bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual case of cutaneous tuberculosis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Faghihi G. , Yoosefi A.
Published: March 2003

We report a 47‐year‐old female patient with a 10‐year history of rheumatoid arthritis who presented with painful ulcerative plaques on the extremities at our clinic in St. Zahra University Hospital on February 2001.

These plaques, diagnosed as cutaneous leishmaniasis, were 2 years old, but the patient was without any cure from the specific treatment she had been prescribed. Later, these skin lesions were misdiagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum and she was treated by high‐dose oral prednisolone, but she did not improve at all.

After she was referred to our clinic, routine laboratory tests, PPD, chest X‐ray and skin biopsy with tissue cultures were carried out. Finally, her cutaneous lesions turned out to be cutaneous tuberculosis, which responded successfully to antituberculosis treatment.
Abdominal pigmentation and growth temperature in Drosophila melanogaster: Similarities and differences in the norms of reaction of successive segments
Authors: David Jean R. , Capy Pierre , Gauthier Jean‐Pierre
Published: March 2003

In Drosophila melanogaster females, pigmentation of the abdominal tergites exhibits a large phenotypic variability which depends on growth temperature. The phenotypic plasticity of this trait was investigated in a European population, using isofemale lines, by rearing the larvae and pupae at 6 different temperatures ranging from 14 to 31° C. For the last three abdominal segments (5, 6 and 7), the dark pigmented area decreases when growth temperature increases. However, the shapes of the response curves are significantly different, as shown by analysing slope variations, suggesting that genes interact differently in regulating the phenotypic expression of successive segments.

Also, the correlation between the values of the same line at two temperatures exhibited a decrease proportional to the temperature interval considered. Genetic variability between lines was analyzed by calculating the coefficient of intraclass correlation, t. This parameter was not influenced by growth temperature and, according to the segment, ranged from 0.40 to 0.54. Such high values suggest a large proportion of non‐additive effects. A multivariate analysis helped to visualize the diversity of the reaction norms among lines. Overall pigmentation variations are presumed to have an adaptive significance, related to the thermal balance of adult flies; on the other hand, the differences between segments could reflect developmental constraints without a direct adaptive value.
Experimental manipulation reveals differential effects of colour pattern on survival in male and female pygmy grasshoppers
Authors: Forsman  , Appelqvist
Published: March 2003

Populations of pygmy grasshoppers, Tetrix subulata, exhibit genetically coded discontinuous variation in colour pattern. To determine whether the dynamics of this polymorphism is likely to be affected by selective processes, rather than by stochastic events, we experimentally manipulated colour patterns of free-ranging grasshoppers and then calculated and controlled for differences in capture probabilities between categories of individuals before estimating and testing for differences in survival using mark–recapture data and program SURGE. We found that paint treatment had a significant effect on survival, and that the relationship between colour pattern and survival was different in males and females. Our analyses also revealed significant differences between sexes in relative frequencies of natural colour morphs, body size, activity pattern, dispersal distance and microhabitat use. These findings accord with the hypothesis that colour pattern and behaviour jointly determine susceptibility to visual predators. Our data enable us to reject the null-hypothesis that colour pattern is a selectively neutral character and that the polymorphism is maintained solely by stochastic processes, such as random genetic drift and founder events. Indeed, the effect of dorsal coloration on survival, together with associations between colour pattern and many biologically important traits (body size, behaviour, thermal capacity, physiology and reproductive performance), suggests that colour pattern is likely to significantly influence individual fitness, and that the polymorphism must be maintained by some active process, such as spatially variable selection in combination with gene flow. The possible role of colour polymorphism as an intermediate stage in the evolution of sexual dichromatism in animals is discussed.
Inbreeding depression in Campanula rapunculoides L. I. A comparison of inbreeding depression in plants derived from strong and weak self-incompatibility phenotypes
Authors: Vogler  , Filmore  , Stephenson
Published: March 2003

The evolution of selfing taxa from outcrossing ancestors has occurred repeatedly and is the subject of many theoretical models, yet few empirical studies have examined the immediate consequences of inbreeding in a population with variable expression of self-incompatibility. Because self-incompatibility breaks down with floral age in Campanula rapunculoides, we were able to mate outbred and selfed maternal plants in a crossing design which produced progeny with inbreeding coefficients of 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75. Cumulative inbreeding depression in plants that were selfed for one generation was very high in families derived from strongly self-incompatible plants (average δ = 0.98), and somewhat lower in families derived from plants with weaker expression of self-incompatibility (average δ = 0.90). Relative to outbred progeny, inbred progeny produced fewer seeds, had lower rates of germination, less vegetative growth and fewer flowers per plant. Inbred progeny also took longer to germinate, and longer to produce a first leaf and to flower. Interestingly, inbred plants also produced 40% fewer seeds than outcrossed plants (t-test P < 0.001) even when mated to the same, unrelated pollen donor, suggesting that inbreeding can produce profound maternal effects. Most importantly, our results demonstrate that progeny derived from plants with stronger expression of self-incompatibility exhibited greater levels of inbreeding depression than progeny from plants with weaker expression of self-incompatibility. Moreover, the decline in fitness (cumulative, ln-transformed) over the four inbreeding levels was steeper for the progeny of the strongly self-incompatible lineages. These empirical results suggest that inbreeding depression and mating system phenotype have the potential to coevolve.
Spatiotemporal variation in selection on body size in the dung fly Sepsis cynipsea
Authors: Blanckenhorn  , Morf  , Mühlhäuser  , Reusch
Published: March 2003

Standardized measures of the strength of selection on a character allow quantitative comparisons across populations in time and space. Spatiotemporal variation in selection influences patterns of adaptation and the evolution of characters and must therefore be documented. For the dung-breeding fly Sepsis cynipsea, we document patterns of variation in sexual, fecundity and larval and adult viability selection on body size at several spatiotemporal scales: between-populations, over the season, over the day and between dung pats. Adult viability selection based on residual physiological survivorship in the laboratory was nil or weakly negative. In contrast, larval viability selection in two laboratory environments was weakly positive for males at low competition and females at high competition. Fecundity selection was positive and strong at all times and in all populations. Sexual selection reflecting pairing success was overall strongly positive (about three times stronger than fecundity selection), while selection reflecting male reproductive success via the clutch size of his mate (i.e. assortative mating) was essentially nil. Only sexual selection varied significantly at coarse (between populations and seasonally) but not at fine (within a day or between pats on a pasture) spatial and temporal scales. Quadratic and correlational selection differentials were low and inconsistent in all episodes except for fecundity selection, where there was some evidence that clutch size reaches an asymptote at large body sizes, implying weaker selection for large size as females get bigger. Implications of these results for the evolution of body size and body size dimorphism are discussed.
Critical weight for the induction of pupariation in Drosophila melanogaster: genetic and environmental variation
Authors: De Moed G. H. , Kruitwagen C. L. J. J. , De Jong G. , Scharloo W.
Published: March 2003

Timing of puparium formation in Drosophila melanogaster is set by reaching a critical stage at which larvae attain the ability to pupariate. This critical stage is reached at a relatively constant size characterized by the mean critical weight, i.e. the weight at which 50% of surviving larvae pupate without further feeding. The mean critical weight might be affected by larval growth conditions. This hypothesis was tested by determining the mean critical weight in larvae raised at three temperatures and two food levels, for two isofemale lines from two populations. Pupariation probability is a function of larval weight. The two environmental variables affect pupariation probability and mean critical weight differently. Food level does not affect critical weight but affects weight-independent mortality; higher temperatures lead to a reduction of mean critical weight. Mean critical weight shows substantial differences between lines; the differences are maintained over temperatures. Genetic variation in mean critical weights has ecological and evolutionary implications.
Molecular phylogeny of araneomorph spiders
Authors: Hausdorf B.
Published: March 2003

The reconstruction of the phylogeny of spiders based on morphological and ethological characters is hampered by frequent homoplasies. Therefore, fragments of the 28S rRNA gene have been sequenced to elucidate some crucial points in the evolution of spiders. The following results were obtained. (1) The 28S rRNA gene data support the monophyly of the Entelegynae. Thus, the number of different subunits and the number of hexamers which form a haemocyanin complex must have been reduced at least twice within the spiders. The character state pattern within the spiders and within the Arachnida suggests that these reductions are due to a decrease in the selection on the oxygen binding properties of the haemocyanins as a result of the evolution of tracheae. (2) The semientelegyne spiders are not a transition stage between the Haplogynae and the Entelegynae. The lack of separate fertilization ducts in these species is probably due to secondary reduction. This reduction has decisive consequences for the flow of the sperm and for sperm competition. (3) Furthermore, the 28S rRNA gene data tentatively support the hypothesis that the orb web is either a plesiomorphy or has evolved at least twice.
Variation in morphological traits and trait asymmetry in field Drosophila serrata from marginal populations
Authors: Jenkins  , Hoffmann
Published: March 2003

Drosophila serrata occurs along the eastern coast of Australia with a southern range boundary near Sydney. To compare levels of phenotypic variation in marginal and central populations, we examined morphological variation in populations of this species from the southern range boundary and two more northerly populations. The populations differed for wing traits and there was an increase in wing size in the marginal locations which persisted under laboratory culture. The means of wing and bristle traits increased under laboratory culture, whereas wing trait coefficients of variation and variances decreased. Heritability estimates for wing size traits tended to be lower in the field compared with the laboratory, whereas bristle and crossvein length heritabilities were similar across environments. There was evidence for heritable variation in wing and bristle traits in both the marginal and more northern populations, suggesting that genetic variation was not limiting in marginal populations. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was also assessed as a measure of genomic and environmental stress. There were no consistent differences among populations for the FA of individual traits, or for a total FA score summed across traits. FA levels in field parents and laboratory-reared progeny were similar. Overall, the results do not support the conjecture that levels of phenotypic and genetic variability differ between central and marginal D. serrata populations.
An analysis of G matrix variation in two closely related cricket species, Gryllus firmus and G. pennsylvanicus
Authors: Bégin M. , Roff D. A.
Published: March 2003

An important issue in evolutionary biology is understanding the pattern of G matrix variation in natural populations. We estimated four G matrices based on the morphological traits of two cricket species, Gryllus firmus and G. pennsylvanicus, each reared in two environments. We used three matrix comparison approaches, including the Flury hierarchy, to improve our ability to perceive all aspects of matrix variation. Our results demonstrate that different methods perceive different aspects of the matrices, which suggests that, until more is known about these methods, future studies should use several different statistical approaches. We also found that the differences in G matrices within a species can be larger than the differences between species. We conclude that the expression of the genetic architecture can vary with the environment and that future studies should compare G matrices across several environments. We also conclude that G matrices can be conserved at the level of closely related species.
Evolutionary trade-offs in locomotor capacities in lacertid lizards: are splendid sprinters clumsy climbers?
Authors: Vanhooydonck B. , Van Damme R.
Published: March 2003

We tested the hypothesis that an evolutionary trade-off exists between the capacity to run on level terrain and the ability to climb inclined structures in lacertid lizards. Biomechanical and physiological models of lizard locomotor performance suggest that the morphological design requirements of a ground-dwelling vs. scansorial life style are difficult to reconcile. This conflict is thought to preclude simultaneous evolution of maximal locomotor performance on level and inclined terrain. This notion has been corroborated by comparative studies on lizard species from other groups (Anolis, Chamaeleo, Sceloporus), but is not supported by our data on 13 species from the family Lacertidae. We found no indication of a negative association between maximal sprint speed of lizards over a level racetrack (indicative of ground-dwelling locomotor performance), on an inclined stony surface (indicative of climbing performance over rock faces) and inclined mesh surface (indicative of clambering performance among vegetation). Moreover, morphological characteristics associated with fast sprinting capacities (e.g. long hind limbs) apparently enhance, rather than hinder climbing and clambering performance. We conclude that in our sample of lacertid lizards, the evolution of fast sprinting capacity on level terrain has not inflicted major restrictions on climbing and clambering performance.
Defensive role of leaf trichomes in resistance to herbivorous insects in Datura stramonium
Authors: Valverde P. L. , Fornoni J. , NÚÑez-Farfán J.
Published: March 2003

This study assessed the role of leaf trichome density as a component of resistance to herbivores, in six populations of Datura stramonium. Phenotypic selection on plant resistance was estimated for each population. A common garden experiment was carried out to determine if population differences in leaf trichome density are genetically based. Among population differences in leaf trichome density, relative resistance and fitness were found. Leaf trichome density was strongly positively correlated to resistance across populations. In 5 out of 6 populations, trichome density was related to resistance, and positive directional selection on resistance to herbivores was detected in three populations. Differences among populations in mean leaf trichome density in the common garden suggest genetic differentiation for this character in Datura stramonium. The results are considered in the light of the adaptive role of leaf trichomes as a component of defence to herbivores, and variable selection among populations.
Artificial selection on the shape of reaction norms for eyespot size in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana: direct and correlated responses
Authors: Wijngaarden P. J. , Koch P. B. , Brakefield P. M.
Published: March 2003

The tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana shows phenotypic plasticity in its ventral wing pattern as an adaptive response to wet-dry seasonality. Wet season form individuals have large eyespots, whereas individuals of the dry season generation have small eyespots. In the laboratory these forms can be obtained by rearing larvae at high and low temperatures, respectively. To study the extent to which the shape of the nearly linear reaction norms for eyespot size can be changed we applied four generations of sib selection by rearing full-sib families across three temperatures. In addition, we measured ecdysteroid titres shortly after pupation in the final generation. Although phenotypic variation in shape was present initially, the experiment yielded lines with reaction norms with similar shapes but different elevations. High, positive genetic correlation across temperatures can explain this lack of response. Differences in ecdysteroid titres did not readily relate to differences in eyespot size.
Do hairworms (Nematomorpha) manipulate the water seeking behaviour of their terrestrial hosts?
Authors: Thomas F. , Schmidt-Rhaesa A. , Martin G. , Manu C. , Durand P. , Renaud F.
Published: March 2003

Several anecdotal reports in the literature have suggested that insects parasitized by hairworms (Nematomorpha) commit `suicide' by jumping into an aquatic environment needed by an adult worm for the continuation of its life cycle. Based on 2 years of observations at a swimming pool in open air, we saw this aberrant behaviour in nine insect species followed by the emergence of hairworms. We conducted field and laboratory experiments in order to compare the behaviour of infected and uninfected individuals of the cricket Nemobius sylvestris. The results clearly indicate that crickets infected by the nematomorph Paragordius tricuspidatus are more likely to jump into water than uninfected ones. The idea that this manipulation involved water detection from long distances by infected insects is not supported. Instead, our observations suggest that infected insects may first display an erratic behaviour which brings them sooner or later close to a stream and then a behavioural change that makes them enter the water.
The significance of wing pattern diversity in the Lycaenidae: mate discrimination by two recently diverged species
Authors: Fordyce J. A. , Nice C. C. , Forister M. L. , Shapiro A. M.
Published: March 2003

Closely related species of lycaenid butterflies are determinable, in part, by subtle differences in wing pattern. We found that female wing patterns can act as an effective mate-recognition signal in some populations of two recently diverged species. In field experiments, we observed that males from a Lycaeides idas population and an alpine population of L. melissa preferentially initiate courtship with conspecific females. A morphometric study indicated that at least two wing pattern elements were important for distinguishing the two species: hindwing spots and orange crescent-shaped pattern elements called aurorae. We deceived male L. idas into initiating courtship with computer generated paper models of heterospecific females when these pattern elements were manipulated, indicating that the wing pattern elements that define the diversity of this group can be effective mate recognition signals.
Phylogeography and colonization history of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) as revealed by mtDNA sequences
Authors: Liebers D. , Helbig A. J.
Published: March 2003

Because of the differential amplitude of climatic oscillations, species living at northern latitudes are subject to more frequent and more severe range oscillations than species at southern latitudes. As a consequence, northern populations should, on average, be phylogenetically younger and possess less phylogeographical structure than closely related taxa further south. To test these predictions, we studied the mitochondrial-genetic population structure of NW Palearctic Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus group [=LBBG], five taxa) breeding at temperate to boreal latitudes from Iceland to the Taimyr Peninsula. Results were compared with those previously obtained (Liebers et al. 2001. Mol. Ecol.10: 2447) for more southerly breeding Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus cachinnans group, six taxa from the Atlantic Islands to Mongolia). Sequences of the hypervariable region I (HVR-I) of the mitochondrial control region revealed low within- and between-taxon sequence divergence, little genetic variation, a shallow haplotype phylogeny and poor phylogeographical structure in LBBGs compared with Yellow-legged Gulls. Haplotype frequencies among the five northern taxa formed a stepped cline with significant gene flow restriction between the forms heuglini and fuscus, probably indicating a secondary contact with (partial?) reproductive isolation. Western forms of LBBG, among which mitochondrial gene flow appears unrestricted, show genetic signs of postglacial range expansion and population growth. The Larus fuscus group is derived from a cachinnans-like ancestral population, probably in the Aralo-Caspian basin, and spread from east (NW Siberia) to west within the Palearctic.
Evolution of bite performance in turtles
Authors: Herrel A. , O'Reilly J. C. , Richmond A. M.
Published: March 2003

Among vertebrates, there is often a tight correlation between variation in cranial morphology and diet. Yet, the relationships between morphological characteristics and feeding performance are usually only inferred from biomechanical models. Here, we empirically test whether differences in body dimensions are correlated with bite performance and trophic ecology for a large number of turtle species. A comparative phylogenetic analysis indicates that turtles with carnivorous and durophagous diets are capable of biting harder than species with other diets. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that an evolutionary increase in bite performance has allowed certain turtles to consume harder or larger prey. Changes in carapace length tend to be associated with proportional changes in linear head dimensions (no shape change). However, maximum bite force tends to change in proportion to length cubed, rather than length squared, implying that changes in body size are associated with changes in the design of the jaw apparatus. After the effect of body size is accounted for in the analysis, only changes in head height are significantly correlated with changes in bite force. Additionally, our data suggest that the ability to bite hard might trade off with the ability to feed on fast agile prey. Rather than being the direct result of conflicting biomechanical or physiological demands for force and speed, this trade-off may be mediated through the constraints imposed by the need to retract the head into the shell for defensive purposes.
A novel method of behavioural thermoregulation in butterflies
Authors: Kemp D. J. , Krockenberger A. K.
Published: March 2003

The requirement for efficient thermoregulation has directed the coevolution of specialized morphological and behavioural traits in ectotherms. Adult butterflies exhibit three thermoregulatory mechanisms, termed dorsal, lateral and reflectance basking. In this study, we investigate a potential fourth mechanism whereby individuals perch with their wings fully spread and angled downwards such that the margins are appressed to the substrate. We find that mate-locating male Hypolimnas bolina (L.) (Nymphalidae) adopt this posture when operational thoracic temperatures are lowest (less than approximately 34 °C). As thoracic temperature increases, males perch with wings increasingly closed and ultimately select shaded microhabitats. Using thermocouple-implanted dead models, we show that appressed posture individuals warm faster than those adopting the conventional dorsal-basking (horizontal wing) posture. This thermal advantage is not mitigated by shading of the outer 60–70% of the wing area, which suggests that – as with the conventional dorsal posture – only the basal wing surfaces contribute to heat gain via the absorption of solar irradiation. These investigations suggest that appression represents a novel extension of conventional dorsal basking behaviour in butterflies.
Efficacy of a hepatitis C virus core antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the identification of ‘window‐phase’ blood donations
Authors: Lee S. R. , Peterson J. , Niven P. , Bahl C. , Page E. , DeLeys R. , Giordano‐Schmidt D. , Baggett D. , Green G.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Recent studies have suggested that potentially infectious donations provided during the antibody‐negative ‘window’ phase of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be identified by testing for viral RNA or HCV core protein. We therefore evaluated the performance of an HCV antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for identification of window‐phase donations and for prospective screening of blood donors.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred and twenty‐eight archived plasma donations containing HCV RNA, but lacking antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV), were tested by using the HCV antigen ELISA, together with 9951 freshly collected serum and plasma specimens from blood donors.

Results

HCV core antigen was detected in 94% (120/128) of window‐phase plasma donations. Overall specificity in freshly collected blood donor specimens was 99·74%. Two putative window‐phase donations containing HCV core protein and viral RNA were identified from paid plasma donors by prospective testing with the HCV antigen ELISA.

Conclusion

These results indicate that an HCV antigen ELISA can identify almost all (94%) of viraemic donations given during the seronegative window phase of infection. The performance of the HCV antigen ELISA appears to be suitable for large‐scale screening of blood donations.
Automated serological compatibility testing using a solid‐phase test and standard laboratory equipment
Authors: Ostendorf N. , Niefhoff D. , Cassens U. , Sibrowski W.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

To prove the feasibility of a semi‐automated cross‐match procedure using a commercially available solid‐phase microplate test and standard laboratory equipment.

Material and Methods

The new procedure was evaluated against the conventional spin tube technique and the gel centrifugation system.

Results

The sensitivity of the method and the rate of non‐specific reactions were equal to those for the other test systems. The samples taken from the red cell concentrates for cross‐matching remained stable for the shelf‐life of the product.

Conclusion

The semi‐automated cross‐match was successfully introduced in our routine laboratory as a means to process large numbers of tests.
Autologous blood donation and transfusion in Europe
Authors: Politis C. , Richardson C.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to record practices in autologous blood transfusion in Europe in 1997.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire mainly about predeposit was distributed to the National Representatives of all 41 member states of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Blood Transfusion and Haematology. Replies were received from 29.

Results and Conclusion

Autologous blood units collected in 1997 amounted to 4·2% of the allogeneic units, with wide variations between countries. Predeposit was used most frequently in Italy (8·9%), Germany (7·1%) and France (6·6%). Some countries, notably Scandinavia, do not encourage predeposit, chiefly on the grounds that it is not cost‐effective, but others are promoting its use.
Development of multiplexed nucleic acid testing for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Cleland A. , Davis C. , Adams N. , Lycett C. , Jarvis L. M. , Holmes H. , Simmonds P.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

In most Western countries, blood donations are routinely screened for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other nucleic acid tests. We describe the development of a multiplexed assay for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) and HCV in an internally controlled PCR suitable for large‐scale blood donor screening.

Materials and Methods

The HIV/HCV multiplexed PCR used primers from highly conserved regions in the long terminal repeat region. The National Institute for Biological Standards and Controls (NIBSC) International HIV‐1 RNA standard, run control and HIV‐1 subtype panel were used for assay evaluation.

Results

The HIV‐1 PCR showed a sensitivity of 24 IU/ml for HIV‐1 RNA (a dilution where 95% of replicate reactions were positive), which was at least five times more sensitive than the Roche Monitor version 1·5 (using the ultrasensitive extraction protocol) and Organon NASBA assays. The assay was capable of detecting all subtypes of HIV‐1 (A to H), as well as the more divergent group N and O variants. The sensitivity of the PCR was unaffected by multiplexing with HCV primers and by the presence of a bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) internal control.

Conclusion

We have developed a highly sensitive multiplexed PCR for HIV‐1 and HCV RNA screening that can be introduced into current PCR‐based blood donor screening at minimal cost and without significant operational changes.
Loss of phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity and changes in the tyrosine phosphorylation state of proteins after storage of sheep platelets in plasma or Seto solution at 4 °C
Authors: Hernández‐Hernández A. , Sánchez‐Bernal C. , Rodríguez M. C. , Gómez F. P. , Llanillo M. , Sánchez‐Yagüe J.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

During platelet storage an array of deleterious changes occur, through mechanisms not fully understood, which impair platelet haemostasis. Transfused platelets should maintain the integrated networks of signalling pathways that regulate platelet activation and functionality. We hypothesized that protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which play a fundamental role in these pathways, might be affected by platelet storage. We therefore investigated whether the activity of phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP), which belongs to an oxidant‐susceptible group of enzymes involved in the platelet signal‐transduction pathways that ensure platelet functionality, is affected by platelet storage.

Materials and Methods

Using sheep platelet species as a model system, we conducted serial studies on the membranes of platelets and microparticles shed during platelet storage, in their own plasma or in a synthetic medium called Seto, for up to 5 days at 4 °C.

Results

A progressive decrease in both total and specific membrane‐associated PTP activities from whole platelets (but not from microparticles) located within each platelet storage bag was observed from day 1 onwards in both types of storage media. These decreases could be partly avoided by the addition of vitamin E. Additionally, the observed decrease in PTP activity was accompanied with increases in the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins from whole platelets or crude platelet membranes, the tyrosine phosphorylation state of proteins from microparticles remaining basically unchanged.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that alterations of at least the tyrosine phosphorylation balance might be one of the reasons for the decrease in the haemostatic function of stored platelets.
DNA profiling: a valuable tool for quality control of sample logistics including occurrences of suspected sample confusion in a blood donation centre
Authors: Glock B. , Reisacher R. B. K. , Schöck M. A. , Rogado J. , Feinböck C. , Eschner G. , Eder E. , Mayr W. R.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives A molecular method for analysing whole‐blood samples should be established for quality control of plasma sample logistics.

Materials and Methods DNA profiles of retention samples (plasma) were compared to profiles of recent donations (whole blood). DNA extraction, amplification and detection were performed using the Qiagen DNA Blood Mini kit, the AmpFFISTR Profiler Plus Kit and capillary electrophoresis, respectively.

Results Matched pairs of full profiles were obtained for all samples investigated, therefore no deviation from the standardized procedures was detected.

Conclusions Modified extraction and amplification protocols enabled DNA profiling to be used for the quality control of plasma samples. Hence, DNA profiling can be used in the blood bank as a safe and easy method for quality control of sample logistics.
Evidence for de novo synthesis of cytokines and chemokines in platelet concentrates
Authors: Hartwig D. , Härtel C. , Hennig H. , Müller‐Steinhardt M. , Schlenke P. , Klüter H.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Inflammatory cytokines in platelet concentrates (PC) may cause side‐effects such as febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions. The maximum white blood cell (WBC) content tolerable to avoid the accumulation of cytokines, and whether these cytokines originate from degranulating leucocytes or de novo synthesis during storage, had not been investigated prior to this study.

Material and Methods We investigated the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and quantified the appropriate expression of corresponding mRNA in PC with regard to different levels of WBC contamination and storage times. In addition we tested the viability of WBCs during PC storage (by staining with 7‐aminoactinomycin D) and their ability to perform de novo cytokine synthesis (by using superantigen stimulation).

Results We detected a statistically significant increase of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α in PC with ≥ 108 WBCs. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) showed increasing mRNA expression of the respective cytokines depending on the number of WBC present. On day 5 of storage, WBC viability was > 80% and the leucocytes were still able to produce cytokines de novo.

Conclusions These data show clear evidence for de novo synthesis of cytokines in PC. The cytokine pattern supports the hypothesis that activated monocytes are responsible for this cytokine synthesis. PC with a WBC contamination of ≥ 108 contain inflammatory mediators in clinically relevant concentrations.
Phenotype prediction by DNA‐based typing of clinically significant blood group systems in Jordanian blood donors
Authors: Irshaid N. M. , Ramadan S. , Wester E. S. , Olausson P. , Hellberg Å. , Merza J. Y. , Olsson M. L.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives During the past 10 years several DNA‐typing methods have been developed to complement routine serological typing for determination of polymorphisms in the ABO, RH, KEL, JK and FY blood group genes. However, the molecular basis of blood groups can differ widely between ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate selected DNA‐based methods for phenotype prediction in a population not previously investigated.

Materials and Methods Blood samples from a random sample of Jordanian blood donors were collected and red cells isolated from these blood samples were phenotyped for common ABO (n = 150) and KEL/FY/JK (n = 90) antigens. RHD‐negative and ‐positive donors were selected for RH typing (n = 120 and 30, respectively). DNA was prepared and blood group genotyping performed according to selected methods in current use. Discordant samples required further investigation by extended serology and DNA sequencing.

Results The degree of concordance between phenotype and genotype was high, but some exceptions were noted. Two of 14 A2/A2B samples lacked all mutations associated with known A2 alleles of the ABO system. RH typing revealed four samples with the c(cyt48) marker, causing false‐positive RHC typing. A single D‐negative sample was positive for D‐specific exon 10 markers. The RHD pseudogene was not found in the 150 donors tested. Nine samples revealed discrepancies that were associated with unknown silent or weakly expressing Fyb‐like alleles.

Conclusions With the exception of the FY system, we conclude that the molecular background of the clinically important blood group antigens studied here is similar to that reported for Caucasoids.
Electrocardiographic findings in miniature schnauzers with syncope
Authors: Jochman‐Edwards Carolyn M. , Tilley Larry P. , Lichtenberger Marla , Smith Francis W. K. , Kirby Rebecca
Published: March 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine a population of miniature schnauzers exhibiting syncope as their primary presenting complaint and to correlate their electrocardiographic (ECG) findings with the criteria for the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) reported in the human and veterinary literature.

Design: Retrospective study.

Patients: Case records of 31 miniature schnauzers with syncope during the period 1996–2000 were reviewed.

Measurements and results: This study supported two previous studies finding that females were more predisposed to ECG abnormalities associated with SSS than males. It was also noted that females were slightly older (10.1 years) when compared to males (8.9 years) at the time of diagnosis. A heart murmur was present in 61% of the dogs and this was most likely secondary to mitral valve endocardiosis and regurgitation. The primary rhythm disturbance seen was sinus arrest/sinoatrial block in 48.5% of the cases; sinus bradycardia was the second most common arrhythmia noted.

Conclusion: In miniature schnauzers with syncope, SSS should be considered as a primary etiology if abnormal ECG findings are noted.
Cardiovascular effects of desflurane following acute hemorrhage in dogs
Authors: Santos Paulo S.P. , Andrade James N.B.M. , Selmi André L. , Costa Jorge L.O. , Faleiros Rafael R. , Nunes Newton
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine the cardiovascular effects of desflurane in dogs following acute hemorrhage.

Design: Experimental study.

Animals: Eight mix breed dogs.

Interventions: Hemorrhage was induced by withdrawal of blood until mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped to 60 mmHg in conscious dogs. Blood pressure was maintained at 60 mmHg for 1 hour by further removal or replacement of blood. Desflurane was delivered by facemask until endotracheal intubation could be performed and a desflurane expiratory end‐tidal concentration of 10.5 V% was maintained.

Measurements and main results: Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2), and arterial pH were recorded before and 60 minutes after hemorrhage, and 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after intubation. Sixty minutes after hemorrhage, SAP, DAP, MAP, CVP, CO, CI, SV, PaCO2, and arterial pH decreased, and HR and RR increased when compared with baselines values. Immediately after intubation, MAP and arterial pH decreased, and PaCO2 increased. Fifteen minutes after intubation SAP, DAP, MAP, arterial pH, and SVR decreased. At 30 and 45 minutes, MAP and DAP remained decreased and PaCO2 increased, compared with values measured after hemorrhage. Arterial pH increased after 30 minutes of desflurane administration compared with values measured 5 minutes after intubation.

Conclusions: Desflurane induced significant changes in blood pressure and arterial pH when administered to dogs following acute hemorrhage.
Dermatomyositis: Die Bedeutung Myositis‐assoziierter Autoantikörper für Diagnose, Klinik und Prognose
Authors: Weihrauch J. , Hunzelmann N.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Die Dermatomyositis ist eine seltene idiopathische entzündliche Muskelerkrankung mit charakteristischen Hautmanifestationen und Muskelschwäche.  Bei circa einem Drittel der Patienten finden sich krankheitsspezifische Autoantikörper, die eine wichtige Bedeutung für die Diagnose, das klinische Bild und den Krankheitsverlauf haben.  Die Therapie der Dermatomyositis orientiert sich insbesondere  am Schweregrad der Myositis  und an den extramuskulären Manifestationen.  Meist kann der Krankheitsverlauf durch den Einsatz von Glukokortikoiden in Kombination  mit Immunsuppressiva günstig beeinflusst werden.
Sind Mutationen der Proteinkinase B (PKB/AKT) bei der Entstehung und Progression von Hauttumoren beteiligt?
Authors: Waldmann V.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Im Verlauf des letzten Jahrzehnts wurde erkannt, dass Proteinkinase B (PKB/AKT) eine wichtige Rolle im Verlauf der onkogenen Transformation in unterschiedlichen Zelltypen spielt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass das Protein in bestimmten Tumoren überexprimiert wird. Ein Fusionsprotein mit viralen Genomteilen erlangt onkogene Eigenschaften. Für die physiologische Aktivierung von PKB/AKT ist die Bindung an die Zellmembran von entscheidender Bedeutung. Diese Bindung wird durch die N‐terminale PH‐Domäne des Proteins vermittelt. Die weitere Aktivierung erfolgt durch Phosphorylierung an zwei spezifischen Codons, T 308 und S 473. Bei der Untersuchung von Melanomen, Spinaliomen, Basaliomen und einzelnen weiteren epidermalen Hauttumoren auf das Vorhandensein von Mutationen in den beschriebenen Genregionen konnten jedoch keine Alterationen detektiert werden. Hieraus kann gefolgert werden, dass Punktmutationen der genannten Regionen der PKB/AKT in Hauttumoren keinen Beitrag zur Karzinogenese dieser Tumoren leisten.
Verlaufsparameter zur Hyposensibilisierung bei Hymenopterengiftallergie
Authors: Jung A. , Schill W.‐B.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Bei 50 Patienten mit Hyposensibilisierungstherapie gegen Bienen (11‐mal) oder Wespengift (42‐mal) seit mindestens 3 Jahren wurden Verlaufsparameter erhoben. Als Begleiterkrankung dominierte bei 24 % eine Hypertonie gefolgt von einer nichtimmunologischen Schilddrüsenerkrankung (14 %).  Bei einem Patienten musste die Therapie aufgrund einer Typ‐III‐artigen Reaktion abgebrochen werden. Bei weiteren 10 % der Patienten kam es nach einer Hyposensibilisierungsinjektion zu leichten anaphylaktischen Reaktionen, die unter Antihistaminikaschutz oder erneuter Aufsättigung der Injektionsdosis eine Fortsetzung der Therapie erlaubten. Bei 22 % der Patienten kam es unter der Hyposensibilisierungstherapie zu mindestens einem erneuten Stich des allergieauslösenden Insekts. Bei 6 % der Patienten kam es hierbei zu einer anaphylaktischen Reaktion Grad I, worauf die Injektionsdosis des Hyposensibilisierungsgiftes erhöht wurde. Die IgE‐Rastwerte zeigten zu Beginn der Hyposensibilisierung eine ansteigende Reaktionstendenz, die allerdings statistisch nicht signifikant war, um dann nach über 2 Jahren signifikant abzufallen. Bei der Prick‐/Intrakutantestung fand sich bereits ein signifikanter Abfall der Reaktivität nach einjähriger Behandlungsdauer.
Nitrogen Fixation by Hybrids of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Trifolium nigrescens
Authors: Abberton M. T. , MacDuff J. H. , Marshall A. H. , Michaelson‐Yeates T. P. T.
Published: March 2003

Development of hybrids between white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Trifolium nigrescens provides a novel route for genetically improving the reproductive capacity of white clover, provided the hybrids are agronomically viable, particularly with respect to N2 fixation. A comparative study of growth and rates of N2 fixation over 21 days was conducted with the parental species, F1 hybrids and backcross hybrids, in flowing solution culture, without a supply of mineral N to the plants. T. nigrescens was unable to fix N2 in association with the strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar. trifolii selected for inoculation. Rates of N2 fixation per plant increased in the order T. nigrescens < F1 hybrid < T. repens < backcross 1. Specific rates of N2 fixation (days 0–21) increased in the order T. nigrescens < F1 hybrid < backcross 1 < T. repens. Dry matter production and nodule biomass per plant increased at a higher rate in backcross 1 hybrids than in T. repens. The results suggest that the potential for N2 fixation by backcross 1 hybrids is at least as great as that by T. repens.
Effect of Tillage System on Soil Strength and Bulk Density of Vertisols
Authors: Battikhi A. M. , Suleiman A. A.
Published: March 2003

Improving the soil environment for seedling emergence and plant growth is possible using a good tillage system. From March 1993 until June 1994, the effect of tillage system and plant residue incorporation practices on the bulk density and the soil strength of the surface layer of a vertisol (very fine, smectitic, thermic, chromic Haploxerert), on a less than 1 % slope, was investigated. The two tillage methods were moldboard (T1) and chisel (T2). The two plant residue incorporation dates were in August (R1) and in October (R2). Results indicated that R1 gave significantly higher bulk density than R2, while the different tillage treatments had no significant effect. Soil strength was significantly lower under T1 and R2 than under the other treatments.
Competition of Barnyardgrass with Rice Varieties
Authors: Ntanos D. A. , Koutroubas S. D.
Published: March 2003

A field study was conducted to examine the competition of barnyardgrass with various rice varieties and its effect on propanil effectiveness. Six rice varieties, Ispaniki A', Strymonas and Roxani (Japonica type) and Rea, Skybonnet and Blue belle (Indica type), were grown in a silty loam soil, in 1994 and 1995. The varieties had different 1000 seed weights, which varied from 24 to 40 g. The herbicide propanil was applied at the four‐leaf stage of barnyardgrass on half the plot area. Japonica type varieties emerged earlier and had lower numbers of barnyardgrass plants compared to Indica varieties. The time of seedling emergence was significantly and negatively correlated with the seed weight and positively with the number of barnyardgrass plants. The delayed establishment of Indica type varieties favoured rapid barnyardgrass growth at the early stages and resulted in lower effectiveness of propanil, compared to Japonica type varieties. Thus, in controlling barnyardgrass in rice fields it is necessary to take into account the variety grown in order to reduce production costs and the pollution risk to the environment.
The Effects of Timing of an Interim Harvest on the Yield and Composition of Lablab purpureus
Authors: Shehu Y. , Alhassan W. S. , Pal U. R. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: March 2003

Lablab purpureus was grown in two field experiments in consecutive years to evaluate the effects of the timing of an interim harvest on the yield and nutritive value of the harvested material and the subsequent regrowth, which was determined from the second and final harvest. Delaying the first harvest to 50–70 days post‐sowing increased the total (first plus second harvests) dry matter (DM) yield, with a greater first harvest and reduced second harvest DM yield. The delay also reduced the crude protein concentration of the first harvest and tended to increase its modified acid‐detergent (MAD) fibre concentrations. The delay increased the crude protein concentration and decreased the MAD fibre concentration of the second harvest. The total crude protein yield of both harvests increased with late interim harvesting. The first harvest plant calcium concentration increased and phosphorus concentration decreased with a delay in the interim harvest. It is concluded that, in the difficult growing conditions of the Sahelian zone of sub‐Saharan Africa, delaying the interim harvest of Lablab purpureus until 50–70 days post‐sowing will have beneficial effects on total dry matter and crude protein yields.