Evidence of exposure of laughing doves (Spilopelia senegalensis) to West Nile and Usutu viruses in southern Tunisian oases.

It has previously been suggested that southern Tunisian oases may be suitable areas for the circulation of flaviviruses. In order to anticipate and prevent possible epidemiological spread of flaviviruses in humans and domestic animals, the ecology of their transmission in the oasis system needs to be better understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-flavivirus antibodies in the laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), an abundant resident bird in Tunisian oases. Anti-flavivirus antibodies were detected in 17% of sampled doves. Ten per cent of the total tested doves were West Nile virus (WNV) seropositive and 4% were Usutu virus (USUV) seropositive, which provides the first evidence of USUV circulation in Tunisian birds. We also found that the occurrence probability of anti-flavivirus antibodies in dove plasma increased with decreasing distance to coast, suggesting that doves inhabiting coastal oases were more exposed to flaviviruses compared with those inhabiting inland oases. We also found significantly higher antibody occurrence probability in adult doves compared with young doves, which underlines the effect of exposure time. Overall, our results suggest that the laughing dove may be used for WNV and USUV surveillance in southern Tunisia. They also stress the need for investigations combining data on birds and mosquitoes to better understand the ecological factors governing the circulation of flaviviruses in this area.

Exposure of resident sparrows to West Nile virus evidenced in South Tunisia.

During the last few years, several cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in humans have been reported in Tunisia. However, detailed information on WNV infection in wild birds, the primary amplifying host of WNV, are lacking. In this work, we investigated the exposure of wild sparrows (hybrid Passer domesticus × hispaniolensis) living in two oases in southern Tunisia (Gabès and Kébili oases) to WNV, through the detection of WNV-specific antibodies by using ELISA and microneutralization tests. In total, 208 birds were sampled (54 from Kébili, 154 from Gabès). Anti-WNV antibodies were detected in two birds, corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 1%. There was no significant difference between the two sampled populations [1·85% (1/54) in Kébili, 0·65% (1/154) in Gabès]. These data provide indirect evidence of the exposure of resident sparrows in southern Tunisia to WNV.

Aldehyde-treated porcine skin versus biobrane as biosynthetic skin substitutes for excised burn wounds: case series and review of the literature.

Background. The use of skin substitutes as temporary or permanent coverings has been a subject of research and study since 1500 BC. Temporary coverage of the burn wound can decrease the metabolic rate, fluid loss, pain, and colonization. The aim of this study is to review clinical experience with Biobrane and aldehyde-treated porcine skin (E.Z. Derm) as biosynthetic skin substitutes for the treatment of excised burn wounds. Methods. Fifty-two patients (42 males and 10 females) with deep dermal and full-thickness burns were selected for this retrospective study. Half of these patients were treated with Biobrane (this part of the study covered the period Jan. 1995/Dec. 1999) and the other half were treated with E.Z. Derm (Jan. 2000/Dec. 2005). The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 30%. The excisional therapy was carried out in stages, each procedure being limited to 7-15% TBSA. All the patients underwent either tangential excision or excision down to the muscle fascia. The male/female ratio was 3:1 and the patients' ages ranged between 5 and 67 yr (mean, 35 yr). Data collection included: initial observation (age, sex extent of burn, depth of burn, photograph), skin substitute observation (adherence, presence of fluid collection, rejection, infection, photograph), and follow-up wound evaluation. Results. Both Biobrane and E.Z. Derm reduced pain, decreased evaporative water and heat loss, and limited bacterial growth. Both decreased exudative protein loss, protected the underlying vessels and nerves, and enhanced the healing of partial-thickness wounds. Both promoted the development of granulation tissues to be ready for autografting, and neither presented antigenicity or transmitted diseases. Porcine skin showed limited wound adhesion and limited control of infection compared to Biobrane. Conclusion. Biobrane and E.Z. Derm protected excised burn wounds from bacterial contamination and dehydration. It can be concluded that Biobrane has the potential for long-term adherence (10 days). Aldehyde-treated porcine skin (E.Z. Derm) is a reliable tool for short-term use and should not remain on the wound more than 3-4 days.

First Report of Sharp Eyespot of Wheat in Egypt.

In 1998 and 1999, Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and R. cerealis van der Hoeven were isolated from lesions on basal leaf sheaths (2 to 4 cm above the soil level) of 48 wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.). Plants were collected from 16 locations in Egypt in December 1998 (seedling stage) and March 1999 (adult stage). Disease incidence was approximately 20 and 30% during the 1998 to 1999 and 1999 to 2000 seasons, respectively. Mycelium was white to deep brown, branched at right angles with a septum near the branch, and a slight constriction at the branch base. Multinucleate cells and the production of irregular, brown black sclerotia in culture and on host plants were diagnostic of R. solani (1). Anastomosis groups AG-4 (30 isolates) and AG-1 (6 isolates) of R. solani, distinguished on the basis of hyphal fusion, were recovered. R. cerealis (12 isolates belonging to the anastomosis group CAG-1), which were slow-growing on potato dextrose agar, produced binucleate hyphal cells and yellow sclerotia. The 48 isolates were tested in the greenhouse for pathogenicity using cornmeal and sand inoculum prepared by mixing 3 g of infested cornmeal, 100 g of sand, and 20 ml of distilled water and incubating for 20 days at 28°C. Fifty milliliters of inoculum were added to 500 g of sterile soil in a 15-cm-diameter pot. There were six pots per isolate. Six pots containing noninfested soil were included as checks. Wheat (cv. Giza 160) seeds were disinfested by placing them in 5% of sodium hypochlorite for 5 min, and 10 seeds were planted in each pot. Twenty-five days after planting, an average of five plants survived in the pots treated with R. solani, and seven plants survived in pots treated with R. cerealis. All 10 plants in the noninfested pots survived and were symptomless. The surviving plants treated with R. solani developed a tan cortical rot of the root system and tan zonate lesions on the basal leaf sheaths. The lesions were oriented longitudinally with the stem and were irregular in shape with a white or light tan center surrounded by a wide, dark brown margin. Isolates of R. cerelis caused lesions on the base of the stem of young and mature plants. The lesions, which were larger than those caused by R. solani, were elliptic or "eye" shaped with a pale yellow center and sharply defined narrow border. The fungi were reisolated from the symptomatic tissue. Reference: (1) J. D. S. Clarkson and M. J. Griffin. Plant Pathol. 26:98, 1977.

Correction formula for carbamylated haemoglobin in diabetic uraemic patients.

The measurement of carbamylated haemoglobin is a useful indicator of uraemic state during the preceding few weeks in patients with renal failure. In diabetic uraemic patients with hyperglycaemia, glycation of haemoglobin may interfere with its carbamylation, as both reactions involve the free amino groups of the protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the carbamylation of haemoglobin in the presence of hyperglycaemia. The study included 29 patients with chronic renal failure on regular haemodialysis, 14 diabetic and 15 non-diabetic patients, and 10 healthy controls. We found a significant correlation between the degree of haemoglobin carbamylation and mean blood urea concentration in both uraemic and control subjects. Carbamylation of haemoglobin was higher in both diabetic and non-diabetic chronic renal failure patients, but there were no significant differences between the groups regarding mean blood urea concentration or level of haemoglobin carbamylation. Carbamylated haemoglobin per unit of blood urea concentration was lower in the diabetic patients. Using a correction formula to account for the degree of haemoglobin glycation, there was no longer a significant difference in carbamylation per unit of blood urea concentration. In vitro incubation of red blood cells from six healthy and six diabetic non-uraemic patients in 70 mmol/L urea showed a significantly lower carbamylation in the diabetic patients, but there was no significant difference when using corrected carbamylated haemoglobin values. We conclude that glycation of haemoglobin affects its carbamylation and that monitoring of uraemia in a diabetic patient necessitates the use of carbamylated haemoglobin value corrected for the degree of glycation.

Thermally affected characterization region by Barkhausen noise.

The controlling of some industrial components require the development of new and particular nondestructive testing techniques. The testing method using Barkhausen noise (BN) is a particular one which can be applied to ferromagnetic materials. It is a magnetic nondestructive evaluation method and can provide very important information about the material structure. The aim of our work is to study the material structure using this technique to characterize the region submitted to thermal processing. Samples of steel have been heated at temperatures between 650 degrees C and 1,200 degrees C with variable parameters (time processing, maintenance time, etc.). Acoustic BN processing allows an easy interpretation of results. Micrographs of samples have been obtained to confirm the results obtained by BN.

Alternative population projection scenarios by education attainment for Egypt, the Sudan and Tunisia.

"This paper presents alternative population projections for Egypt, the Sudan and Tunisia using the scenario approach developed at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. Its primary objective is to show how education attainment and policies influence the future population patterns in these countries.... Section I gives a brief presentation of the scenario approach. Sections II and III show fertility and mortality conditions in Egypt, the Sudan and Tunisia.... Section V presents the stands of Governments on population policies and in shaping future population patterns. We [then] present our assumptions, scenario setting and projection results...."

Policy implications and future program issues of family planning and fertility reduction in Jordan.

PIP: This study identifies the causes of fertility decline in Jordan for the period 1976-83, and suggests family planning program and related development activities which should be implemented through future policy regarding fertility reduction. Employing information from the 1976 Jordan Fertility Survey, the 1983 Fertility and Family Health Survey, and the 1985 Jordan Husbands Survey, fertility levels and trends are reviewed and investigated with a view upon differentials and changes of determinant factors during 1976-85. Determinant factors considered include age at marriage, contraceptive use, breastfeeding, and postpartum abstinence, with consideration of their correlation with socioeconomic and cultural background characteristics. The study encourages delayed age of 1st marriage, and calls for promotion of accessible education of all types especially in poor, rural areas to women. Family planning should be promoted as an health issue, and fully integrated with child and maternal programs, information, education, and communication programs, and rural development projects. The young and married couples should not be excluded from service availability, and women's status and roles in the community must be improved. Finally, upgraded management of family planning programs, and increasing male involvement in family planning should also be future policy priorities for Jordan.^ieng

The socio-economic determinants of contraceptive use in Jordan.

"The objective of this paper...is to identify the socio-economic determinants of contraceptive use in a multivariate context, in order to determine their combined predictive power, as well as their importance when controlling for other variables (i.e. demographic variables)....The study investigates the fertility differentials of the various contraceptive categories." Data are from the 1976 Jordanian Fertility Survey.

Jordanian emigration: an analysis of migration data.

PIP: The author uses a log-linear model to analyze data from the Multipurpose Household Survey, Jordanians Abroad 1975. This survey consisted of a six percent multistate stratified random sample of households in the East Bank of Jordan in 1975. Data are included on members of households living abroad, reasons for migration, country of residence, and selected demographic characteristics^ieng

Some aspects of emigration from Jordan: use and application of a log-linear model in the analysis of migration data.

PIP: The author analyzes the extent, destinations, and reasons given for emigration from Jordan and examines the demographic characteristics of the emigrants. Data are from the Multi-purpose Household Survey: Jordanians Abroad 1975, which includes some six percent of households in the East Bank of Jordan^ieng

Demographic aspects of unemployment in Jordan.

PIP: The extent and structure of open unemployment in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was examined. The data on unemployment in Jordan come from censuses and labor force sample surveys. The last census was conducted in 1961 and obviously cannot provide current information, but a multipurpose household survey has been conducted annually since 1972. The survey sample is a stratified multistage random sample; 3 strata are distinquished, i.e., cities, camps, and rural areas. For this survey, the unemployed are defined as those persons who are physically unable to perform work and who want work and are actively seeking work but are unemployed at present. In this analysis, those persons among the unemployed who are in the age group 12-14 are excluded. 82.3% of the unemployed in the sample were men. The total unemployment rate was 1.6%, but the rate for women was 2.8% and that for men only 1.5%. The rate for women may be overstated to an unknown extent due to underreporting of women in the labor force, yet it seems unlikely that this factor would explain all of the differences in the extent of unemployment between men and women. The cultural bias against work for women outside the home exerts an influence in making it more difficult for women to find a job, but because of this bias many women do not even enter the labor force and hence cannot be unemployed. Most of the unemployed were in the 20-24 age group and to a lesser extent in the 15-19 age group. Almost 60% of the unemployed were in these 2 age groups. Beyond these ages, the percentages of unemployed decreased regularly with age, with the age group 40-44 as a minor exception. When taking sex into account, the 1st phenomenon to be observed was the highly skewed age distribution of female unemployed who were all under age 30. Of the unemployed men, most were also young, with 34.6% in the 20-24 age group and 52.9% younger than 25 years. For married women the low unemployment rate can be explained by the fact that many married women most likely drop out of the labor market if they cannot find a job or if they lose their previous job (because of marriage or pregnancy or for other reasons). In all age groups unemployment was more severe among single than among married men. Among the unmarried population female unemployment was far worse (10.5%) than male unemployment (2.7%) at ages 15-19. Unemployment increased with educational level for men; female unemployed by educational level showed 2 distinct peaks, i.e., at the B.A. level and at the "less than secondary" level plus the "Tawjihi" level. Unemployment was a phenomenon of urban rather than rural areas.^ieng