bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma quinine concentrations in falciparum malaria with acute renal failure
Authors: Sukontason K. , Karbwang J. , Rimchala W. , Tin T. , Na‐Bangchang K. , Banmairuroi V. , Bunnag D. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryPlasma quinine (Qn) monitoring was performed in 32 patients with severe falciparum malaria (10 with acute renal failure (ARF) and 22 with other severe manifestations) who were treated with the standard regimen of 10 mg/kg body weight Qn dihydrochloride, with a loading dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. Median plasma Qn concentrations prior to the first dose on each day were approximately 10–30% higher in ARF patients than in non‐ARF patients during acute infection. Seven patients underwent haemodialysis; 2 died after 2 cycles. There were no significant changes in plasma Qn concentrations in patients with ARF during haemodialysis. No Qn was detectable in haemodialysate fluids. This suggests that dosage adjustment of Qn during haemodialysis is unnecessary. Cardiotoxity of Qn must be of concern in malaria patients with ARF after 3 days of Qn therapy, and ECG monitoring during Qn infusion is recommended in all severe malaria patients with persistent ARF. If there is any arrhythmia, the infusion should be discontinued. However, in some hospitals where ECG facilities are not available, reduction in Qn dosage in persistent ARF patients should be considered after the third day of therapy. The appropriate dosage reduction should be further studied. Monitoring of total plasma Qn concentrations (which has been used routinely) is of no value for predicting the cardiotoxicity in ARF patients; monitoring of free Qn would be more appropriate. However, ECG seems to be the practical procedure to monitor cardiotoxicity of Qn. It may be possible to use the QTc interval to estimate the Qn concentration in severe malaria patients without ARF, but not in patients with persistent ARF.
Topical chemotherapy for experimental murine African CNS‐trypanosomiasis: the successful use of the arsenical, melarsoprol, combined with the 5‐nitroimidazoles, fexinidazole or MK‐436
Authors: Jennings F. W. , Atouguia J. M. , Murray M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe 5‐nitroimidazoles, MK‐436 and fexinidazole dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide can be converted by the addition of hydroxypropylcellulose into gels which facilitates the ease and accuracy of administration. When these gels are used in combination with melarsoprol gel they are capable of curing experimental murine CNS‐trypanosomiasis with a one‐day treatment. The use of melarsoprol/MK‐436 was more efficient than melarsoprol/fexinidazole gels. Thus while a single treatment with 0.1 ml 3.6% melarsoprol gel with 0.1 ml (14.3 μmol) fexinidazole gel cured the infected mice, the same dose of melarsoprol gel with 0.1 ml (4.0 μmol) of MK‐436 gel was equally effective. It was also possible to prepare a combined melarsoprol/MK‐436 gel which cured experimental CNS‐trypanosomiasis with a single treatment. Topical treatment with this melarsoprol/MK‐436 gel mixture also resolved clinically the hind leg paralysis which is associated with post‐treatment reactive encephalopathy caused by non‐curative treatment of CNS‐trypanosomiasis.
The morbidity attributable to Schistosoma japonicum infection in 3 villages in Dongting Lake region, Hunan Province, PR China
Authors: Booth Mark , Guyatt Helen L. , Li Yuesheng , Tanner Marcel 
Published: August 2010

SummaryIn common with other helminth infections, symptoms associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection have a low specificity, and many infections are asymptomatic. The presence of the parasite in a sick individual from an endemic area does not mean that S. japonicum is the aetiological agent. However, estimates of the proportion of all symptomatic episodes in a community attributable to S. japonicum infection can be used to determine its public health impact. Using parasitological and morbidity survey data from 3 villages in China, the fractions of diarrhoea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain episodes that were attributable to S. japonicum infection were estimated. The association between hepatomegaly and S. japonicum infection was also assessed. For all morbidity indicators, it was found that individuals with higher infection intensities were at greater risk of morbidity. The highest risk indicator of morbidity associated with S. japonicum infection was bloody stools. Logistic regression revealed that factors related to village and sex were important confounders of the relation between infection and the risk of morbidity. The fraction of the population in each village estimated to be suffering morbidity attributable to S. japonicnm infection was low, due to the low prevalence of infection. However, the results suggest that some sick individuals may have been diagnosed as false negatives for S. japonicum infection.
Use of a new glass microfibre histamine release method to study the modulation of the host response in human schistosomiasis mansoni. Individuals with different degrees of exposure to the disease show differing antibody biological function
Authors: Satti Mohamed Ziado , Ebbesen Finn , Vennervald Birgitte , Lind Peter , Ghalib Hashim , Sulaiman Suad , Daffalla Asim , Skov Per Stahl 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA new glass microfibre histamine release method was used to study the modulation of the host response in human schistosomiasis mansoni to improve our understanding of the role of basophils in the development of immunity in schistosomiasis mansoni. The histamine release from umbilical cord blood basophils sensitized with sera from Sudanese individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni was measured. Schistosomiasis sera (n=113) were able to passively sensitize basophils and induce a positive histamine release in response to whole worm homogenate (WWH)(χ=40.5, P<0.0001) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) (χ=16.3, P<0.0001). However, worm antigen induced significantly higher histamine release in adults than egg antigen (Z= 4.83, P<0.0001). Basophil cell sensitivity to WWH was inversely related to the intensity of infection. A correlation was observed between basophil cell sensitivity and IgE antibodies in response to WWH. Chronically infected canal cleaners (n=16) showed a significant increase in basophil cell sensitivity 3 months after praziquantel treatment (Z= 1–73, P<0.05). Normally exposed adults (n= 29) showed a significant decrease in basophil cell sensitivity 1 year after treatment. When serum fractions were used, chronically infected canal cleaners showed a significant increase in histamine release after IgG removal (P<0.05)Comparison between the different study groups with regard to resistance and susceptibility to reinfection, their basophil sensitizing ability and antibody response showed a difference in the biological function of the IgE to WWH in the different groups. Direct histamine release results from S. mansoni infected individuals from outside the endemic area (Danish) showed the possibility of using the glass microfibre histamine release method in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis.
Survey of blindness in rural communities of south‐western Nigeria
Authors: Adeoye Adenike 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA population based survey of rural communities in the Akinlalu‐Ashipa ward of Ife North Local Government in Osun State, Nigeria, was conducted to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness. 2921 inhabitants were screened by a random cluster sample technique, out of whom 27 were blind in both eyes. The overall prevalence rate of blindness (best corrected visual acuity less than 3/60 in the better eye) was found to be 0.9% (95% confidence interval 0.84–0.96%).The rate of blindness increased with age, especially from age 60. The major causes of blindness were cataract and its sequelae (48.1%), onchocerciasis (14.8%), primary open angle type glaucoma (11.1%), corneal scar/phthisis bulbi (7.4%) and optic atrophy (7.4%). About half of the blindness is potentially curable through cataract surgery, and a third preventable through health education, early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Feeding practices of mothers during childhood diarrhoea in a rural area of Nigeria
Authors: Jinadu M. K. , Odebiyi O. , Fayewonyom B. A. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryOur main objective was the identification of different types of foods given or withheld for various kinds of childhood diarrhoea. The study was conducted in rural Yoruba communities of Osun State, Nigeria. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used and a total of 335 randomly selected mothers with children under 5 years of age were interviewed. The diets chosen by the mothers reflect cultural perceptions of the aetiology of illness and of the therapeutic properties of local foodstuffs. Raw corn starch is believed to be an anti‐diarrhoeal agent and therefore given for all types of diarrhoea, while rice is avoided. Sugar, sweet foods and groundnut preparations, which are perceived as causes of bloody diarrhoea and related illnesses, are proscribed. Sixty per cent of mothers would reduce the intake of fluids for the most common types of diarrhoea. Their level of education does not make any significant difference. To ensure adequate home management of childhood diarrhoea, educational interventions must take into account prevailing beliefs in the community.
Maternal mortality in the main referral hospital in The Gambia, West Africa
Authors: Hoestermann C. F. L. , Ogbaselassie G. , Wacker J. , Bastert G. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA retrospective analysis of 78 maternal deaths was performed during 1991–1992 to estimate maternal mortality at the maternity unit of the main tertiary level hospital in The Gambia. The non‐abortion maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 736 per 100 000 live births. Among the direct causes, haemorrhage caused most deaths (24%), followed by hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) (21%). Sepsis was the main cause of death in 15%. Anaemia led among the indirect causes of death (8%) and was a co‐factor in 41% of all deaths. Substandard care factors other than medical causes were determined involving health care facilities, staff, drugs and equipment, and patient‐related factors. Well known risk factors of low age ( 19 years) and nulliparity were highly represented in the maternal death group, and delivery by Caesarean section occurred more than threefold compared to the overall Caesarean section rate. Taking haemorrhage as an example, it is demonstrated that the way diagnoses are grouped significantly affects the statistical elaboration of maternal deaths.
Provision of health information by British travel agents
Authors: Grabowski Peter , Behrens Ron H. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA study to assess the frequency of health related advice provided by travel consultants to customers planning to travel to the tropics was undertaken. A total of 202 agencies throughout the UK were visited by covert researchers requesting a package holiday for 2 weeks to Kenya or a flight to India. In a face to face consultation, the researchers recorded any health related information provided. If none were forthcoming, the agent was prompted using a standardized prompt. Thirty per cent of the agencies were based in South‐east England and London and the remainder in the North, the Midlands and the South‐west. No spontaneous health warnings were given in 61% (123) of consultations for malarious destinations. After prompting, 71% of agents gave general health advice, 67% suggested seeking malaria advice from a general practitioner and 37% of agents brought up the need for malaria prophylaxis for the journey. 63% of consultations included a mention of malaria after being prompted. The study reveals that travel agents provide health advice inconsistently and mention health risks only when prompted. For travellers' safety and to meet new consumer regulations, the travel industry needs to draw attention to health risks associated with its products consistently and effectively.
Citation analysis for measuring the value of scientific publications: quality assessment tool or comedy of errors?
Authors: Schoonbaert Dirk , Roelants Gilbert 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe basic concepts of citation analysis and Journal impact factors are discussed in the light of quality assessment of scientific publications, individual scientists and research units. The major controversies concerning this topic are addressed: technical limitations, database selectivity, time and discipline‐related biases, language and publication type biases, multiple authorship merits and citing motivations. Both positive and negative aspects are put into perspective. The authors conclude that citation analysis, even when based on Journal impact factors, can be a worthwhile criterion for evaluating publication records of individual scientists or research units, as long as some of the problems discussed are sufficiently taken into account. However, this conclusion in no way implies that citation analysis may be considered as the one and only evaluation criterion.
Cytotaxonomic identifications of the Simulium damnosum complex (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Nigeria
Authors: Mafuyai H. B. , Post R. J. , Vajime C. G. , Molyneux D. H. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCytotaxonomic analysis of Simulium damnosum s.l. larvae collected from 23 sites across 4 bioclimatic zones in Nigeria revealed the presence of 5 cytospecies (S. damnosum s.str., S. sirbanum, S. squamosum, S. yahense and S. soubrense (including the Beffa form). The biogeographical distribution of the sibling species was mostly similar to that observed further west in the OCP area, although geographic cytotaxonomic variation was recorded in S. squamosum, S. damnosum s.str. and S. sirbanum. Some aspects of the chemical and physical environment of the breeding habitats were investigated.
Evaluation of a monoclonal antibody‐based sandwich‐ELISA for detection of circulating Schistosoma japonicum antigen (SJ31/32) in an endemic area of China
Authors: Li Yong‐long , Liu Shu‐yao , Han Jia‐jung , Ning Cheng‐xiu , Ruppel Andreas 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA sandwich‐ELISA specific for 31/32 kDa schistosome proteins was used to trace infections in a Chinese population living in a low endemicity area for schistosomiasis japonica. The study population included 304 persons for whom records were available from 1992 onwards. In 1994, 2 individuals were positive in the miracidial hatching assay performed with 30 g of stools. The ELISA gave positive results for 8 individuals, including these 2 with active infections. Of the remaining 6 ELISA‐positive, 5 had excreted eggs and received praziquantel in 1993 and may have harboured residual worms in 1994. It is concluded that this ELISA is able, in a low prevalence situation, to identify the few infected individuals.
Evaluation of the Og4C3 ELISA in Wuchereria bancrofti infection: infected persons with undetectable or ultra‐low microfilarial densities
Authors: Rocha A. , Addiss D. , Ribeiro M. E. , NoroTes J. , Baliza M. , Medeiros Z. , Dreyer G. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe recently developed Og4C3 ELISA, which detects circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen, appears promising for use in epidemiological surveys, but its sensitivity is unknown in persons with ultra‐low microfilarial densities. We used the Og4C3 to test the sera of 282 persons who were microfilaria‐positive in 1–16 ml of blood, 18 persons who were microfilaria‐negative but who had ultrasonographic or biopsy evidence of adult W. bancrofti infection, and 63 lifelong residents of a non‐endemic area of Brazil. A total of 276 (97·9%) persons with detectable microfilaraemia tested positive (optical density >0·033). At microfilarial densities of <1, 1–30, and >30 microfilariae per ml of blood, the sensitivity of the Og4C3 was 72·2, 97·6 and 100%, respectively (χ2‐test for trend, P<10‐6). The assay was positive in 66·7% of amicrofilaraemic persons with evidence of adult worm infection and in one (1.6%) of 63 residents of the non‐endemic area (specificity, 98·4%). Our findings support the increasingly widespread use of the Og4C3 for field investigations and epidemiological assessments. However, the sensitivity of the assay may be low in persons who are microfilaria‐negative or with densities of <1 microfilaria per ml.
Injection practices in Mwanza Region, Tanzania: prescriptions, patient demand and sterility
Authors: Gumodoka B. , Vos J. , Berege Z. A. , van Asten H. A. , Dolmans W. M. , Borgdorff M. W. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis paper describes prescription and sterilization practices in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, before the introduction of interventions aiming at reducing HIV transmission by injections. Sixty‐six health facilities from Mwanza Region were included in the study. Data were collected in interviews and questionnaires, through structured observation, bacteriological culture and record analysis. Criteria for avoidable injections were based on recommendations of the Essential Drugs Programme and on a regional consensus workshop. One in 4 out‐patients received an injection 70% of which were avoidable. Most were given for acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and urinary tract infections. Forty per cent of cultures taken from sterilized needles and syringes yielded growth of microorganisms. Of 120 patients interviewed most preferred to be treated with injections for almost any complaint. Patient demand for injections was felt to be a problem in 85% of the health facilities and may have contributed to overprescription of injectables. Consensus treatment and sterilization guidelines as well as a health education programme were developed and introduced to all health workers through seminars.
Field ecology of sylvaticRhodniuspopulations (Heteroptera, Triatominae): risk factors for palm tree infestation in western Ecuador
Authors: Abad‐Franch F. , Palomeque F. S. , Aguilar H. M. , Miles M. A. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryMostRhodniusspecies (Triatominae) are primarily associated with palm trees. They maintain enzooticTrypanosoma cruzitransmission and are responsible for human infection (causing Chagas disease) through the Neotropics. Assessing whether individual palm traits (ecological and/or botanical) may increase the risk of palm infestation by triatomines is relevant in areas where bugs invade houses flying from peridomestic palms. We developed a novel fieldwork approach with that objective, and applied it to study infestation by sylvaticRhodnius ecuadoriensisin 110 tagua palms (Phytelephas aequatorialis). Palm infestation (23% overall) was non‐randomly distributed in our sample. Palms located in anthropic landscapes were frequently infested (>27%,n = 92), whereas no bugs were collected from palms surveyed within forest remnants (n = 18;P = 0.01). The presence of abundant decaying vegetable matter (P = 0.001) and (to a lesser extent) epiphytic plants (P = 0.049) on palm crowns and stems increased the probability of infestation and was positively correlated with the apparent density of bug colonies (R2 = 0.68). A trend towards higher infestation rates in male palms (34%vs.18%) could relate to female palm management (removal of infrutescences and vegetable debris) in areas where palm seeds are harvested. An outline of ‘risk palm ecotopes’ and environmental management‐based strategies for the control of peridomestic, palm tree‐living vector populations are proposed.
Efficacy of thermal fog application of deltacide, a synergized mixture of pyrethroids, against Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue
Authors: Mani T. R. , Arunachalam N. , Rajendran R. , Satyanarayana K. , Dash A. P. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryWe evaluated the efficacy of indoor and peridomestic thermal fog applications of deltacide, a synergized mixture of pyrethroids (S‐bioallethrin 0.7% w/v, deltamethrin 0.5% w/v and piperonyl butoxide 8.9% w/v) against adult populations of Aedes aegypti in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. We bioassayed adult caged mosquitoes, counted indoor resting and human landing adult mosquitoes and assessed the percentage of potential breeding sites with Aedes larvae. The bioassay mortalities indicated that the knockdown and killing effect was greater when fogging was applied inside houses rather than around them. Peridomestic thermal fogging reduced the resting and biting populations by 76% and 40%, respectively for the 3 days after treatment, whereas indoor fogging suppressed adult populations for 5 days.
Short communication: High prevalence of the cytochrome P450 2C8*2 mutation in Northern Ghana
Authors: Röwer Susanne , Bienzle Ulrich , Weise Alexander , Lambertz Ulrike , Forst Thomas , Otchwemah Rowland N. , Pfützner Andreas , Mockenhaupt Frank P. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryRecently, Ghana has changed the first‐line treatment of uncomplicated malaria from chloroquine to amodiaquine (AQ) plus artesunate. AQ may cause adverse events such as agranulocytosis and hepatoxicity. The pro‐drug AQ is transformed by cytochrome P450 CYP2C8 to the active metabolite N‐desethylaminodiaquine. Several polymorphic variants of CYP2C8 are known, some with reduced activity. In 200 randomly selected children from Northern Ghana, we determined the allele frequencies of the CYP2C8 variants CYP2C8*1 (wild type), CYP2C8*2, CYP2C8*3, and CYP2C8*4. We did not detect CYP2C8*3 and CYP2C8*4, but CYP2C8*2 showed an allele frequency of 0.1675. AQ metabolism in patients with CYP2C8*2 may be impaired, and with an increase of AQ based treatment the risk of severe adverse events may mount.
Review: Artificial container‐breeding mosquitoes and cemeteries: a perfect match
Authors: Vezzani Darío 
Published: August 2010

SummaryArtificial container‐breeding mosquitoes, such asAedes aegypti,Ae. albopictus, andCulex pipiens, are well‐recognized vectors of diseases throughout the world. Cemeteries are considered major sources of mosquitoes and the results of more than 30 studies concerning mosquitoes in cemeteries have been published over the last decade. The characteristics of these environments in regard to the availability of resources for mosquito development were discussed. Also, studies about early detection ofAedesvectors, ecological issues, and mosquito control performed in cemeteries were reviewed. Among 31 mosquito species found breeding in cemeteries from 16 countries, the invasiveAe. aegyptiandAe. albopictuswere the most frequent ones. Species of the genusOchlerotatus,Culex,Toxorhynchites,Culiseta,Armigeres,Lutzia,Uranotaenia, andTripteroideswere also reported. Overall, cemeteries are highly suitable habitats for artificial container‐breeding mosquitoes due to the great availability of the different resources that they need (i.e. sugar substances, blood, shelter and water‐filled containers). In addition, these places are mostly ideal settings to perform studies in urbanized areas because of high mosquito abundance, heterogeneity of macro‐ and microhabitats, and an easier access in comparison with private premises. However, the feasibility of a cemetery as a study area must be evaluated in each case considering the objectives of the study and cemetery characteristics.