bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local evaluation of a rapid HIV assay for use in developing countries
Authors: Zaw Myint , Frerichs Ralph R. , Oo Khin Yi , Eskes Nora
Published: March 2003

We present a research scheme for evaluating inexpensive HIV rapid tests in a developing country setting and assess the field validity of the Sero•Strip HIV 1/2 rapid test. The research design features the random allocation of 100 true HIV‐positive and 100 true HIV‐negative serum specimens to 4 groups, followed by blind testing for HIV status. After one short training session, laboratory technicians at 4 township hospitals (25–35 beds) located 20–50 km from Yangon, Myanmar were sent 800 sera labelled with only an identification number and divided into four groups of 200 specimens each, half being HIV‐positive and half HIV‐negative. Testing was done in the field with the Sero•Strip HIV 1/2. Determination of the test's validity was based on 399 true HIV positive and 401 true HIV negative sera. All true positives were correctly identified, as were all but two of the true negatives. The sensitivity (% of true positives that test positive) was 100%, and the specificity (% of true negatives that test negative) was 99.5%. The research was completed by in‐country scientists who are best suited to evaluate the validity of HIV tests conducted in local environments.
A comparative analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of treatment based on parasitological and symptomatic screening for Schistosoma mansoni in Burundi
Authors: Carabin Hélène , Guyatt Helen , Engels Dirk
Published: March 2003

Summary OBJECTIVES  To assess the cost‐effectiveness of three alternative screening strategies in delivering treatment to patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of S. mansoni, using data collected from 17 PHCCs in the Rusizi Plain, Burundi. The three strategies were: (1) screening all symptomatic patients using a Kato‐Katz smear and treating only the ones found positive; (2) treating all symptomatic patients or (3) treating only those presenting with symptoms of severe diarrhoea (blood in stool).

METHODS  The database consisted of 41 051 visits of symptomatic patients to the 17 PHCCs during 1990. Effectiveness was measured as the number of infected patients treated (gold standard: 25‐mg Kato‐Katz smear). Cost‐effectiveness ratios (CERs) (cost in US$ per infected patient treated) were used to compare the control strategies. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of drug price and prevalence of infection on the CERs.

RESULTS  The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 9.5% (95% CI = 9.1%, 9.9%). Treating only those with severe symptoms of infection would have left 92% of infected patients untreated. Performing a Kato‐Katz smear to confirm the diagnosis was more cost‐effective than treating all symptomatic patients on a presumptive basis, with CERs of 4.2 US$ and 12.43 US$ per infected person treated, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that, for a cost of 0.99 US$ per dose of praziquantel, the Kato‐Katz option remained the most cost‐effective approach for prevalences under 76%. For a drug price of 0.21 US$ per dose, both strategies would have become equivalent. The latter value varied extensively per PHCC (range 0.17 US$ to 0.51 US$), due to the different prevalences of infection (range 0.5% to 34.3%).

CONCLUSION  We found that using severe diarrhoea as an indicator for infection was not appropriate, and that screening symptomatic patients with the Kato‐Katz method remained the most cost‐effective approach in the given setting. The CER of treating all symptomatic patients on a presumptive basis depended very much on the drug price and the endemic level.
What does a single determination of malaria parasite density mean? A longitudinal survey in Mali
Authors: Delley Véronique , Bouvier Paul , Breslow Norman , Doumbo Ogobara , Sagara Issaka , Diakite Mahamadou , Mauris Anne , Dolo Amagana , Rougemont André
Published: March 2003

Summary Temporal variations of blood parasite density were evaluated in a longitudinal study of young, asymptomatic men in a village with endemic malaria in Mali (West Africa). Our main intention was to challenge the value of a single measure of parasite density for the diagnosis of malaria, and to define the level of endemicity in any given area. Parasitaemia and body temperature were recorded three times a day in the wet season (in 39 subjects on 12 days) and in the dry season (in 41 subjects on 13 days). Two thousand nine hundred and fifty seven blood smears (98.5% of the expected number) were examined for malaria parasites. We often found 100‐fold or greater variations in parasite density within a 6‐hour period during individual follow‐up. All infected subjects had frequent negative smears. Although fever was most likely to occur in subjects with a maximum parasite density exceeding 10000 parasites/mm3 (P = 0.009), there was no clear relationship between the timing of these two events. Examples of individual profiles for parasite density and fever are presented. These variations (probably due to a ‘sequestration‐release’ mechanism, which remains to be elucidated) lead us to expect a substantial impact on measurements of endemicity when only a single sample is taken. In this study, the percentage of infected individuals varied between 28.9% and 57.9% during the dry season and between 27.5% and 70.7% during the wet season. The highest rates were observed at midday, and there were significant differences between days. Thus, high parasite density sometimes associated with fever can no longer be considered as the gold standard in the diagnosis of malaria. Other approaches, such as decision‐making processes involving clinical, biological and ecological variables must be developed, especially in highly endemic areas where Plasmodium infection is the rule rather than the exception and the possible causes of fever are numerous.
Serum ferritin and other haematological measurements in apparently healthy adults with malaria parasitaemia in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Odunukwe N. N. , Salako L. A. , Okany C. , Ibrahim M. M.
Published: March 2003

We studied 300 apparently healthy residents of Lagos aged 16–57 years. Their mean ferritin levels were 99.6 ± 50.5 µg/l (men aged 20–57) and 66.5 ± 44 µg/l (women aged 20–53) in aparasitaemic individuals. In parasitaemic subjects, mean ferritin levels were 133.1 ± 48.3 µg/l (men aged 20–56) and 114.8 ± 51.1 µg/l (women aged 16–50). Mean haematocrit values for aparasitaemic males were 45.7 ± 5.6% and 37.9 ± 5% for females, while mean haemoglobin levels were 153.2 ± 1.5 µg/l and 124 ± 3 µg/l, respectively. The mean values for MCV (mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) , MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) were 101.7 ± 8 fl, 30.6 ± 2.2 pg, 335 ± 0.4 g/l and 99.8 ± 10.1fl, 29.1 ± 6.5 pg, 335 ± 6 g/l. Serum iron levels were 34.2 ± 5 µmol/l and 29.5 ± 7.7 µmol/l. All haematological parameters measured were similar in both malaria parasitaemia positive and negative subjects, except ferritin level which was significantly higher in parasitaemic individuals (P < 0.05). Ferritin concentration and malaria density (r = 0.76 in males, r = 0.74 in females, P < 0.05) were positively correlated. Ferritin levels of subjects infected with Plasmodium falciparum were significantly higher than of those infected with P. malariae (P < 0.05). Hence ferritin estimation without examination for malaria parasitaemia in a malaria‐endemic region such as Nigeria is not reliable. Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia increases the ferritin level. Considering the mean ferritin level we found in normal subjects on a balanced diet, routine iron supplementation may not be necessary in the treatment of malaria‐induced anaemia in Nigeria.
Household costs of ‘malaria’ morbidity: a study in Matale district, Sri Lanka
Authors: Attanayake Nimal , Fox‐Rushby Julia , Mills Anne
Published: March 2003

Summary Short‐run economic consequences of ‘malaria’ on households were examined in a household survey in Matale, a malaria‐endemic district of Sri Lanka. On average a household incurred a total cost of Rs 318 (US$ 7) per patient who fully recovered from ‘malaria’. 24% of this was direct cost, 44% indirect cost for the patient and 32% indirect cost for the household. Direct costs were greater for those seeking treatment in the private sector. Notably a large proportion of direct costs was spent on complementary goods such as vitamins and foods considered to be nutritional. Indirect cost was measured and valued on the basis of output/ income losses incurred at the household level rather than using a general indicator such as average wage rate. Loss of output and wages accounted for the highest proportion of the indirect cost of the patients as well as the households. Relative to children, more young adults and middle‐aged people had ‘malaria’ which also caused greater economic loss in these age groups. Women tended to care for patients rather than substitute their labour to cover productive work lost due to illness. We compare the methods used by other researchers for valuing indirect cost, demonstrating the significant impact that methods of measurement and valuation can have on the estimation of indirect cost, and justify the recommendation for methodological research in this area.
What is the effect of combining artesunate and praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infections?
Authors: De Clercq D. , Vercruysse J. , Verlé P. , Kongs A. , Diop M.
Published: March 2003

Summary A group of 110 individuals with Schistosoma mansoni infection was investigated. Patients were allocated to one of three treatment groups and given artesunate or praziquantel alone or both in combination. Combined artesunate–praziquantel significantly increased the number of individuals cured at 5 weeks post‐treatment, but at 12 weeks was only better than artesunate alone and at 24 weeks there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups. Egg count reduction rate was similar to the rate obtained with praziquantel used alone.
Therapeutic injections in Pakistan: from the patients' perspective
Authors: Raglow Gregory J. , Luby Stephen P. , Nabi Naheed
Published: March 2003

Summary objective  To investigate the behaviour, knowledge of risks, and attitudes towards injections among patients at a clinic in Karachi.

methods  In March 1995, trained staff administered a structured questionnaire to 198 consecutive new adult patients attending a university clinic in Karachi, Pakistan.

results  Half (97; 49%) of the patients received injections at their last visit to a health care provider. 35% had received 10 or more injections in the last year. 64% felt that injections were more powerful and were willing to pay more for them than for pills. 84% preferred pills or advice over injections if told they were equally effective, 83% believed that a used needle could transmit a fatal disease, and 86% believed that it is usually possible to get better without an injection. 91% reported that the doctor always recommends an injection; few patients (9%) ever asked for one. Injections were given without much regard for the chief complaint of the patient. Some needles (n = 21) for the injection came from bowls of water: of those from closed packets (n = 116), 68 were ‘cleaned’ by wiping or placing them in water. 91% of patients (180) knew at least one risk of reuse of needles. Patients who knew three or more risks of using unclean needles were 0.14 times as likely to have had more than five injections per year in the last 5 years but only if the patients had 8 or more years of education.

conclusion  Patients receive injections from doctors in Pakistan frequently, indiscriminately and often without proper safety precautions. They are aware of both positive and negative aspects of injections but are likely to do what the doctor suggests. Interventions to reduce risky overuse of injections should focus on patients' general education and knowledge of the risks of injections to empower them to choose healthier therapies.
Comparison of the cost and cost‐effectiveness of insecticide‐treated bednets and residual house‐spraying in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Goodman C. A. , Mnzava A. E. P. , Dlamini S. S. , Sharp B. L. , Mthembu D. J. , Gumede J. K.
Published: March 2003

Residual house‐spraying (RHS) has been the mainstay of South African malaria prevention for more than 50 years, but it has been argued that insecticide‐treated bednets (ITBN) could be a more effective and appropriate method of control. To provide a rational basis for choosing between the interventions, a trial was conducted during 1998 and 1999 in northern KwaZulu‐Natal to collect comparable data on the effectiveness, acceptability and cost of the two interventions. The current practice of house‐spraying once a year was compared with ITBN, distributed free to households and retreated annually at several specific centres. The base case results show ITBN to be significantly more effective in preventing malaria cases than RHS (overall adjusted rate ratio of 0.69), and also more costly, with an incremental economic cost per person of ITBN compared with RHS of R8.68 (US$1.42) per year, giving a gross incremental cost per case averted of R111 ($18) (1999 prices). Estimating the number of deaths averted, based on the average case fatality rate, gave a gross incremental cost per death averted of R11 718 ($1915). The additional cases averted were estimated to lead to drug cost savings of around R1 ($0.16) per capita per year, giving a net cost per case averted of R98 ($16), and net cost per death averted of R10 377 ($1696). Although the finding that the economic costs of ITBN were higher than those for RHS was relatively robust to parameter variations, the extent of the cost margin was sensitive to changes in the price and useful life of the net, and the price of the insecticide. Moreover, a switch to ITBN could lead to net financial savings if the price per net fell below $3.57 (R21.85), or if a change in policy allowed a significant reduction in the number of permanent full‐time malaria control staff. In view of the greater effectiveness of ITBN, policy makers may view ITBN as a cost‐effective use of resources, even if the economic costs are higher. If ITBN are implemented, close monitoring will be required of use, retreatment and useful life of nets, and resistance to insecticides, to assess any change over time in relative cost‐effectiveness, and any threat to the role of the programme as a barrier to the spread of malaria transmission to other areas.
Comparison of deltamethrin tablet formulation with liquid deltamethrin and permethrin for bednet treatment in The Gambia
Authors: Jawara Musa , Pinder Margaret , Cham Baboucarr , Walraven Gijs , Rowley Jane
Published: March 2003

The study aim was to compare three formulations, tablet deltamethrin, liquid deltamethrin and liquid permethrin, for their impact on vector behaviour and persistence. Product acceptance, perceived side‐effects and user’s perceptions of effectiveness were also investigated. At the beginning of the 1998 rainy season, 255 nets in a Gambian village were dipped in one of the three insecticides. Chemical residue analysis immediately after dipping showed that the target doses were reached for the liquid insecticides, but tablet deltamethrin deposited significantly less. Insecticide persistence at 5 months, however, was highest for the tablet formulation. Susceptibility tests established that Anophelines in this area were sensitive to both insecticides. All three formulations appeared effective as very few live Anophelines, or other mosquitoes, were caught under the treated nets. This conclusion was supported by the bioassay data with both deltamethrin formulations giving over 90% mortality soon after dipping and at 3 months, and at 5 months 70.8 and 79.6% were obtained for deltametrin liquid and tablet, respectively. Permethrin appeared less effective at all times (72.4, 86.8, 59.0%). There were no serious side‐effects reported by the villagers following dipping. All three treatments were perceived as effective by the majority (92%) of users and most (93%) wanted to use the insecticide again. Deltamethrin tablets thus appear as good as permethrin for treating bednets in The Gambia. In addition, a tablet formulation is considerable easier to pack and distribute.
Enumeration of non‐communicable disease in rural South Africa by electronic data linkage and capture–recapture techniques
Authors: Gill Geoffrey V. , Scott Bryonnie , Beeching Nicholas J. , Wilkinson David , Ismail Aziz A.
Published: March 2003

Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming increasingly common and important in developing countries, yet their enumeration is problematic. We have attempted to enumerate NCD patients in a rural district of KwazuluNatal, South Africa, using the techniques of electronic data linkage and capture–recapture (CR). We examined four major NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, asthma and epilepsy). Basic patient details were recorded onto EpiInfo software over a 6‐week period, from the main hospital clinic at Hlabisa, as well as the 10 outlying peripheral health clinics. Using electronic data linkage of lists from the main hospital, the peripheral clinics, and repeat prescription cards, a district NCD register was produced of 2455 patients. The mean age was 51 ± 16 years (1 SD) and 76% were female. Of the total NCD patients, 62% had hypertension (age 57 ± 12 years, 82% female), 16% epilepsy (age 35 ± 17 years, 49% female), 13% asthma (age 45 ± 19 years, 60% female) and 12% diabetes (age 54 ± 13 years, 61% female). Estimated population crude prevalence rates for known NCD cases on the register were 7.4% for hypertension, epilepsy 0.2%, asthma 0.2% and diabetes 0.2%. We also attempted a CR analysis to assess completeness of data, by comparing overlap between patients attending peripheral clinics, and the central Hlabisa Hospital clinic. Matching by name, age, and diagnosis proved feasible, but there was little overlap, and CR calculations were invalid because of the relative independence of sources. We conclude that NCDs are common in rural Africa, and that a simple NCD district register is a potentially feasible and inexpensive option. Capture–recapture analysis is feasible, but requires suitable lists with acceptable overlap of patients.
Review: Molecular tools for the diagnosis of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Siles‐Lucas M. M. , Gottstein B. B.
Published: March 2003

In the past years, the diagnostic tools applied to identify alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in human patients have not only increased in number but also substantially improved in quality. The identification and characterization of species‐specific parasite proteins/antigens allowed to generate subsequently recombinant or synthetic polypeptide antigens, as well as corresponding monoclonal antibodies. Some of these new tools have already demonstrated operating characteristics superior to conventional tests used for the immunodiagnosis of CE and AE, and thus may be suggested for routine laboratory application. Powerful molecular techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been developed and adapted to advance laboratory diagnosis of AE and CE. Detecting minute amounts of parasite DNA and mRNA, not only to identify but also to characterize the biological status of parasite material, thus becomes a complementary method to synergize immunodiagnostic techniques. This review focuses on recent developments of molecular tools, discussing their potential use as a primary or a supporting diagnostic element. We also outline some future developments to be undertaken in the field of molecular diagnosis, linked to clinical and laboratory problems.
Reinfection with Schistosoma haematobium following school‐based chemotherapy with praziquantel in four highly endemic villages in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N'Goran E. K. , Utzinger J. , N'Guessan A. N. , Müller I. , Zamblé K. , Lohourignon K. L. , Traoré M. , Sosthène B. A. , Lengeler C. , Tanner M.
Published: March 2003

We present the comparative evaluation of school‐based chemotherapy with praziquantel on Schistosoma haematobium reinfection patterns, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after systematic treatment of schoolchildren in four villages of south‐central Côte d’Ivoire. At baseline, very high S. haematobium infection prevalences of 88–94% were found in Taabo Village, located adjacent to a large man‐made lake, and in Batera and Bodo, where small dams were constructed. In Assinzé, a village with no man‐made environmental alterations, the baseline infection prevalence was significantly lower (67%). The parasitological cure rate, assessed 4 weeks after praziquantel administration in the village with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection, was high (82%), and showed a clear association with infection intensity prior to treatment. Six months after chemotherapy, significant reductions in the prevalence and intensity of infection were observed in all villages. However, infection prevalence was again high in Taabo Village (63%) and in Batera (49%). Different patterns of reinfection occurred in the four villages: rapid reinfection in Taabo Village to reach almost baseline infection prevalence 12 months post‐treatment; slow but gradual increase in the prevalence and intensity of infection in Bodo; marked increase in prevalence and intensity of infection during the second year of the follow‐up in Assinzé; and prevalence and intensity of infection that remained almost constant between 6 and 24 months post‐treatment in Batera. Our study confirms that S. haematobium reinfection patterns largely depend on the local epidemiological setting, which is of central importance to tailoring treatment strategies that are well adapted to these different settings.
An empirical malaria distribution map for West Africa
Authors: Kleinschmidt Immo , Omumbo Judy , Briët Olivier , Van De Giesen Nick , Sogoba Nafomon , Mensah Nathan Kumasenu , Windmeijer Pieter , Moussa Mahaman , Teuscher Thomas
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to produce a malaria distribution map that would constitute a useful tool for development and health planners in West Africa. The recently created continental database of malaria survey results (MARA/ARMA 1998) provides the opportunity for producing empirical models and maps of malaria distribution at a regional and eventually at a continental level. This paper reports on the mapping of malaria distribution for sub‐Saharan West Africa based on these data. The strategy was to undertake a spatial statistical analysis of malaria parasite prevalence in relation to those potential bio‐physical environmental factors involved in the distribution of malaria transmission intensity which are readily available at any map location. The resulting model was then used to predict parasite prevalence for the whole of West Africa. We also produced estimates of the proportion of population of each country in the region exposed to various categories of risk to show the impact that malaria is having on individual countries. The data represent a very large sample of children in West Africa. It constitutes a first attempt to produce a malaria risk map of the West African region, based entirely on malariometric data. We anticipate that it will provide useful additional guidance to control programme managers, and that it can be refined once sufficient additional data become available.
Level and dynamics of malaria transmission and morbidity in an equatorial area of South Cameroon
Authors: Bonnet S. , Paul R. E. l. , Gouagna C. , Safeukui I. , Meunier J.‐Y. , Gounoue R. , Boudin C.
Published: March 2003

We conducted parasitological and entomological malaria surveys among the population of Mengang district in southern Cameroon to analyse the relationship between malaria transmission intensity and malaria morbidity. We investigated two adjacent areas which differ 10‐fold in transmission intensity [annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) 17 vs. 170], but have very similar Plasmodium falciparum malariometric profiles with parasite prevalences of 58 vs. 64%, high parasitaemia prevalences (> 1000 parasites/μl) of 15 vs. 16% and the same morbidity of 0.17–0.5 attacks/person/year. Plasmodium malariae prevalence was 14 vs. 16%. One possible explanation is that the similarity of the duration of the short and high transmission seasons in both areas is equally, if not more, significant for parasitological and clinical profiles as the annual EIR. We discuss the relationships between variations in transmission levels, parasitaemia and clinical incidence, and draw parallels to similar situations elsewhere.
Topical (pour‐on) ivermectin in the treatment of chronic generalized demodicosis in dogs
Authors: PARADIS MANON , PAGÉ NADIA
Published: March 2003

Twelve privately owned dogs with chronic generalized demodicosis were treated topically along the dorsal midline with 1.5 mg kg−1of 0.5% pour‐on ivermectin for cattle three times per week for 3–6 months. All 12 dogs had a substantial reduction in clinical signs and in the number ofDemodex canismites found on skin scrapings. Only two dogs, however, became skin‐scrapings negative after 3 and 5 months of treatment, respectively. In these two dogs treatment was prolonged for an additional 4 weeks past the negative scrapings. One dog relapsed 2 months after cessation of therapy; the other is still free of symptoms 1.5 years later. The cure rate, based on the lack of recurrence of clinical signs for 12 months after discontinuation of ivermectin administration, was 1 of 12 dogs (8%). Adverse reactions were not seen.
Recurrent deep pyoderma in German Shepherd dogs with underlying ehrlichioses and hypergammaglobulinaemia
Authors: Cerundolo  , De Caprariis  , Manna  , Gravino
Published: March 2003

Four German Shepherd dogs with recurrent deep pyoderma and associated ehrlichioses are described. All the dogs had already received appropriate long‐term antibacterial therapy but the clinical signs had consistently returned within 3–4 weeks of cessation of the treatment. Haematological and serum biochemical findings, and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests were indicative ofEhrlichiaspp. infection. Treatment with doxycycline monohydrate was associated with the return of blood values to within normal ranges and diminution of the IFA titres. No further episodes of pyoderma were observed during a 1–2‐year follow‐up period.
The properties and use of penicillins in the veterinary field, with special reference to skin infections in dogs and cats
Authors: Harvey R.G. , Hunter P.A.
Published: March 2003

The use of the penicillins in veterinary dermatology is discussed. An outline is provided of the main penicillins used in the veterinary field. These include benzyl penicillin, penicillin V, ampicillin, amoxycillin, co‐amoxiclav and oxacillin. An increase in β‐lactamase production among strains ofStaphylococcus intermedius, the principal canine pathogen in pyoderma, has been seen in recent years. Thus only those penicillins with resistance to β‐lactamase (co‐amoxiclav or isoxazolyl penicillins) are likely to be of value in treating canine pyoderma. However, feline, porcine and equine staphylococcal dermatoses, and other veterinary dermatoses such as the actinomycoses, dermatophilosis and erysipelothrix, usually respond well to most penicillins, whether or not they resist β‐lactamase.
Immediate intradermal flea antigen reactivity in clinically normal adult dogs from south Florida, USA
Authors: Kunkle Gail A. , Jones Lura Jones , Petty
Published: March 2003

Eighty‐six clinically normal adult dogs from southern Florida, USA, with no history of dermatitis, were intradermally skin tested with Greer flea antigen 1:1000 w/v to determine the prevalence of positive immediate intradermal reactivity. This study describes the test group of animals and reports the prevalence of sensitivity to the Greer whole‐body flea antigen in normal dogs living in a flea‐rich environment. Similar to previous research, the highest prevalence of reactivity to flea antigen occurred at 3–4 years of age. The results indicate that 24% of clinically normal dogs from a flea‐rich environment exhibited positive immediate skin test reactivity. These dogs had no clinical signs of flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) in spite of ongoing flea exposure. A 2‐year follow‐up telephone call to the owners of these flea antigen intradermal skin test (IDST)‐positive dogs indicated that only two of 21 dogs had developed clinical signs of FAD.
Bald thigh syndrome of Greyhound dogs: gross and microscopic findings
Authors: Schoning Polly R. , Cowan Laine A.
Published: March 2003

Bald thigh syndrome (BTS) is a disease limited to Greyhound dogs. It is characterized clinically and grossly by bilateral hair loss on the lateral and caudal thighs. The cause of BTS is unknown but may be associated with hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism. Samples of skin, thyroid glands, and adrenal glands from 43 Greyhound dogs with BTS were examined microscopically. Microscopic changes were characterized by dilatation of follicular infundibula, presence of catagen follicles and epidermal hyperplasia. Changes in the skin from these Greyhound dogs suggest an endocrinopathy as the cause; however, we were unable to confirm which one.
Zinc‐responsive dermatosis in dogs: 41 cases and literature review
Authors: White S.D. , Bourdeau P. , Rosychuk R.A.W. , Cohen B. , Bonenberger T. , Fieseler K.V. , Ihrke P. , Chapman P.L. , Schultheiss P. , Zur G. , Cannon A. , Outerbridge C.
Published: March 2003

Forty‐one cases of zinc‐responsive dermatosis in the dog are described. The Siberian husky was the predominant breed affected. Periocular crusts were the most common clinical sign and parakeratosis was noted in the skin biopsy specimens of all dogs. Treatment with oral zinc ameliorated the clinical signs in most dogs, but cases necessitating other treatments such as parenteral zinc or retinoids are reported. The authors recommend a starting dose of 2–3 mg kg−1elemental zinc per day in the treatment of this disorder.
Putative drug‐related pemphigus foliaceus in four dogs
Authors: White Stephen D. , Carlotti Didier N. , Pin Didier , Bonenberger Terri , Ihrke Peter J. , Monet Eric , Nishifuji Koji , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Papich Mark G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Four dogs developed cutaneous lesions following the administration of various antibiotics. Histopathology of the lesions was compatible with pemphigus foliaceus, although apoptotic cells suggestive of erythema multiforme were seen in two cases. In two dogs the lesions resolved after 7.5–8.5 months of immune‐suppressive treatment. No recurrence was seen during the follow‐up period (3 and 4.5 years). The lesions in the other two dogs resolved within 3 weeks to 3 months following discontinuation of the antibiotic. No recurrence of clinical signs occurred during the follow‐up period (1 and 4 years, respectively).
Immediate intradermal flea‐antigen reactivity in dogs in a flea‐scarce environment
Authors: Sævik B. K. , Ulstein T. L.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intradermal test (IDT) reactions to flea antigen in dogs in a flea‐scarce environment. Seventy‐three client‐owned dogs without present or prior exposure to fleas were used. Forty dogs had a history of, and clinical signs compatible with, atopic dermatitis (AD), after exclusion of other causes of pruritus, and 33 dogs were healthy or had some disease other than AD. A questionnaire was used to collect information about previous ectoparasitic infestations. An aqueous extract of whole bodies of Ctenocephalides spp. (Nelco Laboratories Inc., NY, USA) was used for IDT at a concentration of 1:1000 w/v. None of the dogs had been treated with corticosteroids or antihistamines within the previous 3 months. A positive reaction was defined as a wheal that was equal to or larger in diameter than the average of the saline and histamine controls. Two of the dogs with clinically diagnosed AD and none of the nonatopic dogs had immediate skin‐test reactions to flea antigen. The prevalence (2.7%) for positive IDT against flea extract found in this study is low compared with studies performed in a flea‐rich environment. Immediate skin‐test reactivity against flea antigen in clinically normal dogs in flea‐endemic areas could represent subclinical hypersensitivity or true false‐positive reactions (due to skin irritation). Thus, these findings indicate that false‐positive reactions against whole‐body flea antigen from Nelco in dogs not exposed to fleas are rare.
Mapping the distribution of weeds in Great Britain in relation to national survey data and to soil type
Authors: FIRBANK  , ELLIS  , HILL  , LOCKWOOD  , SWETNAM
Published: March 2003

A method is presented for using botanical survey and soil survey data to generate maps of the probability of occurrence of weeds in Britain across all habitats. For each species, data from a national, designed botanical survey were smoothed spatially, and the association between species distribution and soils was calculated using the botanical survey and 1 km square data on dominant and subdominant soils using national data. A logistic regression was fitted using the botanical survey data, and was interpolated across the whole country to generate the maps. The resulting maps show the probability of occurrence of species and species groups at the 2‐km scale. They map the potential, rather than realized, risk of particular types of weed infestation, as they do not account for local management factors.
Population dynamics of	Rumex obtusifolius under contrasting lucerne cropping systems
Authors: PINO  , SANS  , MASALLES
Published: March 2003

The population dynamics of Rumex obtusifolius L. was analysed in a lucerne:winter cereal crop rotation by means of a matrix population model that takes into consideration two crop rotation periods: the lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) cropping period and the cereal cropping period. Several transition matrices based on life‐cycle stages were calculated for each cropping period using experimental data and were used in the construction of a model that analyses the population dynamics of R. obtusifolius under different harvest dates and lengths of lucerne cropping periods. Model projections showed that populations of R. obtusifolius increased during the lucerne cropping period regardless of harvest date and decreased during the cereal cropping period. Under a late harvest date, populations decreased at each crop rotation when lucerne was grown for 3 years, remained close to the equilibrium when lucerne was left to grow for 5 years, and increased for longer lucerne cropping periods. In contrast, populations of R. obtusifolius decreased even with a lucerne cropping period of 9 years under an early harvest date. The significance of these results in relation to the biology and the non‐chemical control of the species is discussed.
In vitro expression of variation of glyphosate tolerance in Sorghum halepense
Authors: KINTZIOS  , MARDIKIS  , PASSADEOS  , ECONOMOU
Published: March 2003

The in vitro response of five different Sorghum halepense biotypes against the non‐selective, broad‐spectrum herbicide glyphosate was assessed. Seeds from donor plants (collected in various sites all over Greece) were aseptically germinated on a hormone‐free liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and emerging plantlets were inoculated on a solid MS medium supplemented with 13.6 μM 2.4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4.6 μM kinetin for callus induction. Exponentially growing calli were initially subcultured twice on induction medium and then transferred to a selection medium containing 10−3 M or 10−4 M (a.i.) glyphosate. The fresh weight of the cultured calli and the callus viability (expressed as callus dehydrogenase activity) were reduced as glyphosate concentration increased. Significant differences were observed among different biotypes. Regenerated plantlets were submitted to a conventional evaluation for glyphosate tolerance. The observed in vitro response of S. halepense to glyphosate was directly related to the in vivo herbicide tolerance observed both on donor and on regenerant plants.
Simulation of herbicide use in a crop rotation with transgenic herbicide‐tolerant oilseed rape
Authors: MADSEN  , BLACKLOW  , JENSEN  , STREIBIG
Published: March 2003

The potential impact of herbicide‐tolerant winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) on future herbicide use was investigated with a simulation model. The model uses a sigmoid function to simulate the growth of crops and weeds that compete for a maximum yield potential. Thresholds for weed control are based upon critical levels of weed biomass. The dynamics of the weed population are determined by the efficacy of representative herbicides on individual weed species and by seedbank parameters. Herbicide efficacy is determined by a log‐logistic dose–response curve for each species. Simulation of a rotation with winter oilseed rape/wheat/wheat/barley showed contradictory predictions of herbicide use, because herbicide use in a rotation with either glyphosate‐ or glufosinate‐tolerant oilseed rape was not reduced in the amount of kg a.i. ha–1 compared with a traditional treatment, whereas the treatment frequency (number of standard recommended doses per unit area) decreased.
Shattering habit and dormancy of spikelets in a cultivated form of Echinochloa oryzicola recently found in China
Authors: Hirosue  , Yamasue  , Yabuno
Published: March 2003

Shattering habit and dormancy of spikelets were studied in a cultivated form of Echinochloa oryzicola, which was found in 1994 in the Yunnan Province of China, and compared with a weedy form of the same species. Spikelet weight of the cultivated form (8.3 mg) was nearly twice as large as that of the weedy form. The weedy form developed abscission layers in the spikelet rachis before detachment, but the cultivated form developed no particular structures at a comparable region of the spikelet rachis. The spikelet shattering percentage in the cultivated form was 4.2% at 80 days after heading, compared with 99.8% in the weedy form. Spikelets of the cultivated form, collected in the field at 60 days after heading, showed 96.3% germination in the laboratory at 20/30 °C in the light, and vivipary of the spikelets was observed in the field after persistent rainfall. The weedy form showed only 0.1% germination in the laboratory when collected at 60 days after heading, but this increased to 55% after 100 days of dry storage. We concluded that the cultivated form of E. oryzicola examined in the present study was characterized by large spikelets with non‐shattering habit and no innate dormancy.
The role of fungal endophyte infection in the evolution of Lolium multiflorum resistance to diclofop‐methyl
Authors: Vila Aiub M M , Ghersa C M
Published: March 2003

Diclofop‐methyl resistance was evaluated in populations of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) infected and uninfected with fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium). Survival was tested in susceptible populations using herbicide screening. The results served as inputs to a model for investigating the role of endophyte infection in the evolution of L. multiflorum resistance to herbicide. The tolerance of infected plants varied depending on the origin of the population and the herbicide dose. Only in some populations and at some diclofop‐methyl doses did plants infected with these endophytes have higher survivorship than endophyte‐free plants. The model demonstrated that endophytes might indeed play an important role in the evolution of herbicide‐resistant weeds, delaying the appearance of herbicide resistance.
A risk‐qualified approach to calculate locally varying herbicide application rates
Authors: Faechner T. , Norrena K. , Thomas A G , Deutsch C V
Published: March 2003

Weed competition can decrease crop yield and profit. Herbicides are applied to reduce weed populations, minimize crop loss and maximize profit. Traditional practice is to apply herbicides at a uniform rate over an entire field. Complete knowledge of the weed distribution and appropriate instrumentation on the spraying equipment would allow the farm manager to apply the ‘correct’ locally varying herbicide application rate. The locally variable rate would be greater in areas of high weed density and less where there are few weeds. A locally varying treatment would have both economic and environmental advantages. A major challenge facing farm managers is the unavoidable uncertainty in the spatial distribution of weeds in any particular field. This uncertainty in weed distribution influences the optimal locally varying herbicide rate. A mathematical model is presented to calculate the optimal herbicide application rate using geostatistical models of uncertainty in weed density combined with principles from decision making. Weed data from a 34‐ha field near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, illustrate the application of these tools. Weed control was achieved with a significant reduction in total herbicide use.
Butenafine, a fungicidal benzylamine derivative, used once daily for the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis
Authors: Reyes Blas A. , Beutner Karl R. , Cullen Stanley I. , Rosen Theodore , Shupack Jerome L. , Weinstein Mark B.
Published: March 2003

A multi‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of butenafine, a fungicidal benzylamine derivative, in the once daily treatment of interdigital tinea pedis.

One hundred and fifty patients with interdigital tinea pedis characterized by a minimum erythema score of 2 and a minimum score of 2 for either pruritus or scaling (on a scale of 0–3, where ‘2’ defines moderate severity) were initially enrolled, pending confirmation by mycologic culture and KOH testing. Patients were excluded if the evaluation of tinea pedis might have been impaired by concomitant conditions, if they were hypersensitive to allylamines or ingredients of the study medications, or if they had clinically significant abnormal laboratory values. Women of childbearing potential were also excluded if they were pregnant, lactating, or not using adequate contraceptive measures.

The patients were randomized and given study formulations in coded tubes containing either butenafine hydrochloride cream 1% (butenafine) or the vehicle. They were instructed to apply the formulation to all tinea pedis lesions one daily, for 4 weeks. They were evaluated after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment, and again 4 weeks post‐treatment, using the following measures: (i) mycologic cure: negative fungal culture and KOH test; (ii) effective treatment: mycologic cure and investigator global assessment of 80% or more improvement in signs and symptoms; (iii) investigator global assessment of clinical response: cleared (100% improvement in signs and symptoms), excellent (80–99% improvement), good (50–79% improvement), fair (25–49% improvement), poor (less than 25% improvement), unchanged, or worse, (iv) patient’s assessment of change since baseline: 5=greatly improved, 4=somewhat improved, 3=the same, 2=somewhat worse, and 1=much worse.

Mycologic cure and effective treatment were each analyzed using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) test of response by treatment partialled on investigator. Patient perceptions and investigator evaluations of global response were analyzed as ordered categorical data using the CMH mean score test with uniform scores.
Physiologic skin changes during pregnancy: a study of 140 cases
Authors: Muzaffar Farhana , Hussain I. , Fcps . , Haroon T. S.
Published: March 2003

Background The endocrine, metabolic, and immunologic changes during pregnancy give rise to a number of physiologic cutaneous changes.

Objective We evaluated 140 pregnant women to determine the pattern of pregnancy‐induced physiologic skin changes in our community.

Results The various changes observed include: increased pigmentation (90.7%), striae (77.1%), edema (48.5%), melasma (46.4%), vascular changes (34.2%), and others.

Conclusions Pigmentary changes were the most common finding, whereas the incidence of vascular changes was quite low (p < 0.01).
Oral treatment schedules for onychomycosis: a study of patient preference
Authors: Nolting Siegfried K. , Carazo Jose Sanchez , De Boulle Koenrad , Lambert Julien R.
Published: March 2003

Background An improved understanding of patients’ attitudes to medication may help promote compliance with oral medications for onychomycosis. This study was performed to assess patients’ preference between continuous and intermittent oral treatment schedules for onychomycosis and to determine the reasons underlying the selections made.

Methods Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had current onychomycosis and were willing to take oral medication for this condition. In a 30‐min, face‐to‐face interview, each patient answered questions about four possible treatment schedules for onychomycosis: regimen 1 – continuous (daily regular intake) for 12 weeks; regimen 2 – intermittent 1 week/month for 3 months (last week of therapy is week 9); regimen 3 – intermittent once weekly for 21 weeks; regimen 4 – intermittent 1 week/month for 4 months (last week of therapy is week 13).

Results A total of 102 patients from Germany and Spain participated in the study. When asked to choose between regimens 1, 2, and 3, 46% of patients favored the 9‐week intermittent schedule, 42% selected the 12‐week continuous schedule, and 12% preferred the 21‐week intermittent schedule. The preference for the 9‐week intermittent schedule was more notable among younger patients (<45 years), possibly because they are less used to taking regular medication, and among Spanish patients, an effect that could not be attributed to age because the average age of patients was similar in the participating countries (Germany 47.2 years; Spain 48.0 years). When the patients who preferred regimen 2 were asked to choose between regimens 1, 3, and 4 (both intermittent schedules longer than the continuous schedule), most (57%) favored the shortest treatment schedule (regimen 2).

Conclusions Overall, patients favored an intermittent schedule lasting 9 weeks. Treatment duration is the critical factor in determining patients’ preference for treatment schedules for onychomycosis.