bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nucleus‐encoded factor, CRR2, is essential for the expression of chloroplast ndhB in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hashimoto Mihoko , Endo Tsuyoshi , Peltier Gilles , Tasaka Masao , Shikanai Toshiharu 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe chloroplast NDH complex, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, reduces the plastoquinone pool non‐photochemically and is involved in cyclic electron flow around photosystem I (PSI). A transient increase in chlorophyll fluorescence after turning off actinic light is a result of NDH activity. We focused on this subtle change in chlorophyll fluorescence to isolate nuclear mutants affected in chloroplast NDH activity in Arabidopsis by using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. crr2‐1 and crr2‐2 (chlororespiratory reduction) are recessive mutant alleles in which accumulation of the NDH complex is impaired. Except for the defect in NDH activity, photosynthetic electron transport was unaffected. CRR2 encodes a member of the plant combinatorial and modular protein (PCMP) family consisting of more than 200 genes in Arabidopsis. CRR2 functions in the intergenic processing of chloroplast RNA between rps7 and ndhB, which is possibly essential for ndhB translation. We have determined the function of a PCMP family member, indicating that the family is closely related to pentatrico‐peptide PPR proteins involved in the maturation steps of organellar RNA.
Cellulose microfibril alignment recovers from DCB‐induced disruption despite microtubule disorganization
Authors: Himmelspach Regina , Williamson Richard E. , Wasteneys Geoffrey O. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryCellulose microfibril deposition patterns define the direction of plant cell expansion. To better understand how microfibril alignment is controlled, we examined microfibril orientation during cortical microtubule disruption using the temperature‐sensitive mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, mor1‐1. In a previous study, it was shown that at restrictive temperature for mor1‐1, cortical microtubules lose transverse orientation and cells lose growth anisotropy without any change in the parallel arrangement of cellulose microfibrils. In this study, we investigated whether a pre‐existing template of well‐ordered microfibrils or the presence of well‐organized cortical microtubules was essential for the cell to resume deposition of parallel microfibrils. We first transiently disrupted the parallel order of microfibrils in mor1‐1 using a brief treatment with the cellulose synthesis inhibitor 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB). We then analysed the alignment of recently deposited cellulose microfibrils (by field emission scanning electron microscopy) as cellulose synthesis recovered and microtubules remained disrupted at the mor1‐1 mutant's non‐permissive culture temperature. Despite the disordered cortical microtubules and an initially randomized wall texture, new cellulose microfibrils were deposited with parallel, transverse orientation. These results show that transverse cellulose microfibril deposition requires neither accurately transverse cortical microtubules nor a pre‐existing template of well‐ordered microfibrils. We also demonstrated that DCB treatments reduced the ability of cortical microtubules to form transverse arrays, supporting a role for cellulose microfibrils in influencing cortical microtubule organization.
The monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of erythrocyte antigens assay (MAIEA) in the investigation of human red‐cell antigens and their associated membrane proteins
Authors: Petty A. C. , Green C. A. , Daniels G. L. 
Published: November 2003

The monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of erythrocyte antigens (MAIEA) technique is an immunoassay devised primarily for locating blood group antigens on specific red‐cell membrane proteins. The assay involves the incubation of intact red cells with two antibodies, one human alloantibody, the other a nonhuman antibody, usually a rodent monoclonal antibody, but polyclonal antibodies of rabbit origin have been utilized. For a positive result, both antibodies must bind to the same membrane protein. The red cells are lysed, the membrane solubilized and the trimolecular complex of two antibodies and membrane protein is captured in a well coated with goat antirodent (or rabbit) immunoglobulin. The immobilized complex is then detected by the use of peroxidase‐conjugated goat antihuman (or rodent) immunoglobulin.Negative results, due to mutual blocking between the human and animal antibodies when their epitopes are close together on the same molecule, have permitted a degree of localization of epitopes on some proteins. This has been most effective in the mapping of Cromer blood group system antigens on the complement control protein domains of decay‐accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), but has also proved informative in the clustering of antigens on the Lutheran and Kell glycoproteins.MAIEA is an effective tool for the identification of antibodies to Knops‐system antigens on complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) in immunohaematology reference laboratories. These antibodies are clinically unimportant, but must be identified before they can be ignored for transfusion purposes.
Cost analysis of autologous blood transfusion, using cell salvage, compared with allogeneic blood transfusion
Authors: Duffy G. , Tolley K. 
Published: November 2003

Autologous transfusion is an option infrequently used in the UK, partly because the direct costs are greater than for allogeneic transfusion. An analysis of the cost consequences of substituting autologous for allogeneic blood, by using cell salvage, was undertaken from a hospital perspective. Direct costs were estimated for two different cell salvage devices and sensitivity analysis performed on the key variables.Allogeneic transfusion may be associated with increased rates of postoperative infection due immunomodulation and immunosuppression. As a result, one of the short‐term benefits of autologous transfusion is a possible reduction in length of hospital stay. This was the most important variable affecting the cost of autologous transfusion. Cost equivalence for autologous and allogeneic blood was reached at reductions in hospital stay of between 0.3 and 2 days across a range of variables.Reductions in length of hospital stay of this magnitude have been reported in several small studies. The results of our cost analysis suggest that autologous transfusion should not be rejected on the grounds of cost and we recommend a large‐scale randomized controlled trial of autologous vs. allogeneic transfusion.
Evaluation of awareness and utilization of an autologous blood transfusion programme
Authors: Dhingra‐Kumar N. , Sikka M. , Madan N. , Sood S. K. 
Published: November 2003

Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) has an important role in transfusion practice in the developing world due to increasing incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus infection. Our study was done to evaluate the level of awareness and utilization of an autologous blood transfusion programme in a teaching hospital in Delhi. We assessed the level of awareness of preoperative ABT amongst treating physicians from different specialties in a teaching hospital through an anonymous questionnaire. The utilization of this methodology in transfusion practice was estimated from records of the Blood Transfusion Service.Of the 150 doctors contacted 96 (64%) responded. Although 67.7% of them were aware of the technique and its advantages, only 21.8% used it for the patients under their care. In the preceding 24 months 133 (1.1%) of 12 090 blood collections in the transfusion service were from autologous donor‐patients. Only one unit of blood was collected from each patient, although 41.8% of them received  2 units of blood. Of the 11 123 patients transfused, 55 (0.49%) received the ABT. Thus only 55 (41.3%) of 133 total ABT collections were utilized. The study highlights that there is a general lack of awareness about ABT amongst physicians. This transfusion practice is rarely and inadequately used. The study was repeated the following year after an intensive intervention strategy was adopted. The results show a trend towards improvement in the practice of ABT. This study emphasizes the need for proper organization, planning and communication between clinicians and blood transfusion personnel for effective implementation of an ABT programme, especially in countries with a high incidence of transfusion‐transmitted infections and acute shortages of blood for transfusion.
Process control of filtered red blood cells: which counting method?
Authors: Conte R. , Bontadini A. , Cirillo D. , Fruet F. 
Published: November 2003

Various counting methods have been described and reported for process control of leucodepleted blood components. The recent production of high‐efficiency leucocyte removal filters intensifies the need for sensitivity in determining the ever lower residual concentration of white cells (WBCs) in filtered units.In order to assess which method was the most efficient and feasible in the laboratory for the control of WBC‐reduced packed red blood cells, we compared the sensitivity of four counting methods: Nageotte chamber analysis, flow cytometry, the fluorochrome method by Borzini and Nageotte chamber analysis as modified by Prati.We observed a difference in the post‐filtration WBC content depending on which method of counting was used and we feel it reasonable to ask what method should be employed in blood component process control.The answer must naturally consider that the method is for use by a large number of laboratories, while the sensitivity of the method needs to be appropriate to the goal desired.
Case report and review of disseminated histoplasmosis in South‐East Asia: clinical and epidemiological implications
Authors: Wang T. L. , Cheah J. S. , Holmberg K. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe South‐East Asian region is not known to be a major endemic area for histoplasmosis. We have recently diagnosed several cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients from this region. We report on a well documented indigenous case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a 62‐year‐old poultry farmer and review the literature for other reported cases of clinical histoplasmosis in the South‐East Asian region. Sporadic cases of indigenous chronic pulmonary and non‐meningeal disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompetent hosts have been reported as well as examples of disseminated histoplasmosis in immunocompromised hosts. These reports suggest that histoplasmosis is endemic to certain areas in South‐East Asia and that there may be a large number of undiagnosed and subclinical cases. The recent advances in diagnostic tests for histoplasmosis are also reviewed with reference to the experience of using these tests in the reported case.
Hamadryas baboons Papio hamadryas as maintenance hosts of Schistosoma mansoni in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zahed N. Z. , Ghandour A. M. , Banaja A. A. , Banerjee R. K. , Dehlawi M. S. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryFree ranging hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) in four localities in the west and north of Saudi Arabia were examined for natural infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Faecal examination revealed infection with S. mansoni on four occasions within one year (at a prevalence rate of 2.5‐4.0%) in only one locality, the Al‐Baha area. The eggs were viable, as shown by miracidial hatching tests, and were recorded at a density of 140–280 eggs/g of faeces (7000–14000 eggs/day). Post‐mortem examination of 13‐2.4 baboons from each locality revealed infection with S. mansoni (adult worms and eggs in tissue) in only one locality, the Al‐Baha area, at a prevalence rate of 4.16%. Viable eggs were found in the faeces and tissue of the infected baboons. The low prevalence rate of S. mansoni in hamadryas baboons in Saudi Arabia is in accordance with the low prevalence rate of S. mansoni in humans in the area. This natural baboon isolate was highly infective to snail intermediate hosts and mammalian hosts under experimental conditions. The epidemiological significance of the role of P. hamadryas (considering their large overall population of 250 000) as maintenance hosts of S. mansoni in Saudi Arabia is discussed.
Sleeping sickness in Zaire: a nested polymerase chain reaction improves the identification of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei gambiense by specific kinetoplast DNA probes
Authors: Schares G. , Mehlitz D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryBlood samples collected in the sleeping sickness focus of Boma, Zaire, from human patients and domestic animals were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of trypanosome DNA. The comparison of PCR and miniature anion exchange centrifugation technique (m‐AECT) results clearly shows that in domestic animals mixed infections (Trypanozoon/Trypanosoma [Nannomonas] congolense) are more frequently diagnosed by PCR than by m‐AECT. Trypanozoon positive blood samples were further analysed for Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei gambiense. For that purpose amplified minicircle kinetoplast DNA (minicircle kDNA) was differentiated in gambiense and non‐gambiense by hybridization with DNA probes. To analyse blood samples, especially those with low parasite numbers, the amplification step had to be improved by a nested PCR. Subsequent hybridization was done with kDNA probes generated by PCR from blood samples which had been obtained from a human patient infected with T. (T.) b. gambiense and a pig infected with Trypanozoon. The hybridization results clearly show that at least two genotypes of Trypanozoon parasites occur in the sleeping sickness focus of Boma, Bas‐Zaire. One obviously corresponds to T. (T.) b. gambiense and was present in humans and two domestic animals (pig, dog). The other genotype seems to be associated with T. (T.) b. brucei and could be detected only in the blood of domestic animals. This is the first time that field samples could be analysed by a technique which facilitates the molecular identification of T. (T.) b. gambiense without prior cloning, propagation, and/or isolation of the parasites. Therefore, this technique seems to be a promising tool to elucidate the significance of the animal reservoir for the epidemiology of the gambiense sleeping sickness in Africa.
Post‐natal incidence of HIV‐1 infection among children in a rural Ugandan population: no evidence for transmission other than mother to child
Authors: Mulder Daan W. , Nunn Andrew , Kamali Anatoli , Kengeya‐Kayondo Jane F. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the post‐natal incidence of and possible transmission routes for HIV‐1 infection in rural Ugandan children. The cohort consisted of the population of a cluster of 15 villages in Masaka District, south‐west Uganda, and was enrolled in 1989–1990 through a demographic and serological survey. During the period 1991–1993 the population was resurveyed annually. A total of 5492 children aged O‐12 years were enrolled; of these, 41 (0.7%) were seropositive infants. A total of 3941 (72%) children were HIV‐negative on enrolment and had at least one follow‐up specimen. During 8596 person‐years of observation only 1 seroconversion was observed, an incidence rate of 0.12 (95% CI 0.00‐0.35) per 1000 years of observation. The transmission of HIV was most probably through breast milk. The case corresponds to a rate of 1.1 per 1000 in households with one or more HIV‐positive adults (874 years of observation); no incident case was observed in households with only seronegative adults (6423 years of observation). Thus, HIV infection among children aged 0–12 years in this population is virtually exclusively the result of mother‐to‐child transmission. No infections were observed attributable to parenteral exposure, non‐sexual casual or household contact, or insects.
A randomized trial of chloroquine, amodiaquine and pyrimethamine‐sulphadoxine in Gambian children with uncomplicated malaria
Authors: Müller O. , van Hensbroek M. Boele , Jaffar S. , Drakeley C. , Okorie C. , Joof D. , Pinder M. , Greenwood B. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe increasing occurrence of chloroquine‐resistant Plasmodium falciparum in sub‐Saharan Africa makes it essential to reconsider current recommendations for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. In an open, randomized trial, we have compared chloroquine (CQ), amodiaquine (AQ), and pyrimethamine‐sulphadoxine (PS) in rural Gambian children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Three hundred children were randomly assigned at the time of consultation (Do) to oral treatment with 25 mg/kg CQ, 25 mg/kg AQ (both given over 3 days), or 1.25/25 mg/kg PS. They were reviewed on day 7 (D7) and day 28 (D28) for symptoms, malaria parasitaemia, and packed cell volume (PCV). Significantly more children treated with PS compared to CQ (17 vs 7%, P=0.03) or AQ (17 vs 3%, P=0.001) returned with clinical complaints during the first 3 days after treatment. Five of these patients had a generalized convulsion (4 from the AQ group, 4 from the PS group), of whom 4 developed cerebral malaria. At D7, significantly more patients treated with CQ compared to AQ (25 vs 7%, P=0.0009) or PS (25 vs 4%, P=0.0001) were parasitaemic. By D28, the cumulative number of parasitological failures was significantly higher in the CQ group compared to the AQ group (65 vs 35%, P=0.0001), and significantly higher in the AQ group compared to the PS group (35 vs 14%, P=0.001). Overall, 91% of parasitological failures observed during the study period were symptomatic and were consequently treated with an alternative anti‐malarial drug. Over the 28‐day study period the mean PCV increased significantly less in the CQ group than in the PS group (1.2 vs 3.8%, P=0.016) and was lower in the CQ group than in the AQ group (1.2 vs 2.7%, P=0.12, not significant). These results suggest that PS acts more slowly than 4‐aminoquinolines in controlling the clinical features of malaria, and that AQ can be considered as an interim alternative to CQ in the first‐line therapy of uncomplicated malaria in African areas of high CQ resistance.
The impact of HIV‐1 infection on child health in sub‐Saharan Africa: the burden on the health services
Authors: Walraven Gijs , Nicoll Angus , Njau Mathew , Timæus Ian 
Published: November 2003

SummaryHIV‐I infection in sub‐Saharan Africa is resulting in substantial child mortality and an increase in the number of sick children presenting to health services. Many of the sick children come to health centres and hospitals, inflating numbers on paediatric wards. The presentations of childhood HIV‐I infection are many and varied so that HIV‐I infection is the new ‘great imitator’ of other conditions. Some other infections are more severe in HIV‐I infected children (specifically bacterial infections and measles). However, there is no clear evidence of consequent rises in the incidence of other childhood infections, though this is likely to be the case for tuberculosis. HIV‐I infected children with other infections often respond to locally available anti‐microbials, but may require longer courses. Treatment is problematic because of the impossibility of distinguishing infected from uninfected children and because of shortages of medicines, which are being intensified further by the child and adult HIV‐I epidemics. Severe HIV disease in adult family members is adding to child morbidity and creating substantial orphanhood. Staff fear nosocomial infection, while simultaneously experiencing falling personal incomes and lacking resources to care for their patients. Substantial numbers of trained staff are being lost because of HIV‐I caused disease and death. The reality of HIV‐I infection through breast‐feeding is not yet appreciated. When this becomes generally apparent, there is a risk that a lethal increase in bottle feeding could occur in some areas. Reduction in the number of new paediatric HIV‐I infections in sub‐Saharan Africa can be achieved only by ameliorating the adult HIV‐I epidemic, reducing unnecessary blood transfusions and ensuring a safe blood supply.
Isolation and characterization of a new subtype A variant of human immunodeficiency virus type I from Nigeria
Authors: Olaleye D. O. , Sheng Zhijuan , Howard T. M. , Rasheed S. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe have isolated a new variant of HIV‐1 from Nigeria, Africa. The virus was recovered from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of an apparently healthy 23‐year‐old male from Ibadan, Nigeria. The in vitro studies indicated that the virus was highly cytopathic and replicated well in normal PBMCs, established T‐cell lines and the monocytic cell line U937. The highest replicative titre of the virus was obtained in freshly isolated primary macrophage/monocyte cells which also showed the least cytopathology. Most other cultures showed single‐cell cytolysis and giant cells, and syncytia were not induced in the HTLV‐1 infected MT‐2 cells. Since no HIV strain has been isolated from Nigeria, we obtained cDNA clones containing the env gene, to further characterize the Nigerian virus. Based on the DNA sequence analysis of 14 clones containing the coding region for its gp 120 protein, the Nigerian HIV isolate has been classified as HIV‐1 subtype A. Only one subtype A virus from Rwanda has been characterized and this virus has not been shown to exhibit extreme cytopathicity in various cell types as was observed with the Nigerian strain. Further, the ability of this virus to grow well in lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages and to exhibit cytopathicity without causing syncytia are uncommon properties distinguishing the Nigerian virus from other HIV‐1 strains. Since most macrophage‐tropic viruses have been associated with ‘neurotropism’, the isolation of an HIV‐1 strain from the blood of an individual with no known neurological disorder indicates that this rapidly replicating cytopathic virus, with a broad host range, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of HIV disease. This represents the first report of an HIV‐1 isolate from Nigeria.
Introducing insecticide impregnated bednets in an area of low bednet usage: an exploratory study in north‐east Ghana
Authors: Gyapong Margaret , Gyapong John O. , Amankwa Joseph , Asedem James , Sory Elias 
Published: November 2003

SummaryTo find out the acceptability of the use of insecticide impregnated bednets before launching a large‐scale trial to evaluate their impact on child mortality, 96 permethrin impregnated bednets were distributed in 4 communities within the Kassena Nankana district of the Upper East Region of Ghana, where previously only 4% of the people had owned a mosquito net. The nets were readily accepted and used by the recipients. The major benefit perceived by the users was the reduction of the nuisance effect of mosquitoes and other insects. The people in the study area normally sleep on mats in either an open courtyard or a sleeping room depending on the weather but this did not deter them from using the nets. The white nets distributed for this study became dirty with use, and users thought they needed to be washed. In order to discourage this, it is recommended that dark coloured nets be used in the main intervention trial. After having used the nets for a year, the community members expressed willingness to buy the nets if they were made available after the harvest season when they had sold their crops and had enough money to pay for them. The results of this study have been used to plan and conduct a large intervention trial.