bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follow‐up of a low cost latrine promotion programme in one district of Amhara, Ethiopia: characteristics of early adopters and non‐adopters
Authors: O'Loughlin Rosalyn , Fentie Gashu , Flannery Brendan , Emerson Paul M. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjectives  To verify reported construction of 22 385 household latrines in 2004, after community mobilization, as part of a trachoma control programme in one district of Amhara, Ethiopia, and to explore characteristics of early latrine adopters and non‐adopters.Methods  We used a two‐stage cluster sample survey design to randomly select eight sub‐districts and 160 households listed as having built a latrine, and visited them to verify presence and use. Household heads were interviewed to determine latrine cost and knowledge, attitude and practice regarding latrines. Non‐latrine adopting neighbours were interviewed for comparison. We estimated district latrine ownership and calculated adjusted odds ratios for factors associated with latrine use.Results  Latrines were present in 87% (95% CI 77–97) of listed households; 90% (81–99) were in use. Among all district residents we estimated ownership as 50.2% (44–56) and use as 45.2% (36–55). Of latrine owners who had built in 2004, 69% (53/77) had spent nothing on their latrine, those who paid spent an average of US$4.0 [standard deviation (SD) US$3.6]; overall the median cost was US$0 and the mean US$0.80 (SD US$1.7). Household heads adopting latrines were 1.9 times (95% CI 1.3–2.8) more likely to have any education and 1.5 times (95% CI 1.1–2.0) more likely to have a larger family than non‐adopting neighbours. Cleanliness (48%, 56/116) and health benefits (42%, 49/116) were the most frequently reported advantages of latrines.Conclusion  The latrine promotion programme dramatically increased latrine access and use at very low cost. The method of community mobilization used could be an effective way of reaching millennium development sanitation targets.
Detection and subtyping of dengue 1–4 and yellow fever viruses by means of a multiplex RT‐nested‐PCR using degenerated primers
Authors: Sánchez‐Seco M. P. , Rosario D. , Hernández L. , Domingo C. , Valdés K. , Guzmán M. G. , Tenorio A. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  Differential diagnosis of infections that cause similar diseases and may be active simultaneously in the same geographical areas is greatly needed. Dengue and yellow fever viruses (DENV and YFV) are transmitted by the same species of mosquito and both can cause haemorrhagic fever symptoms. These viruses are active mainly in regions where expensive and sophisticated technologies are not available. Our objective was to develop a simple, reliable and easy‐to‐perform method to detect and identify these viruses.Methods  We slightly modified a generic RT‐PCR able to detect the mentioned viruses and other members of this genus: specific primers for each one of these viruses were designed and included in the nested reaction instead of one of the generic ones. The reaction was optimized and viruses are amplified giving rise to bands of different sizes distinguishable in agarose gels.Results  This test is able to detect and identify the four DENVs and YFV to a high level of sensitivity and specificity and can be used with clinical samples. This simple, reliable and easy‐to‐perform method able to detect and identify dengue 1–4 and YFV can be used in poor endemic countries.
Preliminary testing of a just‐in‐time, user‐defined values clarification exercise to aid lower literate women in making informed breast cancer treatment decisions
Authors: Jibaja‐Weiss Maria L. , Volk Robert J. , Friedman Lois C. , Granchi Thomas S. , Neff Nancy E. , Spann Stephen J. , Robinson Emily K. , Aoki Noriaki , Robert Beck J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective  To report on the initial testing of a values clarification exercise utilizing a jewellery box within a computerized patient decision aid (CPtDA) designed to assist women in making a surgical breast cancer treatment decision.Design  Pre‐post design, with patients interviewed after diagnosis, and then after completing the CPtDA sometime later at their preoperative visit.Sample  Fifty‐one female patients, who are low literate and naïve computer users, newly diagnosed with early stage breast cancer from two urban public hospitals.Intervention  A computerized decision aid that combines entertainment‐education (edutainment) with enhanced (factual) content. An interactive jewellery box is featured to assist women in: (1) recording and reflecting over issues of concern with possible treatments, (2) deliberating over surgery decision, and (3) communicating with physician and significant others.Outcomes  Patients’ use of the jewellery box to store issues during completion of the CPtDA, and perceived clarity of values in making a treatment decision, as measured by a low literacy version of the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS).Results  Over half of the participants utilized the jewellery box to store issues they found concerning about the treatments. On average, users flagged over 13 issues of concern with the treatments. Scores on the DCS Uncertainty and Feeling Unclear about Values subscales were lower after the intervention compared to before the decision was made.Conclusions  A values clarification exercise using an interactive jewellery box may be a promising method for promoting informed treatment decision making by low literacy breast cancer patients.
Who uses decision aids? Subgroup analyses from a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of two prostate cancer screening decision support interventions
Authors: Partin Melissa R. , Nelson David , Flood Ann Barry , Friedemann‐Sánchez Greta , Wilt Timothy J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective  To examine who reported using unsolicited prostate cancer screening decision aids distributed as part of a randomized controlled trial, whether reported use varied by type of aid (video or pamphlet), and what affect reported use had on study outcomes.Methods  A total of 1152 men aged 50 and older from four medical facilities in the United States were randomly assigned to pamphlet, video or usual care (control). Materials were mailed 2 weeks prior to clinic appointments in general internal medicine. Outcomes were assessed by phone survey 1 week after appointments. Analyses examined the reported use of materials by study group, the association between patient characteristics and reported use, and the impact of reported use (adjusting for patient characteristics) on a 10‐item knowledge index.Results  Fifty‐six per cent of those randomized to receive the video and 50% of those randomized to receive the pamphlet reported using the materials. Reported use of the video was higher for patients who had greater than a high school education (OR 1.73), were married (OR 2.20), and reported no prior abnormal prostate cancer screening test results (OR 3.39). Reported use of the pamphlet did not vary by patient characteristics. In intent‐to‐treat analyses (ignoring reported use), individuals randomized to the video and pamphlet groups had significantly higher knowledge scores relative to the control group (7.44, 7.26 and 6.90 respectively). Adjusting for reported use modestly increased the estimated differences across treatment groups but did not substantially change conclusions about the relative effects of these aids on knowledge.Conclusions  Only half of men receiving unsolicited prostate cancer screening decision aids before a visit reported using the aids, and who reported using them varied by type of aid. Efforts to broadly implement decision aids may need to offer a variety of approaches, and incorporate creative strategies to enhance reaching all population subgroups.
Quantitative investigation on the distribution of Malassezia species on healthy human skin in Korea
Authors: Lee Y. W. , Yim S. M. , Lim S. H. , Choe Y. B. , Ahn K. J. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThis study concerns a culture research based on the data gathered from Korean subjects to examine distribution of Malassezia yeast. Malassezia yeast were cultivated out of samples from scalp, forehead, chest, arm and thigh. Malassezia restricta was recovered more frequently in the teens and young adults, while M. globosa was the predominant species in subjects older than 50 years of age. The population density of Malassezia yeast was significantly higher in the age group (AG) of 21–30 years compared with other AGs (P < 0.05). It was also significantly higher in the chest compared with the forehead, arm and thigh (P < 0.05). The key is to recognise the existence of a difference in the amount and type of Malassezia species in different AGs as well as body areas, which reflects differing skin lipid levels in various AGs and different body areas.
Candida species in stool, symptoms and complaints in general practice – a cross‐sectional study of 308 outpatients
Authors: Jobst Detmar , Kraft Karin 
Published: August 2006

SummaryPatients with unspecific symptoms were sometimes tested for Candida. In case of findings of this yeast‐like fungus in their stools they often were labelled with the diagnosis of a ‘Candida‐syndrome’. This comprises headache, weakness, flatulence, ravenous appetite for sweets, itching skin and several more unspecific symptoms. All 500 randomly sampled patients in 12 mainly naturopathic practices were asked to take part. In case of participation, they received stool‐tubes and questionnaires to be answered during the waiting‐time by the patients themselves. We asked for details of lifestyle, diseases and a number of unspecific symptoms. The stool‐tubes were sent to a microbiological lab within 24 h after being filled. About one‐third of all 308 participants carried Candida albicans in their stools. This finding is regarded as normal. Smoking habits were highly associated to Candida: 45 of the 78 smokers (58%), but only 68 of the 230 (29%) non‐smokers were Candida positive, P < 0.0001. Three more results were associated with Candida‐positive stools: Candida‐vaginitis, allergies against food and allergies in general. Hints of a Candida‐syndrome could not be found. The relation with smoking cigarettes is a new result. Associations to Candida‐vaginitis and allergies were described before.
Tinea incognito in Italy: a 15‐year survey
Authors: Romano C. , Maritati E. , Gianni C. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTinea incognito or steroid modified tinea is a dermatophytic infection in which topical or systemic steroids, administered as a result of dermatological misdiagnosis or preexisting pathologies, have modified the clinical appearance of the fungal infection, transforming the typical ringworm and mimicking other skin diseases. This is a retrospective study of the agents, clinical aspects, sources of infection of 200 cases (98 males, 102 females, mean age 42 years) of tinea incognito, observed in Siena and Milan, Italy, in the period 1987–2002. In order of decreasing frequency, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton erinacei were isolated. The clinical appearance of the infection was lupus erythematosus discoid‐like, eczema‐like, rosacea‐like, especially on the face, impetigo‐like and eczema‐like on trunk and limbs. Less often the dermatophytosis resembled psoriasis, purpura, seborrhoic dermatitis and lichen planus. There was folliculitis in 9% of cases and dermatophytid in 3% of cases. Antimycotic therapy brought about clinical and mycological recovery in all patients except one, who had iatrogenic immunodepression.
Cell proliferation and p53 expression in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of oral paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Kaminagakura E. , Bonan P. R. F. , Lopes M. A. , Almeida O. P. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryParacoccidioidomycosis (PCMycosis) is a systemic mycosis frequently found in many regions of Latin America. Microscopically, it is characterised by granulomatous inflammation and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH). This work describes the proliferation index and p53 expression by immunohistochemistry in PEH of PCMycosis, normal oral mucosa (NOM) and mild oral epithelial dysplasia (ED). Ki67 positive cells were present in the basal and parabasal layers in NOM and PEH, while in ED it was also observed in the spinous layer. Percentage of ki67 positive cells was 7.7, 28.2 and 46.0 in NOM, PEH and ED respectively. p53 was negative in NOM and in PEH it was expressed by few cells in the basal layer of only three cases. However, it was expressed in all cases of ED, in basal and parabasal layers. Although histologically PEH mimics well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, its proliferative pattern and p53 expression are more similar to NOM than to dysplasia. These findings, confirm PEH as a reactive process probably associated with the underlying chronic inflammation.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes of rabbit origin causing family incidence of kerion: an environmental study
Authors: Van Rooij P. , Detandt M. , Nolard N. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryOur laboratory was contacted by a family living directly above a rabbit farm. Both their children had developed a kerion, in consequence of a misdiagnosed superficial mycosis. This study was designed to demonstrate a link between the two kerion cases and the environmental contamination. The degree of contamination was estimated and factors favourising the spread of infection were determined. Dermatophytes were isolated from various environmental sites using Rodac plates. For direct sampling of scalp and fur the brushing technique was used. The farm and home environment initially showed a severe contamination by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. At the farm, cages and surfaces covered with rabbit hair were strongly contaminated. As for the home environment, the dog's basket and clothes from the mother carried a large number of spores. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was identified as responsible agent for the children's kerions and the lesions of the rabbits. Mother, eldest child and dog seemed to be excellent carriers. Cleaning and disinfection measures resulted in a reduction of the overall contamination. The home environment was no longer a source of contamination. Nevertheless, on the farm a fair number of dermatophytes could still be isolated from the wire meshes and roof beams covered with fluff.
Onychomycosis in primary school children: association with socioeconomic conditions
Authors: Gunduz Turan , Metin Dilek Yesim , Sacar Tuncer , Hilmioglu Süleyha , Baydur Hakan , Inci Ramazan , Tümbay Emel 
Published: August 2006

SummaryOnychomycosis in childhood is reported to be unusual. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis in primary school children and to make comparison between different socioeconomic status in the rural and urban areas of the city. Hand and foot nails of 23235 children aged 7–14 were examined. Onychomycosis was suspected and nail scrapings for mycological examination were taken in 116 of them. Hyphae or spores were seen in 41 (0.18%) by direct microscopic examination, and mycological cultures were positive in 24 (0.1%) of them. Toenails were affected in all of the fungal culture positive cases. Trichosporon spp, Trichophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata grew in 11, 6, 5 and 2 of the cultures repectively. Onychomycosis prevalence was significantly higher in the children living in the rural areas (p = 0.016) [Odds ratio = 3.43 (%95 CI 1.11<OR<11.84)], and onychomycosis was more frequent in boys than girls (p = 0.001) [(Odds ratio = 5.85 (1.66<OR<24.61)].
An Ultrasonographic Method to Study Reproductive Seasonality in Ewes Isolated from Rams
Authors: Kaulfuss K‐H , Giucci E , Süss R , Wójtowski J 
Published: August 2006

ContentsIn studies concerning the seasonality in sheep, the effect of the teaser‐ram, which can by itself induce oestrus as well as the development of ovary function bodies, has not been considered. In this study, a method is developed to determine ovarian activity during the year while excluding a possible influence of the ram. The study was carried out on 10 German Blackhead Mutton ewes (GBM) and 10 German Mutton Merino ewes (GMM) and lasted for 14 months. The ewes were kept without contact with any ram, and once a week a transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine ovary function bodies (corpora lutea, follicles) and a blood sample was taken to analyse progesterone (P4) concentration. In both breeds, the number of ovulating ewes, the ovulation rate (OR), the size of the corpora lutea (CL) and P4‐concentrations showed significant seasonal fluctuations. During the main breeding period (September–February), the OR was higher (2.0 ± 0.4) than during the rest of the year (1.6 ± 0.5). Outside the main breeding season (March–August), approximately 40% GBM ewes and only approximately 15% GMM ewes produced CL. The cycle and the related seasonal changes in the P4‐concentration coincide with different ultrasonically diagnosed CL (developing or regressing, insufficient, no CL). Between the volume of fully developed CL and P4‐concentration, correlations of 0.57 (GMM) and 0.45 (GBM), respectively, were found. On average, P4‐concentration in September to February was by approximately 1.60–1.66 nmol/l in the GMM and by approximately 1.80–1.86 nmol/l in the GBM higher than in spring and summer. Considering the OR, the P4‐values corresponded with the CL volumes, i.e. in the months from August to February the CL values were significantly larger than in the months March to August. The ultrasonic ovarian diagnosis is a useful method to determine the ram‐uninfluenced seasonality of reproduction in sheep.
Influence of the Freezing Technique (Nitrogen Liquid vs Ultrafreezer of −152°C) and Male‐to‐Male Variation Over the Semen Quality in Canarian Mastiff Breed Dogs
Authors: Batista M , Alamo D , González F , Cruz MG , Gracia A 
Published: August 2006

ContentsThis study was carried out to assess the in vitro quality of canine semen frozen in an ultrafreezer at −152°C and to evaluate the male‐to‐male variation of frozen semen in five male dogs of the Canarian Mastiff breed. Four ejaculates of each dog were processed individually (5% glycerol and 0.5% Equex) to reach a final concentration of 100 × 106 spermatozoa/ml. Then, two freezing techniques were tested to assess the seminal quality (sperm motility, live spermatozoa and abnormal sperm cell percentages) at 1, 30, 60, 120 and 360 days after freezing: (i) semen was frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen; (ii) semen was frozen and stored in the ultrafreezer at −152°C. After freezing–thawing, both freezing protocols showed no significant differences in sperm motility and the percentages of live and abnormal spermatozoa. On the other hand, the microscopic characteristics of spermatozoa in fresh semen were practically similar among males; however, after the semen processing and freezing, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) among males, especially as regards sperm motility. This inter‐individual variability was detected in both freezing protocols, showing that the male‐to‐male variation in the seminal quality post‐freezing was independent of the freezing technique used. The in vitro results obtained in the Canarian Mastiff breed confirmed that the use of ultra‐freezers at −152°C is a potential alternative to liquid nitrogen for storing canine semen for long periods of time.
YMDD motif variants in inactive hepatitis B carriers detected by Inno‐Lipa HBV DR assay
Authors: Akarsu Mesut , Sengonul Aylin , Tankurt Ethem , Sayiner Ayca Arzu , Topalak Omer , Akpinar Hale , Abacioglu Yusuf Hakan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIntroduction:  Mutations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase, especially occurring at the highly conserved YMDD region, are related to resistance to lamivudine. Although these mutations are frequently secondary to lamivudine use, they can also occur naturally. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of YMDD variants that exist naturally in patients who are inactive HBV carriers.Methods:  Seventy‐one adult inactive HBV carriers were studied. All of the patients were confirmed to have maintained normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values for one or more years by monitoring serum ALT levels at 3‐monthly intervals. None of the patients received interferon or antiviral agents. YMDD variants were analyzed by the HBV Drug Resistance Line Probe assay (Inno‐Lipa HBV‐DR).Results:  YMDD variants were detected in 13 (18.3%) of the 71 anti‐HBe positive inactive HBV carriers. Of the 13 patients, 10 (76.9%) also had accompanying L180M mutation. The combination of wild type and YMDD variant HBV was present in 11 of 13 patients. In two patients, only YIDD and/or YVDD variants plus L180M were detected without the presence of wild YMDD motif.Conclusion:  Naturally occurring YMDD motif variants were detected at a high rate in a group of lamivudine‐untreated inactive HBV carriers.
Transmission of hepatitis C virus by needle‐stick injury in community settings
Authors: Haber Paul S , Young Margaret M , Dorrington Lloyd , Jones Andrew , Kaldor John , De Kanzow Sophie , Rawlinson William D 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is predominantly transmitted by blood‐to‐blood contact, typically by sharing of needles by injecting drug users. Discarded needles could act as a vector for transmission of this infection.Methods:  Two cases of HCV seroconversion following a needle‐stick injury in a community setting were identified. The effects of specimen processing and storage conditions on detection of HCV RNA were assessed to provide information about the likelihood of discarded needles containing infectious HCV.Results:  Consistent with a role for discarded needles in viral transmission, in vitro studies demonstrated that viral load declined by less than one log following storage for 24 h.Conclusion:  All needle‐stick injuries should be promptly investigated by serology and HCV‐PCR.
Role of AST to platelet ratio index in the detection of liver fibrosis in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Fabris Carlo , Bitetto Davide , Falleti Edmondo , Avellini Claudio , Rossi Elisabetta , Smirne Carlo , Minisini Rosalba , Pirisi Mario 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Per protocol annual liver biopsy represents the gold standard in the assessment of graft fibrosis progression due to recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Non‐invasive liver fibrosis tests have been proposed as surrogate markers of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive immune‐competent patients. No data are available in the literature on the usefulness of non‐invasive liver fibrosis tests in liver transplanted patients with recurrent HCV infection.Methods:  A total of 102 annual per protocol liver biopsies performed in 51 consecutive HCV‐positive recipients (31 men), with a follow‐up period lasting up to 5 years, were included and evaluated in this study. At each time point, the following non‐invasive liver fibrosis tests were calculated: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, age–platelet index, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns’ fibrosis index and Bonacini’s discriminant score.Results:  In discriminating patients with histological fibrosis score >2, APRI provided the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) (0.801), in comparison to the other four non‐invasive liver fibrosis tests. The AUROC of APRI was better in female (0.871) than in male (0.753) recipients. Among female recipients, an APRI value >1.4 was 91% sensitive and 75% specific in detecting a staging score >2. The corresponding values among male recipients were 60% and 77%, respectively.Conclusions:  Among non‐invasive liver fibrosis tests, APRI has the highest diagnostic value in discriminating liver transplanted patients with progression to significant liver fibrosis, although its accuracy is influenced by recipient sex.