bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyrolysis-combustion 14C dating of soil organic matter
Authors: Wang Hong , Hackley Keith C. , Panno Samuel V. , Coleman Dennis D. , Liu Jack Chao-li , Brown Johnie 
Published: December 2003

AbstractRadiocarbon (14C) dating of total soil organic matter (SOM) often yields results inconsistent with the stratigraphic sequence. The onerous chemical extractions for SOM fractions do not always produce satisfactory 14C dates. In an effort to develop an alternative method, the pyrolysis-combustion technique was investigated to partition SOM into pyrolysis volatile (Py-V) and pyrolysis residue (Py-R) fractions. The Py-V fractions obtained from a thick glacigenic loess succession in Illinois yielded 14C dates much younger but more reasonable than the counterpart Py-R fractions for the soil residence time. Carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) was heavier in the Py-V fractions, suggesting a greater abundance of carbohydrate- and protein-related constituents, and δ13C was lighter in the Py-R fractions, suggesting more lignin- and lipid-related constituents. The combination of 14C dates and δ13C values indicates that the Py-V fractions are less biodegradation resistant and the Py-R fractions are more biodegradation resistant. The pyrolysis-combustion method provides a less cumbersome approach for 14C dating of SOM fractions. With further study, this method may become a useful tool for analyzing unlithified terrestrial sediments when macrofossils are absent.
Lipid distribution in a subtropical southern China stalagmite as a record of soil ecosystem response to paleoclimate change
Authors: Xie Shucheng , Yi Yi , Huang Junhua , Hu Chaoyong , Cai Yanjun , Collins Matthew , Baker Andy 
Published: December 2003

AbstractLipid extracts from a 61.7-cm-long subtropical stalagmite in southern China, spanning the period of ca. 10,000–21,000 yr ago as constrained by U–Th dating, were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The higher plants and microorganisms in the overlying soils contribute a proportion of n-alkanes identified in the stalagmite. The occurrence of LMW (lower molecular weight) n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones in the stalagmite was mainly related to the soil microorganisms. We suggest that HMW (higher molecular weight) n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones identified in the stalagmite originate from soil organics and reflect input from contemporary vegetation. Shifts in the ratio of LMW to HMW n-alkanols or n-alkan-2-ones indicative of the variation of soil ecosystems (e.g., microbial degradation of organic matter and/or the relative abundance of soil microorganisms to higher plants) are comparable with the subtropical alkenone-SST (sea surface temperature) record of the same period. The similar trends seen in the δ13C data and the lipid parameters in this stalagmite imply that the overlying soil ecosystem response to climate might be responsible for the variation of δ13C values.
Prolactin and calcitropic hormones in preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Shaarawy M. , El‐Minawi A.M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the role of prolactin and calcitropic hormones in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with intrauterine infection. Methods: Amniotic fluid was retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis from 40 patients with PPROM and 36 normal pregnant women of matched gestational age. Microbial state of amniotic cavity included culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasmas and ureaplasma. Maternal serum and fetal serum prolactin, parathyroid hormone mid‐molecule PTH‐M, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and calcitonin were determined by the corresponding radioimmunoassay Maternal serum and fetal serum electrolytes were determined by ion‐selective electrodes. Chlorides were assayed colorimetrically and osmolality was determined by osmometry. Results: Microbiological evaluation of amniotic fluid PPROM revealed aerobic, anaerobic or mixed aerobic anaerobic infections PPROM was associated with significant elevation of both fetal serum and amniotic fluid prolactin concentrations, increased amniotic fluid osmolality, sodium, chlorides and calcium. Amniotic fluid potassium level was significantly decreased, compared with controls. Maternal serum and fetal serum PTH‐M, 1,25‐dehydroxyvitamin D3 were significantly higher in patients with PPROM than in controls. Conclusions: Increased amniotic fluid prolactin leads to impairment of structural integrity of fetal membranes through electrolytes disturbances. Moreover, increased amniotic fluid calcium induced by increased fetal calcitropic hormones evokes myometrial contraction through prostaglandin E2 release. Both mechanisms may combine to trigger the onset of PPROM associated with intrauterine infection.
Determination of the Suitable Inoculum Concentration for Rhynchosporium secalis Seedling Assays
Authors: Mert Z. , Karakaya A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractScald, caused by Rhynchosporium secalis, is an important pathogen of barley. To identify resistant lines, suitable inoculum concentrations are necessary to obtain reliable results in seedling tests. We have determined the optimum spore concentration for seedling tests on three Turkish barley cultivars. Six different spore concentrations of four isolates of the fungus were used in tests on three different barley cultivars. An inoculum of 0.5 × 106 spores/ml were found to be the most suitable spore concentration for seedling resistance studies.
Study of the Occurrence of Greenhouse Microfungi in a Botanical Garden
Authors: Rodolfi M. , Lorenzi E. , Picco A. M. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThree greenhouses and the Central Garden of The Botanical Garden of Pavia were monitored for 1 year with the objective of investigating the occurrence of both airborne fungal spores and phylloplane fungi. By using an SAS air sampler, the higher fungal spore concentrations were detected in tropical and Mediterranean greenhouses. A total of 72 species belonging to 42 genera, some of which are related to the presence of plants ex situ, were isolated from Petri plates after exposure. Some airborne fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Conidiobolus spp., which are responsible for human allergies and respiratory problems, were also detected. Forty‐four genera of phylloplane fungi were identified from leaves randomly collected from greenhouse plants. Most of the aerial fungal taxa isolated were also detected from the phylloplane. Some phytopathogenic taxa, as exemplified by Gliocladium vermoeseni, Graphium sp., Peronospora sp., and Zygosporium oscheoides, were isolated only from the phylloplane. The information obtained from qualitative and quantitative analysis of fungi can be a useful tool in the control of indoor air quality, thereby guaranteeing ex situ plant conservation and occupational health safety.
Drying of Conidia of Penicillium oxalicum, a Biological Control Agent against Fusarium Wilt of Tomato
Authors: Larena I. , Melgarejo P. , De Cal A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe effects of freeze drying, spray drying, and fluid bed drying on the viability of Penicillium oxalicum conidia were compared. Conidia of P. oxalicum can be dried by fluid bed drying and freeze drying maintaining 100% viability after both processes, but protective additives must be added for obtaining this viability in the case of freeze drying. The best viabilities were obtained after freeze drying with non‐fat skim milk (NFSM) + Tween 20, NFSM + peptone and NFSM + sucrose. However, NFSM + glycerol had only a 0.5% viability after freeze drying. Freeze‐dried P. oxalicum conidia with or without additives did not maintain viability over time at room temperature, while conidia dried in a fluidized bed drier had a 40–50% viability after 180 days of storage in these conditions. Penicillium oxalicum conidial viability after spray‐drying was lower than 20%. Penicillium oxalicum conidia dried by fluid bed drying were effective in reducing the incidence of Fusarium wilt of tomato under glasshouse and field conditions.
Distribution of the Sour Cherry Isolate of Plum Pox Virus in Infected Prunus Rootstocks
Authors: Bodin M. , Glasa M. , Verger D. , Costes E. , Dosba F. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSix Prunus genotypes used as rootstocks, including two interspecific hybrids, were chip‐inoculated with the sour cherry isolate of Plum pox virus (PPV‐SoC) to study the ability of the virus to infect different Prunus species and determine its localization within infected trees. The symptoms were noted and their location within trees was determined by AMAPmod methodology to monitor viral infection. After 3 years, five of the six Prunus genotypes tested (GF8.1, Jaspi, F12.1, Edabriz and SL64) were infected and showed different patterns of infection. Generally, symptomatic leaves in all the infected genotypes were not consecutive on the shoots, thus resulting in a large symptomatic zone. The virus was characterized by its irregular distribution in all the infected Prunus plants. The Colt genotype could not be infected in vivo, but PPV‐SoC could be transmitted by in vitro grafting. We conclude that PPV‐SoC is able to systematically infect different cherry and plum rootstocks. The host range of PPV‐SoC thus appears to be wider than that of conventional PPV isolates.
The Causal Fungus of Stem Rot Disease of Faba Beans in Greece
Authors: Lithourgidis A. S. , Tzavella‐Klonari K. , Roupakias D. G. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractMorphological and physiological characteristics of isolates from diseased faba bean plants affected by the causal fungus of stem rot disease of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) were compared with isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from diseased cucumber plants. Under controlled conditions, isolates from diseased faba bean plants exhibited slower growth rate at different temperatures and weaker pathogenicity on faba bean cultivars compared with isolates of S. sclerotiorum. For six consecutive years apothecia production in the field occurred from autumn to winter for sclerotia derived from diseased faba bean plants, whereas production of sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum occurred in late spring. Microscopic observations demonstrated dimorphism in ascospores (large and small ascospores) produced by isolates from diseased faba bean plants in a 4 : 4 ratio. Length to width ratio of the ascospores was 1.98. Based on all the above, it was concluded that the causal fungus of stem rot of faba beans in Greece belonged to S. trifoliorum.
Application of synthetic peptides to the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis
Authors: Fleury Agnès , Beltran Constantino , Ferrer Elizabeth , Garate Terésa , Harrison Leslie J. S. , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , Garcia Esperanza , Fragoso Gladis , Costa‐Cruz Julia , Biondi Germano , Agapejev Svetlana , Sciutto Edda 
Published: November 2003

SummaryWe tested the possible diagnostic utility of five Taenia saginata oncosphere‐derived synthetic peptides in T. solium neurocysticercosis (NC). The five peptides correspond to protein sequences with high antigenic indexes that were cloned from a T. saginata oncosphere cDNA library. The test samples consisted of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples randomly collected from patients referred from Mexican and Brazilian neurological institutes. Indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were carried out with the peptides either unconjugated or coupled to carrier proteins, and were compared with results obtained using T. solium cyst fluid as a positive control. For active inflammatory NC, the higher sensibility (93%) and specificity (85%) was obtained with peptides HP6‐2 and Ts45W‐1, respectively, coupled to ovalbumin, in both Mexican and Brazilian patients. Examining the results of the individual peptide assays in combination, in some instances, improved the sensitivity to 100%.
Evaluation of the Abbott Cell‐Dyn 4000 hematology analyzer for detection and therapeutic monitoring of Plasmodium vivax in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Suh In Bum , Kim Hae Joong , Kim Jin Yong , Lee Sang Woo , An Seong Soo A. , Kim Woo Ju , Lim Chae Seung 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe Cell‐Dyn 4000 automated hematology analyzer (CD4000) has the ability to detect malaria patients, but it remained unclear whether it could detect persistent malaria post‐treatment. To investigate this, we used the CD4000 to evaluate 68 Korean patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria, and control groups of 50 patients with fever and 50 asymptomatic patients. The results from the instrument‐generated scatter plot (derived by laser light depolarization) were compared with microscopy results. During the initial diagnosis, the sensitivity of the CD4000 in detecting malaria was 91.2%. On day 3 of follow‐up, the CD4000 results matched those from microscopy by 96.7%. Malaria was not detected by either method beyond 14 days post‐presentation. Interestingly, the atypical depolarizing events, which typify the presence of malaria in the analyzer, were highly correlated with the levels of parasitaemia in serially diluted samples of the leucocyte‐depleted blood, and the CD4000 detected parasites down to the level of 288 ± 17.7 /μl. Our findings suggest that the phenomenon of atypical light depolarization could be influenced by parasitaemia levels, and be used as a screening method for P. vivax malaria patients, as well as for the therapeutic monitoring.
Prevalence of antibodies to the circumsporozite protein of Plasmodium vivax in five different regions of Korea
Authors: Lee Kap No , Suh In Bum , Chang Eun Ah , Kim Soon Duck , Cho Nam Sun , Park Phil Whan , An Seong Soo A. , Park Ok , Lim Chaeseung 
Published: November 2003

SummaryMalaria has recently re‐emerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK), but only few malaria seroprevalences were reported. We obtained 1014 serum samples from inhabitants of five regions of ROK during the high transmission season between June and August in 2001. The levels of anti‐circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibody were assessed in samples using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The highest IgG seroreactivity against Plasmodium vivax recombinant CSP antigen was found among male residents of Cheolwon gun (13.5%), then Incheon (4.7%). The IgG seroreactivity from other regions ranged from 0.0% to 2.0%. These epidemiological data of seroprevalence in five regions of Korea showed a similar pattern to the annual incidence of malaria in these respective regions. The prevalence of antibodies increased with age, suggesting that the age and area‐related prevalence patterns reflected differences in the inoculation rates between age groups and geographic regions. Seroprevalence and annual incidence were positively correlated in some areas of Korea.
Control trial of Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. in the Island of Margarita, Venezuela
Authors: Dora Feliciangeli M. , Mazzarri Milena B. , Blas Sonia San , Zerpa Olga 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe incidence of the American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in the Island of Margarita, a major tourist centre in Venezuela, has been increasing between 1998 and 2001. Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. is the recognized vector, which was found naturally infected with Leishmania spp, indistinguishable from the parasites recovered from dogs and children. In 1999–2000, we conducted a control trial in Santa Ana del Valle and Las Cabreras, which have similar epidemiological and ecological conditions. The trial was based on intradomestic residual spraying of λ‐cyhalotrin, E.C., 25 mg/m2 and spatial fogging of fenitrothion around the houses at 30 g/ha. Sandfly abundance was recorded using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) traps indoors and outdoors. We found significantly reduced sandfly populations in the target locality. Wall bioassays showed that the residual effect of the insecticide lasts for about 3 months. We believe that indoor spraying with λ‐cyhalotrin three times a year, at a dose slightly greater than 25 mg/m2, might reduce the L. longipalpis s.l. population to a level low enough for achieving a significant reduction of the indoor transmission, thus protecting small children from the disease.
The impact of six rounds of single‐dose mass administration of diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin on the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti by Culex quinquefasciatus and its implications for lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes
Authors: Ramaiah K. D. , Das P. K. , Vanamail P. , Pani S. P. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryLymphatic filariasis (LF) is targeted for global elimination. Transmission interruption through repeated annual single‐dose mass administration of anti‐filarial drugs is the mainstay of the LF elimination strategy. This study examined the ability of six rounds of mass administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or ivermectin (IVM) to interrupt transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti by Culex quinquefasciatus, the predominant parasite and vector species, respectively. After six rounds of mass drug administration (MDA), received by 54–75% of the eligible population (≥15 kg body weight), the resting vector infection and infectivity rates fell by 83% and 79% in the DEC arm, 85% and 84% in the IVM arm and 31% and 45% in the placebo arm, respectively. The landing vector infection and infectivity rates fell by 83% and 94% in the DEC arm, 63% and 75% in the IVM arm and 1% each in the placebo arm, respectively. The filarial larval load per resting mosquito declined by 92% and 93% and per landing mosquito by 83% and 69% in the DEC and IVM arms, respectively. The annual infective biting rate (AIBR) fell from 735 to 93 (87%) in the DEC arm, 422 to 102 (76%) in the IVM arm and 472 to 398 (16%) in the placebo arm. The annual transmission potential (ATP) declined from 2514 to 125 (95%), 1212 to 241 (80%) and 1547 to 1402 (9%) in the DEC, IVM and placebo arms, respectively. However, mosquitoes with infection [microfilaria/larva 1/larva 2 (Mf/L1/L2)] were found in all study villages. Three of five villages in the IVM arm and two of five in the DEC arm recorded no resting mosquitoes with infective‐stage (L3) larva. Although the ATP, after six rounds of MDA, fell substantially and remained at 125 and 241 in the DEC and IVM arms, respectively, the cumulative exposure to infective stage larvae (ATP) during the treatment period of 6 years was as high as 2995 in the DEC arm and 1522 in the IVM arm, because of considerable level of transmission during the initial (1–3) rounds of MDA. We conclude that (i) six rounds of MDA, even with 54–75% treatment coverage, can reduce LF transmission very appreciably; (ii) better treatment coverage and a few more rounds of MDA may achieve total interruption of transmission; (iii) high vector densities may partly nullify the reductions achieved in vector infection and infectivity rates by MDA and (iv) achievement of ‘true zero’ Mf prevalence in communities and 0% infection rate (mosquitoes with Mf/L1/L2) in mosquitoes may be necessary to totally interrupt Culex‐transmitted LF.
Detection and characterization of human rotavirus among children with diarrhoea in Botswana
Authors: Kasule M. , Sebunya T. K. , Gashe B. A. , Armah G. , Steele A. D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThis study reports the detection, for the first time, of human rotavirus in stools of children and the molecular characterization of isolated circulating strains in Botswana. We collected 249 stool samples between 1999 and 2001 from children with diarrhoea in three health districts of Botswana and examined them for the presence of rotavirus antigens and particles. Group A rotavirus antigen was detected in 43 of 249 (17%) of the samples tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Of the 43 children shedding rotaviruses, 37 (86%) were infants ≤2 years of age. The presence of rotavirus particles was also confirmed by direct electron microscopy. The characteristic 11 segments of the double‐stranded RNA mobility pattern of rotavirus were demonstrated by polyacrylamide electrophoresis in 20 of 43 (47%) of the rotavirus‐positive samples. The predominant electrophoretic pattern detected was the long (L) electrophoretype 14 of 20 (70%) followed by the short (S) electrophoretype five of 20 (25%). One strain had a mixed (L/S) pattern. Of the 26 samples subjected to subgrouping by enzyme immuno assay, eight were typed as subgroup‐II specific and seven were subgroup I. The predominant VP7 genotypes detected were G1 (59%). Two mixed strains of G1 + G3 (5%) and G1 + G2 (5%) were also detected. VP4 genotypes in circulation were: P[4] (5%), P[6] (33%) and P[8] (33%). Mixed P‐types P[4 + 6] (5%) and P[6 + 8] (18%) were also detected. Rotavirus strains G1 P[8] and GI P[6 + 8] were the most common cause of diarrhoea in our study area.
Health services analysis as a tool for evidence‐based policy decisions: the case of the Ministry of Health and Social Security in Mexico
Authors: Kroeger Axel , Hernandez Juan Manuel 
Published: November 2003

SummaryObjectives  To describe the strengths and weaknesses of two Mexican health care providers for poor populations [Ministry of Health (MoH) and Social Security (SS)] in order to facilitate policy decisions about the future of the two systems.Methodology  In four Mexican states we conducted (i) a household interview survey in 10 724 households; (ii) a user satisfaction survey in 1319 households; (iii) a satisfaction survey of 236 health workers; (iv) in‐depth interviews with 190 health workers; (v) 188 focus‐group discussions with different population groups; (vi) a document analysis.Results  Both systems serve populations with similar characteristics of poverty. The availability of resources was better in the MoH system; SS care was better concerning process indicators (family planning, antenatal care; in‐service delivery of drugs, staff productivity, user satisfaction and staff motivation), efficiency and effectiveness (reduction of morbidity and mortality). Possible explanatory factors for the better performance of the SS system were strong supervision, regular communication, joint data analysis and annual population surveys.Conclusion  Better service organization makes a difference regarding efficiency and effectiveness. Policy‐makers, deciding on which kind of health services are best for the poor, should take into account health services’ analyses.
Molecular assessment of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum from Bahr El Gazal Province, Sudan
Authors: Anderson Tim J. C. , Nair Shalini , Jacobzone Corine , Zavai Andes , Balkan Suna 
Published: November 2003

SummaryAims  To assess resistance to chloroquine (CQ) and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) in a Sudanese parasite population.Methods  Recurrent security problems in Akuem, Sudan, prevented us from conducting a classical in vivo treatment efficacy study. Instead we genotyped key mutations in the chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt), the multidrug resistance gene (pfmdr1), dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps). We genotyped the K76T mutation in pfcrt and the N86Y mutation in (pfmdr) by restriction digestion of fluorescent end‐labelled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, while we genotyped codons 16, 51, 59, 108 and 164 in dhfr and codons 436, 437, 540, 581 and 613 in dhps by primer extension in 100 blood samples.Results  Sixty‐three percent of parasites carried the 76T mutation at pfcrt critical for CQ resistance, while 31% carried the 86Y mutation at pfmdr that is associated with, although not essential, for CQ resistance. We found five dhfr alleles: 60% of infections contained wild‐type dhfr alleles, 3% had one mutation, 34% had two mutations, while 3% had three mutations. We found three dhps alleles: 47% were wild type, 44% had one mutation, while 9% had two mutations.Conclusions  We expect high levels of treatment failure (RI–RIII) with CQ (20–40%) and predict efficient treatment with SP. However, dhfr alleles with three mutations (51I, 59R, 108N) are present as are dhps alleles with two mutations (437G, 540E). Successful treatment with SP is therefore likely to be short‐lived.