bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MR findings in human fascioliasis
Authors: Han J. K. , Han D. , Choi B. I. , Han M. C. 
Published: November 2003

Summary Fasciola hepatica is a trematode of herbivorous mammals, and man is infected by accidental ingestion of contaminated raw aquatic vegetables or water. There have been many reports on computed tomographic and cholangiographic features of human fascioliasis. However, findings of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have not been reported.Hepatic fascioliasis produces three types of lesions in MR images arranged in tract‐like fashion. The outermost area presents as an iso‐signal area in T1WI, with slightly higher signal intensity in T2WI and diffuse enhancement after i.v. contrast. The second type presents as a well defined low signal area in T1WI, not enhanced, and also shows low signal intensity in T2WI. The third type has low signal intensity in T1WI, is not enhanced, and has high signal intensity in T2WI which is similar to fluid‐containing inflammatory lesions such as pyogenic abscess.These findings suggest various changes associated with traumatic hepatitis caused by the migration of the worm in the liver. This diverse signal intensity can be a suggestive finding of fascioliasis.
A follow‐up study on visual outcome after camp‐based intracapsular cataract extraction
Authors: Shri Verma Lalit , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Murthy G. V. S. , Goyal Mallika , Pant T. D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe visual outcome of 164 intracapsular cataract extractions (ICCE) performed in 158 patients at an eye‐camp was evaluated. 93.3% had a preoperative visual acuity of less than 3/60. On the 4th/5th post‐operative day, 39.3% had a visual acuity between 6/18 and 6/36; 84.7% had vision better than 3/60. Six weeks post‐operatively, 44.1% had visual acuity better than 6/18 and a total of 84.1% better than 3/60. The vision of 40.7% improved between the 4th/5th post‐operative day and the follow‐up visit at 6 weeks. 46.4% of patients had post‐operative corrected visual acuity better than 6/18, 24.3% had vision between 6/18 and 6/36, and a total of 84.3% had vision better than 3/60. The patients' satisfaction in terms of improvement in mobility and ability to do housework at 6 weeks after the operation correlated better with the improvement in vision in terms of the number of Snellen's lines than with the actual post‐operative visual acuity.
HIV and India: looking into the abyss
Authors: Pais Prem 
Published: November 2003

SummarySerosurveillance of high risk groups started in India in October 1985. The first positive case were detected in 1986. As of mid‐1994, official figures stood at 15 000 HIV positive cases and 559 cases of AIDS. This is most certainly an underestimate because of under reporting. Among high risk groups, prevalence has risen rapidly. Between 1986 and 1994, prevalence has risen from 1.6 to 40.0% in sex workers, 1.4 to 40% in STD clinics and 0 to 70% in i.v. drug abusers in various studies. The penetration into the general population is uncertain.As in Africa, infection has been mainly by heterosexual intercourse, with commercial sex workers, long distance truck drivers and migrant labour serving as vehicles of spread. Other routes of infection are transfusion of blood and blood products and i.v. drug use. Dependence on professional blood donors is the main cause of infected blood supplies. Ninety per cent of cases with HIV infection are aged between 15 and 45 years and belong to socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. The male to female ratio is 5:1, with female cases being mainly sex workers. The predominant virus is HIV‐1 but cases with HIV‐2 and mixed infection are being reported from port cities. The present situation in India is similar to the early pattern in Africa where a sharp increase in seroprevalence among high risk groups was followed by spread to the general population.Clinical AIDS is still infrequent. From experience so far, pulmonary tuberculosis has been the most common clinical presentation. So far AIDS associated tuberculosis has responded to standard therapy but the development of multi‐drug resistant mycobacteria and their spread to the large tuberculous population in the country is a potential threat.Key factors of AIDS/HIV prevention are public education and counselling about the infection and safe sex practices, especially in high risk groups; STD control; promotion of voluntary blood donation and adequate screening of blood products and general and equitable progress in the economic development of the country and its people—much high risk behaviour is driven by poverty.
Vaccination generates serum‐mediated protection against Onchocerca lienalis microfilariae in the mouse
Authors: Folkard S. G. , Jenkins R. E. , Bianco A. E. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMice vaccinated with an aqueous extract of Onchocerca lienalis microfilariae (mf) plus adjuvant exhibited 51% protection against challenge with live mf. Protection was ablated by prior treatment of the extract with heat or proteinase K, indicating the involvement of proteinaceous epitope(s). A 54% level of protection was conferred on naive mice by passive transfer of serum from vaccinated donors, suggesting that host resistance was principally mediated by humoral components of the immune response. In contrast, the protection induced by sensitization of mice with living mf is transferable with cells, but not serum. Western blot data reveal different antigen recognition profiles for serum antibodies from these two groups of mice. These results indicate that vaccination and infection activate distinct protective mechanisms against Onchocerca mf in the mouse.
Histopathological observations in new and classic models of experimental Schistosoma haematobium infections
Authors: Vuong P. N. , Bayssade‐Dufour Ch. , Albaret J. L. , Farhati K. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe authors present marsh rat Holochilus brasiliensis, jirds Meriones shawi and M. unguiculatus as new models of Schistosoma haematobium infection. Histological findings were compared with those of classic models mouse Mus and hamster Mesocricetus. In new models, embryonated eggs were seen in the stool from 90 days post infestation (DPI) and active disease developed from 117 to 175 DPI. Seven out of 10 rodents presented granulomatous and/or chronic cystitis, fibrosis, polyps and urothelial changes: squamous metaplasia, precancerous dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In the digestive tract of all new models, granulomas eroded the mucosa, formed inflammatory polyps, infiltrated the wall and accumulated into bilharziomas. In the liver, granulomatous hepatitis surrounded by bilharzial pigment deposit was apparent. Pipe‐stem fibrosis involved 4 rodents with precirrhotic changes in 1 and portal hypertension in 2. One female Meriones suffered from granulomatous endometritis and salpingitis. All new models developed pulmonary granulomatosis with associated vascular lesions: giant cell arteritis in 1 rodent, thromboses in 3 and pulmonary hypertension in 4 others. In classic models, 1 Mus presented a squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder while Mesocricetus displayed diverse lesions in digestive and genital tracts, liver and lungs. All tissue lesions, resembling those seen in humans in all points, were far more frequent and severe in new models than in classic ones. Those involving the urinary bladder have never been reported in other models such as monkeys: Pan troglodytes, Cercopithecus aethiops and Cebus apella. A comparison was carried out between different models on the basis of experimental conditions: definitive hosts, number of cercariae used, type and duration of infection. This study clearly demonstrated that Holochilus brasiliensis, Meriones shawi and M. unguiculatus are perfectly adequate models in terms of laboratory facilities. They are helpful in investigating the pathogenic mechanism of some disorders in S. haematobium infection, particularly tumours of the urinary bladder, and this may enhance therapeutic assays.
Reduction of food intake during pregnancy in rural South India
Authors: Hutter Inge 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA common custom in developing countries is reduction of food intake during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. In the research area in South India, women mentioned that they reduce food intake late in pregnancy. This paper explores whether the reported reduction could be confirmed by quantitative data on food intake; by how much intake was reduced; and whether all women ate less. A group of 186 women in a rural area of Karnataka were followed throughout pregnancy. Most did not achieve the daily food intake recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), not even that of non‐pregnant women. Their average daily energy intake during pregnancy was 1700 kcal. A trend of declining daily energy intake within subjects over the whole period of pregnancy was observed, the biggest change taking place between month 5/6/7 and month 8/9. The major determinant of change in energy intake turned out to be prepregnancy nutritional status, i.e. chronic energy deficiency (CED), measured by body mass index (BMI). Results indicate that women who were better nourished before they became pregnant were more likely to reduce energy intake during pregnancy.
Vibrio cholerae O139: How great is the threat of a pandemic?
Authors: Siddique A. K. , Akram K. , Zaman K. , Mutsuddy P. , Eusof A. , Sack R. B. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe emergence of the new strain Vibrio cholerae O139 and its rapid spread in Bangladesh and India together with its detection in several other countries, have raised the question whether this constitutes the beginning of the eighth pandemic of cholera, and if so, how large a threat it poses. In an attempt to answer this question, epidemic spread patterns of Vibrio cholerae O139 strain in Bangladesh were studied. Initially the epidemic moved quickly and affected the entire coastal and estuarine tidal plains of southern Bangladesh. In the flood plains of the northern regions it affected mostly the north‐eastern and north‐central areas, at a slower pace than in the southern areas. In the beginning the new strain totally displaced both biotypes (classic and El Tor) of Vibrio cholerae O1. Nearly 2 years after its initial detection, striking differences in the distribution of V. cholerae O139 and O1 were observed. In most northern areas, the new strain was replaced by V. cholerae O1, whereas in the southern coastal regions, the O139 strain continues to dominate epidemics. The study suggests that the O139 strain may become endemic in the coastal ecosystem. The threat of a pandemic, therefore, may not be as large as it first seemed.
Drinking water sources, mortality and diarrhea morbidity among young children in Northern Ghana
Authors: Shier R. P. , Dollimore N. , Ross D. A. , Binka F. N. , Quigley M. , Smith P. G. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryIn the Upper East Region of Ghana, considerable resources have been invested in the provision of boreholes. As part of the Ghana Vitamin A Supplementation Trials' Survival Study which was carried out in one of the districts of the Upper East Region between January 1989 and December 1991, data were collected over a period of one calendar year on the drinking water sources used by approximately 13 000 mothers/guardians of over 20 000 children and on the morbidity and mortality experiences of these children. These data were used to describe seasonal and geographical variations in drinking water sources; to look for other predictors of water source use; and to establish whether the drinking water source was associated with the risk of child death or the period prevalence of diarrhea among young children.Boreholes were used as the main source of drinking water by about 60–70% of respondents. They were used slightly more frequently in the dry season. In the rainy season, the use increased of more traditional sources such as rainwater or holes dug in stream beds. The use of boreholes was greatest in the northern zone of the study area and was more common in those who had had some formal education and were of higher socioeconomic status. Some association was found between reported drinking water source and diarrhoeal morbidity, although this association appeared to be seasonal. No significant association was found between drinking water source and child mortality.
Potential interventions for preventing pneumonia among young children in developing countries: promoting maternal education
Authors: van Ginneken Jeroen K. , Lob‐Levyt Julian , Gove Sandy 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe views of various disciplines on the role of education in improving the health and survival of young children in developing countries are discussed, as well as the factors and processes explaining this impact of education and the influence which education could have on risk factors especially relevant to acute respiratory infections (ARI) and pneumonia. This is by reviews of the available evidence on the impact of maternal education on mortality and morbidity. Since there are hardly any data dealing with the impact of education on pneumonia mortality, we focus on post‐neonatal mortality, assuming that it is a suitable proxy for pneumonia mortality. Evidence is summarized on several processes or mechanisms which could explain why there is such an impact of education on ARI mortality (and morbidity) in children below 5. An attempt is made to quantify the reduction in pneumonia mortality which has occurred during the past 10–15 years as a result of improvement in women's education. This will also give an indication of the magnitude of the potential benefits of education for health and survival in the years ahead. Throughout this report we define maternal education as the regular schooling received by women during their youth. Some may have followed additional adult education classes before they became mothers.
Guinea worm disease in Ayod, Upper Nile Province, southern Sudan: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Guthmann J. P. , Mercer A. J. , Gandubert C. , Morin F. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryUpper Nile Province is one of the four main endemic areas for Guinea worm disease in the Sudan. In December 1994, a survey was conducted in the village of Ayod where the disease is endemic, to investigate morbidity and local knowledge of transmission and prevention. Interviews were conducted in households selected by standard cluster sampling procedures and of the 759 people examined, 156 (20.6%) had Guinea worm lesions. Adjusted odds ratios were used to estimate the relative risk for people with different personal or household characteristics in a multivariate analysis. After controlling for the possible confounding effects of other study variables, having a filter in the household, gender, and lack of knowledge about transmission and about prevention, were not associated with lesions. Only two variables were significantly associated with Guinea worm disease: getting water from a source other than a well increased the risk by a factor of 2.3, and being aged 5 years or more increased the risk by a factor of 31.1. This study demonstrates the clear association between the source of water for drinking and Guinea worm disease found elsewhere. We suggest the provision of reliable sources of pure drinking water and health education are the most suitable long‐term preventive measures. The Sudan now represents the greatest challenge to the goal of global eradication of Guinea worm disease, following the reduction in cases in Nigeria. The continuing civil war and insecurity in southern Sudan hinder the implementation of an effective water programme and other control measures, but the potential benefits through reduced incapacity and improved agricultural productivity are considerable.
Development of a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for diethylcarbamazine
Authors: Mitsui Y. , Takamura N. , Fujimaki Y. , Yamaguchi T. , Kitagawa T. , Aoki Y. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA sensitive and reproducible competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of the concentration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) in biological fluids was developed. Since DEC has no functional group to conjugate with bovine serum albumin (BSA), N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐4‐methyl‐1‐piperazinecarboxamide (DEC‐NHJ was first synthesized. This compound was then converted to carboxyl DEC (DEC‐COOH) and conjugated to BSA and to poly‐L‐lysine for use as immunogen and solid‐phase marker, respectively. The competitive ELISA was conducted by simultaneously incubating DEC with mouse anti‐DEC antiserum over DEC‐poly‐L‐lysine solid phase. Subsequently, the binding of anti‐DEC antibody was detected by using sheep anti‐mouse IgG peroxidase conjugate as a tracer. The reliability, determined by the coefficient of variation for inter and intra‐assay, was satisfactory. The cross‐reactivities of anti‐DEC antibodies with DEC metabolites, related compounds and ivermectin were negligible.Using this assay, DEC levels were easily determined in serum of Mongolian jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) up to 4 hours following a single dose of DEC citrate base (100 mg/kg of body weight) via intraperitoneal route.
Population growth in the 21 st century: Cause for crisis or celebration?1
Authors: Cleland John 
Published: November 2003

SummaryBetween now and the end of the next century, the population of the planet is projected to grow from 5.7 billion to somewhere between 9 and 16 billion. In the next 25 years, continued rapid growth is inescapable because of the youthful age structures of many countries. Beyond that point much depends on fertility trends in the coming decades. Continued population growth does not make inevitable any global catastrophe but it will exacerbate greatly problems of underemployment. The prognosis for further fertility declines is good, because the communications revolution is hastening the spread of new ideas and political attitudes are becoming favourable.
Plasmid‐mediated multidrug resistance in Salmonella typhi in Kuwait
Authors: Panigrahi D. , Al‐Aneziz Abdulaziz H. , West P. W. J. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMultidrug resistant Salmonella typhi infection is common in Kuwait. Between January 1993 and December 1994, 266 strains of S. typhi were isolated from blood of suspected typhoid fever cases attending the Infectious Disease Hospital, Kuwait. Of these, 205 strains were isolated from patients from the Indian sub‐continent, 105 (45%) of which showed resistance to one or more drugs; 91 of these resistant strains showed resistance to the oral antimicrobials ampicillin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline and co‐trimoxazole (ACTCo). All 266 isolates were sensitive to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporines. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for ampicillin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline in resistant strains were >1000 μg/ml. All 91 strains with ACTCo resistance pattern transferred their resistance to a recipient E. coli strain, whereas none of the remaining 14 strains with different resistance patterns transferred theirs. This paper reaffirms that multidrug resistant S. typhi is quite common in Kuwait and that such resistance is encoded by auto‐transferring plasmids.
Arginine vasopressin mediates the chloroquine induced increase in renal sodium excretion
Authors: Musabayane C. T. , Windle R. J. , Forsling M. L. , Balment R. J. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe postulated that chloroquine increases plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations thus altering renal Na+clearance. Therefore, we studied a relationship between plasma AVP concentrations and urinary Na+output in separate groups of Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats administered chloroquine (3 μg/min) for 1h 20 min. We also monitored Na+excretion rates in Brattleboro AVP‐deficient Di rats challenged with hypotonic saline load and administered chloroquine for 1 h 20 min. To establish whether chloroquine‐induced changes in renal Na +excretion were mediated via AVP VT receptors, we studied Na+excretion rates in groups of SD rats administered chloroquine or AVP in the presence of AVP V, receptor antagonist (1‐(β‐mercapto‐(β,β‐cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid)‐2‐O‐methyltyrosine arginine vasopressin (d(CH2)5(Tyr(Me)2) AVP) at 11 pmol/min for 1 h 20 min. The Na+ excretion rate rose significantly (P<0.01) from a pretreatment level of 9.8 ± 1.0 μmol/min to a peak of 14.1 ± 0.9 μmol/min in SD rats (n= 7) administered chloroquine. The Na+excretion rate remained unaltered around 8.5 μmol/min in rats simultaneously administered chloroquine and the AVP V1 receptor antagonist. This compared with control rats (8.1 ± 0.5 μmol/min, n= 7) and animals administered AVP V1 receptor antagonist alone (8.7 ± 0.6 μmol/min, n= 7). Chloroquine did not affect urine flow, Na+or K+excretion rates in Brattleboro AVP‐deficient Di rats. Administration of AVP alone was associated with significant increases in renal Na+excretion rate. Blockade of AVP V1receptors abolished the AVP‐dependent increase in urinary Na+loss. We conclude that at least part of the chloroquine‐induced increase in Na+excretion is mediated by chloroquine stimulating an increase in plasma AVP concentration.
Cost and cost effectiveness of mass diethylcarbamazine chemotherapy for the control of bancroftian filariasis: comparison of four strategies in Tanzania
Authors: Michael E. , Meyrowitsch D. W. , Simonsen P. E. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThis study examines the costs and cost effectiveness of four different mass diethylcarbamazine (DEC) chemotherapy regimens—standard dose, semi‐annual single dose, low monthly dose and DEC‐medicated salt—in reducing microfilarial (mf) prevalence at the community level. Costs were estimated for each intervention in relation to both ingredient and activity, by the derivation and use of detailed itemized cost menus. The most expensive and most effective strategy in reducing community mf prevalence over 2 years was DEC salt intervention, followed in order of costs by the standard, low monthly and semi‐annual DEC strategies. The most cost effective strategy was the low monthly DEC treatment. Cost and sensitivity analyses, however, suggest that the optimal choice of mass DEC strategy for reducing mf is very sensitive to programme design parameters. In particular, the results demonstrate that if the salt delivery structure is simplified, DEC salt has the potential to be the dominant intervention for filariasis control. The results suggest that economies of scale considerations might militate against the adoption of this intervention for large‐scale applications, unless perhaps offset by its potential for cost recovery by direct patient purchase. Further analyses require a more realistic evaluation of filariasis intervention effectiveness by addressing changes in infection intensity and by accounting for the population dynamics of parasite transmission and control.