoides) and moderately humid (65/60%) conditions. Efficacy was not altered by the level of irradiance nor was it different between isogenic lines.
The influence of soil moisture content on glyphosate efficacy for the control of annual grasses in fallow land
Authors: ADKINS  , TANPIPA  , SWARBRIC  , BOERSMA
Published: March 2003

In order to determine the effects of soil moisture content on the efficacy of glyphosate, field experiments were conducted on three annual grass weeds [#Avena fatua
Evaluating the accuracy of mapping weeds in seedling crops using airborne digital imaging: Avena spp. in seedling triticale
Authors: Lamb  , Weedon  , Rew
Published: March 2003

Airborne multispectral imaging has been used to map patches of Avena spp. (wild‐oats) in a field of seedling triticale (X Triticosecale, Wittmack). Images of the target field were acquired using a four‐camera airborne digital imaging system, recording in the infrared, red, green and blue wave‐bands. Spectral information derived from images of 0.5‐, 1.0‐, 1.5‐ and 2.0‐m spatial resolution were correlated with detailed on‐ground weed density measurements to investigate the effect of image resolution on mapping accuracy. Comparisons between normalized‐difference vegetation index (NDVI) or soil‐adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) images and weed data achieved correlations of up to 71%. The highest correlation was achieved with the 0.5‐m‐resolution images and the lowest with the 2.0‐m‐resolution images. At 0.5‐m resolution, NDVI images could not reliably discriminate weed populations of less than 28 weeds m–2 from weed‐free regions, while SAVI images could not discriminate populations of less than 17 weeds m–2. At 1.0‐, 1.5‐ and 2.0‐m resolution, SAVI images could not discriminate populations of less than 23 weeds m–2, while NDVI images again demonstrated a higher discrimination threshold. Results suggest that airborne multispectral imaging could be used as part of a stratified weed sampling system.
Fitness effects of the triazine resistance mutation in Amaranthus hybridus: relative fitness in maize and soyabean crops
Authors: Jordan
Published: March 2003

Fitness costs of the triazine resistance mutation were estimated in experimental populations of Amaranthus hybridus L. from Maryland and Virginia (USA). Estimated costs were attributed directly to effects of the resistance mutation, through comparisons of lines bearing similar nuclear genomes, but either resistant or susceptible cytoplasm. Experimental weed plants were established from seed in the field at a wide range of A. hybridus and crop (maize or soyabean) densities, and experiments were repeated over 3 years. Resistant cytoplasm caused large reductions in several components of fitness, but substantial differences were observed among years in these fitness costs of resistance. For the fitness component of total biomass above‐ground biomass production, relative fitnesses of resistant genotypes (resistant/susceptible ratios) ranged between 0.42 and 0.70. Costs of resistance were similar in weeds growing with either maize or soyabean crops. Certain costs of resistance differed between populations: impairment of seedling establishment and early growth by the resistance mutation was evident in the Virginia population, but not in the Maryland population. This functional difference between populations was associated with greater costs of resistance in the Virginia population with respect to mid‐season leaf number and total above‐ground biomass production; however, only the former population difference in fitness cost was statistically significant.
Weed populations and pathogens
Authors: Cousens  , Croft
Published: March 2003

Plant:pathogen systems are complex, highly spatial and fluctuate considerably. The dynamics of their individual populations depends on factors such as their patchiness, shapes and scales of dispersal distributions, genetic polymorphism and their responses to their biotic and abiotic environments. We review knowledge of these population properties in the context of weed management and biological control and discuss their likely influence on the population dynamics of pathogens.
Optimizing foliar activity of glyphosate on Bidens frondosa and Panicum maximum with different adjuvant types
Authors: Sharma S D , Singh M
Published: March 2003

The influence of non‐ionic (X‐77) and organosilicone (L‐77) adjuvants and of methylated seed oil (MSO) on the uptake, translocation and efficacy of glyphosate was investigated in Bidens frondosa L. and Panicum maximum Jacq. In addition, the physicochemical properties of adjuvants and adjuvant + glyphosate aqueous solutions were determined. Significantly lower surface tension and contact angle values were obtained with aqueous solutions of L‐77 alone and with glyphosate. Over a 48‐h time course, it was observed that >50% of applied 14C‐glyphosate was absorbed within 15 min in B. frondosa with L‐77. At 6 h and thereafter, 14C glyphosate absorption was significantly higher with MSO compared with X‐77 in B. frondosa. In P. maximum, uptake and translocation of 14C‐glyphosate + adjuvant were increased in general up to 48 h after treatment application, except with L‐77, which showed no improvement in uptake – instead there was a significant reduction compared with no treatment with L‐77. This indicated its antagonistic effect on this grass species. The lower values of 14C‐glyphosate in P. maximum also confirmed that adjuvant effects were species specific. In the efficacy studies, glyphosate formulated with L‐77 achieved significantly higher control of B. frondosa, while there was no control of P. maximum with this treatment. This confirmed antagonism in glyphosate absorption into P. maximum by L‐77. Furthermore, significantly higher control of tested plants was recorded with MSO in comparison to X‐77, which confirms the solubilizing or humectant nature of MSO.
Sulfometuron‐resistant Amaranthus retroflexus: cross‐resistance and molecular basis for resistance to acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Sibony M , Michel A , Haas H U , Rubin B , Hurle K
Published: March 2003

A biotype of Amaranthus retroflexus L. is the first weed in Israel to develop resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides. The resistant biotype (Su‐R) was collected from Ganot, a site that had been treated for more than 3 consecutive years with sulfometuron‐methyl + simazine. On the whole‐plant basis, the resistance ratio (ED50 Su‐R)/(ED50 Su‐S) was 6–127 for sulfonylureas, 4–63 for imidazolinones, 20–35 for triazolopyrimidines and 11 for pyrithiobac‐sodium. Similar levels of resistance were found also when the herbicides were applied before emergence. Based on a root elongation bioassay, Su‐R was 3240‐fold more resistant to sulfometuron‐methyl than Su‐S. In vitro studies have shown that the Su‐R biotype was resistant at the enzyme level to all ALS inhibitors tested. The nucleotide sequences of two amplified regions between the Su‐S and the Su‐R differed in only one nucleotide. One substitution has occurred in domain A, cytosine by thymine (CCC to CTC) at position 248, that confers an exchange of the amino acid proline in the susceptible to leucine in the Su‐R. The proline to leucine change in domain A is the only difference in the amino acid primary structure of the regions sequenced, indicating that it is responsible for the ALS‐inhibitor resistance observed.
Activity, adsorption and mobility of three acetanilide and two new amide herbicides
Authors: Vasilakoglou I B , Eleftherohorinos I G , Dhima K B
Published: March 2003

Activity, adsorption, and mobility of emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and microencapsulated (ME) formulations of alachlor and acetochlor as well as of metolachlor, S‐metolachlor, dimethenamid and flufenacet were studied. Petri‐dish bioassay, based on root response of oats (Avena sativa L.), was used for their activity in sand and in a silty clay loam soil, and for determination of herbicide concentrations in soil solution (not adsorbed) and in column leachates of the adsorption and mobility studies respectively. Flufenacet and both acetochlor formulations showed the highest activity in both soils and ME‐alachlor and metolachlor the lowest; the activity of dimethenamid, EC‐alachlor and S‐metolachlor was intermediate. Activity of both formulations of alachlor and acetochlor decreased with increasing organic matter content, but alachlor activity was reduced more than that of acetochlor. Lower amounts of dimethenamid and S‐metolachlor were adsorbed by soil compared with the other herbicides and, consequently, greater amounts of these two herbicides were leached through that soil. None of the herbicides tested was detected below 30 cm. Less alachlor and acetochlor were biologically available in soil solution after their application as ME‐formulations and, therefore, lower amounts of both ME‐alachlor and ME‐acetochlor were leached through the soil compared with those applied as EC‐formulations.
Weed populations in winter wheat as affected by crop sequence, intensity of tillage and time of herbicide application in a cool and humid climate
Authors: Streit B , Rieger S B , Stamp P , Richner W
Published: March 2003

Summary There is a lack of information on the combined effects of preceding crop, reduced tillage (especially no‐tillage) and the time of herbicide application on the development of weed populations and the efficiency of weed control in winter wheat in humid temperate climates. An experiment was conducted with a crop rotation (winter wheat – oilseed rape – winter wheat – maize) on a sandy loam and a loamy silt soil in the Swiss midlands to investigate the impact of different preceding crops and pre‐ and post‐emergence control of weeds in conventional tillage (CT; mouldboard plough), minimum tillage (MT; chisel plough) and no‐tillage (NT; no soil disturbance systems). When winter wheat was grown after maize and winter wheat was grown after oilseed rape, the ranking order of weed density in treatments without herbicide application was NT < MT < CT and CT < MT < NT respectively. Analysis of variance and canonical discriminant analysis showed that Epilobium spp., Sonchus arvensis, Myosotis arvensis and volunteer crops were more abundant in NT than in MT and CT. The efficiency of post‐emergence weed control was generally better than that of pre‐emergence weed control, regardless of tillage intensity.
Histopathologic features of the spontaneous pustular lesions of Behçet’s syndrome
Authors: Ergun MD Tülin , Gürbüz MD  , Dogˇusoy MD  , Mat MD Cem , Yazıcı MD Hasan
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPapulopustular lesions are common in Behçet’s syndrome (BS). A debate exists as to whether they are different from ordinary acne. This has important clinical and pathophysiologic implications.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic features of papulopustular lesions seen both in BS and acne vulgaris (AV).

MethodsRepresentative samples were obtained from 17 patients with BS and six patients with AV. The detailed histopathologic features were evaluated by a dermatopathologist blinded to the diagnoses.

ResultsConsidering the epidermis, follicle epithelium, and dermis separately, no differences could be found between the two groups.

ConclusionsThe papulopustular lesions seen in these two disorders cannot be distinguished on the basis of clinical and histopathologic findings.
Lymphoscintigraphy in yellow nail syndrome
Authors: Bilen Nilgün , Bayramgürler Dilek , Devge Cem , Başdaş Füsun , Yıldız Füsun , Töre Güzin
Published: March 2003

A 39‐year‐old‐man with yellow nail syndrome (YNS) presented to our dermatology department because of thickened slow growing, yellow–green nails, swelling of his legs, and periodic coughing, dyspnea, and headache of 4 years’ duration.

Dermatologic examination showed yellow–green, thickened finger and toe nails, and excessive lateral nail curvature ( Fig. 1). There were bilateral ronchi and ralles in the basal lung fields and lymphedema of the legs.

Thickened, yellow–green finger nails and excessive nail curvature

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Laboratory tests, including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, urine analysis, thyroid function tests, and serum chemical tests, were normal. Anti‐human immunodeficiency virus antibody was negative. Direct microscopic examination revealed no mycotic organism. There was no growth of pathogenic mycotic organisms on Sabouraud’s agar. Chest X‐ray revealed evidence of chronic bronchitis. We detected septal thickening and fibrosis in high‐resolution computed tomography of the chest, and ethmoidal and maxillary sinusitis in computed sinus tomography.

The pathology responsible for the syndrome is believed to be impaired lymphatic function. 1,2We demonstrated this by lymphoscintigraphy, which is a noninvasive method for evaluating the lymphatic circulation. Technetium‐99m sulfide colloid (2 mCi) was injected into the web space between the big and second toes. The activity of the tracer was monitored over the injection site. The lymphoscintigraphic examination revealed slowed lymphatic drainage in both legs (
Fig. 2).

Lymphoscintigraphic examination revealed slowed lymphatic drainage in both legs. There was delayed visualization of the left and right inguinal lymph nodes, and lymph nodes were found in decreased numbers in the left inguinal region

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Detection and differentiation of causative fungi of onychomycosis using PCR amplification and restriction enzyme analysis
Authors: Baek Seung‐Cheol , Chae Hee‐Jae , Houh Dong , Byun Dae‐Gyoo , Cho Baik‐Kee
Published: March 2003

Background Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, has become one of the most important dermatophytoses. Unfortunately, a predictably successful diagnostic approach to onychomycosis does not yet exist.

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)‐based diagnostic method to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the detection and differentiation of the pathogenic fungi of onychomycosis.

Methods We attempted to detect fungi in the nail using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer systems that were designed in conserved sequences of the small ribosomal subunit 18S‐rRNA genes shared by most fungi, and differentiated between species by restriction enzyme analysis of the amplified product.

Results Fragments of the gene coding for 18S‐rRNA were amplified successfully from medically important fungi species, but not from normal nails. Restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns using HaeIII endonuclease were sufficiently different to allow the recognition of individual species.

Conclusions The PCR–restriction enzyme analysis method appears to be a more sensitive detection and identification technique for onychomycosis than conventional methods, and has considerable diagnostic value.
Pemphigus in Kuwait
Authors: Alsaleh Qasem A. , Nanda Arti , Nbe . , Al‐Baghli Nazeeha M. , And MD. , Dvorak Richard
Published: March 2003

Background Although pemphigus is a well‐characterized entity, detailed epidemiologic studies from the Arabian Peninsula are not available. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinical features, course, and prognosis of pemphigus patients followed at a national dermatology center in Kuwait.

Methods Fifty‐four patients with pemphigus in this report were treated between 1981 and 1996, and were studied for several clinical features, treatment, course and prognosis.

Results Around 80% of pemphigus patients were Arabs, and Kuwaitis constituted the largest number (46.3%) with a female predominance (F : M = 2:1). Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) was the commonest clinical type. The mean age of onset was 36 years. The follow‐up period ranged from 2 months to 12 years (mean, 4.5 years). The majority of the patients could be managed with low‐dose steroids (30–60 mg/day). Twenty per cent of the patients were in complete clinical remission and were off systemic therapy for an average of 3 years. No death secondary to the disease or its treatment was observed.

Conclusions Kuwaiti patients with pemphigus were observed to have a relatively young age of onset and a female predominance. Low doses of steroids were enough to control the disease in the majority, and at least 20% of patients were off therapy and in complete remission on follow‐up.