bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in Kenya
Authors: Adam A. M. , Akuku O. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryObjective  To study the pattern of occurrence of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in Kenya.Study design  Prospective, cross‐sectional, descriptive study of clinical, encephalographic and natural history of CJD, backed by histology in as many patients as possible.Methods  Consecutive patients presenting with the criteria laid down by WHO expert committee for diagnosis of CJD were recruited between January 1990 and May 2004. We analysed the clinical features and electroencephalography of all participants and took brain biopsies from four patients.Results  There were four definite, seven probable and two possible cases. The electroencephalographic and histological features were typical of sporadic CJD.Conclusion  Sporadic CJD occurs in Kenya and the clinical, encephalographic and histological features were no different to those described elsewhere. Although we did not see variant, hereditary and iatrogenic forms of CJD, neurologists should not exclude these in making diagnoses.
Age‐dependent effect of plasma nitric oxide on parasite density in Ghanaian children with severe malaria
Authors: Cramer Jakob P. , Nüssler Andreas K. , Ehrhardt Stephan , Burkhardt Jana , Otchwemah Rowland N. , Zanger Philipp , Dietz Ekkehart , Gellert Sabine , Bienzle Ulrich , Mockenhaupt Frank P. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryNitric oxide (NO) has toxic properties against Plasmodium falciparum. While high blood levels have been associated with protection against severe malarial disease, they may also contribute to the pathophysiology of cerebral malaria and severe anaemia. Promoter variants in the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene have been shown to influence NO concentrations and disease manifestation. However, findings are conflicting. We examined associations of plasma NO metabolites (NOx) with symptoms of severe malaria, particularly malarial anaemia and cerebral malaria, and with iNOS promoter variants. In 210 Ghanaian children with severe malaria, we measured plasma nitrite, nitrate, and S‐nitrosothiol, and genotyped the iNOS promoter variants −954G→C, −1173C→T, and the −2.5 kb (CCTTT)n microsatellite. NOx levels decreased with age. In young children (<24 months), high NOx was associated with reduced parasite density. This was not seen in patients of 24–48 months of age and reversed in older children. Subgroup analysis revealed that in children with severe anaemia but without cerebral involvement (prostration, impaired consciousness, convulsions), high NOx levels correlated with low parasitaemia (P = 0.02). In these children, elevated NOx levels were also associated with the iNOS−954C→T/(CCTTT)8 haplotype (P = 0.03). No association between NOx or iNOS genotypes and cerebral malaria was observed. Our findings suggest that in young children with severe malaria NOx reduces parasitaemia. This effect wanes at higher ages and may reflect a predominance of unspecific immune responses to infection in early childhood. This finding may have importance for the understanding of associations between iNOS variants and severe malaria in regions of differing disease manifestation.
From the Old World to the New World: an ecologic study of population susceptibility to HIV infection
Authors: Pepin Jacques 
Published: June 2005

SummaryIt remains unclear why the global distribution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), between and within continents, is so heterogeneous. This ecologic study of 34 populations of the Americas explored the hypothesis that populations differ in their intrinsic, biological susceptibility to HIV which, together with exposure, might determine the ultimate ‘mature’ prevalence. If true, national HIV prevalence in populations of the Americas should be predictable from each country's ethnic mosaic, inter‐racial admixture and HIV prevalence in regions of Africa, Europe and Asia from where their ancestors migrated. For each country, the adult population (15–49 years) was multiplied by the proportion corresponding to each ethnic group by HIV prevalence in the country/region of origin of each group, yielding the predicted prevalences, which were then compared with observed prevalences documented by UNAIDS for 2001. Predicted and observed HIV prevalences were highly correlated (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). In North America, predicted prevalences were within 0.5% of the observed values, except for African–Americans and African–Canadians. In Central and South America, differences between predicted and observed prevalences were <1.0% except in Honduras and Guyana. Some Caribbean countries had a predicted prevalence identical to the observed one, but there were outliers. Overall, predicted prevalence was 0.93% and observed prevalence 0.64%; two‐thirds of this difference was attributed to Brazil. Although it was not possible to adjust to the confounding effects of sexual behaviour and cofactors of transmission (such as sexually transmitted infections) because of the lack of nationally representative data for each and every country, a number of arguments reviewed in the paper suggest that confounders cannot explain all this association and that differential susceptibility might be an important determinant of steady‐state HIV prevalence.
A randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of three treatment regimens along with footcare in the morbidity management of filarial lymphoedema
Authors: Kerketta A. S. , Babu B. V. , Rath K. , Jangid P. K. , Nayak A. N. , Kar S. K. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryThe progression of lymphoedema to elephantiasis associated with increased incidence of episodic adeno‐lymphangitis (ADL) is of great concern, as it causes physical suffering, permanent disability and economic loss to lymphatic filariasis patients. This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy in terms of reduction of oedema and ADL frequency of three treatment regimens among lymphoedema patients from Orissa, India. The regimens were: (I) oral penicillin – one tablet of 800 000 U penicillin G potassium twice daily for 12 days‐repeated every 3 months for 1 year; (II) diethylcarbamazine – 6 mg/kg bodyweight for 12 days‐repeated every 3 months for 1 year; and (III) topical antiseptic, i.e. betadine ointment. Foot care was part of all regimens. All three drug regimens are efficacious in reducing oedema and frequency of ADL episodes. Although the efficacy was slightly higher in regimen I, the difference was not significant. About half of all patients had reduced oedema after the 90 days of treatment, with oedema reduction of 75–100% in 20%. A major proportion of the remaining patients had oedema reduced by less than 25%. The proportion of people whose oedema reduced was slightly but not significantly lower in regimen II. anova revealed that lymphoedema reduction varied according to grade; being greatest at grade 1 lymphoedema, followed by grade 2. All three regimens significantly reduced ADL frequency after 1 year of treatment. This may be because of foot care as well as use of antibiotics. The estimated costs of treatment per patient for a period of 3 months are US$2.4, 1.5 and 4.0 respectively for regimen I, II and III. Thus affordable treatments with simple antibiotics and foot care can give substantial relief to the patients and reverse early lymphoedema.
Retention and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS training of traditional healers in far western Nepal
Authors: Poudel Krishna C. , Jimba Masamine , Joshi Anand B. , Poudel‐Tandukar Kalpana , Sharma Mahesh , Wakai Susumu 
Published: June 2005

SummaryObjective  To evaluate HIV/AIDS training for traditional healers (THs) in far western Nepal.Methods  We collected data using a structured questionnaire and assessed THs’ knowledge of HIV transmission, misconceptions and preventive measures immediately prior to the initial training conducted from June to December 1999, and then 9–12 months after the training in 2000. We also conducted six focus group discussions (FGD) and assessed THs’ performances after the training. We interviewed 12 key informants about their perceptions towards the trained THs.Results  THs significantly improved their knowledge of HIV transmission, misconceptions and preventive measures after the training. The FGD and key informant interview results showed that the trained THs provided culturally acceptable HIV/AIDS education to the local people, distributed condoms and played a role in reducing the HIV/AIDS‐related stigma.Conclusions  THs have a potential to work as key players in HIV/AIDS programmes in Nepal.
Short Communication: Limited influence of haptoglobin genotypes on severe malaria in Ghanaian children
Authors: Bienzle Ulrich , Eggelte Teunis A. , Adjei Lydia A. , Dietz Ekkehart , Ehrhardt Stephan , Cramer Jakob P. , Otchwemah Rowland N. , Mockenhaupt Frank P. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryHaptoglobin (Hp) polymorphisms in sub‐Saharan Africa have been associated with an increased risk of severe malaria. However, available data are inconclusive. We examined the role of Hp polymorphisms in susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection and to severe malaria in northern Ghana. Three groups each of 290 age and sex‐matched children with severe malaria, children with asymptomatic P. falciparum infection and aparasitaemic healthy controls were studied. Hp typing was based on PCR. In all children, Hp1‐1, Hp2‐1, and Hp2‐2 occurred in 32.4%, 54.1%, and 13.5%, respectively. The prevalence of the Hp genotypes did not differ significantly between groups. However, Hp2 alleles were least common in healthy children (0.379), more frequent in parasitaemic controls (0.402), and most common in severe malaria patients (0.434;  = 3.7; P = 0.06). In matched pair analysis, no Hp genotype increased the risk of severe malaria. However, using Hp1‐1 as a reference, children with Hp2‐2 exhibited a slightly increased risk of severe malaria (odds ratio, 1.6; P = 0.04). These results indicate that Hp polymorhisms may have a rather limited influence on the development of severe malaria.
Community‐based surveillance: a pilot study from rural Cambodia
Authors: Oum Sophal , Chandramohan Daniel , Cairncross Sandy 
Published: June 2005

SummaryObjective  This study seeks to assess the performance of a community‐based surveillance system (CBSS), developed and implemented in seven rural communes in Cambodia from 2000 to 2002 to provide timely and representative information on major health problems and life events, and so permit rapid and effective control of outbreaks and communicable diseases in general.Methods  Lay people were trained as Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) to report suspected outbreaks, important infectious diseases, and vital events occurring in their communities to local health staff who analysed the data and gave feedback to the volunteers during their monthly meetings.Results  Over 2 years of its implementation, the system was able to detect outbreaks early, regularly monitor communicable disease trends, and to provide continuously updated information on pregnancies, births and deaths in the rural areas. In addition, the system triggered effective responses from both health staff and VHVs for disease control and prevention and in outbreaks.Conclusion  A CBSS can successfully fill the gaps of the current health facility‐based disease surveillance system in the rapid detection of outbreaks, in the effective monitoring of communicable diseases, and in the notification of vital events in rural Cambodia. Its replication or adaptation for use in other rural areas in Cambodia and in other developing countries is likely to be beneficial and cost‐effective.
Rapid assessment of Schistosoma mansoni: the validity, applicability and cost‐effectiveness of the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling method in Uganda
Authors: Brooker Simon , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Myatt Mark , Russell Stothard J. , Fenwick Alan 
Published: June 2005

SummaryRapid and accurate identification of communities at highest risk of morbidity from schistosomiasis is key for sustainable control. Although school questionnaires can effectively and inexpensively identify communities with a high prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, parasitological screening remains the preferred option for S. mansoni. To help reduce screening costs, we investigated the validity of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) in classifying schools according to categories of S. mansoni prevalence in Uganda, and explored its applicability and cost‐effectiveness. First, we evaluated several sampling plans using computer simulation and then field tested one sampling plan in 34 schools in Uganda. Finally, cost‐effectiveness of different screening and control strategies (including mass treatment without prior screening) was determined, and sensitivity analysis undertaken to assess the effect of infection levels and treatment costs. In identifying schools with prevalences ≥50%, computer simulations showed that LQAS had high levels of sensitivity and specificity (>90%) at sample sizes <20. The method also provides an ability to classify communities into three prevalence categories. Field testing showed that LQAS where 15 children were sampled had excellent diagnostic performance (sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 96.4%, positive predictive value: 85.7% and negative predictive value: 92.3%). Screening using LQAS was more cost‐effective than mass treating all schools (US$218 vs. US$482/high prevalence school treated). Threshold analysis indicated that parasitological screening and mass treatment would become equivalent for settings where prevalence ≥50% in 75% of schools and for treatment costs of US$0.19 per schoolchild. We conclude that, in Uganda, LQAS provides a rapid, valid and cost‐effective method for guiding decision makers in allocating finite resources for the control of schistosomiasis.
Analysis of Mycelial Growth Rates and RAPD‐PCR Profiles in a Population of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici Originating from Wheat Plants Grown from Fungicide‐treated Seed
Authors: Weber Z. , Irzykowska L. , Bocianowski J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractLinear mycelial growth rates of 70 isolates of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici on agar medium amended or unamended with the fungicide silthiofam were not correlated. Mycelial growth rate was not influenced by the fungicide applied to the seed of the plants from, which the isolates originated. DNA polymorphism determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction was used to assess genetic variation among isolates. Thirty RAPD markers generated with five arbitrary 10‐mer primers revealed DNA polymorphism suitable for assessing variability in this fungal population. Cluster analysis of RAPD data identified two groups at the 54% similarity level. There was a significant relationship between the presence of 11 markers and sensitivity to silthiofam.
Use of β‐Glucuronidase Activity to Quantify the Growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici during Infection of Tomato
Authors: Papadopoulou K. K. , Kavroulakis N. , Tourn M. , Aggelou I. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe β‐glucuronidase (gus) reporter gene was integrated into the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici (FORL) in a co‐transformation experiment using the hygromycin B resistance (hph) gene as selective marker, which resulted in the generation of 10 mitotically stable transformants. One transformant, F30, was selected based on the results of prior detailed characterization of the 10 transformants for growth rate, conidia production and pathogenicity in comparison with the wild‐type strain. A strong positive correlation was found between GUS activity and accumulated biomass of in vitro‐grown fungus and therefore GUS activity was used to study fungal growth quantitatively in two tomato lines. Although a parallel increase in lesion development and GUS activity was noted for both tomato lines, a correlation between the GUS activity and disease progression was not always possible. Interestingly, the levels of GUS activity obtained for the more resistant line were higher than those obtained for the susceptible line, indicating that disease progression in tomato caused by FORL may not be related only to the amount of fungal biomass within the root tissue.
First Report of AG‐A of Binucleate Rhizoctonia in China, Pathogenic to Soya Bean, Pea, Snap Bean and Pak Choy
Authors: Yang G. H. , Chen H. R. , Naito S. , Ogoshi A. , Deng Y. L. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTwenty binucleate Rhizoctonia (BNR) isolates were collected from roots of soya bean, pea, snap bean and pak choy with root rot symptoms in Yunnan Province, China. Chinese isolates anastomosed with the tester isolate of anastomosis group‐A (AG‐A; C‐517) with a high C2 fusion rate (>70%). Chinese isolates were pathogenic to soya bean, pea, snap bean and pak choy and had 97% similarity sequence of 5.8S rDNA‐internal transcribed spacer with AG‐A tester isolates SN‐2 and C‐662. When compared with other groups, AG‐Ba and AG‐Bb, Chinese isolates showed 77% sequence similarity. These results show that Chinese isolates belong to AG‐A of BNR. Growth rate, hyphal diameter, cultural characteristics and pathogenicity of the Chinese isolates differed significantly from the tester isolate of AG‐A. This is the first report on AG‐A in China.
Pathogenic Specialization of Puccinia triticina in Andalusia from 1998 to 2000
Authors: Martínez F. , Sillero J. C. , Rubiales D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) is becoming a serious concern in Spanish wheat, especially on durum wheat where acreage has enormously increased. Host resistance is the preferred method of disease control, but the virulence spectrum of the leaf rust population in Spain is currently unknown. In order to deploy effective Lr genes, this study was conducted to characterize the virulence spectrum of leaf rust in Andalusia (Spain). Isolates were obtained from surveys of wheat fields across Andalusia from 1998 to 2000. From 56 isolates phenotyped, 35 pathotypes were identified. Virulence to Lr10, Lr11, Lr14a, Lr14b and Lr18 was high (>96%), while virulence to Lr9 and Lr24 were not found. None of the isolates collected from durum wheat were virulent to Lr1, Lr3, Lr3ka, Lr3bg, Lr15, Lr16 and Lr17, while many of the isolates collected on bread wheat showed virulence on these genes, indicating a certain specialization in the leaf rust infecting durum wheat. Population dynamics of current wheat leaf rust pathotypes in terms of mutation and migration are discussed.
The Effect of Downy and Powdery Mildew on Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Leaf Gas Exchange
Authors: Moriondo M. , Orlandini S. , Giuntoli A. , Bindi M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe impact of powdery (Uncinula necator) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) on grapevine leaf gas exchange was analysed. Gas exchange measurements (assimilation A, transpiration E, stomatal conductance gs, intercellular concentration of CO2Ci) were made on three different leaf materials: (i) healthy tissue of diseased leaves, (ii) infected tissue of diseased leaves, (iii) healthy tissue of healthy leaves (control treatment). Using the same source of leaf tissue, photosynthetic pigment concentration (chlorophyll a, b) and fluorescence levels (minimal fluorescence F0, maximal fluorescence Fm and the optimal quantum yield [Fm − F0]/Fm) were determined to explain the mechanism of action of the two diseases on leaf assimilation. The results indicated that powdery and downy mildew reduced the assimilation rates, not only through a reduction in green leaf area (visual lesions), but also through an influence on gas exchange of the remaining green leaf tissues, determining a ‘virtual lesion’. The ratios between virtual and visual lesions were higher in powdery mildewed leaves than in the downy mildewed leaves. The photosynthetic fluorescence level (Fv/Fm) was affected by neither of the two pathogens. The reduction in intercellular concentration of CO2 and photosynthetic pigment may explain the lower assimilation rates in the healthy tissues of powdery and downy mildewed leaves respectively.
Fate of Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus, the Causal Organism of Bacterial Ring Rot of Potato, in Weeds and Field Crops
Authors: van der Wolf J. M. , van Beckhoven J. R. C. M. , Hukkanen A. , Karjalainen R. , Müller P. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractCrops and weeds were tested for their ability to host Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus (Cms), the causal agent of bacterial ring rot in potato. Ten crops grown in rotation with potato in Europe, namely maize, wheat, barley, oat, bush bean, broad bean, rape, pea and onion and five cultivars of sugar beet were tested by stem and root inoculation. About 6–8 weeks after inoculation, Cms could be detected in most crops except onion and sugar beet, in larger numbers in stems (105–106 cells/g of tissue) than in roots (≤103 cells/g of tissue) in immunofluorescence cell‐staining (IF). Cms was successfully re‐isolated only from IF‐positive stem samples of maize, bush bean, broad bean, rape and pea, but not from roots. Twelve solanaceous weeds and 13 other weeds, most commonly found in potato fields in Europe, were tested in IF as hosts of Cms by stem and root inoculations. Only in Solanum rostratum, a weed present in northern America, Cms persisted in high numbers (108 cells/g tissue) in stems and leaves, where it caused symptoms. In the other solanaceous weeds, Cms persisted at low numbers (approximately 105 cells/g of tissue) in stems but less so in roots. The bacteria could be frequently re‐isolated from stem but not from root tissues. In 2 consecutive years, plants from 14 different weed species were collected from Cms‐contaminated potato field plots and tested for the presence of Cms by dilution plating or immunofluorescence colony‐staining (IFC), and by AmpliDet RNA, a nucleic acid‐based amplification method. Cms was detected in roots but not in stems of Elymus repens plants growing through rotten potato tubers, and in some Viola arvensis and Stellaria media plants, where they were detected both in stems and roots, but more frequently by AmpliDet RNA than by IFC.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici can Induce Systemic Resistance in Barley Against Powdery Mildew
Authors: Nelson H. E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDrench inoculation of the undisturbed roots of barley seedlings with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici (FORL) significantly reduced the primary infection frequency of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (BGH) on the first leaves. The length of secondary hyphae and subsequent conidial production of BGH were also found to be significantly reduced by preinoculation with FORL. The reduction in infection frequency was observed as early as 48 h after inducer treatment, namely when plants were challenge‐inoculated immediately following inoculation with FORL. The induced resistance continued up to 16 days after treatment as indicated by the reduction in infection frequency, up to 22 days after treatment when evaluated as a reduction in the length of secondary hyphae, and up to 35 days after treatment when evaluated as a reduction in conidial production. Characteristics of FORL that may explain its success as an inducer of resistance against barley powdery mildew are discussed.