bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two means of transcriptional reactivation within heterochromatin
Authors: Probst Aline V. , Fransz Paul F. , Paszkowski Jerzy , Scheid Ortrun Mittelsten 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDNA methylation levels and specific histone modifications of chromatin in interphase nuclei are taken as an indicator of transcriptional activity or silencing. Arabidopsis mutants impaired in maintenance of transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) alleviate TGS with or without affecting DNA methylation. Mutant ddm1, representing the first type, lacks a chromatin remodeling factor that regulates histone and DNA methylation. Mutant mom1, representing the second type, is affected in a different but still unknown silencing mechanism. Both classes of mutation have been studied mainly for their effects on specific loci. Here, we describe the cytological analysis of chromatin in ddm1 and mom1 mutants. The ddm1 mutation causes a striking decondensation of centromeric heterochromatin, a re‐distribution of the remaining methylation of DNA, and a drastic change in the pattern of histone modification. A complex transgenic locus, which underwent stable inactivation and became heterochromatin‐like, follows similar structural alterations. In contrast, nuclear organization in mom1 appears unaltered, demonstrating an involvement of MOM1 in transcriptional regulation within a heterochromatic environment.
The swirling phenomenon in stored platelets is influenced by their endogenous serotonin
Authors: Hervig  , Bakken  , Farstad  
Published: March 2003

The presence of the swirling phenomenon is useful to define platelet concentrates that are suitable for transfusion. If it is possible to identify donor‐related factors which are related to persisting swirling during storage, it is possible to select platelet donors. Endogenous platelet serotonin content is stable and easily measured and related to agonist‐induced serotonin secretion.During a 3‐month period, the swirling in 825 single donor platelet concentrates was controlled before issue. Endogenous serotonin, % serotonin release and swirling were tested in 21 concentrates with poor or no swirling during storage. Sixty‐three concentrates were randomly selected from the routinely prepared platelet concentrates and were routinely tested with the same analyses on days 1 and 7. To evaluate an obvious effect of endogenous serotonin on the swirling phenomenon, eight platelet concentrates prepared from buffy coat, each from four donors, were divided. One part was stored in the presence of 8.5 μmol serotonin L−1, and analysed as the control concentrates.The endogenous serotonin content in the ‘low‐ swirling’ concentrates was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). P
co2 and pH were significantly lower, and P
o2 and MPV significantly higher than in the controls. In the control group, swirling after 7 days was significantly correlated with serotonin release. In the eight buffy‐coat concentrates enriched in endogenous serotonin, both swirling and the percentage serotonin release were improved after storage for 10 days, compared with nonenriched concentrates.This study suggests that endogenous serotonin content and serotonin release are factors that may be of significance concerning preservation of the swirling phenomenon in platelet concentrates during storage.
How to maintain blood supply during computer network breakdown: a manual backup system
Authors: Zeiler T. , Slonka J. , Bürgi H. R. , Kretschmer V. 
Published: March 2003

. Electronic data management systems using computer network systems and client/server architecture are increasingly used in laboratories and transfusion services. Severe problems arise if there is no network access to the database server and critical functions are not available. We describe a manual backup system (MBS) developed to maintain the delivery of blood products to patients in a hospital transfusion service in case of a computer network breakdown.All data are kept on a central SQL database connected to peripheral workstations in a local area network (LAN). Request entry from wards is performed via machine‐readable request forms containing self‐adhesive specimen labels with barcodes for test tubes. Data entry occurs on‐line by bidirectional automated systems or off‐line manually. One of the workstations in the laboratory contains a second SQL database which is frequently and incrementally updated. This workstation is run as a stand‐alone, read‐only database if the central SQL database is not available. In case of a network breakdown, the time‐graded MBS is launched. Patient data, requesting ward and ordered tests/requests, are photocopied through a template from the request forms on special MBS worksheets serving as laboratory journal for manual processing and result report (a copy is left in the laboratory). As soon as the network is running again the data from the off‐line period are entered into the primary SQL server.The MBS was successfully used at several occasions. The documentation of a 90‐min breakdown period is presented in detail. Additional work resulted from the copy work and the belated manual data entry after restoration of the system. There was no delay in issue of blood products or result reporting.The backup system described has been proven to be simple, quick and safe to maintain urgent blood supply and distribution of laboratory results in case of unexpected network breakdown.
A pilot study to assess physician knowledge in transfusion medicine
Authors: Rock G. , Berger R. , Pinkerton P. , Fernandes B. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Introduction An assessment of transfusion medicine knowledge and practice in Canada was carried out over a 3‐week period.Methods Fifty‐five questions were posed to evaluate both basic information on blood and blood products and on clinical use. The form was distributed through the Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine with designated individuals asked to handle regional distribution. Some used provincial mailing lists, others distributed within each hospital. Approximately, 2000 forms were sent, including 500 in French.Results A total of 294 forms were returned; answers were recorded as ‘correct’, ‘incorrect’, ‘no answer’ or with ‘added comments’. Overall, 52% of the questions were answered correctly or were answered with qualifying comments. In clinical practice questions, 63% were answered correctly or with qualifying comments. Basic knowledge questions drew correct answers in 37% of the cases. Several issues were answered poorly. The volume of an apheresis plasma unit was correctly estimated by less than 10% of respondents with many understating the volume (500–600 mL) by as much as 300–400 mL. Anaesthesiologists responded most often (21%); few haematologists participated (4%). Provincial response varied: most were received from Ontario (30%) and British Columbia (22%).Conclusions The answers show that clinical application of transfusion is generally accompanied by a questioning process – it is not entirely by rote. Basic knowledge about products needs improvement.
Economics of theileriosis control in Zambia
Authors: D'haese L. , Penne K. , Elyn R. 
Published: March 2003

Summary

For an economic analysis of theileriosis control, we adopted the total economic cost (TEC) method, which calculates the sum of output losses from tick damage, theileriosis mortality and morbidity, and expenditures for treatment or prevention of the disease. At farm level, the TEC can be minimized by a specific combination of vector control and/or immunization and an acceptable level of losses. Expenditures for vector control include acaricides, construction of dipping or spraying facilities and their maintenance, and variable costs such as those for water and labour. Economics of vector control depend on the herd size and the method of application of the acaricide. Morbidity, mortality and tick damage losses are effectively reduced by correct and intensive vector control programmes. Expenditures for vector control are estimated at US$ 8.43, 13.62 and 21.09 per animal per year for plunge dipping, hand spraying and pour‐on, respectively. Immunization costs comprise production of parasite stabilates, storage and application, delivery and treatment. At US$ 9.5 per animal, immunization limits losses caused by Theileria parva, but ticks still may reduce the productivity of the animals. Expenditures for treatment after natural infection involve drugs, transport, veterinary fees and farm labour costs. Treatment has a moderate success rate, hence both morbidity and mortality remain important factors. Equally, it does not affect the vector, which may continue to reduce overall productivity of cattle. Expenditures for treatment range between US$ 9.04 and US$ 27.31 per animal. To compare different TECs in relation to different control strategies, assumptions have to be made on disease occurrence, case fatality, value and productivity of the cattle, reductions in productivity due to morbidity and number of animals under a specific control regime. Calculations based on data from Southern Province, Zambia show that large‐scale immunization reduces the TEC by 90% compared to no intervention. Treatment, which is the second‐best option, reduces the TEC by 60%.Appendix 1 Summary of factors influencing total economic cost
Diversité du régime alimentaire de Glossina palpalis palpalis en zone forestière de Côte d'Ivoire: relation avec la prévalence de la trypanosomiase humaine africaine
Authors: Sané Bocar , Laveissière Claude , Meda Honoré A. 
Published: March 2003

RésuméUne analyse rétrospective des préférences trophiques de Glossina palpalis palpalis, vecteur majeur de la Trypanosomiase humaine africaine (THA) a été faite à partir des données recueillies entre 1984 et 1994 dans cinq foyers du secteur forestier, dans le centre‐ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire. Les auteurs ont comparé le régime alimentaire de ce vecteur dans ces différents foyers. L'objectif est de vérifier s'il existe une relation entre les préférences trophiques du vecteur et la prévalence de la THA. La diversité du régime alimentaire a étéévaluée par deux indices: l'indice de diversité de Shannon et Weaver (Ish) et un nouvel indice défini par le rapport pourcentage de repas de sang animal/pourcentage de repas de sang humain ou indice de zoophilie/ anthropophilie (Za). Il n'y a pas de correlation entre la DAP et le taux de prévalence. Des indices (Ish et Za) élevés, signe d'une diversité alimentaire, ont été observés dans les foyers de Vavoua, Zoukougbeu et Sinfra où les taux de prévalence de la THA étaient importants. Inversement des indices faibles ont été notés dans les zones de faible prévalence comme Daniafla et Gagnoa où la quasi totalité des repas de sang du vecteur était pris sur l'hôte humain. Il existe une corrélation forte mais non significative entre les deux indices entomologiques et la prévalence de la maladie. La corrélation est plus forte avec l'indice Za qu'avec l'indice Ish. La signification épidémiologique de ces observations est discutée. Summary The feeding habits of Glossina palpalis palpalis, the main vector of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) were retrospectively analysed using data collected between 1984 and 1994 in five areas in the forest belt in the mid‐west of Côte d'Ivoire. The authors compare the feeding habits of the vector in these different foci. This analysis is aimed at determining if there is any relationship between the feeding pattern of tsetse‐flies and the prevalence rates of HAT. The feeding pattern was measured using two indices: the conventional index of Shannon and Weaver (Ish) and a new one, the zoophily/anthropophily index (Za). The latter is an estimate of the ratio of the percentage of animal blood meals divided by the percentage of human blood meals. There was no correlation between apparent density and prevalence rate. A high Ish and a high Za were observed in the foci of Vavoua, Zoukougbeu and Sinfra where prevalence rates of HAT were high. Conversely, a low Ish and a low Za were observed in the hypoendemic areas of Daniafla and Gagnoa. Both indices are highly but not significantly correlated with prevalence rates. The Za index seemed to be more strongly correlated to the disease rate as compared to the Ish index. The epidemiological significance of these observations is discussed.
An open comparative study of dispersible piroxicam versus soluble acetylsalicylic acid for the treatment of osteoarticular painful attack during sickle cell crisis
Authors: Eke Felicia U. , Obamyonyi A. , Eke N. Ndubuisi , Oyewo E. A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary We compared the efficacy and tolerability of oral piroxicam 1 mg/kg/day with soluble aspirin given at 100 mg/kg/day taken four‐hourly in 58 patients with sickle cell anaemia and severe ostcoarticular painful attacks requiring hospitalization in a randomized, paralleled study. Main investigational criteria were pain relief, limitation of movement, fever, and insomnia or agitation. Both groups were well‐matched at the commencement of therapy but most patients on piroxicam showed remarkable and significant pain relief and improvement in other parameters within 24 h. Unwanted effects were absent in the piroxicam‐treated group whereas those treated with aspirin experienced nausea and vomiting. There were no significant changes in liver function tests with both forms of treatment. Oral piroxicam is an effective and safe treatment in the management of the osteoarticular painful crisis in sickle cell anaemia. It might prevent the use of parenteral analgesics and hospitalization and reduce the loss of school hours in patients who are being treated for bone pain crises that characterize sickle cell anaemia.
In vivoefficacy study of amodiaquine and sulfadoxine/ pyrimethamine in Kibwezi, Kenya and Kigoma, Tanzania
Authors: Gorissen Erwin , Ashruf Gretchen , Lamboo Monique , Bennebroek Jacqueline , Gikunda Stephen , Mbaruku Godfrey , Kager Piet A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe conducted two randomized clinical trials to determine thein vivoefficacy of amodiaquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine in treatingPlasmodium falciparummalaria. Seventy‐five patients under the age of 10 years in Kibwezi, Kenya, and 171 patients in Kigoma, Tanzania, were enrolled for treatment. Due to loss of eight patients in Kibwezi and 37 in Kigoma to follow‐up, we used best and worst case scenarios for the parasitological response. Thein vivosensitivity ofPlasmodium falciparumto amodiaquine was 75% (no loss to follow‐up) in Kibwezi and ranged from 85% in the best to 65% in the worst case scenario in Kigoma. The sensitivity to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine was 70% to 88% in Kibwezi and 65% to 89% in Kigoma. R1 resistance to amodiaquine was 22% in Kibwezi and varied from 6% in the best to 26% for the worst case scenario in Kigoma. The R1 resistance to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine was 5% to 23% in Kibwezi and 2% to 26% in Kigoma. R2 resistance was 3% for amodiaquine and 7% for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine in Kibwezi and 9% in Kigoma for each treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups at either study site, except for a slight difference in R1 resistance in the best case scenario, Kibwezi, in favour of S/P. Although both amodiaquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine resistance seems to be increasing, these antimalarials are still effective in parasite clearance.
Indoor residual spraying with alphacypermethrin controls malaria in Pakistan: a community‐randomized trial
Authors: Rowland Mark , Mahmood Pervaiz , Iqbal Javed , Carneiro Ilona , Chavasse Desmond 
Published: March 2003

Summary We conducted a community‐randomized controlled trial in Pakistan to determine the efficacy of indoor residual spraying with alphacypermethrin ('Fendona', Cyanamid, NJ, USA), applied at 25 mg/m2, to prevent falciparum and vivax malaria. Wettable powder (WP) and suspension concentrate (SC) formulations were tested against an unsprayed control in an irrigated rice‐growing area of Sheikhupura district, Punjab province. The study area of 180 km2 was divided into nine sectors, which were assigned at random to control, WP, or SC treatments in replicates of 3. Sentinel villages were selected from each sector for entomological and disease monitoring. Malaria was monitored by fortnightly active case detection (ACD) and by cross‐ sectional parasite surveys on schoolchildren. Mosquito populations were monitored by space spraying of rooms and by cattle‐landing catches. The spray campaign took place in June 1997 and covered 96% of compounds. During the 7 months after spraying, the incidence of falciparum malaria was 95% lower and that of vivax malaria 80% lower in WP‐sprayed than unsprayed sectors. Similar results were obtained for sectors sprayed with the SC formulation. Cross‐sectional surveys gave estimates of efficacy comparable to those obtained by ACD. Anopheles culicifacies was 80% less abundant and A.stephensi, the predominant anopheline, was up to 68% less abundant in sprayed areas over the 7‐month period. Reductions in anopheline parous rates indicated that the single‐spray treatment was effective for the entire transmission season. Sprayed surfaces lacked odour, which contributed to the popularity of the campaign. Alphacypermethrin is a promising insecticide for the control of malaria in Pakistan and South Asia generally.
High seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus in adult women in a tropical climate
Authors: O'grady Kerry‐Ann , Merianos Angela , Patel Mahomed , Gilbert Lyn 
Published: March 2003

Summary objectives  To determine whether the seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) in adults is similar to that reported in tropical populations elsewhere. methods  We measured the seroprevalence of VZV IgG antibodies, using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in women attending an antenatal clinic in an urban centre in tropical Australia. results  The overall seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in 298 women was 92% (95% CI 88–95), with no difference between women who spent their childhoods in the tropics and colleagues. None of the overseas‐born women was seronegative. conclusion  The seroprevalence of VZV antibodies in this tropical population in Australia is as high as that reported from temperate regions, suggesting that social and cultural factors and population mobility are more important determinants of age distribution of VZV immunity than tropical climate.
Costs of tuberculosis for households and health care providers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Wyss Kaspar , Kilima Peter , Lorenz Nicolaus 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To assess the costs of tuberculosis at household level in Dar es Salaam and to compare them with the provider costs of the national tuberculosis control programme. DESIGN Tuberculosis patients were found by active case searching within a routine census in three areas of Dar es Salaam, and by examining records for residents already receiving treatment. Costs at household level were evaluated through a cross‐sectional household survey. RESULTS One hundred and ninety‐one tuberculosis cases were included in the survey. With treatment periods of 8 to 12 months, extrapolated average costs of a period of illness to patients and their families were as follows: US $2 for examination and laboratory costs, between US $17 and US $50 for consultation and drugs, less than US $1 for hospitalization and between US $13 and US $20 for transport. The analysis revealed high costs due to inability to work, ranging from US $154 to US $1384. These data were compared with the operation costs of the tuberculosis programme and proved to comprise 68% to 94% of total costs. CONCLUSIONS For patients and their families, tuberculosis implies three main types of cost: drugs, transportation and, most importantly, financial loss due to inability to work. They represent around two thirds of total cost and are a high economic burden for households, in particular those with a low‐income. While assessing tuberculosis control strategies such as direct case finding at home, it is therefore important to also include costs incurred at household level.
Consequences of over‐prescribing on the dispensing process in rural Nepal
Authors: Holloway Kathleen A. , Gautam Bharat R. 
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of increasing numbers of drugs prescribed on the dispensing process in rural Nepal.DESIGN Cross‐sectional survey, on average 25 exiting patients per facility in 33 government health facilities.OUTCOME MEASURES Percentage of cases where there was a dispensing error, and where the patient knew the dosing schedules of the dispensed drugs.RESULTS A greater number of drug items prescribed and dispensed per patient was significantly associated with a greater percentage of cases where there was a dispensing error (P=0.00000), and where the patient did not know the dosing schedules of the dispensed drugs (P=0.00000).CONCLUSION The prescribing (and dispensing) of more drugs per patient, an indication of over‐prescription, is associated with significantly poorer dispensing.
Community‐directed treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin in Takum, Nigeria
Authors: Akogun O. B. , Audu Z. , Weiss M. G. , Adelakun A. O. , Akoh J. I. , Akogun M. K. , Remme H. , Kale O. O. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryA study to identify factors within the community that can ensure sustainable community‐directed treatment (ComDT) with ivermectin compared the effectiveness of programme‐designed (PD) and community‐designed (CD) strategies in 37 villages in the Takum area of Nigeria. In a subset of PD villages, designated PD1, communities were asked to use the village heads as community‐directed distributors (CDD), and the other communities (PD2) were asked to select female distributors, and both were instructed to use the house‐to‐house method of distribution. Community‐designed communities, on the other hand, were asked to design their own approach. All study communities received health education, treatment guidelines, and training enabling them to determine appropriate dosage. A total of 1744 people were interviewed about their experiences after two treatment cycles. Communities preferred honest, reliable community members as CDDs, but few women were selected. The results show striking similarity between PD and CD villages in many respects. In the PD1 villages, where the programme designated the village head as CDD, the mode of distribution was changed from house‐to‐house to central point, and distribution took place in the compound of the village head. In the PD2 villages, where the programme specified distributors should be women, the women who were selected were replaced by their male children. These changes to the original design were consistent with the local cultural norms and made the arrangement for distribution more acceptable to the people. Programme‐designed villages that used the village head as distributors performed better than those that used women, and the coverage in the former group compares well with that of CD villages. Only five villages achieved coverage > 60%, but dosage was correct in most cases (87.4%). Drug shortage was the most frequent reason for non‐treatment. Communities devised means for ensuring equity and fairness in sharing their limited supply and freely altered the original designs to fit local norms and values. These changes to the original design were consistent with local norms and were acceptable to the people. The success of this strategy should be tested in other parts of Nigeria. Long‐term success of ComDT, however, requires a reliable drug supply and inputs from professionals in the health system for minimal supervision. The core issues that determine sustainability of ComDT appear to be not so much in the structure, but in the process by which they are introduced. Communities will only sustain a programme where the process of implementation fits well with local norms and where communities are free to alter PD procedures that are inconsistent with local customs.