bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host age and time of exposure in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Garcia A. , Jamonneau V. , Sané B. , Fournet F. , N'Guessan P. , N'Dri L. , Sanon R. , Kaba D. , Laveissière C.
Published: March 2003

Human African Trypanosomiasis is related to behavioural risk factors but complex interactions exist between (i) environmental and behavioural risk factors, (ii) vector and (iii) human host. Our aim was to investigate the interrelationships between previously analysed risk factors and the roles of age and time of exposure according to ethnic group and migration status. However, this descriptive and retrospective study is based on cases only (no controls) and our results must therefore be regarded as hypothesis‐generating. Individuals originating from areas where sleeping sickness is absent and who settle in an endemic area seem to develop the disease after a shorter time of exposure than native subjects from endemic areas. Our results emphasise the complexity of vector‐transmitted disease epidemiology, involving behavioural and/or environmental risk factors on the one hand, and more individual ones such as ageing, immunity and genetic background on the other hand.
Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum infections among asymptomatic inhabitants of a holoendemic malarious area in northern Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Agyei S. , Smith T. , Beck H‐P. , Amenga‐Etego L. , Felger I.
Published: March 2003

Age dependence of malaria infection was assessed in an age‐stratified cluster sample of 308 individuals from Kassena‐Nankana District of northern Ghana during June and July 2000. Overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum by microscopy was 70%, with the maximum among 5–9 year olds. Parasite density was highest (geometric mean 1922/μl blood) in 1–2 year olds. Eighty‐two per cent of samples were positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of the P. falciparum msp2 revealed a mean msp2 multiplicity of 3.4 (range: 1–8) genotypes per PCR positive sample. Multiplicity increased with age until 5–9 years and then started to reduce again into adulthood. About 49.3% of infections belonged to the msp2 FC27 allelic family and 50.7% to the 3D7 family. On the day of the survey, only 3.6% of the participants had fever (axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C) and 2.3% had fever associated with parasitaemia. The correlation between parasite density and msp2 multiplicity was 0.42; highest among infants, and decreased with age to a minimum among 5–9 year olds. Contrasting with results from Tanzania, this correlation increased with age in adolescents and adults. Parasite multiplicity is very high in this community, and the patterns of age dependence are similar to those in other holoendemic sites in Africa, validating the use of the age–multiplicity relationship as an indicator of malaria endemicity.
Short communication: Susceptibility of Culex sitiens to Japanese encephalitis virus in peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Vythilingam I. , Tan S. B. , Krishnasamy M.
Published: March 2003

The susceptibility of Culex sitiens to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus was examined in the laboratory. Cx. sitiens became infected with JE virus on day 8 and subsequently it is able to transmit the virus when it takes a blood meal. Both parts of the experiment were carried out using artificial membrane feeding technique.
Barriers to prompt and effective treatment of malaria in northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Reilley B. , Abeyasinghe R. , Pakianathar M. Vincent
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND  For the past 18 years, northern Sri Lanka has been affected by armed ethnic conflict. This has had a heavy impact on displacement of civilians, health delivery services, number of health professionals in the area and infrastructure. The north of Sri Lanka has a severe malaria burden, with less than 5% of the national population suffering 34% of reported cases. Health care providers investigated treatment‐seeking behaviour and levels of treatment failure believed to be the result of lack of adherence to treatment.

METHODS  Pre‐ and post‐treatment interviews with patients seeking treatment in the outpatient department (OPD) and focus groups.

RESULTS  A total of 271 persons completed interviews: 54.4% sought treatment within 2 days of the onset of symptoms, and 91.9% self‐treated with drugs with prior to seeking treatment, mainly with paracetamol. Self‐treatment was associated with delaying treatment (RR 3.55, CI 1.23–10.24, P=0.002). In post‐treatment interviews, self‐reported default was 26.1%. The main reasons for not taking the entire regimen were side‐effects (57.6%) and disappearance of symptoms (16.7%). Focus groups indicated some lack of confidence in chloroquine treatment and prophylaxis, and scant enthusiasm for prevention methods.

CONCLUSIONS  A number of factors contribute to a lack of access and a lower quality of care for malaria: lack of medical staff and facilities because of the fighting; lack of confidence in treatment, and perception of malaria as a routine illness. Prevention efforts need to take into account certain beliefs and practices to be successful.
Dynamics of dengue virus circulation: a silent epidemic in a complex urban area
Authors: Teixeira Maria da Glória , Barreto Maurício L. , Costa Maria da Conceição N. , Ferreira Leila Denize A. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C. , Cairncross Sandy
Published: March 2003

Serotypes of dengue DEN‐1 and DEN‐2 have been reported in much of Brazil over the last 15 years, and DEN‐3 serotype was only recently detected. This prospective study was conducted in Salvador, a large city in north‐east Brazil, where two epidemics were previously recorded (DEN‐1 and DEN‐2). We obtained the seroprevalence and 1‐year incidence of dengue infections in the population of 30 sampling areas of Salvador and analysed the relationship between intensity of viral circulation, standard of living and vector density. High seroprevalence (68.7%) and annual incidence (70.6%) of infection for one or both circulating serotypes (DEN‐1 and DEN‐2) were found. High rates of transmission were observed in all studied areas, from the highest to the lowest socio‐economic status. The mean PI (Premise Index) for Aedes aegypti was 7.4% (range 0.27–25.6%). Even in the areas with the lowest PI (≤3%) the observed seroincidence was 54.6%. These findings highlighted the existence of a silent epidemic during a period perceived by the Health Services as of low endemicity, indicating the strength and speed of dengue transmission in the city of Salvador.
Effect of community‐wide use of insecticide‐treated nets for 3–4 years on malarial morbidity in Tanzania
Authors: Maxwell C. A. , Msuya E. , Sudi M. , Njunwa K. J. , Carneiro I. A. , Curtis C. F.
Published: March 2003

Objectives  To investigate (1) benefits due to personal protection of individual net users vs. mass killing of mosquitoes within villages as a result of widespread net usage; (2) sustainability over several years of benefits against malarial morbidity of insecticide‐treated nets; (3) distribution of the benefits in different age groups of children and (4) whether, as a result of fading immunity, older age groups ‘paid for’ the benefits which they had enjoyed when younger.

Methods  (1) Tabulation of earlier data to compare personal and community‐wide effects against mosquito vectors; (2) two cross‐sectional surveys for malaria parasitaemia, malarial fever, anaemia and splenomegaly in children in eight Tanzanian villages, in which there had been community‐wide use of bednets which had been annually re‐treated with alphacypermethrin for 3–4 years; (3) comparison between children of different age groups and with intact, torn or no nets in these villages and in 4–6 villages without nets.

Results  A 90–95% reduction in infective bites outside nets in netted villages and an additional 54–82% reduction of bites among individual net users. Highly significant reductions (by 55–75%) in malarial morbidity for children aged 6 months to 2 years were found in netted villages with, for some outcomes, better results among individuals who themselves had intact treated nets. For older children, benefits were less clear or absent, but there was no sign that the benefits early in life were ‘paid for’ by worse outcomes in the netted villages later in childhood.

Conclusions  The overall benefits to the community of widespread use of treated nets are sustainable and are not reversed in 3–4 years as a result of fading immunity. It is important to ensure high enough coverage to realize the full potential of the treated net method. By showing an impact on the vector population in the community these results provide a strong argument for organized free provision of net treatment, rather than relying on marketing.
Profile of eye lesions and vision loss: a cross‐sectional study in Lusambo, a forest–savanna area hyperendemic for onchocerciasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kayembe D. L. , Kasonga D. L. , Kayembe P. K. , Mwanza J.‐C. K. , Boussinesq M.
Published: March 2003

objective  To determine baseline data regarding eye lesions and vision loss in five villages of Lusambo, an onchocerciasis‐hyperendemic forest–savanna area in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in preparation of mass ivermectin distribution.

methods  Five villages were selected by simple randomization. Through a cross‐sectional design, 750 subjects were examined ophthalmologically. The eye examination included acuity visual measurement, slit‐lamp examination, ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and visual field assessment by the Wu–Jones test.

results  There was a high prevalence of onchocerciasis‐related eye lesions compared with non‐onchocercal lesions. Chorioretinitis (20%) was the most frequent disease, others were punctate keratitis and microfilariae in the anterior chamber in equal frequency (13.8%), white intraretinal deposits (10.4%) and iridocyclitis (8%). Vision loss was discovered in 8.5% of the subjects, of whom 0.5% had bilateral blindness, 2.2% had monocular blindness and 5.7% had visual impairment. Vision loss was mostly caused by onchocerciasis‐related diseases, especially those affecting the anterior segment of the eye.

conclusion  Features of ocular onchocerciasis usually described in forest and savanna areas were both found in this forest–savanna zone of the DRC.
Comparison of an rK39 dipstick rapid test with direct agglutination test and splenic aspiration for the diagnosis of kala‐azar in Sudan
Authors: Veeken Hans , Ritmeijer Koert , Seaman Jill , Davidson Robert
Published: March 2003

We compared an rK39 dipstick rapid test (Amrad ICT, Australia) with a direct agglutination test (DAT) and splenic aspirate for the diagnosis of kala‐azar in 77 patients. The study was carried out under field conditions in an endemic area of north‐east Sudan. The sensitivity of the rK39 test compared with splenic aspiration was 92% (46/50), the specificity 59% (16/27), and the positive predictive value 81% (46/57). Compared with the diagnostic protocol used by Médecins sans Frontières, the sensitivity of the rK39 test was 93% (50/54), the specificity 70% (16/23), and the positive predictive value 88% (50/57). Compared with splenic aspirates, the sensitivity of a DAT with a titre ≥1:400 was 100% (50/50), but its specificity only 55% (15/27) and the positive predictive value was 80% (50/62). Using a DAT titre ≥1:6400, the sensitivity was 84% (42/50), the specificity 85% (23/27) and the positive predictive value 91% (42/46). All four patients with DAT titre ≥1:6400 but negative splenic aspirate were also rK39 positive; we consider these are probably ‘true’ cases of kala‐azar, i.e. false negative aspirates, rather than false DAT and rK39 seropositives. There were no false negative DATs (DAT titre ≤1:400 and aspirate positive), but there were four false negative rK39 tests (rK39 negative and aspirate positive). The rK39 dipstick is a good screening test for kala‐azar; but further development is required before it can replace the DAT as a diagnostic test in endemic areas of the Sudan.
Clinical efficacy of milbemycin oxime in the treatment of canine scabies: a study of 56 cases
Authors: Bergvall
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of orally administered milbemycin oxime in the treatment of canine scabies. The study includes 56 dogs with a clinical history and presentation compatible with canine sarcoptic mange. Scabies mites or eggs were found on microscopy of skin scrapings from all dogs in the study. The dogs were treated with milbemycin oxime at a dose of 2 mg kg−1weekly for a total of three doses. All dogs were less pruritic or nonpruritic after the third treatment, but 29% of the dogs had increased pruritus and positive skin scrapings 3–6 weeks after the third treatment. The results of this study show less efficacy (71%) than previously reported.
A survey was carried out on all congenital skin tumours and hamartomas in cattle over a 20‐year period from 1977 to 1996. The clinical features and histopathology of all tumour types and of vascular hamatomas are described. Four types of congenital skin neoplasm and hamartoma were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by histopathological examination. Mast cell tumours were present in six animals, melanoma in two animals (only in cross‐breed calves), cutaneous lymphosarconia in two animals, myxoma in one animal and vascular hamartoma in three animals. It is believed that congenital cutaneous mast cell tumour, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, and myxoma in cattle are described here for the first time. Only cutaneous lymphosarcoma was found to be malignant with concurrent systemic involvement. Pruritus was observed only in the animals affected with mast cell tumour.
Authors: Yeruham  , Perl  , Orgad
Published: March 2003

A survey was carried out on all congenital skin tumours and hamartomas in cattle over a 20‐year period from 1977 to 1996. The clinical features and histopathology of all tumour types and of vascular hamatomas are described. Four types of congenital skin neoplasm and hamartoma were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by histopathological examination. Mast cell tumours were present in six animals, melanoma in two animals (only in cross‐breed calves), cutaneous lymphosarconia in two animals, myxoma in one animal and vascular hamartoma in three animals. It is believed that congenital cutaneous mast cell tumour, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, and myxoma in cattle are described here for the first time. Only cutaneous lymphosarcoma was found to be malignant with concurrent systemic involvement. Pruritus was observed only in the animals affected with mast cell tumour.
Ulcerative facial and nasal dermatitis and stomatitis in cats associated with feline herpesvirus 1
Authors: Hargis  , Ginn  , Mansell  , Garber
Published: March 2003

Ulcerative dermatitis of the nasal planum or haired skin of the face, associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies compatible with herpesvirus, was identified in nine cats. Clinically, lesions were ulcerative and crusted, and often persistent. A tenth cat had focal proliferative ulcerative stomatitis, also associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies. Microscopically, there was necrosis and ulceration associated with prominent eosinophilic inflammation. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were noted in all cases, within the surface or adnexal epithelium. Ultrastructural examination of skin from two cats revealed virions morphologically compatible with a herpesvirus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for feline herpesvirus 1 on DNA extracted from fresh‐frozen or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded biopsy samples and/or consensus primer PCR with DNA sequencing performed on DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded biopsy samples from seven cats revealed that the virus was indistinguishable from feline herpesvirus 1. PCR was negative in one of eight cats tested.
Progressive Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis in a puppy
Authors: Nagata M. , Hirata M. , Ishida T. , Hirata S. , Nanko H.
Published: March 2003

A 8‐month‐old, female miniature Dachshund dog was presented for the complaint of pruritic, generalized, multiple nodules and plaques. Two months previously, a nodule on the left pinna was excised and diagnosed as a cutaneous histiocytoma. One month post‐excision, a nodule reappeared at the same site and, shortly thereafter, additional nodules developed. Histopathological examination revealed a diffuse proliferation of histiocytic cells, which reacted strongly to antibodies for vimentin and lysozyme. Immunophenotypic analysis showed that most of the cells expressed CD1a, CD1c, CD11c, CD18, CD45 and MHC class II markers. Electron microscopic examination revealed cytoplasmic filopodia and paracrystalline structures. These findings indicated that the cells originated from Langerhans’ cell. The disease progressed despite glucocorticoid therapy and griseofulvin was administered as an immunomodulating drug. All lesions resolved completely after 7 weeks of griseofulvin treatment. The dog, however, died three months later after discontinuation of griseofulvin therapy and a necropsy was not performed. It is considered that the present canine dermatosis corresponds with a severe form of Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis in humans rather than canine cutaneous histiocytoma.
Two cases of cutaneous T cell lymphoma in Friesian cows in the Azores
Authors: Peleteiro M.C. , Pinto C. , Correia J.J. , Silva J.F. , Branco S.
Published: March 2003

This paper presents two cases of cutaneous neoplasia in Friesian cows, on the island of S. Miguel, Azores. The lesions consisted of raised pink plaques, with no pruritus or signs of associated pain, that were extensively distributed over both lateral and ventral body surfaces. The histological examination of the material obtained by skin biopsy or post‐mortem suggested a T cell lymphoma with extensive epidermal infiltration. The lymph nodes showed extensive invasion by tumour cells. The results of immunocytochemistry, which were the same for the tumour cells in the skin and in the lymph node, were positive for CD3, confirming the T cell origin of the tumour cells. It was concluded that these were cases of T cell lymphoma, involving both skin and lymph nodes. Although there have been other reports of cutaneous lymphosarcoma in the literature, these are the first cases identified in the Azores.
Clinical and histological evaluation of an analogue of palmitoylethanolamide, PLR 120 (comicronized Palmidrol INN) in cats with eosinophilic granuloma and eosinophilic plaque: a pilot study
Authors: Scarampella F. , Abramo F. , Noli C.
Published: March 2003

Fifteen cats with eosinophilic granuloma or eosinophilic plaque were given PLR 120 at the dosage of 10 mg kg−1twice daily for one month. PLR‐120 down‐modulates mast cell degranulation via a receptor‐mediated mechanism. No other drugs were permitted and cats were kept free of parasites throughout the study. A clinical evaluation and skin biopsies were performed before and after the treatment. Clinical improvement was assessed at 15 and 30 days. Mast cell numbers were counted and their granular content was assessed by densitometric analysis on toluidine blue‐stained sections before and after the treatment. Ten of 15 (67%) cats showed clinical improvement of signs and lesions. There was no significant difference between mast cell numbers in skin biopsies taken before and after the trial, whereas the number of granules was significantly increased (P< 0.009). This pilot study suggests that PLR‐120 might be a useful drug for the treatment of eosinophilic granuloma and eosinophilic plaque.
Cytokeratins in the canine epidermis
Authors: Walter J.H.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to characterize the cytokeratins (CKs) present in the clinically normal skin of dogs. Skin samples from five German shepherds, five Boxers, five Cocker spaniels, five Yorkshire terriers and five mongrels were examined biochemically (using gel electrophoresis and western blotting) and immunohistochemically (using a alkaline phosphatase anti‐alkaline phosphatase technique). Results indicated that the canine epidermis expressed the cytokeratins 1, 5, 6, 10/11, 14 and 16. There were no consistent differences in CK expression between the examined breeds with the exception of an individual polymorphism in CK1 and CK10/11. Immunohistochemical studies showed CK 14 labelling of the basal cell layer whereas CK10/11 staining was seen in the suprabasal cell layer of epidermis. Surprisingly, expression of CK6, known as ‘stress’ cytokeratin, was demonstrated in all epidermal samples. These results indicate that there is a striking consistency of cytokeratin expression in different breeds which should be useful in the investigation and characterization of canine skin diseases.
Intradermal skin test reactivity to histamine and substance P is blunted in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Nicklin Constance F.
Published: March 2003

Skin reactivity to intradermal injections (0.1, 0.5 and 1 nm) of substance P (SP) was evaluated in 20 clinically normal dogs and 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Saline and histamine were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Wheal diameters were measured. Reactions were evaluated for erythema and induration and a subjective score, on a scale from 0 to 4+, was given. Evaluations were performed at 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 min after the injections. Wheal diameters for histamine and SP injections were significantly smaller in dogs with AD compared with clinically normal dogs. In both groups, reactions to the various concentrations of SP were not significantly different from each other and were always smaller than histamine reactions. Erythema was not seen with SP injections. In addition, subjective scores for SP injections were significantly lower in dogs with AD compared with controls. The results of this study are similar to those reported in human medicine, where a role for SP in AD is proposed and desensitization of receptors to both SP and histamine is hypothesized. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of SP in the pathogenesis of canine AD.
Immunohistochemical localization of androgen and oestrogen receptors in canine hair follicles
Authors: Bratka‐Robia Christine B. , Egerbacher Monika , Helmreich Magdalena , Mitteregger Gerda , Benesch Michael , Bamberg Elmar
Published: March 2003

AbstractSkin biopsies from seven different body sites were obtained from 21 dogs of different breeds (short, normal, long hair), which were presented for euthanasia. Commercially available polyclonal antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical detection of androgen and oestrogen receptors. Both receptors showed a similar distribution in canine skin, with specific intranuclear staining. In the epidermis, the percentage of androgen receptor (AR)‐positive cells, but not that of oestrogen receptor (ER)‐positive cells, was significantly higher in samples from the thorax and the flank. In the dermal papilla, the percentage of ER‐positive (but not AR‐positive) cells was significantly lower in biopsies from the flank. No significant difference was found for both receptors between the locations in the outer root sheath, among the three different hair types, between sex and between intact and castrated dogs.
Cyclosporin: applications in small animal dermatology
Authors: Robson David C. , Burton Gregory G.
Published: March 2003

AbstractCyclosporin has been increasingly used for the treatment of skin diseases in small animals. Reported uses include the treatment of atopy, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, feline acquired alopecia resembling pseudopelade of humans, pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus, perianal fistulae and sebaceous adenitis. In addition, cyclosporin has been used anecdotally for several other skin diseases. Few side effects have been noted at doses therapeutic for dermatologic diseases. Current suggestions for monitoring, and the value of trough cyclosporin serum concentrations for prediction of toxicity and efficacy are discussed.
Ecological grouping of Solanum elaeagnifolium: a principal weed in the irrigated Tadla plain (central Morocco)
Authors: GMIRA  , DOUIRA  , BOUHACHE
Published: March 2003

In order to study the ecological relationships between Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. and the main biotic and abiotic factors in the irrigated arid Tadla plain (central Morocco), the theory of mutual information and corrected frequency profiles has been adopted. The main ecological factors taken into account in this study were the climate, soil, texture, salinity, irrigation, type of land use and the intensity of farming. The growth and extension of S. elaeagnifolium was found to be controlled by the arid and semi‐arid Mediterranean climate, by soil type and by technical and agronomic factors.
Herbicidal control of Chromolaena odorata in oil palm
Authors: IKUENOBE  , AYENI
Published: March 2003

A range of herbicides was evaluated for the control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) K & R in oil palm at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. Glufosinate‐ammonium quickly dessicated treated foliage but weed plants soon recovered. Glyphosate‐isopropylamine and glyphosate‐trimesium produced similar results, both formulations controlling treated vegetation and suppressing regrowth for up to 12 weeks after treatment. Triclopyr and hexazinone + diuron were effective for up to 20 WAT, whereas imazapyr controlled regrowth for up to 36 WAT. Regrowth of the weed from its roots was better suppressed when the foliage was left undisturbed for 4–7 days after herbicide treatment. Repeated annual applications of triclopyr, hexazinone + diuron, the two formulations of glyphosate or imazapyr progressively reduced the biomass of C. odorata in the plots. In particular, imazapyr effectively eliminated the weed after the second application. Taking crop tolerance into consideration, the most promising herbicide treatments were glyphosate at 2.4 kg a.i. ha−1 and low rates (0.5 kg a.i. ha−1 or less) of imazapyr.
Uptake and translocation of imazethapyr in peas as affected by parasitism of Orobanche crenata and herbicide application methods
Authors: JURADO‐EXPÓSITO  , CASTEJÓN‐MUÑOZ  , GARCÍA‐TORRES
Published: March 2003

[14C]‐Imazethapyr was applied as a seed treatment and at plant pre‐emergence and post‐emergence to peas (Pisum sativum L.) parasitized by Orobanche crenata Forsk. Herbicide uptake increased with time regardless of the application method. Uptake reached about 98%, 89%, 81% and 94% of the total herbicide applied for the seed coating, seed soaking, pre‐emergence and post‐emergence treatments respectively. Herbicide translocation within the host plants consistently differed between O. crenata‐infected and non‐infected plants. High levels of 14C activity were accumulated by parasitic plants from the host. In non‐infected pea plants, pods were stronger sinks for imazethapyr than the other parts of the plant, regardless of the application method. The herbicide distribution in the pea plant: O. crenata complex showed the same pattern regardless of the application methods. However, accumulation of radioactivity in the parasite was lower with pre‐emergence and post‐emergence application than with the seed treatments. In addition, radioactivity concentration in O. crenata plants was slightly higher when [14C]‐imazethapyr was applied to pea seeds by coating than by soaking.
A molecular genetic assessment of herbicide‐resistant Sinapis arvensis
Authors: MEIKLE  , FINCH  , McROBERTS  , MARSHALL
Published: March 2003

The acquisition of resistance to both the auxinic herbicide dicamba and the sulfonylurea herbicide chlorsulfuron has been recorded in Canadian populations of the weed species Sinapis arvensis L. (charlock, wild mustard) To study the effect of this selection for herbicide resistance on levels of genetic variation, polymerase chain reaction‐based DNA fingerprinting techniques were used to characterize two herbicide‐resistant and one susceptible population of S. arvensis. Analysis of the resultant DNA marker profiles revealed extensive polymorphism between individuals. However, segregation of the three biotypes was detectable despite high levels of intrabiotype polymorphism. No reduction in the levels of heterozygosity within the resistant populations were found compared with the susceptible population.
Model of crop:weed competition applied to maize:Abutilon theophrasti interactions. II. Assessing the impact of climate: implications for economic thresholds
Authors: McDonald  , Riha
Published: March 2003

The practical application of single‐season economic thresholds for post‐emergence weed control decisions has been frustrated by the impact of growing season, climate and edaphic factors on crop:weed interactions. Competition in a mixed plant community is a dynamic process that is contingent upon species‐specific growth characteristics and their expression based on environmental conditions. To address these issues, a modified version of the ALMANAC competition model was parameterized and run to simulate maize:Abutilon theophrasti competition with 30 years (1966–95) of historical climate data for a site in New York State. Simulations indicate that, when weeds do not emerge before maize, maize will only suffer substantial yield reductions from A. theophrasti competition in two out of every 10 years at this site. It is also evident that economic thresholds based solely on the level of weed infestation are inherently flawed. Long‐term simulation results suggest that estimates of early season water stress could be used as an independent tool for rationalizing post‐emergence control decisions. Shifting the focus from quantifying the infestation intensity of the weed population to assessing the competitive status of the maize crop indirectly with climate information may alleviate many of the problems commonly associated with threshold management strategies.
Effects of cultural methods and physical weed control on intrarow weed numbers, manual weeding and marketable yield in direct‐sown leek and bulb onion
Authors: Melander B , Rasmussen G
Published: March 2003

Manual weeding of intrarow weeds in direct‐sown leek and bulb onion crops grown organically can be very labour‐intensive. Four field experiments, two in direct‐sown leek and two in direct‐sown bulb onion were made in this investigation to study the effects of physical and cultural methods on intrarow weed numbers, time consumption for hand‐weeding and marketable yield parameters. The physical methods considered were: pre‐emergence flaming and harrowing, and post‐emergence hoeing close to the row (only leek) and vertical brush weeding. The cultural methods were: seed priming, slurry placement and cultivar choice (only leek). Generally, flaming plus brush weeding gave the highest intrarow weed control at 92% and 87%, respectively, in the two leek experiments and 39% (only brush weeding was effective) and 74%, respectively, in the two onion experiments. Time consumption for hand‐weeding after the different treatments was linearly related to the remaining numbers of intrarow weeds, with no significant influences of the experimental factors on the general relationship. Generally, the cultural methods had no significant influence on the effects of physical weeding in terms of their effect against intrarow weeds. They did not affect the tolerance or robustness of the crop plants against negative impact from the physical control methods. However, generally, seed priming and cultivar choice did improve yield in the leek experiments and seed priming also did so in the one experiment with onion.
Weed:spring barley competition for applied nitrogen in pig slurry
Authors: Petersen J
Published: March 2003

Summary The experiments were carried out in the two spring barley fields of the organic six‐course cattle:crop rotation at Foulumgaard, Denmark. The weed density was 300 and 1800 plants m−2 respectively. Pig slurry was applied by hand in microplots by four methods: broadcasting followed by incorporation, or injected in bands to depths of 5, 10 or 15 cm. Spring barley and weeds were sampled separately six times during the tillering and elongation phase of the spring barley. The effect of application method on dry‐matter (d.m.) production, nitrogen uptake and recovery of applied nitrogen in the spring barley and the weeds is reported. Slurry banding halved the weed d.m. and weed N uptake compared with broadcasting, irrespective of weed density. Weeds recovered up to 12% of the applied nitrogen, which made them a significant competitor when the slurry was broadcast and incorporated. Banding by direct injection reduced the slurry:soil contact and the weed:crop competition balance for applied nitrogen moved in favour of the crop. Thus, the crop recovery of applied nitrogen at the end of the sampling period was increased from approximately 45% for broadcast and incorporated to approximately 50% for injected slurry, and coincidental weed recovery was reduced to a maximum of 5%. As the nitrogen supply normally affects plant d.m. production, banding of slurry might well improve crop competitiveness and its tolerance to mechanical weed control.
Predicting weed emergence: a review of approaches and future challenges
Authors: Grundy A C
Published: March 2003

Summary In relatively short‐term studies it is often difficult to identify the factors that are important in determining the patterns of emergence for different weed species. When results from longer‐term studies are averaged over years, they demonstrate that some weed species follow characteristic, and potentially predictable, patterns of annual emergence. In recent years, our understanding of the seasonal changes in dormancy and germination behaviour, and the interaction of these processes with the environment, has advanced considerably. In particular, the capacity for computer‐based statistical analysis and the ability to handle large datasets has made it possible to use this information in a predictive way. Currently, there are several approaches to developing predictive weed emergence modelling. Some researchers have taken an empirical approach, seeking to identify correlations between environmental variables and observed emergence patterns. Others have taken a reductionist approach, subdividing the emergence process into its component stages of dormancy, germination and pre‐emergence growth, to work towards achieving an eventual understanding of the physiological processes involved. Despite recent advances, a number of major challenges remain (e.g. population variability, dormancy and the quality of the input data) that must be overcome before these emergence models can be implemented in practice. The level of complexity and degree of parameterization incorporated within such models must also be addressed in relation to the intended use of the model.
Severe alopecia areata treated with systemic corticosteroids
Authors: Alabdulkareem Adnan S. , Abahussein Abdulaziz A. , Okoro Anezi
Published: March 2003

Background Treatment of severe alopecia areata is difficult, and most efforts to successfully treat this condition have been disappointing. Systemic corticosteroids have been demonstrated as an effective treatment of severe alopecia areata.

Methods Eighteen patients with alopecia areata (extensive patchy and totalis universalis types) were treated with systemic corticosteroids.

Results Satisfactory hair regrowth was achieved in seven patients (38.9%). Hair fall subsequently occurred in all of these patients on discontinuation or tapering of corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusions Systemic corticosteroid therapy does not prevent the spread or relapse of severe alopecia areata and, when complete regrowth is obtained, it is rarely maintained off therapy.
Correspondence
Authors: Goihman‐Yahr Mauricio
Published: March 2003

A 33‐year‐old woman presented with several subcutaneous nodules of 1 month duration partially coalescing into plaques on her forearms. She had been suffering from Cushing's disease due to a pituitary microadenoma, which had been diagnosed and treated by trans‐sphenoidal surgery 3 months previously. She was taking cortisone acetate, 37.5 mg orally each day, for post‐hypophysectomy hypocorticism. The subcutaneous lesions varied in size from 1 to 6 cm and were flesh‐colored, movable at palpation, and painless.

Light microscopy of both nodular and plaque‐like lesions revealed multiple subcutaneous aggregations of histiocytes with several multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes ( Fig. 1). Special stains for acid‐fast bacilli and fungi and examination under polarized light gave negative results.

Nodular aggregations of mononuclear histiocytes with giant cells in the hypodermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×100)

image

Chest X‐rays revealed a moderate bilateral hilar gland enlargement, but the radioactive gallium‐67 uptake was normal. Pulmonary function tests were also normal, except for the single‐breath carbon monoxide test (4.54 mmol/min/kPa: 68% of predicted). Serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) was raised to 77 U/I (normal; 8–52). The intradermal response to purified protein derivative was found to be suppressed.

To confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, the patient underwent a broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL). The immunophenotyping analysis of T‐lymphocyte subsets in the BAL was suggestive of sarcoidosis, showing a marked increase of CD4 positive cells (71.2%), CD8 positive cells being normal (24.6%).

Considering that the only systemic manifestation of sarcoidosis was a moderate bilateral hilar enlargement, the cortisone acetate dosage was kept unchanged, and only a regular follow‐up was recommended.
Lichenoid secondary syphilis
Authors: Carbia Sergio Gabriel , Lagodín César , Abbruzzese Mario , Sevinsky Luis , Casco Ricardo , Casas José , Woscoff Alberto
Published: March 2003

Argentina Case 1 A married, heterosexual, promiscuous, 29‐year‐old white man had experienced an asymptomatic eruption on the trunk and left palm for the last 3 months. After 2 months, the trunk involvement disappeared, but 2 weeks later lip and tongue lesions developed. No history of genital ulcer was found.

The physical examination revealed asymptomatic, violaceous, erythematous, flat‐topped papules in an annular pattern, 5–10 mm in size, on the left palm (Fig. 1). Painful vesicular lesions surrounded by a red halo, with erosions on the labial mucosa and defined areas of depapillation on the posterior aspect of the tongue, were observed. The genitalia and soles were free of lesions. The clinical findings suggested lichen planus or secondary syphilis.

Flat‐topped papules on the palm

image

A biopsy specimen of the palm was consistent with a lichenoid dermatitis, with hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, striking elongation of the rete ridges, leukocytic exocytosis, and sparse colloid bodies. A band‐like dense lymphomonocytic infiltrate without plasma cells was present throughout the papillary dermis. The infiltrate obscured the dermo‐epidermal interface (Fig. 2). A lip biopsy showed a subacute inflammatory dermatitis. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers were high (1/1024) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed (FTA‐ABS) test was positive. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was negative. After two weekly doses of benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million units), all lesions cleared within 3 weeks.

Parakeratosis and acanthosis with thinning of the rete ridges. Lichenoid infiltrates of lymphocytes and monocytes (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification ×40)

image

Case 2 A 42‐year‐old white man had developed cutaneous lesions involving the trunk and extremities over the past 2 weeks. Anorexia, malaise, and generalized arthralgia were also noted. He was married and denied casual sexual partners. Itching, erythematous, flat‐topped papules with scaling and some crusts on the trunk and extremities were observed (Fig. 3). The palms and soles were free of lesions. The glans penis showed painless, erythematous, shallow erosions. Neck microlymphadenopathy was present. All other physical findings were normal.

Lichenoid eruption on the trunk

image

FTA‐ABS and VDRL (1/1024) tests were reactive. ELISA for HIV was negative. The dark field microscopy examination of the glans penis exudate revealed Treponema pallidum with no spiraling motion. A biopsy specimen of the trunk showed a lichenoid dermatitis with increased numbers of perivascular and periadnexial plasma cells, in the superficial and deep dermis (Fig. 4). Two weekly doses of benzathine penicillin G

Superficial perivascular dermatitis; dermo‐epidermal interface lichenoid (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification ×100)

image

(2.4 million units) were given. All lesions faded in 3 weeks.
Head lice in pupils of a primary school in Australia and implications for control
Authors: Speare Richard , Buettner Petra G.
Published: March 2003

Background Anecdotal reports suggest that head lice infestations are a common problem in school‐aged children in Australia; however, only a few data are available. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice in children in an urban Australian school.

Methods All 735 pupils from grades preschool to five of a government run primary school were invited to participate in the cross‐sectional survey. Overall, 212 boys (46.5%) and 244 girls from 29 classes were examined. The main outcome measures were:1the detection of lice or eggs by visual examination of the child’s head, and classification into “not infested” and “infested;” infested cases were further classified into “active infestation” (lice or viable eggs found) or “inactive infestation” (only unhatched eggs found);2for each child, a parent or guardian was asked to complete a standardized questionnaire.

Results Of the 456 children examined, 33.7% (95% confidence interval = 95%‐CI =[26.9%, 40.4%]) had evidence of infestation with head lice, 21.0% (95%‐CI = [15.2%, 26.8%]) with active infestation. The prevalence of infestation (active plus inactive) varied greatly between classes, ranging from zero to 72.2% (p < 0.001). Head lice were more prevalent in girls than boys (p < 0.001). Analysis of questionnaires showed that 47.7% (95%‐CI = [43.0%, 52.4%]) of the children had been infested with head lice in the previous 6 months. For children with active pediculosis capitis on examination, 14.0% (95%‐CI = [7.9%, 22.4%]) of parents or guardians had not noticed the infestation.

Conclusions In an urban primary school in Australia, head lice infestation was present at a hyperendemic level. Clustering by class indicated the classroom as a main source of infestation. Control strategies implemented in schools and including the education of teachers and parents need to be evaluated.
Deep fungal and higher bacterial skin infections in Thailand: clinical manifestations and treatment regimens
Authors: Mahaisavariya Punkae , Chaiprasert Angkana , Apichati Sivayathorn, DR.reR.naT., , Khemngern, Supakan
Published: March 2003

Background Deep fungal and higher bacterial skin infections occur fairly frequently in Thailand.

Methods Cases with a provisional diagnosis of deep fungal and higher bacterial infections were prospectively collected from 1994 to 1997 in the Granuloma Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, causative organisms, histologic features, treatment, and outcome were investigated.

Results The total cases in a 4‐year period numbered 27. The male to female ratio was approximately 1 : 1. Mycetoma was most common, followed by chromoblastomycosis. Actinomycetoma was similar in incidence to eumycetoma. The only causative organism that could be identified among the mycetoma cases was Cladosporium carrionii, which caused mycetoma of the buttock of an aplastic anemia patient at the site of bone marrow aspiration. Surgical treatment was recommended for eumycetoma. Chromoblastomycosis was caused by C. carrionii and F. compactum and responded well with itraconazole orally. Mycotic abscesses were found in four cases, basidiobolomycosis in two cases, and cutaneous nocardiosis in one case. Cotrimoxazole was recommended in the treatment of actinomycetoma, cutaneous nocardiosis, and basidiobolomycosis.

Conclusions Localized, chronic, slow, progressive, and usually asymptomatic were the main cutaneous manifestations of deep fungal and higher bacterial skin infections. A skin biopsy for histologic study and culture identification should be performed in every suspected case. The causative organisms were found in the histologic sections of every case, but only about one‐third were found by culture.
A survey of reference accuracy in two Asian dermatologic journals (the Journal of Dermatology and the Korean Journal of Dermatology)
Authors: Lee Sung Yul , Lee Jong Suk
Published: March 2003

Background The reference list is an important part of a scientific article. To be useful, it must be accurate.

Methods To evaluate the reference accuracy in the Journal of Dermatology and the Korean Journal of Dermatology, we randomly selected 100 references from each journal and checked them against the original articles.

Results The overall rate of citation errors was 24% in the Journal of Dermatology and 33% in the Korean Journal of Dermatology. Errors in the title and author names were common, each occurring in about half of the citation errors. The overall rate of quotation errors was 14% in the Journal of Dermatology and 27% in the Korean Journal of Dermatology.

Conclusions This study shows that the rate of citation errors is unacceptably high in the Journal of Dermatology and the Korean Journal of Dermatology, which significantly diminishes the value of the reference list. We would strongly urge that the peer review of citation and quotation accuracy should be strengthened.
Density of viral particles in pre and post Nd:YAG laser hyperthermia therapy and cryotherapy in plantar warts
Authors: El‐Tonsy Mohamed Hany , Anbar Tag El‐Din , El‐Domyati Moetaz , Barakat Manal
Published: March 2003

Background Warts often present a difficult treatment problem for clinicians because of the lack of specific antipapillomavirus agents. Plantar warts, in particular, represent a therapeutic challenge.

Methods Twenty‐five patients with plantar warts were treated with Nd:YAG hyperthermia and another 25 were treated with cryotherapy. Biopsies were taken before and after treatment in both groups and were examined for the presence of human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) using in situ hybridization (ISH).

Results HPV DNA was detected in 100% of untreated warts and in 96% of cryotreated warts, but was not detected in any of the hyperthermia‐treated warts.

Conclusions HPV is more vulnerable to hyperthermia than to cryotherapy.
A controlled trial of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fung Adrian Y. P. , Look Paul C. N. , Mrcpi . , Fhkam . , Chong Lai‐Yin , Fhkam . , But Paul P. H. , Wong Eric , Ma .
Published: March 2003

Background There have been published reports from the United Kingdom of good responses to the use of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (Zemaphyte®, Phytopharm Plc, Cambridge, UK) in treating recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. We conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study among Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis using this same herbal preparation.

Methods Forty patients were recruited. They were given Zemaphyte® and placebo in random order, each for 8 consecutive weeks with a 4‐week wash‐out period in between. Scores based on the severity and extent of four clinical parameters (erythema, surface damage, lichenification and scaling) were recorded at baseline and at 4‐weekly intervals throughout the 20‐week trial period.

Results Thirty‐seven patients completed the trial. There was a general trend of clinical improvement with time throughout the trial period in both patient groups, irrespective of whether they received Zemaphyte® or placebo first. Zemaphyte®, however, offered no statistically significant treatment effect over placebo for all four clinical parameters, except for lichenification at week 4. There were no significant carry‐over effects. Blood tests for hematologic, renal and liver functions were all normal throughout the trial.

Conclusions Zemaphyte® did not seem to benefit Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis in our study. Further research is required to evaluate its efficacy.