bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School enrolment in Zanzibar linked to children’s age and helminth infections
Authors: Montresor Antonio , Ramsan Mahdi , Chwaya Hababu M. , Ameir Haji , Foum Ali , Albonico Marco , Gyorkos Theresa W. , Savioli Lorenzo 
Published: March 2003

School health programmes have been identified as a cost‐effective strategy to reduce morbidity due to soil‐transmitted helminths in the school‐age population, but the low rate of school enrolment in developing countries is a major factor limiting their success. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to identify reasons for non‐enrolment and to evaluate differences in the occurrence of helminth infection between enrolled and non‐enrolled children in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania. METHOD A questionnaire was submitted to 520 households to obtain information about enrolment and other socio‐economic indicators. In addition, one school‐age child was randomly selected in each household and investigated for soil‐transmitted helminth infection. RESULTS Overall, 71% of school‐age children were enrolled. Enrolment increased with age. Only 41% of children under 9 years of age were enrolled compared to 91% in children older than 12 years. Enrolment is delayed because of an insufficient number of schools. Among non‐enrolled school‐age children, the proportion of heavy intensity infections was twice that of enrolled school‐age children. CONCLUSIONS Most of the non‐enrolled school‐age children live together with enrolled siblings in the same household, thereby representing an important opportunity for effective outreach activities. The effectiveness of the school‐based helminth control programme in reducing the intensity of infection was confirmed. The significant gains achieved by enrolled school‐age children in this study must be viewed as an attainable goal for the important numbers of non‐enrolled school‐age children in endemic areas. Decision‐makers must ensure that outreach activities are included in helminth control programmes targeted to school‐age children.
Clinical predictors of bacterial meningitis in infants and young children in The Gambia
Authors: Weber Martin W. , Herman Joanna , Jaffar Shabbar , Usen Stanley , Oparaugo Anslem , Omosigho Charles , Adegbola Richard A. , Greenwood Brian M. , Mulholland E. Kim 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBackground  Bacterial meningitis is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality world‐wide. In the developing world, where the burden of acute meningitis and its long‐term sequelae are especially high, staff with limited training at primary health care facilities must be able to recognize the symptoms and signs of meningitis, so that suspected cases can be referred urgently to hospitals.Methods  Children who presented with possible invasive bacterial infection to health facilities in The Gambia, West Africa, between 1993 and 1995 were investigated in a standardized manner and clinical findings were documented. Bacterial meningitis was defined as the growth of bacteria from the cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical findings were compared between cases of meningitis and other children.Results  Of 2097 children between 2 months and 3 years of age investigated, 51 had a confirmed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In multivariate analysis using a model adjusting for age but not including respiratory signs, the variables associated independently with meningitis were appearance of being very sick (odds ratio for meningitis vs. no meningitis or no lumbar puncture performed (OR) 4.1, 95% CI 1.5–11.1), being lethargic or unconscious (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.1–13), a stiff neck (OR 29.3, 95% CI 12.2–70.3), a bulging fontanel (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2–8.5) and reduced feeding as a prompted complaint (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.7). A combination model of a history of convulsions, or being lethargic or unconscious, or having a stiff neck, as used in the WHO–Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines, had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 72% to predict meningitis.Conclusions  A combination of a limited number of signs is sufficient to predict meningitis with high sensitivity, without a large number of children who do not have meningitis being unnecessarily referred.
Prevalence of diurnally subperiodic bancroftian filariasis among the Nicobarese in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: effect of age and gender
Authors: Shriram A. N. , Murhekar M. V. , Ramaiah K. D. , Sehgal S. C. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey to assess the prevalence of disease and microfilaraemia caused by diurnally subperiodic strain of Wuchereria bancrofti transmitted by day biting Aedes niveus in Teressa Island, remotely located in the Nicobar district of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Lymphatic filariasis is a considerable public health problem on this island with an overall endemicity rate of 16.2%. There was a gradual increase in microfilaraemia prevalence with age, reaching a plateau above 30 years. Both the microfilaraemia and disease rates were significantly higher in males (14.7% and 5.2%) than females (8.6% and 1.5%, P < 0.001). The age and gender specific distribution of chronic manifestations show a gradual increase with age, whereas acute disease started to occur from age 40 in males. Hydrocele (84.6%) was the commonest disease manifestation among males, whereas lymphoedema was the only manifestation encountered among females. As vector control measures are not practicable in this setting, chemotherapy using diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the only potential option to control this disease.
Chloroquine and sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine efficacy for uncomplicated malaria treatment and haematological recovery in children in Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso during a 3‐year period 1998–2000
Authors: Tinto H. , Zoungrana E. B. , Coulibaly S. O. , Ouedraogo J. B. , Traoré M. , Guiguemde T. R. , Van Marck E. , D'Alessandro U. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe determined the parasitological resistance and the clinical failure to chloroquine (CQ) and sulphadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) by the WHO 14‐day in vivo test over three consecutive years in 948 children aged 6–59 months with uncomplicated malaria attending four health centres in the province of Houet, Burkina Faso. Children were alternatively allocated to either CQ or SP. Packed cell volume (PCV) was measured at days 0 and 14. Parasitological resistance (RI, RII and RIII) to CQ was 18% (83 of 455) and to SP <1% (two of 308). Clinical failure with CQ was 12% (53 of 455) with no evidence of increase over time. Only one case of clinical failure was detected among the children treated with SP. The prevalence of anaemia (PCV <25%) was about 40% at day 0 and had decreased substantially by day 14 in both groups. However, in children treated with SP the prevalence of anaemia at day 14 was significantly lower than in those treated with CQ:RR = 3.15 (95% CI: 1.33–7.42, P = 0.008). CQ and SP are still efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children, at least in this area of Burkina Faso. However, the prevalences of CQ resistance reported from other areas of the country are worrying because of its potential spread. Regular surveillance of resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs should continue.
Changes in IgE antibodies to soy in sensitized and control dogs after challenge using three diets in a crossover design
Authors: Kennis R. A. , Tizard I. , Hannah S. , Ermel R. , Dziezyc J. , Bauer J. E. 
Published: March 2003

The objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that food‐allergen‐sensitized dogs would produce higher levels of IgE antibodies to soy after challenge with an intact soy diet, compared with egg‐based (elimination diet), hydrolyzed soy‐ and corn‐based diets. Eight dogs were sensitized with six food allergens by subcutaneous injections. Seven dogs were used as nonsensitized controls. All dogs were fed an elimination diet containing egg and Brewer’s rice (to neither of which any dog had been sensitized) for six weeks. Serum samples were collected, frozen (−20°C), and submitted to Greer Laboratories® for ELISA analysis. The 15 dogs were randomly assigned into three groups and fed a pelleted diet consisting of hydrolyzed soy/corn starch, intact soy/corn starch or intact corn diet using a crossover design. After a three‐week challenge, serum samples were collected. All dogs were placed on the elimination diet during the 6‐week washout periods. ELISA results were expressed as relative values (%R) compared with pooled canine sera. There was a statistically significant difference between sensitized and control dogs for all diets including the elimination diet (SASS®). While there was a modest %R increase when intact soy was fed, no statistically significant differences in serum IgE to soy were found for any of the diets. We were unable to reject the null hypothesis (P < 0.05). Sponsored by a research grant through Nestle Purina Pet Care Company.
Easy way to differentiate short‐tailed demodectic mite from Demodex canis
Authors: Chen C. , Hou C. C. , Bourdeau P. J. 
Published: March 2003

Mixed infestations of Demodex canis and a short‐tailed demodectic mite were reported from several countries since late the 1980s. Differentiations based on measurement of the length of this short demodectic mite have been inconclusive until now. Over 500 adult demodectic mites were collected by tape strip and skin scrapings from a 4‐year‐old intact male Shih Tzu dog with severe juvenile‐onset generalized demodicosis. The dog had a mixed infestation of D. canis and the short‐tailed demodectic mite. Two studies were performed on the mites. In the first study, 200 mites were divided into two groups based on different morphology. Group 1: mites short body, rounded end of abdomen, one to three fold lines bilaterally on the abdomen. These criteria were used by the investigators to define the ‘short‐tailed’ demodectic mite. Group 2: mites with a slender and tapering free body end and no bilateral abdominal fold lines. One hundred mites were counted in each group. In the second study, 298 mites’ measurements were made independent of body shape. Total body length, width and body ratio of gnathosoma plus podosoma (= prosoma) to opisthosoma were measured. The total body length and width did not easily differentiate the two mites. The body ratio plus morphological characteristics of the rounded end of the abdomen appear to be the easiest method to identify the short‐tailed demodectic mite in the clinic. This study was supported by the Association of Veterinary Dermatology, Taipei.
Stripped skin model to predict irritation potential of topical agents in vivo in humans
Authors: Zhai MD Hongbo , Poblete BS Nicholas , Maibach MD Howard I. 
Published: March 2003

Background and objective The prediction of the irritation effects of products of low irritation potential remains problematic. An in vivo human model was utilized to define the irritation potential of a topical agent after partial removal of the stratum corneum by cellophane tape stripping. Methods The tape was applied to and removed approximately 50 times (mean, 50.0 ± 16.7) from each test site on the volar aspect of the forearm. One site served as the stripping control, receiving tape stripping only. The other test sites received the topical agent and placebo control. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured before and daily for 5 days. The TEWL values at baseline after stripping represented the point of maximal stripping barrier disruption. The barrier disruption and irritation potential were assessed with TEWL measurements. Results The results showed that the model topical agent had no adverse effect on barrier repair, i.e. did not interfere with TEWL normalization. Conclusions This model provides a method for the prediction, with exaggerated sensitivity, of chemical irritation and proclivity to enhance or retard water barrier repair. We believe that the model may predict the response of low irritation materials and may be more sensitive than patch testing on normal skin, particularly for products to be used on certain areas, e.g. the face, anus, etc., or even mucous membranes. The model must receive extensive use with chemicals of varying properties in order to define its chemical relevance.
Pemphigus vulgaris: benefits of tetracycline as adjuvant therapy in a series of thirteen patients
Authors: Calebotta Adriana , Sáenz Ana María , González Francisco , Carvalho Marisol , Castillo Ricardo 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Tetracycline is an antibiotic which has been proven beneficial as an immunomodulating drug in the treatment of autoimmune bullous diseases. Methods Thirteen hospitalized patients with pempigus vulgaris received tetracycline2 g/day for 1 month, then 1 g/day for the following 4 weeks. Prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day was then gradually reduced. The control group consisted of seven patients with pemphigus who had received prednisone and azathioprine. Results A total of 13 patients in the study group achieved cessation of new blister formation within 5.4 days, compared to 23.71 days (p < 0.0001). The average initial dose of prednisone was 76.53 mg/day for the study group and 118.57 mg/day in the control group (p < 0.014). The average number of days before reduction of the prednisone dosage could begin was 16.53 days for the study group compared to 31.28 days in the control (p < 0.049). Total hospitalization time was also significantly lower: 34.07 days(p < 0.001). The clinical response was not linked to the location of lesions nor to severity of disease. Conclusions Tetracycline was shown to be effective as an adjuvant therapy for pemphigus with low toxicity and safety.
Computerized system to enhance the clinical diagnosis of pigmented cutaneous malignancies
Authors: Landau Marina , Matz Hagit , Tur Ethel , And Menachem Dvir , Brenner Sarah 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  An increase in the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in recent years has not been accompanied by satisfactory progress in diagnostic methods. This study was carried out to evaluate a specially designed computerized image analysis system, called Derma Vision, to aid in the differentiation between malignant and benign cutaneous pigmented lesions. Methods  Seventy‐one lesions were photographed with a digital camera and the data were analyzed by the Derma Vision system. The system assessed the variation of hues in each image, calculated the mean standard deviation of the hues, and produced a value that expressed the range of hues in the lesion. The lesions were then excised and examined histologically. The computer‐assisted clinical diagnosis was correlated with the histologic diagnosis to determine the accuracy of the former. Results  Derma Vision predicted the malignant character of a lesion with 92% precision, compared with 87% accuracy based only on the clinical features. Conclusions  This simple, inexpensive device can boost the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and provide a useful tool to the physician faced increasingly with having to determine whether pigmented lesions are malignant or benign.
Rosacea induced by beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray
Authors: Egan Conleth A.. , Mb . , Mrcpi . , Rallis Tena M.. , Meadows Kappa P.. , Krueger Gerald G.. 
Published: March 2003

Case 1 A 46‐year‐old white woman presented with a new‐onset facial eruption that had developed soon after she had started to use a beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The patient did not complain of a history of facial flushing. On examination, she had inflammatory papules and pustules on a background of erythema localized around the mouth and paranasal area, extending onto both cheeks with sparing of the vermilion of the lips (
Fig. 1). The patient had no clinical evidence of conjunctivitis. She stopped the steroid spray and started to use desonide cream topically twice daily and minocycline 100 mg a day. After 8 weeks of therapy and stopping the steroid spray, the patient’s eruption had resolved completely without recurrence.Patient 1 with inflammatory papules and pustules localized around the nose and mouthimageCase 2 A 42‐year‐old white woman presented with a history of flushing, facial erythema, and perinasal inflammatory papules. These symptoms had worsened after she had started to use a beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. On examination, she had facial erythema and telangiectasia with inflammatory papules on her nose. The patient stopped using the steroid spray and began applying metronidazole 0.75% cream twice a day with resolution of the inflammatory lesions and diminution of facial flushing.
The frequency of common nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia
Authors: Plunkett Anne , Merlin Kate , Gill David , Zuo Yeqin , Jolley Damien , Marks Robin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background Nonmalignant skin conditions are believed to be common in adults, although there are very few community‐based studies to determine their exact frequency. Objective To record the prevalence of common, nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia. Methods A total of 1457 respondents from a random selection of adults aged 20 years and over from Maryborough, central Victoria, were given a total body examination by a dermatologist or dermatology trainee. People with any nail or skin signs suggestive of tinea had scrapings taken for fungal culture. Results The age‐ and sex‐adjusted prevalence of warts was 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.8–8.4%), acne 12.8% (95% CI, 11.0–14.5%), atopic dermatitis 6.9% (95% CI, 5.6–8.3%), seborrheic dermatitis 9.7% (95% CI, 8.2–11.2%), asteatotic dermatitis 8.6% (95% CI, 7.1–10.0%), psoriasis 6.6% (95% CI, 5.7–7.9%), culture‐positive tinea 12% (95% CI, 10.3–13.6%), seborrheic keratoses 58.2% (95% CI, 55.6–60.7%), and Campbell de Morgan spots (cherry angiomas) 54.4% (95% CI, 51.9–57.0%). There was variation in the prevalence of many of these conditions with age. Conclusions This study demonstrates that nonmalignant skin conditions are common in adults in Australia. Their diagnosis and management represent a considerable burden not only to those suffering from the conditions, but also to the health system which provides for their care.
Meteorological parameters and the pattern of dermatology clinic attendance through a calendar year: a Sri Lankan experience
Authors: Kumarasinghe Sujith P. W. 
Published: March 2003

Background Dermatology clinic attendance at a major hospital depends on many factors. We planned to determine the monthly variations of skin disease presentation and whether there was a correlation between the clinic attendance pattern of skin diseases and meteorological parameters. Methods The dermatology clinic attendance pattern was studied prospectively throughout a calendar year on a monthly basis at the dermatology clinic of the General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka. One thousand and twenty‐three consecutive dermatology consultations in the private sector were also analyzed for comparison. Meteorological data were obtained from the Government Department of Meteorology. Results A total of 7419 first visit patients were seen at the general hospital. July and September recorded the highest number (718 each) and April recorded the lowest (426). The lowest relative humidity was in March (75%) and the highest in October (87%). The average maximum temperature ranged from 31.2 °C (April) to 29.1 °C (August, September). Average rainfall was between 622 mm (October) and 59 mm (June). Of the diseases considered to have a relationship to meteorological parameters, miliaria showed the biggest fluctuation (27 in May to zero in August). Photodermatitis was highest in August. The variation in asteatotic dermatitis patients was minimal. Dermatitis and fungal diseases comprised over 50% of clinic attendance throughout the year in both the state and private sectors. Conclusions Although there were significant fluctuations in several disease categories in different months, a clear linear correlation between meteorological parameters and the disease presentation pattern could not be established. This could be due to the narrow range of variation in the meteorological parameters in the geographic area and the multiple variables involved in persons presenting to the dermatology clinic.
Pediculosis capitis in northern Jordan
Authors: Amr Zuhair S. , Nusier Mohamad K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background  Little is known about the prevalence of pediculosis among school students in northern Jordan.Objective  To study the incidence of pediculosis among school students of different socio‐economic levels in northern Jordan.Method  A total of 2519 school students of both sexes enrolled in eight elementary governmental schools were examined for the presence of Pediculus capitis. Schools were grouped into four socio‐economic classes: very low (VL), low (L), medium (M), and high (H). The chi‐squared test was performed to analyze the results.Results  Overall, 338 students (13.4%) were infested with nits, immature or adult P. capitis. Girls showed a higher prevalence (14.5%) than boys (11.1%).Statistical analysis  for socio‐economic classes and infestation rates yielded a significant effect of the four classes on infestation. This conclusion was evident among schoolgirls, where infestation rates were 28.8%, 18.9%, 6.1%, and 0.2% in VL, L, M, and H socio‐economic classes, respectively. Schoolchildren in the age group 8–9 years exhibited higher prevalence rates (16% in boys and 22.1% in girls), while prevalences declined to 10.2% and 6.6% among boys and girls aged 10–12 years, respectively.Conclusions  This study reveals that socio‐economic status is a major factor influencing the occurrence of pediculosis among school students of both sexes in Jordan. A national campaign should be implemented to enhance public awareness.
Climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis at the Dead Sea: demographic evaluation and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Harari Marco , Shani Jashovam , Seidl Vladimir , Hristakieva Eugenia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground About 21% of the patients coming yearly to the DMZ Clinic at the Dead Sea for climatotherapy suffer from atopic dermatitis. This is a common, chronic, and relapsing disease which necessitates drug treatment (topical corticosteroids, antimicrobials, antihistamines, or immunomodulators), phototherapy, or climatotherapy.Objective and methods As the improvement in the condition of patients after 4 weeks of climatotherapy at the Dead Sea is remarkable, we undertook to evaluate the demographic factors that have the strongest impact on this beneficial effect, in adults and children. The major factors studied were: gender, previous medical history, previous stays at the Dead Sea, skin type, skin involvement, age, and duration of treatment.Results A retrospective study of 1718 patients revealed that previous treatments at the Dead Sea and stays longer than 4 weeks caused a clearance greater than 95%, the length of sun exposure was no longer than 5 h daily, and there was no impact of the percentage of skin involvement on the clearance of patients staying more than 4 weeks.Conclusions Climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis at the Dead Sea is a highly effective modality for treating this disease. It is also a highly cost‐effective method, as the patients take no medications and experience no side‐effects. Successful climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis requires strict medical supervision throughout the whole length of the patient’s stay on shore.Introduction