Seroepidemiological studies of HIV-1 infection in large Brazilian cities

The prevalence of HIV-1 antibodies in selected groups of individuals from Rio de Janeiro, S?o Paulo and Santos was determined retrospectively. These groups and respective prevalences were: hemophiliac patients from Rio de Janeiro (1983-1984) 98.0%; polytransfused hemodialysis patients from S?o Paulo (1985-1986) 3.0% and (1987) 7.7%; intravenous drug addicts from S?o Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (1986-1987) 15.9%; male prisoners from S?o Paulo (1988) 12.5%, and pregnant women from Santos (1988-1989) 3.6%. These data stress the magnitude of AIDS in Brazil.     

The frequency of Sarcocystis spp. and its effect on winter carcass composition of mottled ducks

Macrocysts of the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis spp. occurred in 34 of 241 (14%) adult and 6 of 70 (8.6%) immature mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) that were collected in southwestern Louisiana from 1987 to 1989. The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. among immature ducks was higher than previously reported, possibly because of a longer exposure period. No differences in carcass composition variables were found between heavily infected and uninfected adult mottled ducks during the winter period of the annual cycle. We concluded that macrocysts of Sarcocystis spp. did not influence carcass composition and probably exert negligible effects on survival of parasitized mottled ducks during winter.     

Land use associations and changes in population indices of urban raccoons during a rabies epizootic

Land use associations and changes in population indices were assessed for an urban population of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Baltimore, Maryland (USA), from January 1984 to December 1987. Records were examined for 1,458 raccoons trapped alive and removed dead from city streets during, and after, the peak of a rabies epizootic. The distribution of raccoons was associated with single-unit residential areas primarily along the northern and western perimeter of the city. Beginning in March 1985 an ending in May 1987, an epizootic of raccoon rabies spread through Baltimore, ultimately resulting in the identification of 95 rabid raccoons. Within the study interval, annual numbers of trapped raccoons remained stable from 1984 to 1986, before showing a marked decline in 1987. The number of raccoons removed as vehicle mortalities (road-kills) varied little from 1984-1985 but declined in the last 2 yr of study. Numbers of other road-killed species did not decrease concurrently, suggesting a specific decrease in the urban raccoon population. The rabies epizootic, in conjunction with the increased city and private control, appears to have contributed to a decline in the number of raccoons in Baltimore.     

Seed Transmission of Pea Seed-borne Mosaic Virus in Peas: Early and Late Expression of the Virus in the Progeny

Abstract Field trials at Summerland and Creston in 1984 and 1985 on loam soils naturally intested with Agrobadonum nonfactures showed that A radiobacter Strain 84 K-S4, did not control crown gall on Antonovka apple seedlingy when applied as a root-dip. K-84 controiled crown gall at Sidney on sandy loam soil m 1984 and 1985, but tailed in 1986. At Creston, higher than standard concentrations of K-84 did not control crown gall of seedlings, whether the seedlings were grown in unsterililzed soil 1986) or in sterile soil, 1987 before transplanting them into A nonfactures naturally intested soil. It a field trial in 1986 at Summerland, root-dip treatment with K-84 alone or in combination with broadeast treatments of melam-sodium of formalin tailed to control crown gall on Antonovka seedlings. However, crown gall intection was significantly reduced with metam-sodium or K-84 treatment alone when seedlings were raised in sterile soil before transplanting in naturally instead safe at Summerland in 1987.     

Control of Globodera tabacum solanacearum by Alternating Host Resistance and Nematicide

The feasibility of alternating use of resistant vs. susceptible flue-cured tobacco cultivars to improve control of Globodera tabacum subsp, solanacearum (TCN) was investigated at two Virginia locations in 1984-86. Post-harvest TCN population densities were reduced in each year of the study when fenamiphos was used with a TCN-resistant cultivar (NC 567), relative to susceptible cultivars (K 326 or Mc 944). Using NC 567 with fenamipbos also reduced preplant TCN population densities in the next growing season. Egg population densities before planting in 1986 were significantly lower in plots planted with NC 567 in 1984, even when a susceptible cultivar had been planted in 1985. Use of fenamiphos with NC 567 in 1984 and 1985 further reduced preplant egg population densities in 1986. Economic returns were significantly greater in 1984 when NC 567 was used with fenamiphos, rather than a susceptible cultivar. Treatments involving fenamiphos and (or) NC 567 in 1984 and 1985 resulted in higher economic returns in 1986 than did treatments using a susceptible cultivar without fenamiphos in both previous years. Economic returns were highest in 1986 when fenamiphos and NC 567 were used in 1984 and 1985 and a susceptible cultivar was planted in 1986.     

Increase in numbers of male fur seals Arctocephalus gazella during the summer autumn period at Mossman Peninsula (Laurie Island)

Summary The fur seal, Arctocephalus gazella, population at Mossman Peninsula (Laurie Island) was studied from 1985 to 1987. Weekly counts were carried out at a 4 km bachelor haul-out beach from December through June. Maxima of 2 240, 2 787 and 5 196 juvenile and adult males were counted during March of the respective years. Census data indicate an increase in the non-breeding population of 13.5% between 1985–1986 and 46.5% between 1986–1987.     

Cytochemical studies of the vascular endothelium

Cytochemical methods have been used to examine the vascular endothelium. With hemeproteins and immunocytochemistry, investigators have demonstrated the pathways that blood-borne molecules can take to gain access to the extravascular space (Ghitescu et al. 1986; Milici et al. 1987; Schneeberger and Karnovsky 1971; Simionescu et al. 1975). These same cytochemical methods have also provided evidence that morphologically similar endothelia may have different permeability properties (Hart and Pino 1985b, 1986; Pino 1985; Pino and Essner 1980, 1981). Differences in the location and chemical composition of cell surface moieties have been ascertained with enzyme digestion methods, lectins, and cationic ferritin (De Bruyn and Michelson 1978; Pino 1984c, 1986a, b; Simionescu et al. 1981a). The author hopes that he has provided the reader with representative examples of how investigators have used these cytochemical methods for their studies. As new methods are developed and applications are found for existing techniques such as ultracryomicrotomy (Milici et al. 1987) and colloidal gold markers (Pino 1987b), cytochemistry will remain a fundamental tool for the study of the structure and function of the vascular endothelium.     

Annual variation in the timing of reproduction in Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella, at Bird Island, South Georgia

The arrival of Antarctic fur seals at a breeding beach on Bird Island, South Georgia, was studied over five consecutive breeding seasons, 1983 to 1987. Experienced bulls arrived first and established breeding territories on the beaches in anticipation of the arrival of the cows. Male arrival, which is less synchronous within years than female arrival, was significantly later in 1987 than in any other year. Female arrival, estimated by pup birth date where necessary, was highly synchronous; it usually started when 80% or more of potential territory sites were occupied by males. Cows arrived significantly later in 1984 and 1987 than in 1983, 1985 or 1986. The late arrival of both males and females in 1987 is attributed to unusually severe climatic conditions during the preceding winter. The late arrival and reduced fecundity of females in 1984 is attributed to markedly reduced food availability during the austral winter and summer of 1983. Males were not affected in 1984 because they could move away from the area of reduced food availability earlier than females and because they have a more varied diet. Factors influencing the winter distribution, the timing and pattern of arrival and the breeding of male and female Antarctic fur seals are discussed.     

The herald waves of influenza virus infections detected in Sendai and Yamagata cities in 1985-1990

The community surveillance of respiratory virus infections performed during 1985-1987 in Sendai and 1988-1990 in Yamagata has identified a total of five herald waves of influenza virus infections: A/H3N2 virus infections in 1985 and 1989, A/H1N1 virus infections in 1986 and 1988, and type B virus infections in 1989. To investigate the antigenic and genetic relationships between the herald wave and epidemic strains, influenza A/H1N1 viruses isolated during the 1986 and 1988 herald waves were compared with those isolated during the 1986-1987 and 1988-1989 epidemic seasons, respectively, utilizing hemagglutination inhibition tests with anti-hemagglutinin monoclonal antibodies and oligonucleotide mapping of total viral RNAs. The results showed that multiple variants differing in antigenic and genetic properties were cocirculating during the 1986 herald wave as well as during each of the two epidemics (only one strain was isolated in the 1988 herald wave). It was also observed that viruses which had the antigenic and/or genetic characteristics closely similar to those of the viruses circulating in the 1986 and 1988 herald waves, were isolated during the winters of 1986-1987 and 1988-1989, respectively.     

Avian paramyxoviruses from migrating and resident ducks in coastal Louisiana

Cloacal and tracheal swabs were collected from 1,409 hunter-killed ducks in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, during the 1986 and 1987 waterfowl seasons. Thirty avian paramyxoviruses (PMV's) were isolated from 605 blue-winged teal (Anas discors), 75 mottled ducks (A. fulvigula), 375 gadwalls (A. strepera), 334 green-winged teal (A. crecca), and 20 mallards (A. platyrhynchos). Prevalence of PMV decreased (P = 0.042) from September (4%) through November (2%) to December and January (1%). Juveniles had a higher prevalence of PMV (P less than 0.0001) than adults. An isolate from resident mottled ducks documents transmission of PMV's on the coastal wintering areas of Louisiana. The four serotypes isolated, PMV-1, PMV-4, PMV-6, and PMV-8, were typical of PMV's commonly associated with free-living waterfowl.     

Human immunodeficiency viruses in patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in London, 1982-7.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the prevalence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in all patients attending a London sexually transmitted disease clinic over four weeks at the end of 1987 and to see how it varied from that in similar samples studied between 1982 and 1986. DESIGN--Anonymous testing of serum samples from consecutive heterosexual and homosexual patients having routine serological investigations for syphilis. Testing was for anti-HIV-I, anti-HIV-II, and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and P24 antigen. Age, nationality, sexual orientation, and past sexually transmitted diseases were recorded for each patient. Gonorrhoea rates by quarters were analysed among homosexual and bisexual men and heterosexual men and women from 1981 to 1987. SETTING--Outpatient department of genitourinary medicine. PATIENTS--A total of 1074 patients attending consecutively for syphilis serology. Thirty five homosexual and bisexual men were excluded (these were regular attenders as part of a prospective study of the natural course of HIV infection). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--The prevalence of anti-HIV-I in homosexual and bisexual men in 1987 was 25.6% (64/250). Results in the same clinic population between 1982 and 1984 had shown a rise in prevalence, which flattened out in 1985-6 and continued at that level. Among heterosexual attenders in 1987 the prevalence of anti-HIV-I was 1% (women 4/412; men 4/377), which contrasted with a prevalence of 0.5% (women 2/395; men 3/757) in January 1986. One homosexual man was seropositive for anti-HIV-II and seronegative for anti-HIV-I. Among homosexual and bisexual men the rate of gonorrhoea had declined by an average of 2.7% a year since 1981, such that by 1987--and for the first time in the clinic--there was no significant difference in the rates between these men and heterosexual men and women. CONCLUSIONS--The appearance of HIV-I infection among heterosexuals indicates a need for more aggressive education programmes and intervention strategies along the lines adopted for homosexual men. Surveillance for HIV-II infection is needed to provide information for future policy in national screening programmes.     

Also Received

Andreev , A. V. & Kretchmar , A. V. (eds) 1986. Experimental Methods and Results of their Application in Northern Birds Studies. Blondel , J. & Frochot , B. (eds). 1987. Bird Census and Atlas Studies. Chatfield , J. 1987. F. W. Frohawk, his Life and Work. Davidson , I. H. 1986. Birds of Lapalala Wilderness, Waterberg, Transvaal, Southern Birds 13. Dendaletche , C. (ed.) 1987. Oiseaux des Pyrenees (1). Eai .es, T. 1986. Countryman's Memoirs. Edwards , E. P. 1986. A Coded Workbook of the Birds of the World Vol 2. Passerines. Eriksson , M. O. G. (ed.) 1987. Proceedings of the Fifth Nordic Ornithological Congress, 1985, Onsala, Sweden, 5–9 August, 1985. Freethy , R. 1987. Auks: An Ornithologist's Guide. Flegc , J. 1987. The Blue Tit. Ilyichev , V. D. (ed.) 1986. Contemporary Problems of Ornithology. Proc. All-Union Orn. Soc. 1. (Russian.) Instituto de Investigaçao Científica Tropical. 1986. Anuario de Actividades 1986. Kinzelbach , R. & Kasparek , M. (eds) 1986. Zoology in the Middle East. Mees , G. F. 1986. A List of the Birds Recorded from Bangka Island, Indonesia. Muller , Y. 1985. L'Avifaune Forestiere Nicheuse Des Vosges du Nord sa Place dans le Contexte Medio-europeen. National Geographic Society . 1987. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Roche , J. 1986. Les Oiseaux Nicheurs des Cours d'Eau du Bassin de la Saône. Étude Ecologique des Peuplements le long du Gradient Amont-aval. Snow , D. W. 1987. The Blackbird. Sokolov , V. E. & Dobrvnina , I. N. (eds) 1987. Ringing and Marking of Animals in the Years 1983–1984. Sultanov , F. F. (ed.) 1979. Proc. Acad. Sci. Turkmen. SSR Ser. Biol. Sci. (4). Syroechkovskiy , E. V. (ed.) 1987. Ecology and Migrations of Swans in the USSR. (Russian.) Taylor , M. 1987. The Birds of Sheringham. Tomkies , M. 1987. On Wing and Wild Water. Weaver , P. 1987. The Lapwing. Zwinger , A. 1986. John Xantus, the Fort Tejon Letters 1857–1859.     

Using death certificates to estimate the completeness of AIDS case reporting in Ontario in 1985-87.

The completeness of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) case reporting in Ontario was assessed by reviewing all AIDS death certificates compiled by the Registrar General between Jan. 1, 1985, and Dec. 31, 1987. Several demographic variables were used to match death certificates with cases reported to the provincial AIDS registry. The completeness of case reporting was then estimated by examining the ratio of reported deaths of patients with AIDS to the total number of deaths reviewed. The estimated completeness of case reporting was 81.1% in 1985, 71.5% in 1986 and 75.4% in 1987; the overall rate for 1985-87 was 75.2%. The difference in the completeness of case reporting from year to year was not statistically significant. There was a significant increase from 1985 to 1986 in the proportion of unreported cases in people who had never been married (p less than 0.02). Reporting was not associated with the patient''s age, sex, occupation or place of residence. The deficiency in AIDS case reporting could adversely affect the long-term planning of health care resources and the development of programs to prevent and control the spread of AIDS.     

Biological control of container-breeding mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, in a Japanese island by release of Toxorhynchites splendens adults

To control container-breeding mosquitoes in the small island of Minnajima (0.56 km2), northern Okinawa, Japan, laboratory-reared adults (aged 7-10 days) of Toxorhynchites splendens (Palawan strain), a mosquito with predatory larvae, were released repeatedly during 1984, 1986 and 1987. Thirteen species of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) occurred in artificial containers, ground pools or crab-holes on the island, the predominant species being Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus. Predatory mosquito larvae of Culex (Lutzia) fuscanus and Cx (Lt.) halifaxii were found commonly in wet containers. In the first year of study, during a period of 54 days from 13 May to 5 July 1984, totals of 879 female and 806 male adults of Tx.splendens were released on six occasions. Similarly, between 29 April and 30 August 1986, totals of 2920 female and 2878 male adult Tx.splendens were released. In the third study year, totals of 2041 female and 1783 male Tx.splendens were released on eight occasions during 199 days from 23 April to 7 November 1987. After adult releases at two sites, the immature stages of Tx.splendens were found in 164 out of 502 traps in 1984, 421 out of 933 traps in 1986, and 151 out of 502 traps in 1987. The number of immatures of Tx.splendens present in each trap varied from 1 to 40 in 1984, 1 to 29 in 1986 and 1 to 9 in 1987. Numbers of immatures of the target species found in the traps during August-September averaged 71.9/trap/month in 1984, 114.7/trap/month in 1986 and 36.0/trap/month in 1987, significantly less in the traps with Tx.splendens than in those without them. The present field studies indicated that, in this small island, approximately 250 adult female and 200 male Tx.splendens per month should be released from April to November, and the releases should be carried out every year, in order to control effectively the target mosquitoes Ae.albopictus and Cx quinquefasciatus breeding in artificial containers in Minnajima.     

Books

Book reviewed in this article: Brown , B. T., Carotheks , S. W., & Johnson , R. R. 1987. Grand Canyon Birds. Brown , D. E. 1985. Arizona Wetlands and Waterfowl. Cheng , T.-H. (Zheng , Z.). 1986. Birds of the World: Latin, Chinese, and English. Feige , K.-D. 1986. Der Pirol. Pp. 216, 92 figures (many black-and-white photographs), 24 tables. Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei 578. Wittenberg Lutherstadt: A. Ziemsen Verlag. Fraga , R. & Narosky , S. 1985. Nidificacion de las Aves Argentinas (Formicariidae a Cinclidae). GWINNER, E. 1986. Circannual Rhythms: Endogenous Annual Clocks in the Organization of Seasonal Processes. Harwood , M. (ed.) 1985. Proceedings of Hawk Migration Conference IV. Pp. 393, various tables and figures. Hawk Migration Association of North America. Hilty , S. L. & Brown , W. L. 1986. A Guide to the Birds of Colombia. Ito , J., Brown , L. & Kikkawa , J. 1987. Animal Societies: Theories and Facts. Kavanau , J. L. 1987. Lovebirds, Cockatiels, Budgerigars: Behavior and Evolution. Knystautas , A. J. V. & Sibnev , J. B. 1987. Die Vogelwelt Ussuriens. Lane , B. A. 1987. Shorebirds in Australia. MEDMARAVIS and Monbailliu X. (eds). 1986. Mediterranean Marine Avifauna: Population Studies and Conservation. Narosky , S., Fraga , R. &de la Pe～a , M. 1983. Nidificacion de las Aves Argentinas (Dendrocolaptidae y Furnariidae) Fraga , R. & Narosky , S. 1985. Nidificacion de las Aves Argentinas (Formicariidae a Cinclidae) Noval , A. 1986. Guia de las Aves de Asturias. O'Connor , R. J. & Shrubb , M. 1986. Farming and Birds. Paz , U. 1986. The Plants and Animals of the Land of Israel. Perrins , C. M. 1987. Collins New Generation Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Perry , K. 1987. The Irish Dipper. Ridley , M. (ed.) 1986. Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Pheasants in Asia, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 26–28 January 1986. Rubenstein , D. I. & Wrangham , R. W. (eds) 1986. Ecological Aspects of Social Evolution: Birds and Mammals. Skutch , A. F. 1987. Helpers at Birds' Nests: a Worldwide Survey of Cooperative Breeding and Related Behavior. Solomonov , N. G. (ed.) 1987. Red Data Book of the Yakut ASSR: Rare and Endangered Species of Animals. (Russian.) Ulrich , T. J. 1984. Birds of the Northern Rockies. Wink , M. 1987. Die Vogel des Rheinlandes, III. Atlas zur Brutvogelverbreitung.     

Lead exposure and recovery rates of black ducks banded in Tennessee.

American black ducks (Anas rubripes) wintering in Tennessee during 1986 to 1988 were tested for exposure to lead. Twelve percent of the birds had blood lead concentrations exceeding 0.2 ppm. Significant differences in the prevalence of lead exposure were found for adults (14.4%) and juveniles (8.2%). Exposed birds had higher blood lead concentrations at one study site, corresponding with a lower survival index.     

Chronology of permethrin resistance in a southern Illinois population of the horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) during and after selection by pyrethroid use

From 1985 through 1988, horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L)) collected at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) in southern Illinois were tested in 22 h bioassays for permethrin resistance with residues on cotton cloths. The LC90 for a susceptible field population collected in June 1985 was 0.19 micrograms/cm2. In comparison, flies collected from pyrethroid-tagged cattle in 1985 and 1986 exhibited 25- to 116-fold resistance to permethrin. A 25-fold level of resistance allowed survival on treated cattle 8 wk after pyrethroid tag application. Flies representing the local background population were collected periodically from an untreated herd 2.4 km from the nearest cattle treated with a pyrethroid; these flies exhibited up to 18-fold resistance. Although pyrethroids were not used on DSAC animals after October 1986, all bioassays done in 1987 and 1988 indicated resistance levels of greater than or equal to 7-fold. The 95% confidence intervals for LC90s from all 1987 bioassays overlapped the confidence interval from the corresponding July 1986 estimate for resistant flies collected from pyrethroid-tagged cattle. Although some decline in resistance was evident in 1988, bioassays done at the end of the season produced resistance ratios of 7.4 and 15.3. Survivorship at a diagnostic dose indicated that resistance frequencies remained at 4-8% throughout 1988. Two years' abstinence from pyrethroid use was insufficient to allow an adequate decline in resistance levels.     

The susceptibility of tubers of potato cultivars to black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes (Walk.) Hughes)

In experiments with commercial seed of different cultivars at Rothamsted and Woburn, Bedfordshire in 1985 – 88 the severity of black dot on daughter tubers at harvest differed between cultivars. The disease was most severe on Desiree tubers. Amounts of disease were similar at both sites in 1986 – 88 but in 1985 it was more severe at Woburn than at Rothamsted. Disease-free seed of 12 (1987) or 15 (1988) cultivars were planted in experiments at Rothamsted (inoculated with Colletotrichum coccodes or not) and at Mepal, Cambridgeshire (not inoculated) and black dot assessed at harvest in October 1987 and in September and October 1988. There were significant differences in the amount of disease on different cultivars and the order of severity was similar at the two sites, on the two harvest dates in 1988 and in both years. Desiree, Maris Piper, Maris Peer and Record were amongst those cultivars severely affected whereas Cara, Pentland Crown and Romano were least affected. Skin discoloration caused by black dot was more noticeable on white-skinned than red-skinned cultivars and was severe on the Dutch cultivars Estima, Marfona, Santé and Wilja.     

Forecasting of peak population density of the rose grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum on wheat

Suction trap catches for the period 1969 to 1984 were used to develop a forecasting system for M. dirhodum. This was achieved by using the strong relationships that exist between: a) suction trap catches of Metopolophium dirhodum at Broom's Barn and populations of the aphid in fields near Norwich, and b) winter and spring temperatures and the time when the crop became unsuitable for this aphid. This forecasting system was tested in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 and successfully forecast early in the season that it would not be necessary to apply aphicides in 1987 and 1988. The use of this forecasting system would have correctly indicated that aphicide application against this aphid was unnecessary in 9 out of the 16 seasons from 1969 to 1984.     

A significant age shift of the human parvovirus B19 antibody prevalence among young adults in Japan observed in a decade.

A seroepidemiological study on human parvovirus (B19) in Japan was undertaken with serum samples randomly collected from healthy Japanese populations (416 in 1973, 675 in 1984 and 508 in 1987/88). All samples were tested for anti-B19 IgG antibody by the indirect antigen-capture ELISA. The antibody prevalence for ages 0-9 years old in 1984 was significantly higher (16%) than that in 1973 (2%), whereas those for ages 20-29 years and 30-39 years were significantly lower in 1984 (20% and 56%) than in 1973 (67% and 80%) (p < 0.005). After the erythema infectiosum (EI) outbreak in 1986/87, the antibody prevalences for ages 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years were 40-85% in Fukuoka, 0-10% in Gunma, and 21-41% in Chiba reflecting each EI incidence in these three prefectures, whereas those for ages 20-29 years remained low (< 20%). These data indicate that B19 virus was transmitted mainly among children and no significant incidence of B19 virus infection in adults has occurred since 1973, resulting in a notable shifting of B19 susceptibility toward older ages including child-bearing females.