bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triclabendazole: new skills to unravel an old(ish) enigma
Authors: Fairweather I. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTriclabendazole was introduced in the early 1980s for the treatment of Fasciola hepatica infections in livestock. Due to its high activity against immature flukes, it has become established as the principal anti-fluke drug on the market. More recently, triclabendazole has been used to treat human cases of fascioliasis and is now the drug of choice for this infection, too. Resistance to triclabendazole was first reported in 1995 in a field population in Australia and, since that time, resistant populations have been identified in several countries in Europe. Parallel to the spread of resistance has been a sharp increase in the prevalence of fascioliasis, which has been attributed largely to climate changes. Consequently, farmers are faced with an alarming scenario, as none of the other fasciolicides on the market possess such high activity against the damaging immature stages of fluke. The main aim of this review is to assess current understanding of the mechanism of action of triclabendazole against the fluke and the mechanism by which the fluke has become resistant to it. The use of triclabendazole against animal and human infections is summarized and suggestions are given on ways to deal with resistance. Gaps in the knowledge of various aspects of its use are highlighted and this may serve to open up future research areas.
Fas2-ELISA in the detection of human infection by Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Espinoza J.R. , Timoteo O. , Herrera-Velit P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractFasciola hepatica has recently emerged as a major pathogen of humans from reports on areas of endemicity and hyper-endemicity for fascioliasis. This situation is aggravated by the lack of standard assays for the screen diagnosis of F. hepatica infection in humans living in endemic areas. Our laboratory has developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Fas2-ELISA) based on the capture of IgG antibody by a purified protein Fas2, which is an adult fluke cysteine proteinase. Fas2-ELISA exhibited 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity in 38 individuals infected with F. hepatica diagnosed by finding eggs in stools and 46 serum samples from healthy volunteers. No cross-reaction was observed with 54 serum samples from patients with ten different parasitic infections including the trematodes Paragonimus westermani and Schistosoma mansoni. The high antigenicity of Fas2 is suggested by the fact that antibodies to Fas2 rise rapidly by 1–2 weeks of infection and rise until patency at 8 weeks of infection in experimentally infected alpacas. Field screening for human fascioliasis using Fas2-ELISA and coprology in three endemic locations of the Peruvian Andes resulted in 95.5% sensitivity, 86.6% specificity in a population of 664 children in an age range of 1 to 16 years old. These results provide evidence of the clinical potential of Fas2-ELISA to diagnose fascioliasis in humans exposed to liver fluke infection in endemic areas for this parasite. Fas2-ELISA is currently developed as a standard assay for both field screening for fascioliasis in people living in endemic areas and detecting occasionally F. hepatica infected patients in clinical laboratories.
Fasciola antigens as vaccines against fascioliasis and schistosomiasis
Authors: Hillyer G.V. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractFascioliasis is an important trematode infection of herbivores worldwide with increasing evidence of prevalence as a disease of humans. Vaccination studies with purified native and recombinant Fasciola antigens suggest that this approach to diminished morbidity and mortality and reduced transmission is a realistic goal. Among the major potential vaccine candidates are fatty acid binding protein (FABP), cysteine (cathepsin) proteases, haemoglobulin, leucine aminopeptidase, and a saposin-like protein. In the case of Fasciola hepatica FABP, cross-reaction and cross-protection against Schistosoma mansoni is an important feature. In addition to protective effects with significant worm burden reductions, some vaccine candidates also have anti-fecundity (smaller flukes), anti-pathology (less liver lesions), and anti-embryonation effects. Optimism is tempered by the fact that fascioliasis in humans is an orphan disease and in need of governmental and foundation support.
Urinary schistosomiasis on Zanzibar: application of two novel assays for the detection of excreted albumin and haemoglobin in urine
Authors: Rollinson D. , Klinger E.V. , Mgeni A.F. , Khamis I.S. , Stothard J.R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAs part of a urinary schistosomiasis control programme on Zanzibar, an aged cross-sectional survey of 305 children from three schools on Unguja was conducted to investigate the relationships between levels of excreted albumin and haemoglobin in urine and Schistosoma haematobium infection status. Diagnosis was determined by standard parasitological methods, dipstick reagents for microhaematuria, visual inspection for macrohaematuria as well as collection of case-history questionnaire data for self-diagnosis. Prevalence of infection as determined by parasitology was 53.9% and approximately, one quarter of the children examined were anaemic (<11 g dl−1). A statistically significant negative association of blood haemoglobin levels of boys and S. haematobium infection intensity status was observed (rs=−0.23, P=0.005). Through sensitivity analysis of urine-albumin values it was determined that a concentration of above >40 mg l−1, as measured with the HemoCue urine-albumin photometer, had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 0.90, 0.83, 0.86 and 0.89 respectively against ‘gold-standard’ parasitology. There was a clear association of reported pain upon micturition for children with elevated urine-albumin levels, with an odds ratio of 20 to 1. Levels of excreted blood in urine were quantified with the HemoCue Plasma/Low Hb photometer. However, dipsticks remain the method of choice for urine-haemoglobin of 0.1 g l−1 and below. Urine parameters over a 24-h period were assessed in a small sub-sample. Reductions in both albumin and haemoglobin excretion were observed in 11 children 54 days after praziquantel treatment. It was concluded that these rapid, high-through-put, portable HemoCue assays could play a role in better describing and monitoring the occurrence, severity and evolution of urinary schistosomiasis disease. The urine-albumin assay has particular promise as a biochemical marker of S. haematobium induced kidney- and upper urinary tract-morbidity.
The interaction of Schistosoma haematobium and S. guineensis in Cameroon
Authors: Webster B.L. , Tchuem Tchuenté L.A. , Jourdane J. , Southgate V.R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractInteractions between schistosomes are complex with some different species being able to mate and hybridize. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis in specific areas of South West Cameroon has evolved remarkably over 30 years as a result of hybridization between Schistosoma guineensis and S. haematobium. Morphological and biological data suggest that S. haematobium replaced S. guineensis in areas of Cameroon through introgressive hybridization. Data are reported on the use of single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the nuclear ribosomal second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of individual schistosomes from hybrid zones of Cameroon. The data show that since 1990 S. haematobium has completely replaced S. guineensis in Loum, with S. haematobium and the recombinants still present in 2000. This study illustrates the complexities of the dynamics between S. haematobium and S. guineensis in South West Cameroon.
Development of a novel nutrition screening tool for use in elderly South Africans
Authors: Charlton KE , Kolbe-Alexander TL , Nel JH 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a nutrition screening tool for use in older South Africans.DesignA cross-sectional validation study in 283 free-living and institutionalised black South Africans (60+ years).MethodsTrained fieldworkers administered a 24-hour recall and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) screening tool, and performed anthropometric measurements and physical function tests. Cognitive function was assessed using a validated version of the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test. Biochemical indicators assessed included serum albumin, haemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin B12, red-blood-cell folate, cholesterol and vitamin C. The MNA was used as the gold standard against which a novel screening tool was developed using a six-step systematic approach, namely: correspondence analysis; identification of key questions; determination of internal consistency; correlational analyses with objective measures; determination of reference cut-off values for categories of nutritional risk; and determination of sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe new screening tool includes nine separate concepts, comprising a total of 14 questions, as well as measurement of mid-upper arm circumference. The new tool score was positively associated with level of independence in either basic activities of daily living (r= 0.472) or the more complex instrumental activities of daily living (r= 0.233). A three-category scoring system of nutritional risk was developed and shown to significantly characterise subjects according to physical function tests, level of independence and cognitive function. The new tool has good sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (95.0%) compared with the MNA scoring system. It has a very high negative predictive value (99.5%), which means that the tool is unlikely to falsely classify subjects as well nourished/at risk when they are in fact malnourished.ConclusionA novel screening tool has been shown to have content-, construct- and criterion-related validity, and the individual items have been shown to have good internal consistency. Further validation of the tool in a new population of elderly Africans is warranted.
Obesity in South Africa: challenges for government and health professionals
Authors: Kruger H Salome , Puoane Thandi , Senekal Marjanne , van der Merwe M-Theresa 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo review data on the prevalence, causes and health consequences of obesity in South Africa and propose interventions to prevent and treat obesity and related outcomes.MethodsData from existing literature were reviewed with an emphasis on changing eating and activity patterns, cultural factors, perceptions and beliefs, urbanisation and globalisation. Results of studies on the health consequences of obesity in South Africans are also reviewed.ResultsShifts in dietary intakes and activity patterns to higher fat intakes and lower physical activity are contributing to a higher prevalence of obesity. Few overweight black women view themselves as overweight, and some associate thinness with HIV/AIDS. Glucose and lipid toxicity, associated with insulin resistance, play roles in the pathogenesis of the co-morbid diseases of obesity. Elevated free fatty acids in the black population predispose obese black patients to type 2 diabetes.Conclusion and recommendationsObesity prevention and treatment should be based on education, behaviour change, political support, intersectoral collaboration and community participation, local actions, wide inclusion of the population, adequately resourced programmes, infiltration of existing initiatives, evidence-based planning, and proper monitoring and evaluation. Interventions should have the following components: reasonable weight goals, healthful eating, physical activity and behavioural change. Genes and mutations affecting susceptibility to the development of co-morbidities of obesity and vulnerable periods of life for the development of obesity should be prioritised. Prevention should be managed in community services, identification of high-risk patients in primary healthcare services and treatment of co-morbid diseases in hospital services.
Prevalence and determinants of stunting and overweight in 3-year-old black South African children residing in the Central Region of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mamabolo Ramoteme L , Alberts Marianne , Steyn Nelia P , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A , Levitt Naomi S 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of stunting, wasting and overweight and their determinants in 3-year-old children in the Central Region of Limpopo Province, South Africa.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingRural villages in the Central Region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.SubjectsOne hundred and sixty-two children who were followed from birth were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic characteristics of the children were recorded.ResultsHeight-for-age Z-scores were low, with a high prevalence of stunting (48%). The children also exhibited a high prevalence of overweight (22%) and obesity (24%). Thirty-one (19%) children were both stuntedandoverweight. Gaining more weight within the first year of life increased the risk of being overweight at 3 years by 2.39 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96–4.18) while having a greater length at 1 year was protective against stunting (odds ratio (OR) 0.41; 95% CI 0.17–0.97). Having a mother as a student increased the risk for stunting at 3 years by 18.21 times (95% CI 9.46–34.74) while having a working mother increased the risk for overweight by 17.87 times (95% CI 8.24–38.78). All these factors also appeared as risks or as being protective in children who were both overweight and stunted, as did living in a household having nine or more persons (OR 5.72; 95% CI 2.7–12.10).ConclusionThe results of this study highlight the importance of evaluating anthropometric status in terms of both stunting and overweight. Furthermore, it is important to realise the importance of normal length and weight being attained at 1 year of age, since these in turn predict nutritional status at 3 years of age.
Reducing iron deficiency anaemia due to heavy menstural blood loss in Nigerian rural adolescents. Reprinted from Public Health Nutrition Volume 1 (4), 249–257, 1998
Authors: Barr Fiona , Brabin Loretta , Agbaje Shola , Buseri Feikumo , Ikimalo John , Briggs Nimi 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveMenstrual disorders are common in young women, and heavy menstrual blood losses (MBL) are an important cause of anaemia. Menstrual morbidity normally goes untreated in developing countries where cultural barriers also serve to make the problems. We investigated the prevelance of menstrual morbidity, and measured MBL and its relationship to iron deficiency in a rural adolescent population. The rationale was to assess whether or not reducing heavy MBL could be part of a strategy to reduce iron deficiency anaemia.SettingRural village in south-east Nigeria.DesignCross-sectional survey.SubjectsThe studdy included all non-pregnant, unmarried nulliparous girls (< 20 years) who had menstruated, and who lived in K'Dere village.MethodsA field worker allocated to each girl completed a questionnaire, and supervised recovery and collection of soiled pads and ensured blood sampling. MBL was measured using the standard alkaline haematin method. Haemoglobin (HB), serum iron, transferin saturation and protoporphyrin levels (ZPP) were also measured.Results307 girls completed MBL measurements; 11.9% refused to participate. 12.1% had menorrhagia (> 80 ml);. median MBL was 33.1 ml. Menorrhagia was more frequent in girls who had menstruated for > 2 years (p= 0.048), and had longer duration of meneses (p < 0.001). Iron status as measured by haematocrit, serum iron, transferrin saturation and ZPP values was inversely related to MBL. Neither height nor body mass index for age was associated with current iron status.ConclusionsThe level of menorrhagia detected (12%) may be an ‘expected’ level for a condition which often has no underlying pathology. Heavy MBL is one of the most important factors contributing to iron deficiency anaemia. Measures are needed to alleviate menstrual disorders and improve iron status. Oral contraceptives can be part of a strategy to reduce anaemia, particularly for adolescents at high risk of unwanted pregnancies.
SNP detection and genetic mapping of porcine genes encoding enzymes in hepatic metabolic pathways and evaluation of linkage with carcass traits
Authors: Ponsuksili S. , Chomdej S. , Murani E. , Bläser U. , Schreinemachers H.‐J. , Schellander K. , Wimmers K. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe have previously identified and mapped porcine expressed sequence tags (ESTs) derived from genes that are preferentially expressed in liver. The aim of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in porcine genes encoding enzymes in hepatic metabolic pathways and use the SNPs for mapping. Furthermore, these genes, which are involved in utilization and partitioning of nutrients, were examined for their effects on carcass and meat quality traits by linkage analyses. In total, 100 ESTs were screened for SNPs by single strand conformation polymorphism analyses across a diverse panel of animals with a 36% success rate. Twelve of 36 polymorphic loci segregated in a three‐generation Duroc × Berlin Miniature Pig (F2) resource population, the DUMI resource population, and were genetically mapped. Interval mapping of the corresponding chromosomes was performed to verify mapping of the genes within quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions detected in this resource population. QTL with genome‐wide significance were detected in the vicinity of GNMT, ESTL147 and HGD. These loci therefore are positional candidate genes.
Light penetration in soil and particulate minerals
Authors: Ciani A. , Goss K.‐U. , Schwarzenbach R. P. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryKnowledge of light penetration in soils is of particular interest for photolytic degradation of pesticides, for laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy and remote sensing, and for understanding better the germination of seeds. To date little information has been available in the literature on this topic. In this paper light penetration in soils is determined successfully using diffuse reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy and the relatively simple Kubelka–Munk model. Using the latter model of light propagation in turbid media, the optical properties of kaolinite, montmorillonite, barium sulphate, goethite and 19 different soils were determined in the wavelength range 275–700 nm. In particular, the light absorption coefficient, k, and light scattering coefficient, s, were determined. The depth at which the light intensity at the surface is reduced by 99% (light penetration depth) and the depth of the sample contributing to the measured reflected radiation (information depth) could also be calculated from k and s. For kaolinite, the light penetration depth ranged between 10 and 200 µm for wavelengths between 275 and 700 nm, respectively; the information depth was between 5 and 80 µm. For soils, the penetration depth was in the range 17–110 µm at 275 nm and 120–300 µm at 700 nm, and the information depth was in the range 8–60 µm at 275 nm and 60–175 µm at 700 nm. Hence, the information depth is about half the penetration depth for media with reflectance smaller than 0.7 (e.g. soils). For dry soils, an empirical relationship was established between the light absorption coefficient and the amount of particle‐size fractions. The effect of water content was also investigated: addition of water to kaolinite reduced its scattering coefficients, whereas the absorption coefficient was hardly affected. For the soils, addition of water had a more complex mode of action affecting both absorption and scattering coefficients. With the measured optical properties of dry minerals and soils it is possible to calculate light intensity profiles with depth and to quantify photochemical processes occurring in these media.
Transformation of haematite and Al‐poor goethite to Al‐rich goethite and associated yellowing in a ferralitic clay soil profile of the middle Amazon Basin (Manaus, Brazil)
Authors: Fritsch E. , Morin G. , Bedidi A. , Bonnin D. , Balan E. , Caquineau S. , Calas G. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe red and yellow colours of ferralitic soils in the tropics have for long intrigued pedologists. We have investigated the upward yellowing in a 10‐m thick profile representative of the Ferralsols of the plateaux of the Manaus region of Brazil. We determined changes in the nature and crystal chemistry of their Fe oxides by optical and Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction patterns. We attribute the upward yellowing of the soil to a progressive transformation of the Fe oxides at nearly invariant iron contents. Aluminium in contrast is strongly mobilized in the uppermost clay‐depleted topsoil where there is preferential dissolution of kaolinite and crystallization of gibbsite. Haematite decreases from 35 to 10% of the Fe oxides from the bottom to the top of the profile and the particles become smaller (75–10 nm). Its Al for Fe‐substitution remains almost unchanged (10–15 mol %). The average Al‐substitution rate of goethite increases from 25 to 33 mol %, and its mean crystal diameter remains in the range 20–40 nm. The proportion of Al‐rich goethite (33 mol %) increases at the expense of less Al‐substituted Fe oxides (haematite and goethite). This conversion with restricted transfer of iron means that the amount of Al stored in Fe oxides gradually increases. Kaolinite, haematite and Al‐poor goethite are thus witnesses of earlier stages of ferralitization of the soil. In contrast, Al‐rich goethite and gibbsite initiate the alitization (or bauxitization) of the soil. They correspond to the last generation of soil minerals, which most likely reflects the present‐day weathering conditions. The progressive replacement of kaolinite, haematite and Al‐poor goethite by new generations of Al‐rich goethite and gibbsite attests to greater activities of water and aluminium and smaller activity of aqueous silica in the topsoil than in the subsoil. We interpret this as a consequence of longer periods of wetting in the topsoil that could result from soil aging, more humid climate or both.
Modifications to the Freundlich equation to describe anion sorption over a large range and to describe competition between pairs of ions
Authors: Barrow N. J. , Cartes P. , Mora M. L. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe measured sorption of selenite and phosphate, both separately and in competition, in a Chilean Andisol. We also used previously published data for competitive sorption of arsenate and phosphate by a clay subsoil. We wrote computer programs that allowed us to compare the fits of differing versions of equations to describe individual sorption and competitive sorption. For the selenite–phosphate data, the index term of the Freundlich equation decreased as concentration increased. This was described using the Sibbesen modification of the Freundlich equation. This modification was then included in competition equations. For both the selenite–phosphate and the arsenate–phosphate data, competition was not ‘symmetrical’, that is, the competition terms were not reciprocals of each other. We think this occurred because competition between ions is not only competition for adsorption sites but also involves electrical effects that follow penetration of the surface.