bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early treatment of childhood fevers with pre‐packaged antimalarial drugs in the home reduces severe malaria morbidity in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sirima Sodiomon Bienvenu , Konaté Amadou , Tiono Alfred B. , Convelbo Nathalie , Cousens Simon , Pagnoni Franco
Published: March 2003

In rural, malaria‐endemic Burkina Faso, we evaluated the impact of the use of pre‐packaged antimalarial drugs (PPAM), by mothers in the home, on the progression of disease in children from uncomplicated fever to severe malaria. In each village of one province, a core group of opinion leaders (mainly older mothers) was trained in the management of uncomplicated malaria, including the administration of PPAM. Full courses of antimalarial (chloroquine) and antipyretic (aspirin) drugs were packaged in age‐specific bags and made widely available through community health workers who were supplied through the existing drug distribution system. Drugs were sold under a cost‐recovery scheme. Local schoolteachers conducted surveys in a random sample of 32 villages at the end of the high transmission seasons in 1998 and 1999. Disease history and the treatment received were investigated for all children under the age of 6 years having suffered from a fever episode in the previous 4 weeks. ‘Uncomplicated malaria’ was defined as every episode of fever and ‘severe malaria’ as every episode of fever followed by convulsions or loss of consciousness. During the study period, 56%[95% confidence interval (CI) 50–62%] of 3202 fever episodes in children under 6 years of age were treated promptly by mothers with the pre‐packaged drugs made available by the study. A total of 59% of children receiving PPAM were reported to have received the drugs over the prescribed 3‐day period, while 52% received the correct age‐specific dose. PPAM use was similar among literate (61%) and non‐literate mothers (55%) (P = 0.08). The overall reported risk of developing severe malaria was 8%. This risk was lower in children treated with PPAM (5%) than in children not treated with PPAM (11%) (risk ratio = 0.47; 95% CI 0.37, 0.60; P < 0.0001). This estimate of the impact of PPAM was largely unchanged when account was taken of potential confounding by age, sex, maternal literacy status, year or village. Our findings support the view that, after appropriate training and with adequately packaged drugs made available, mothers can recognize and treat promptly and correctly malarial episodes in their children and, by doing so, reduce the incidence of severe disease.
Cryoglobulinaemia and cryofibrinogenaemia: a comparison of canine and human cases
Authors: Nagata  , Nanko  , Hashimoto  , Ogawa  , Sakashita
Published: March 2003

A 1‐year‐old, male mixed‐breed dog developed dark brown, demarcated necrotic lesions on the pinnae. The owner noticed, in late November, that the dog, which had been kepy outdoors, was feeling pain in the area of the pinnae. Histopathological examination revealed dilated vessels containing an amorphous eosinophilic substance and erythrocytes. In addition, the epidermis and dermis were eosinophilic and amorphous due to degeneration. Cooling of the serum and plasma produced precipitation, and these proteins dissolved after rewarming. SDS–PAGE analysis showed that the serum and plasma cryogels corresponded to IgG and IgM and to purified fibronectins and fibrinogens, respectively. This dog has been kept indoors since the onset of the disease, and no underlying disorders have been found during a follow‐up period of 1 year. These findings suggest that the present case closely resembles essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia and cryofibrinogenaemia in humans. This report also includes observations of a human patient and discusses similarities between the canine and human manifestations of the disease.
Sensitization to dust mites in cats withOtodectes cynotisinfestation
Authors: Saridomichelakis  , Koutinas  , Gioulekas  , Leontides  , Polyzopoulou
Published: March 2003

Sensitization to the dust mites was demonstrated by an intradermal (ID) skin test in 33 of 55 cats withOtodectes cynotisinfestation. Positive ID test reactions toDermatophagoides farinaewere noticed in 32 (58.2%), toDermatophagoides pteronyssinusin 29 (52.7%) and toAcarus siroin seven (12.7%) cats. The presence (P = 0.03) and duration (P = 0.04) of pruritus were positively associated with the ID test results. All the cats had a complete response to systemic ivermectin therapy, although three of them became reinfested as soon as they were in contact with other cats. The ID test was negative in 25 cats that had reacted positive previously, when the test was repeated 3–6 months after the acaricidal treatment. During that time there was no evidence of concurrent ectoparasitic infestation. The remaining eight cats were re‐infested byO. cynotisor lost to follow‐up.
Cutaneous mucormycosis caused byAbsidia corymbiferain a horse
Authors: López‐Sanromán  , Payá  , Cutuli  , González
Published: March 2003

A 5‐year‐old pregnant Spanish thoroughbred mare was presented with an extensive granulomatous lesion, of four months duration, on the left medial foreleg. On examination, the wound was covered by a large mass of ulcerated granulation tissue exuding thick serosanguinous fluid. The mare had not responded to previous treatment. Physical examination revealed no fever, no lameness and the presence of intense pruritus. A surgical resection was carried out to take samples for histopathology. On histopathologic examination the dermis and subcutaneous tissue showed large multifocal necrotic eosinophilic areas and inside these areas, irregularly ramified fungal hyphae. Microbiological examination showed abundant fungal growth and the strain corresponded toAbsidia corymbifera. Treatment with amphotericin B was started but there was no improvement in the lesion. The mare aborted, became anorexic, had febrile episodes, had very poor body condition and was euthanized.
The effects of dietary n‐3 vs. n‐6 fatty acids on ex‐vivo LTB4 generation by canine neutrophils
Authors: Byrne Kevin P. , Campbell Karen L. , Davis Carol A. , Schaeffer David J. , Troutt Fred H.
Published: March 2003

Dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are widely used for amelioration of inflammatory skin disease in dogs. In this study, a diet containing two different sources of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid–triglyceride (from menhaden oil) and concentrated ethyl esters–was fed to one group of six purpose‐bred dogs, while an isocaloric isonitrogenous diet with corn oil (n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) was fed to another group of eight purpose‐bred dogs for six weeks. Peripheral blood neutrophils, isolated at week–1 (baseline), week 2 and week 6, were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 and the amount of leukotriene B4 produced was determined via reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. Analysis of variance of log‐transformed data revealed a significant effect for diet (P = 0.005) at six weeks, with dogs fed the high n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet having significantly less mean ex vivo neutrophil leukotriene B4 production than dogs fed the high n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet. Further studies on the clinical usefulness of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ethyl esters are warranted.
Safety of long‐term administration of a 0.01% fluocinolone shampoo in allergic dogs
Authors: Beale Karin M. , Kunkle Gail A. , Ginn Pamela , Keisling Karen
Published: March 2003

Nine dogs with allergic dermatitis were bathed twice weekly with a 0.01% fluocinolone shampoo for 6 months to evaluate the shampoo’s effects on the adrenal–pituitary axis, serum chemistries, complete blood counts and cutaneous histology. A group of 5 normal control dogs were bathed twice weekly for 6 months with the shampoo vehicle to determine whether or not the stress of bathing would have any effects on the monitored indices. Skin biopsies were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study, and serum chemistries and serum cortisols postadrenocorticotrophic hormone administration were evaluated every 8 weeks. There was no effect of the drug over time on serum chemistries or cortisol. Individual dogs in the treatment group had decreased epidermal and dermal thickness as well as decrease in size or number of sebaceous glands after treatment. None of the dogs exhibited the combination of morphologic changes characteristic of an atrophic dermatosis due to hyperadrenocorticism.
Cutaneous presentation of canine intravascular lymphoma (malignant angioendotheliomatosis)
Authors: VanGessel Y.A. , McDonough S.P. , McCormick H.J. , Summers B.A.
Published: March 2003

A 9‐year‐old female spayed Boxer dog presented with variably sized, firm, black, raised, exudative subcutaneous masses on her head, neck and trunk, that tended to fluctuate in size and frequently ulcerate. Skin biopsy showed that the dermis was expanded by a densely cellular mass of proliferative capillaries distended with large pleomorphic neoplastic round cells mixed with fibrin and erythrocytes. Intravascular lymphoma was diagnosed and immunostains were compatible with a CD8+T lymphocyte histogenesis (CD3+/CD79a−/TCRαβ+/CD8α+). Post‐mortem examination, four months after diagnosis, revealed neoplastic T‐cells within meningeal arteries. We are unaware of other reports of a cutaneous presentation and ante‐mortem diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma in the dog. Additionally, this vasoproliferative form of intravascular lymphoma has not been previously described in dogs.
Colonization of neonatal puppies by Staphylococcus intermedius
Authors: Saijonmaa‐Koulumies Leena E. , Lloyd David H.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Cutaneous and mucosal carriage of Staphylococcus intermedius was determined in five Cavalier King Charles spaniel bitches, living in normal domestic environment, and their 18 puppies during the immediate prepartum period and after whelping, over a total of 8 weeks, using quantitative swab techniques. Within 8 h of birth S. intermedius was isolated from each puppy. The nose and mouth were the most frequently colonized mucosal sites (83 and 78%, respectively). At that time S. intermedius was isolated from the abdominal skin in 78% of the puppies. One day postpartum the mucosal populations increased significantly (P < 0.001) but fell 6 (P < 0.01) and 20 (P < 0.001) days later. Populations from abdominal skin reduced during the first and fourth weeks postpartum (P < 0.05 for both). This study indicates that in the domestic environment S. intermedius establishes itself soon after birth. The level of colonization by S. intermedius in the bitches seems to influence the colonization by pathogenic staphylococci in puppies.
Serological responses to house dust mite antigens in atopic dogs while receiving allergen‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Foster A. P. , Jackson H. A. , Stedman K. , Knowles T. G. , Day M. J. , Shaw S. E.
Published: March 2003

In human atopic disease a beneficial response to immunotherapy may be associated with humeral changes in serum IgE and subclass IgG. The aim of this study was to investigate the humeral response to allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Twelve dogs with clinical signs consistent with atopic dermatitis and positive intradermal test reactions to house dust mite antigens (Greer Laboratories, Lenoir NC, USA) were studied. The clinical response to ASIT (Greer) was evaluated when blood samples were collected at 0, 2 and 4 weeks; and at 3, 6 and 12 months after starting ASIT. The ASIT was administered for a minimum of 9 months. The serum concentration of total and subclass IgG antibodies was measured against Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigens (Greer) by ELISA using polyclonal and monoclonal antidog IgG reagents, respectively. Serum IgE was measured using a Fc‐epsilon R1 receptor alpha chain‐based ELISA. The data were analysed using a multilevel model in MLwiN software (Institute of Education, University of London, UK). Antibody concentrations of IgE and total IgG increased during the period of administration of ASIT and decreased after ASIT was stopped. There was no obvious pattern in subclass‐IgG concentrations during ASIT. Response to ASIT was excellent (four dogs), equivocal (three dogs) or poor (five dogs). During ASIT a poor or equivocal response was associated with a statistically significant increase in IgE to D. pteronyssinus antigen compared with the excellent responders. This relationship was present to a lesser extent with IgE to D. farinae and total IgG to both antigens.

 This study was supported, in part, by the RCVS Alison Alston Canine Award and by Heska Corporation.
Determination of strain variability of Microsporum canis to disinfectants
Authors: Moriello K. A. , Deboer D. J. , Volk L.
Published: March 2003

The isolated infected hair model is a commonly used technique to test the fungicidal efficacy of topical therapies and/or disinfectants against Microsporum canis. Results from various laboratories have differed and it is unclear if they are due to methodology and/or strain variability. The objective of this study was to look for strain variability of M. canis to disinfectants. Ten strains of M. canis were used in this study. Infected hairs and crusts were soaked and processed in order to remove and isolate ectothrix spores. Eight dilutions of the following disinfectants were tested: Virkon® S, (Antec International Ltd, Suffolk, UK), chlorhexidine, lime sulfur, enilconazole and bleach. Sterile distilled water was used as a control. An equal volume of spore suspension and disinfectant solution were incubated for 5 min and then plated onto Mycosel fungal culture plates (Mycosel Agar, Becton Dickinson, Cockeysille, MD, USA). Fungal cultures were counted at days 7 to 10. Fungal culture data was evaluated using an end‐point dilution at which there was 100% fungicidal activity, i.e. no growth on the plates. The 10 samples showed identical results. Chlorhexidine and Virkon® S were ineffective even when used at 4× the manufacturer’s recommended dilution. Lime sulfur (1:33), enilconazole (20 µL mL−1), and bleach (1:10) were consistently effective when used at the recommended dilution. In addition, lime sulfur and enilconazole were 100% fungicidal even when the recommended concentration was diluted 1:4 or 4× as dilute as recommended. In conclusion, using isolated infective spores of M. canis we were unable to detect strain variability to commonly used disinfectants.

 This study was funded by the Winn Foundation and the SVM Companion Animal Research Fund.
Importance of psychogenic dermatoses in dogs with pruritic behavior
Authors: Nagata M. , Shibata K. , Irimajiri M. , Luescher A. U.
Published: March 2003

Canine psychodermatopathies are appreciated, but our knowledge of this field is extremely limited. We suspect that psychodermatopathies could be expanded to include dermatoses featuring pruritic behavior such as licking, scratching and biting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these clinical findings of a series of suspect dogs. Seven dogs with psychogenic dermatoses featuring pruritic behavior are described. Differential diagnoses including infectious disease, allergy, congenital disorder, metabolic and neurological disturbances, and previous trauma at the lesions were all ruled out. All dogs had concurrent behavior problems or inductive life events, and both skin and behavior problems were improved with behavior modification with or without psychopharmacological therapy. The type and distribution of the skin lesions and incidental context of pruritic behavior were evaluated. Histopathological examination of the skin lesion was performed in five cases. In the seven dogs, characteristic skin lesions included: broken hairs (n = 7); and erythema and/or excoriation (n = 3); broken hairs located on the lateral thigh (n = 4), medial forearm (n = 4), flank (n = 3), and perioral area (n = 3); and erythema and/or excoriations located on the cheek (n = 2), perioral area (n = 2), periocular area (n = 1) and nails (n = 1). In all cases, the onset of pruritic behavior was associated with emotionally unstable situations, and did not appear during sleep or during periods of focused attention. Histopathological findings were unremarkable in all cases. In conclusion, psychogenic disorders should be considered as a cause of dermatoses in dogs with pruritic behavior, and this disorder can be identified with clinical evaluation of skin lesions and the relationship between the behavior and its context.
Macroscopic, cytological and bacteriological evaluation of anal sac content in normal dogs and in dogs with selected dermatological diseases
Authors: Pappalardo Ersilia , Martino Piera Anna , Noli Chiara
Published: March 2003

Abstract Macroscopic and cytological aspects of anal sac content were evaluated in 40 normal dogs and 10 dogs each with pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis associated with atopic dermatitis and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis. Bacteria isolated from anal sacs were compared with those from abdominal skin and hair in 20 normal dogs and 10 dogs with pyoderma. There was no difference between the groups in anal sac dimension, or in the colour, consistency or presence of granules in their content. Extracellular bacteria were found in higher numbers in diseased animals, whereas intracellular bacteria were observed in 40% of dogs with pyoderma and in only 2.5% of normal dogs. Malassezia spp. were present in 15.7% of dogs, with no difference between groups. Neutrophils were observed in 12.5% of normal dogs, 30% of dogs with Malassezia dermatitis with underlying atopic dermatitis and in 70 and 80% of dogs with pyoderma and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis, respectively. Seven bacterial species were isolated from anal sacs, with no difference between normal dogs and dogs with pyoderma. In five normal animals and in four dogs with pyoderma the same bacterial strains were isolated from anal sacs and from abdominal skin and hair.
A randomized controlled trial of misoprostol monotherapy for canine atopic dermatitis: effects on dermal cellularity and cutaneous tumour necrosis factor‐alpha
Authors: Olivry Thierry , Dunston Stanley M. , Rivierre Christine , Jackson Hilary A. , Murphy K. Marcy , Peters Erin , Dean Gregg A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract In this blinded randomized placebo‐controlled trial, 20 dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD) were given placebo (8 dogs) or misoprostol (12 dogs) at 5 µg kg−1, orally, three times daily for 3 weeks. Administration of the active drug, but not of placebo, led to a significant decrease in lesional and pruritus scores. The median reduction from baseline of both scores was ≈30%. Misoprostol therapy did not lead to decreases of dermal cell counts or skin tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α mRNA copy numbers that were significantly different from those of placebo. Skin TNFα protein production, assessed using indirect immunofluorescence, decreased or remained unchanged in dogs receiving misoprostol. In contrast, post treatment TNFα fluorescence scores were higher in all but two dogs given placebo. The changes from baseline of TNFα fluorescence scores did not correlate significantly with those of lesional or pruritus indices. These observations confirm the modest efficacy of misoprostol for treatment of canine AD and suggest that its mild anti‐allergic effects are not associated with either inhibition of inflammatory cell emigration or TNFα production.
Competition between	Solanum nigrum and pepper in the presence of	Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: ZANCADA  , PONCE R. GONZALEZ , VERDUGO
Published: March 2003

The influence of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood on the competitive relationships between pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Solanum nigrum L. (black nightshade) was investigated in a glasshouse experiment. Seven competition treatments were set up: two intraspecific for the crop and the weed and five interspecific treatments in which the emergence of S. nigrum plants was progressively delayed with respect to that of the pepper. Nematodes reproduced in every inoculated plant and their multiplication rates were high in both pepper and S. nigrum. The parasite reduced all growth and yield parameters of the crop, but did less harm to the weed. The negative effect of S. nigrum on pepper peaked in the treatment in which the weed and pepper plants emerged together. S. nigrum was a stronger competitor than pepper under both nematode‐infested and nematode‐free conditions. The effect of nematodes on pepper yield was less than that of competition, but both appeared to be additive.
Acetolactate synthase activity and chlorsulfuron sensitivity of wheat cultivars
Authors: DASTGHEIB  , FIELD
Published: March 2003

Differences were observed in the sensitivity of three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to chlorsulfuron. Shoot dry weight was reduced by foliar applications of chlorsulfuron to a greater extent in cv. Rongotea than in cvs Lancer and Kotare. There was no difference between these cultivars in the specific activity of acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme extracted from leaves or roots. Moreover, chlorsulfuron inhibited ALS from the wheat cultivars to the same extent in␣vitro. ALS measurement in vivo showed that after 15 h of incubating excised leaf tissues with chlorsulfuron, there was a greater reduction in ALS enzyme activity in Rongotea than in the other cultivars. Furthermore, 1 day after a foliar application of chlorsulfuron, in vitro ALS activity in leaves was reduced more in Rongotea than in Lancer or Kotare. Recovery of the enzyme activity following chlorsulfuron application was quicker in Kotare than in Lancer or Rongotea. It is concluded that differences in sensitivity of these wheat cultivars to chlorsulfuron are not due to differential ALS sensitivity or level, but may be due to differential rates of herbicide metabolism.
Adsorption of isoproturon, diuron and metsulfuron‐methyl in two soils at high soil:solution ratios
Authors: WALKER  , JURADO‐EXPOSITO
Published: March 2003

Rates of degradation of isoproturon, diuron and metsulfuron‐methyl were measured in two soils incubated at two temperatures (5 and 25 °C) with soil moisture at a matric potential of −5 kPa. Rates of change in soil solution concentration were also measured after extraction of water from the soil using a centrifugation technique. The data, in general, indicated a more rapid rate of decline in aqueous‐phase concentrations of herbicide than in total soil concentrations, and hence a progressive increase in partition coefficient in favour of the adsorbed phase. In all of the incubations, however, adsorption of the herbicide was initially less than that measured using standard equilibration techniques that involved shaking with large volumes of solution relative to weights of soil. This may be explained by the ready availability of more adsorption sites in the shaken systems. With isoproturon and diuron, the changes in adsorption with time were similar at the two incubation temperatures. This indicates that the apparent changes in adsorption with these two compounds were not caused by preferential degradation in the soil solution, but by a slow equilibration with adsorption sites. The results with the weakly adsorbed compound metsulfuron‐methyl, however, suggested the possibility of preferential degradation in the solution phase because, when degradation was slow, the absolute amounts adsorbed remained constant or increased slightly, even although solution concentrations declined. Implications of the results for pesticide behaviour in soils in the field are discussed.
Aquatic weed assemblages in an Iberian drainage channel system and related environmental factors
Authors: FERREIRA  , CATARINO  , MOREIRA
Published: March 2003

The composition, cover and weed expression of the macrophytic assemblages found in an Iberian irrigation system, as well as local environmental features, were studied in 100 sites. Species with more than 40% average cover included the exotics Myriophyllum aquaticum
Annual cycles of germinability and differences between primary and secondary dormancy in buried seeds of Echinochloa crus‐galli
Authors: Honek  , Martinkova  , Jarosik
Published: March 2003

The seasonal changes in percentage of dormant seeds of Echinochloa crus‐galli in the field were recorded for 4 years. The lots of seeds were wrapped in nylon fabric, buried 20 cm under the grass sward and exhumed at monthly intervals. The proportion of seeds germinating under light conditions at a constant temperature of 25 °C fluctuated between 0% and 96%, with maxima in May–July and minima in September–November. Small between‐year differences in the course of summer dormancy induction and its winter termination were probably caused by variation of weather conditions.

Attributes of dormancy innate to seeds after maturation (primary dormancy) and dormancy induced in buried seeds during the summer (secondary dormancy) were compared by investigating the rate of dormancy termination during storage of (a) dry seeds at 25 °C, (b) imbibed seeds at 5°C and (c) in seeds buried under field conditions during October–June. Percentage of germination increased faster in secondary than primary dormant seeds at both constant 25 °C and 5 °C. The seeds with primary and secondary dormancy also differed in the response to `germination pre‐treatment', a 10‐day exposure of imbibed seeds at 25 °C that causes germination of the non‐dormant fraction of seed materials. After this treatment the time to resuming germination in primary dormant seeds was substantially increased, whereas the secondary dormant seeds were much less affected. Annual variation in the proportion of germinable seeds explains the low efficiency of autumn soil cultivation for decreasing reserves of E. crus‐galli seeds in the soil.
Crop cultivars with allelopathic capability
Authors: WU  , Pratley  , Lemerle  , Haig
Published: March 2003

Allelopathy has potential in integrated weed management. Crop plants have the capability to produce and exude allelochemicals into their surroundings to suppress the growth of weeds in their vicinity. Selection for superior genotypes with allelopathic potential has been carried out in several field crops, and evidence has accumulated that crop cultivars differ significantly in their ability to inhibit the growth of certain weed species. To date, progress has been made in understanding the genetics of crop allelopathic activity, and successful genetic manipulation of this trait has also been demonstrated. However, much more research needs to be carried out in order to have a thorough understanding of the genetic control of allelopathic activity. Several genes might be involved in regulating the production and exudation of allelochemicals. Concerted efforts using advances in plant biotechnology will help to unveil the genetics of this trait. Once the allelopathic genes have been located, a breeding programme could be initiated to transfer the genes into modern cultivars to enhance their allelopathic activity for weed suppression, thereby reducing over‐reliance on herbicides.
Herbicide movement in soils: principles, pathways and processes
Authors: Carter
Published: March 2003

European legislation concerning ground‐ and surface‐water quality and the protection of non‐target organisms in surface‐water from pesticide contamination has initiated more stringent data requirements from regulatory authorities concerning the movement of all pesticides in soils. Other interested parties, such as water companies, environment agencies and consumer‐driven organizations, have sought to influence the use of herbicides and their impact on the environment. The resulting studies and associated research have led to a better understanding of the fate and behaviour of herbicides in the soil environment. The amount of herbicide that moves away from the area of application will depend on the physico‐chemical properties of the chemical and the agroclimatic characteristics of the target site. Under average conditions, the amount of herbicide lost by movement from a soil profile is typically <0.1% to 1% of the applied mass but, under certain localized circumstances, can reach up to 5% or greater. Leaching, drain‐flow and surface run‐off are the main pathways responsible for herbicide movement within soils. The soil/herbicide processes determining the losses are also variable in both time and space. It is therefore necessary to understand the spatial characteristics of soils, their hydrology and the associated herbicide use patterns.
What criteria are relevant for predicting the invasive capacity of a new agricultural weed? The case of invasive American species in France
Authors: Maillet  , Lopez‐Garcia
Published: March 2003

In Europe, exotic species are assessed for their potential threat only after they have already become weeds. To test hypotheses underlying risk assessment procedures, 274 North and South American exotic species naturalized in France were compared to differentiate environmental from agricultural weeds and to characterize weeds of several crops. Most agricultural exotic weeds belonged to the Asteraceae and the Poaceae, but proportionally to the total number of invasive species from a family the most successful families were the Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Poaceae. Weed status in North and South America was the best predictor of agricultural weed status in France, and a pre‐1900 date of introduction was associated with a greater likelihood of having become a major weed. The characteristics of 78 species present in field crops were examined in relation to management practices. In annual crops, the life‐cycle compatibility of weeds appeared to be the main factor of selection. Exotic species differed in their C4 photosynthesis pathway in maize and rice. In vineyards, many ecological strategies are possible because the habitat is heterogeneous. Intrageneric comparison of exotic and native species showed a superior relative growth rate and higher biomass production under nutrient‐rich conditions for exotics. However, it is still difficult to find a predictive function that fits well with all observed cases of weed invasion.
Weed suppression ability of upland rice under low‐input conditions in West Africa
Authors: Fofana  , Rauber
Published: March 2003

Weeds are a major constraint to upland rice production in west Africa. The objectives of this investigation were to study differences in weed suppression ability among upland rice cultivars and to determine the morphological traits involved. Twelve contrasting cultivars, including West African indigenous Oryza glaberrima (Steudel) lines and traditional and improved O. sativa L., were cultivated under natural weed competition and low‐input conditions in Côte d’Ivoire in two seasons. Significant differences between cultivars were observed in weed biomass at 100 days after seeding (DAS) in 1994 and 1995, indicating differences in their competitive ability. Weed biomass was negatively correlated with rice root growth at early growth stages and with rice shoot and root growth at later growth stages. Across cultivars, grain yields with a single hand‐weeding were 60% in 1994 and 49% in 1995 of those in plots that were weeded regularly. High grain yields in weedy plots were associated with low weed biomass. IG 10, an O. glaberrima cultivar, was the most competitive against weeds.
Determination of environment‐specific dose–response relationships for clodinafop‐propargyl on Avena spp.
Authors: Medd R W , Van De Ven R J , Pickering DI , Nordblom T
Published: March 2003

A range of plant and environmental variables is known to influence the efficacy of herbicides. This paper explores whether environmental factors influencing efficacy of a herbicide can be quantified by analysing a set of industry data involving 59 experiments conducted throughout Australia in the years 1986–1995 for clodinafop‐propargyl on Avena spp. A spline method was used to analyse the combined data set of observed and interpolated covariates. In addition to dose, it was found that efficacy was significantly influenced by maximum temperature on the day of application, spray water volume, the interaction of maximum temperature and spray volume, the sum of minimum temperatures experienced in the 7 days prior to application, and the soil moisture deficit estimated for day 10 prior to application. The findings are discussed in relation to testing of new products for providing commercial factor‐adjustment information as an additional, marketable outcome of existing product testing procedures. Advantages of the spline model over the commonly used log–logistic model for evaluating dose–response and factor‐adjustment relationships are presented.
Influence of soil pH‐sorption interactions on the carry‐over of fresh and aged soil residues of imazamox
Authors: BRESNAHAN G , DEXTER A , KOSKINEN W , LUESCHEN W
Published: March 2003

Long‐term carry‐over of some imidazolinone herbicides has been observed in soil that is below pH 6.5, resulting in significant damage to sugarbeet. In a field study in south‐west Minnesota, imazamox concentration decreased rapidly in soil, regardless of pH. Despite similar amounts of aged soil residues of imazamox remaining at different pH levels, bioavailability differed with pH as a result of pH effects on sorption–desorption interactions. At low pH, more imazamox was sorbed than at high pH, but it was readily desorbed. At high pH, less imazamox was sorbed initially, but it did not readily desorb. Thus, after 3 months, the remaining imazamox in low‐pH soil was desorbable and bioavailable, resulting in injury to oilseed rape and sugarbeet. In aged, low‐pH soil, adding lime released bound imazamox, which was then degraded, resulting in less carry‐over.
Possible involvement of gibberellins and ethylene in Orobanche ramosa germination
Authors: Zehhar N , Ingouff M , Bouya D , Fer A
Published: March 2003

Summary Six inhibitors acting at different stages of gibberellin biosynthesis, applied during conditioning of Orobanche ramosa seeds, reduced subsequent germination in the presence of GR24 (a strigol analogue). Ethylene seems to be involved in the induction of germination of conditioned seeds by GR24, as inhibitors of its synthesis or action, applied to conditioned seeds, also strongly reduced induction of germination by GR24. Exogenous ethylene did not induce germination of conditioned seeds, but 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid was able to do so. When inhibitors of gibberellin biosynthesis were applied to conditioned seeds in the presence of GR24, they inhibited germination. These same inhibitors also strongly inhibited germination of conditioned Striga hermonthica seeds in response to GR24; this inhibitory effect was reversed by the addition of 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid. The effect of these inhibitors on S. hermonthica, in which ethylene is a necessary mediator of germination induction by GR24, strongly suggests that ethylene synthesis is also required for the induction of O. ramosa seed germination by GR24. These growth regulators, which inhibit the two steps of germination in O. ramosa, could be useful for the development of methods for early season control of this parasite.
Weed vegetation response to chemical and manual selective ground cover management in a shaded coffee plantation
Authors: Aguilar V , Staver C , Milberg P
Published: March 2003

Summary Total weed control with machete and herbicides was compared in a field experiment from 1994 to 1999, with four selective ground cover management tactics (± herbicides and ± planted ground cover legume) in the inter‐rows of coffee plants. The aim of the selective management was to control weeds in patches, leaving uncontrolled species considered suitable to protect the soil from erosion and compaction, and to suppress more aggressive weed growth. Fresh biomass was sampled early and late in the rainy seasons. Weed data from the different years, treatments and blocks were analysed with a multivariate technique, partial redundancy analysis (pRDA), using different combinations of independent variables and covariables and resulting in a multivariate anova. Weed biomass and number of species drastically decreased over time as coffee and shade trees aged. The five treatments also significantly affected the composition of the weed vegetation. The combination of partial slashing and application of herbicides in patches was more effective in reducing unwanted weed biomass and also enhanced the spread of the ground cover legume, whereas the use of only partial slashing enhanced the spread of the ‘weed’Oplismenus burmannii. This species was considered a suitable ground cover species to protect the soil, as it emerges at the onset of the rainy season, is more persistent late in the rainy season and sustains growth under the shade of coffee in production.
Immunoperoxidase evaluation of lichen planus biopsies for hepatitis C virus
Authors: Boyd MD Alan S. , Nanney PhD Lillian B. , King Jr MD, PhD Lloyd E.
Published: March 2003

Background Lichen planus is a papulosquamous dermatosis which has recently been linked to infection with hepatitis C virus. It is unclear whether or not viral antigens may be present in the cutaneous lesions of lichen planus.

Materials and methodsTwenty‐five paraffin‐embedded samples of glabrous lichen planus were evaluated using immunoperoxidase staining for the presence of hepatitis C virions. Control tissues consisted of hepatitis C‐infected hepatic tissue (n = 2), normal hepatic tissue (n = 2), normal human skin (n = 1), and two cutaneous biopsies of lichen planus from persons known to be infected with hepatitis C.

Results The sections of hepatitis C‐infected liver tissue stained positive for hepatitis C virions. The 25 biopsies of glabrous lichen planus, the two biopsies of lichen planus from hepatitis C patients, the two sections of normal liver, and the one normal skin sample all failed to take up the stain.

Conclusions Cutaneous lesions of lichen planus are more probably reactive to the underlying infection than a manifestation of skin involvement by this disease. This theory is supported by the histologic findings in a lichenoid drug eruption, which are virtually identical to those of idiopathic lichen planus. Insufficient sensitivity by the immunoperoxidase procedure used is a possible explanation for our results; however, it appears more probable that no virus exists at the sites of cutaneous involvement.
Panniculitis in tuberculosis: a clinicopathologic study of nodular panniculitis associated with tuberculosis
Authors: Boonchai MD Waranya , Suthipinittharm MD Puan , Mahaisavariya MD Punkae
Published: March 2003

Background Certain types of panniculitis, erythema induratum of Bazin and erythema nodosum, have been well documented as tuberculids. Many histopathologic diagnoses of panniculitis have been reported in tuberculosis patients. This study investigates the correlation between underlying tuberculosis and clinicopathologic findings of panniculitis.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of histologic‐proven panniculitis cases at the Dermatologic Clinic, Siriraj Hospital from January 1992 to December 1995; only cases with active tuberculous foci were analyzed.

Results The incidence of panniculitis caused by tuberculosis was 8.2%. The ratio of men to women was 1 : 1. The mean age of onset was 35.3 years. The average duration of the nodules was 35.5 days. There was a history of contact tuberculosis in 16.6%. Constitutional symptoms and a strongly positive purified protein derivative (PPD) reaction were found in 66.6%. Chest roentgenograms were abnormal in 83.3%. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in all tested cases. The histopathologic diagnoses were nodular vasculitis (33.3%), erythema nodosum (50%), and cutaneous periarteritis nodosa (16.4%). The panniculitis lesion responded to standard antituberculous regimens in 4.6 weeks, on average, with residual hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions In panniculitis patients, clues for the investigation of tuberculosis included constitutional symptoms, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and abnormal chest roentgenograms. Histopathologic changes of panniculitis did not seem to correlate with underlying tuberculosis. The clinician should be aware of the tuberculosis, however, and should carefully search for active foci in all panniculitis patients.
Familial pemphigus vulgaris in mother and daughter
Authors: Starzycki MD Zbigniew , Chorzelski MD Tadeusz P. , Jablonska MD Stefania
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease in which genetics appears to be of basic importance. Although association with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles has been found in some ethnic groups and individuals, no true disease susceptibility genes have been established, and familial cases are very unusual.

MethodsWe report a Polish family with pemphigus vulgaris in the mother and daughter. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytologic, histologic, and immunofluorescence studies.

ResultsThe course was severe and the disease long‐lasting in the mother, probably due to treatment with small doses of corticosteroids without immunosuppressive drugs. In the daughter, treated with larger doses of corticosteroids and azathioprine, the lesions regressed within 4 months, after which maintenance therapy was instituted with 10 mg of prednisone daily. The HLA studies performed in the daughter and her three children after the mother had died showed identical haplotypes in both the patient and the healthy children. The patient has given birth to a healthy child while still having a high titer of intercellular (IC) antibodies.

ConclusionsThe familial occurrence of pemphigus in first‐degree relatives is suggestive of inherited susceptibility to the disease, transmitted as a dominant trait. The identical haplotypes in the healthy children of the patient favor the role of other, unknown factors required for the development of the disease in predisposed individuals.
Primary therapy of malignant melanomas: sentinel lymphadenectomy
Authors: Bachter MD Dieter , Balda MD Bernd‐Rüdiger , Vogt MD Harry , Büchels MD Herbert
Published: March 2003

Background Each melanoma is drained by one or, occasionally, several individual lymph nodes within the nearest lymph node region (sentinel lymph node).

Objective By histopathologic examination of the removed sentinel lymph node (SLN), it is possible to select patients clinically according to stage I or II (UICC classification), but who, microscopically, represent stage III.

Methods Sentinel lymphadenectomies (SLNEs) were performed initially by the vital blue dye technique, and later by γ‐probe guidance only. The removed SLNs were examined by hematoxylin and eosin as well as immunohistochemical stains (S100, and HMB 45).

Results We have performed 115 γ‐probe‐guided SLNEs in 100 patients. The SLN could be found in all cases. In pT3 + 4 melanomas, 27.5% of the SLNs were positive; in only one patient with a pT2 tumor were micrometastases found.

Conclusionsγ‐Probe‐guided SLNE is a reliable procedure with minimal complications that should be performed in all pT3 + 4 (intraoperative frozen section histology) melanomas without clinically evident metastases.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Multan, Pakistan
Authors: Mujtaba Ghulam , Khalid Muhammad
Published: March 2003

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in certain areas of Pakistan. This study was carried out to determine the incidence and clinical pattern of the disease in Pakistan.

Methods CL patients presenting in the out‐patient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from January 1995 to June 1997 were included in the study. The patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory demonstration of the parasite in a Giemsa‐stained smear from the lesion. All important clinical details were recorded on specially designed forms.

Results Three hundred and five patients with 681 lesions were seen during 30 months. All the lesions were of the dry type. Most of the lesions (97%) were present on exposed areas of the body. One hundred and thirty‐four (44%) patients had one and 75 (24%) had two lesions. Eight five per cent of the sufferers were less than 30 years of age. The disease was slightly more preponderant in males (60%). Most cases presented during winter.

Conclusions Lack of wet type lesions may be due to complete absence of Leishmania major in this area. This is in contrast to other areas of Pakistan where both dry and wet types of CL are present.
Localized hyperhidrosis treated with aluminum chloride in a salicylic acid gel base
Authors: Benohanian Antranik , Dansereau Alain , Bolduc Chantal , Bloom Ernest
Published: March 2003

A total of 238 patients with a clinical diagnosis of localized hyperhidrosis (HH) were treated on 332 anatomic sites (axillae, feet, hands, and groin). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AC), in a salicylic acid gel base (SAGB) containing 4% salicylic acid (SA), for the treatment of localized HH. The SAGB was similar to a keratolytic gel, 1Keralyt® (Westwood Squibb). Because SAGB and anhydrous alcohol (AA), the standard vehicle for AC, have different consistencies, double blinding was not possible. Bromhidrosis (BH) was documented when present, whether of apocrine (axillae and groin) or eccrine (feet) origin. For the sake of uniformity, AC in SAGB was compounded by the same pharmacist. The concentration of AC varied from 10 to 40%, depending on the site to be treated. The improvement of HH was subjectively assessed through a questionnaire as follows: nil = no improvement; poor = <25%; fair = 25–50%; good = 50–75%; and excellent = >75%.

Armpits: 20% AC was used to control axillary HH. When 20% AC failed to control HH, its concentration was gradually increased to 25% and, rarely, to 30%. When irritation occurred, the concentration of AC was decreased to 15 or 10%, and 1% hydrocortisone (HC) was added to the preparation. Patients were instructed to apply the medication initially 2–3 nights per week, gradually decreasing the frequency as required. When possible, only the active focal area of HH was treated.
2As with AC in AA, the medication was applied at bedtime. Patients were instructed to avoid rubbing and the application of the medication on recently shaved skin.

Hands and feet: for these areas, the concentration of AC was 30% initially, but could be increased up to 40% if necessary.
3Application was daily at bedtime, and later at gradually longer intervals. Occlusion was never used.
Cutaneous infections by papillomavirus, herpes zoster and Candida albicans as the only manifestation of idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia
Authors: Lopez Pilar Manchado , De Morales Jose M. G. Ruiz , González Inmaculada Ruiz , Prieto Manuel A. Rodriguez
Published: March 2003

Background Selective depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes is common in both primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Idiopathic CD4+ T lymphocytopenia (ICL) cases are defined as a persistent CD4+ T lymphocyte count of less than 300×106 cells/L and/or less than 20% of the total T‐cell count.

Method A 40‐year‐old woman, with a history of psoriasis and paracetamol allergy, presented with persistent warts of the hands and condylomas of the ano‐genitalia. Histological and virological analysis was carried out on genital and cutaneous lesions and peripheral blood.

Results Serology for HIV‐1, HIV‐2, Epstein–Barr virus and parvovirus B19 were negative. There was lymphopenia of 10% CD4+ cells, with normal numbers of total leukocytes; there were no other abnormal immunological findings. DNA analysis of cutaneous lesions revealed HPV‐49 and HPV‐3 in the hands and HPV‐6 in the genital region.

Conclusions The cause of the ICL in this patient is unknown. HPV is not known to be an immunosuppressive agent; it remains to be determined whether the HPV‐associated lesions are the cause or the result of immunosuppression.