bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reviewing lymnaeid vectors of fascioliasis by ribosomal DNA sequence analyses
Authors: Bargues M.D. , Mas-Coma S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractSnails of the family Lymnaeidae are of great parasitological importance due to the numerous helminth species they transmit, mainly trematodiases (such as fascioliasis) of considerable medical and veterinary impact. The present knowledge of the genetics and host–parasite relationships of this gastropod group is far from adequate. Fascioliasis is caused by two species, Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, which, as in the case of other trematodes, show a marked snail host specificity. Many lymnaeid species involved in fascioliasis transmission still show a confused systematic-taxonomic status. The need for tools to distinguish and characterize species and populations of lymnaeids is evident and the present review concerns new molecular tools developed in recent years using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. The small subunit or 18S gene and the internal transcribed spacers ITS-2 and ITS-1 are analysed and evaluated as markers for taxon differentiation and relationships within the Lymnaeidae from genus and species levels to subspecies and population levels. rDNA sequence differences and genetic distances, and their value for reconstructing phylogenetic trees using different methods are considered. Nuclear rDNA sequences are appropriate tools on which to base a review of the systematics and taxonomy of the family Lymnaeidae, without excluding other valuable snail characteristics already available. A reconstruction of the lymnaeid system towards a more natural classification will undoubtedly be helpful in understanding parasite transmission and epidemiological features as well the dispersion of an emerging-reemerging disease such as fascioliasis. Nomenclature for nuclear rDNA genotyping in lymnaeids includes the main rDNA sequence regions able to furnish important information on interspecific differentiation and grouping as well as intraspecific variability of lymnaeid species. The composite haplotype code includes the rDNA markers arranged in order according to their well-known usefulness, in its turn related to their respective, more or less rapid evolutionary ratios, to distinguish between different taxonomic levels, from supraspecific taxa to the species level and up to the population level.
Clonorchiasis: an update
Authors: Rim H.-J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractClonorchis sinensis, the Chinese or oriental liver fluke, is an important human parasite and is widely distributed in southern Korea, China (including Taiwan), Japan, northern Vietnam and the far eastern part of Russia. Clonorchiasis occurs in all parts of the world where there are Asian immigrants from endemic areas. The human and animal reservoir hosts (dogs, pigs, cats and rats) acquire the infection from the ingestion of raw fish containing infectious metacercariae. The first intermediate snail hosts are mainly species of Parafossarulus and Bithynia. Numerous species of freshwater fish serve as the second intermediate hosts of C. sinensis. Extensive studies of clonorchiasis during several decades in Japan, Korea, China and other countries have shown much progress in proving its morphological features including ultrastructure, biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and chemotherapy. The present review deals with mainly current results obtained on the epidemiological, pathological and clinical aspects, as well as control measures in endemic areas. As for the complications of clonorchiasis, formation of calculi in the intrahepatic biliary passages is one of the most characteristic pathological features. It is sometimes accompanied by suppurative cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholangiohepatitis and ultimately can cause cholangiocarcinoma. Experimental results on the relationship to the occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma are presented. Clinical diagnosis by radiological findings including cholangiography, sonography and computerized tomography as well as magnetic resonance imaging for biliary or pancreatic ducts are outlined. Current studies on immunology and molecular biology of C. sinensis were introduced. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for clonorchiasis. The most effective regimen is 25 mg kg−1 three times daily (total dose, 75 mg kg−1) administered orally at 5- to 6-h intervals over a single day. Prevention and control measures are also discussed.
Towards control of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Southgate V.R. , Rollinson D. , Tchuenté L.A. Tchuem , Hagan P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractApproximately 80% of the 200 million people infected with schistosomiasis inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, and the annual mortality is estimated to be 280,000. Praziquantel is the drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis and pregnant women may now be treated. It was agreed at the World Health Assembly in 2001 that at least 75% of school-aged children in high burden areas should be treated for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections by 2010 to reduce morbidity. A grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London has enabled control programmes to be initiated in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Additional programmes have recently commenced in Zanzibar with a grant from the Health Foundation to The Natural History Museum, London and in Cameroon. Combination treatment for schistosomiasis, gastrointestinal helminths and filariasis reduces costs of control programmes. The EC Concerted Action Group on ‘Praziquantel: its central role in the chemotherapy of schistosome infection’ met in Yaoundé Cameroon in 2004 to discuss recent developments in laboratory and field studies. The use of standard operating procedures will enable data on drug action on schistosomes produced in different laboratories to be compared. With the ever increasing use of praziquantel there is a possibility of the development of resistance by schistosomes to the drug, hence the necessity to explore the activities of other compounds. Artemether, unlike praziquantel, is effective against immature schistosomes. The effectiveness of mirazid, an extract of myrrh, is controversial as data from different laboratories are equivocal. It is suggested that an independent body such as the World Health Organization should determine whether mirazid should be used in the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Fortification of maize meal improved the nutritional status of 1–3-year-old African children
Authors: Nesamvuni Alufheli E , Vorster Hester H , Margetts Barrie M , Kruger Annamarie 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a vitamin-fortified maize meal to improve the nutritional status of 1–3-year-old malnourished African children.DesignA randomised parallel intervention study was used in which 21 experimental children and their families received maize meal fortified with vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine, while 23 control children and their families received unfortified maize meal. The maize meal was provided for 12 months to replace the maize meal habitually consumed by these households.MethodsSixty undernourished African children with height-for-age or weight-for-age below the 5th percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics' criteria and aged 1–3 years were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Baseline measurements included demographic, socio-economic and dietary data, as well as height, weight, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Anthropometric, blood and serum variables were measured again after 12 months of intervention. Complete baseline measurements were available for 44 children and end data for only 36. Changes in these variables from baseline to end within and between groups were assessed for significance with paired t-tests, t-tests and analysis of variances using the SPSS program, controlling for expected weight gain in this age group over 12 months. Relationships between changes in variables were examined by calculating correlation coefficients.ResultsThe children in the experimental group had a significantly (P≤0.05) higher increase in body weight than control children (4.6 kg vs. 2.0 kg) and both groups had significant (P≤0.05) but similar increases in height. The children in the experimental group showed non-significant increases in haemoglobin and serum retinol, while the control children had a significant (P = 0.007) decrease in RBP. The change in serum retinol showed a significant correlation with baseline retinol (P = 0.014), RBP (P = 0.007) and weight (P = 0.029), as well as with changes in haemoglobin (P = 0.029).ConclusionDespite a small sample size, this study showed positive effects of a vitamin-fortified maize meal on weight gain and some variables of vitamin A status in 1–3-year-old African children. The study confirmed the relationship between vitamin A and iron status. The results suggest that fortification of maize meal would be an effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies in small children in South Africa.
Development and validation of instruments measuring body image and body weight dissatisfaction in South African mothers and their daughters
Authors: Mciza Zandile , Goedecke Julia H , Steyn Nelia P , Charlton Karen , Puoane Thandi , Meltzer Shelly , Levitt Naomi S , Lambert Estelle V 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to validate questionnaires concerning body image perception, body size dissatisfaction and weight-related beliefs in multi-ethnic South African mothers and their daughters.Settings and subjects: Girls attending primary school (ages 9–12 years, n = 333) and their mothers (n = 204) were interviewed regarding their demographics and body image. Weight, height and skinfold thicknesses were measured. Body image questions and body mass index (BMI) were compared with silhouettes adapted from the Pathways Study for girls and Stunkard's body image figures for mothers. A Feel–Ideal Difference (FID) index score was created by subtracting the score of the silhouette selected by the participants as ‘Ideal’ from the one selected as most closely representing their current appearance or ‘Feel’. We hypothesised that a higher FID index score would be associated with greater body size dissatisfaction.ResultsBMI percentiles in girls (r = 0.46, P < 0.05) and BMI in mothers (r = 0.68, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with the selected silhouettes based on size. Participants who reported feelings of being ‘fat’ and those who perceived that their family and friends were more dissatisfied with their body size had significantly higher FID index scores. Scores were lower in black than white girls (all P < 0.05). No differences were found in FID index scores between ethnic groups of mothers. Internal reliability of the ‘thin’ and ‘fat’ belief constructs for girls was demonstrated by standardised Cronbach's α values ≥0.7.ConclusionSilhouettes, FID index, ‘fat’ and ‘thin’ belief constructs (in girls) are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and can be used in further intervention studies to understand body image.
The National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS): South Africa, 1999
Authors: Labadarios D , Steyn NP , Maunder E , MacIntryre U , Gericke G , Swart R , Huskisson J , Dannhauser A , Vorster HH , Nesmvuni AE , Nel JH 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) in South Africa was to determine the nutrient intakes and anthropometric status of children (1–9 years old), as well as factors that influence their dietary intake.DesignThis was a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of all children aged 1–9 years in South Africa. A nationally representative sample with provincial representation was selected using 1996 Census information.SubjectsOf the 3120 children who were originally sampled data were obtained from 2894, a response rate of 93%.MethodsThe sociodemographic status of each household was assessed by a questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a 24-hour recall and a food-frequency questionnaire from the caregivers of the children. Food purchasing practices were determined by means of a food procurement questionnaire. Hunger was assessed by a modified hunger scale questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by means of anthropometric measurements: height, weight, head circumference and arm circumference.ResultsAt the national level, stunting (height-for-age below minus two standard deviations (< -2SD) from the reference median) was by far the most common nutritional disorder, affecting nearly one in five children. The children least affected (17%) were those living in urban areas. Even with regard to the latter, however, children living in informal urban areas were more severely affected (20%) compared with those living in formal urban areas (16%). A similar pattern emerged for the prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age < -2SD), with one in 10 children being affected at the national level. Furthermore, one in 10 (13%) and one in four (26%) children aged 1–3 years had an energy intake less than half and less than two-thirds of their daily energy needs, respectively. For South African children as a whole, the intakes of energy, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, D, C and E, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folic acid were below two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. At the national level, data from the 24-hour recalls indicated that the most commonly consumed food items were maize, sugar, tea, whole milk and brown bread. For South African children overall, one in two households (52%) experienced hunger, one in four (23%) were at risk of hunger and only one in four households (25%) appeared food-secure.ConclusionThe NFCS indicated that a large majority of households were food-insecure and that energy deficit and micronutrient deficiencies were common, resulting in a high prevalence of stunting. These results were used as motivation for the introduction of mandatory fortification in South Africa.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for carcass traits in a Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle population
Authors: Mizoguchi Y. , Watanabe T. , Fujinaka K. , Iwamoto E. , Sugimoto Y. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryTo detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) that influence economically important traits in a purebred Japanese Black cattle population, we performed a preliminary genome‐wide scan using 187 microsatellite markers across a paternal half‐sib family composed of 258 offspring. We located six QTL at the 1% chromosome‐wise level on bovine chromosomes (BTA) 4, 6, 13, 14 and 21. A second screen of these six QTL regions using 138 additional paternal offspring half‐sib from the same sire, provided further support for five QTL: carcass weight on BTA14 (22–39 cM), one for rib thickness on BTA6 (27–58 cM) and three for beef marbling score (BMS) on BTA4 (59–67 cM), BTA6 (68–89 cM) and BTA21 (75–84 cM). The location of QTL for subcutaneous fat thickness on BTA13 was not supported by the second screen (P > 0.05). We determined that the combined contribution of the three QTLs for BMS was 10.1% of the total variance. The combined phenotypic average of these three Q was significantly different (P < 0.001) from those of other allele combinations. Analysis of additional half‐sib families will be necessary to confirm these QTL.
An integrated radiation hybrid map of bovine chromosome 18 that refines a critical region associated with multiple ocular defects in cattle
Authors: Abbasi A. R. , Geriletoya  , Ihara N. , Khalaj M. , Sugimoto Y. , Kunieda T. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryCongenital multiple ocular defects (MOD) of Japanese black cattle is a hereditary ocular disorder with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance showing developmental defects of the lens, retina and iris, persistent embryonic eye vascularization and microphthalmia. The MOD locus has been mapped by linkage analysis to a 6.6‐cM interval on the proximal end of bovine chromosome 18, which corresponds to human chromosome 16q and mouse chromosome 8. To refine the MOD region in cattle, we constructed an integrated radiation hybrid (RH) map of the proximal region of bovine chromosome 18, which consisted of 17 genes and 10 microsatellite markers, using the SUNbRH7000 panel. Strong conservation of gene order was found among the corresponding chromosomal regions in cattle, human and mouse. The MOD‐critical region was fine mapped to a 59.5‐cR region that corresponds to a 6.3‐Mb segment of human chromosome 16 and a 4.8‐Mb segment of mouse chromosome 8. Several positional candidate genes, including FOXC2 and USP10, were identified in this region.
An effect of a missense mutation in the porcine melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene on production traits in Polish pig breeds is doubtful
Authors: Stachowiak M. , Szydlowski M. , Obarzanek‐Fojt M. , Switonski M. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryA missense G–A SNP in the porcine melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene that causes an Asp–Asn substitution at position 298 of the corresponding MC4R protein is considered to be economically important, although published results on its effect are inconsistent. We analysed the association of this MC4R polymorphism with production traits in 679 gilts from two breeds, Polish Large White (PLW) and Polish Landrace (PL), as well as one synthetic line 990. The frequency of the A allele differed significantly among the breeds with frequencies of 0.76, 0.29 and 0.16 in PLW, PL and line 990 respectively. There was no evidence of an effect of this polymorphism on daily food intake, backfat thickness or abdominal fat. The A allele was correlated with higher test daily gains and lower levels of intramuscular fat in PL, and increased levels of intramuscular fat in PLW.
Mineralogical control of organic carbon dynamics in a volcanic ash soil on La Réunion
Authors: Basile‐Doelsch I. , Amundson R. , Stone W. E. E. , Masiello C. A. , Bottero J. Y. , Colin F. , Masin F. , Borschneck D. , Meunier J. D. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIn soil carbon dynamics, the role of physicochemical interactions between organic matter and minerals is not well understood nor quantified. This paper examines the interactions between soil organic matter and poorly crystalline aluminosilicates in a volcanic ash soil on La Réunion in the southern tropics. The soil examined is a profile composed of a surface soil (L‐Ao‐E‐Bh) overlying four buried horizons (horizons 2Bw, 3Bw, 4Bw, 5Bw) that have all developed from successive tephra deposits. Non‐destructive spectroscopy (XRD, FTIR and NMR of Si and Al) showed that the mineralogical composition varies from one buried horizon to another. Further, we show that buried horizons characterized by large amounts of crystalline minerals (feldspars, gibbsite) have the least capacity to store organic matter and the fastest carbon turnover. In contrast, buried horizons containing much poorly crystalline material (proto‐imogolite and proto‐imogolite allophane, denoted LP‐ITM) store large amounts of organic matter which turns over very slowly. To understand the mechanism of interactions between LP‐ITM and organic matter better, we focused on a horizon formed exclusively of LP‐ITM. We demonstrate, using Δ14C and δ13C values, that even though LP‐ITM is extraordinarily effective at stabilizing organic matter, C linked to LP‐ITM is still in dynamic equilibrium with its environment and cycles slowly. Based on Δ14C values, we estimated the residence time of organic C as ∼ 163 000 years for the most stabilized subhorizon, a value that is comparable to that for organic carbon stabilized in Hawaiian volcanic soils. However, this calculation is likely to be biased by the presence of microcharcoal. We characterized the organo‐mineral binding between organic matter and LP‐ITM by 27Al NMR, and found that the organic matter is not only chelated to LP‐ITM, but it may also limit the polymerization of mineral phases to a stage between proto‐imogolite and proto‐imogolite allophane. Our results demonstrate the important role of poorly crystalline minerals in the storage of organic C, and show that mineral and organic compounds have to be studied simultaneously to understand the dynamics of organic C in the soil.
Modelling the effect of water distribution and hysteresis on air‐filled pore space
Authors: Horgan G. W. , Ball B. C. 
Published: September 2005

SummarySoil pore networks have a complex geometry, which is challenging to model in three dimensions. We use a Boolean model of pore space that has proved useful in modelling gas diffusion in dry structures to investigate the distribution of water in this pore space and to quantify the effects on pore connectivity to the soil surface. We first show how total porosity in dry soil influences connectivity via the percolation threshold. Then we show that our model simulation of the ‘ink‐bottle effect’ can account for much of the hysteresis of the soil water. The differences in distribution of water between wetting and drying result in maintaining greater connectivity of the air‐filled pore space during drying than during wetting. Hysteresis is large at small total porosities and slowly declines as porosity increases. During wetting much pore space is blocked when more than 40% of the pore space is filled with water, although during drying all non‐isolated air‐filled pores are connected to the surface. Even when soil is allowed to wet to near saturation, there are rapid increases in pore connectivity during drying, which may explain, for example, rapid increases in production and emission of nitrous oxide in soils near saturation.
Determination of effective release rates of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dissolved organic carbon by column outflow experiments
Authors: Wehrer M. , Totsche K. U. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryRisk assessment of groundwater pollution requires quantitative information on the release kinetics of pollutants and organic matter from contaminated soil. We applied a new experimental design for column outflow experiments to investigate the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dissolved organic matter under water‐saturated flow conditions. We used materials originating from a soil contaminated with non‐aqueous phase liquids. To distinguish between release at equilibrium and release limited by mass transfer, we used two flow velocities and multiple interruptions to the flow. We quantified release and transport parameters by inverse numerical simulation of the individual breakthrough curves, applying a model based on the advection–dispersion equation including non‐equilibrium and non‐linear sorption. Release of the dissolved organic C takes place in two steps. Initially, a large amount of readily available organic matter is released. This first flush is followed by an outflow with typical characteristics of rate‐limited release: larger concentrations in slower flow and increased concentrations after interruptions. The breakthrough of PAHs responds neither to the different flow velocities nor to the interruptions. We hypothesize that release of PAHs from the contaminated material is governed by dissolution at equilibrium according to Raoult's law. The boundary conditions of the experimental design, i.e. the flow velocities and multiple interruptions, enable us to distinguish between release at equilibrium and that which is rate‐limited. Also, the response of the breakthrough behaviour to the boundary conditions can be used to estimate inversely effective release parameters.