bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding Habits of Trisopterus minutus capelanus (Gadidae) Off the Eastern Coast of Spain (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Morte M. Salomé , Redón Manuel J. , Sanz‐Brau Antonio
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The stomach contents of poor cod, Trisopterus minutus capelanus (Lacepède), were taken at monthly intervals off the eastern coast of the Gulf of Valencia (Spain). A total of 1276 were analyzed to determine diet according to fish size and season. The basic food consists of crustaceans (Mysidacea and Decapoda) and teleosts. Feeding habits varied with size: decapods and fishes were more abundant in the stomachs of larger specimens. Little seasonal variation in food habits was recorded.
Community Structure of Reef Fish  in Several Habitats of a Rocky Reef  in the Gulf of California
Authors: Aburto‐Oropeza Octavio , Balart Eduardo F.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. To explore the relationships between habitat structure, distribution, and diversity of conspicuous reef fish, surveys were made in 1994, 1995 and 1998 at Los Islotes, a rocky islet located north of Bahía de La Paz, B.C.S., México. The site was divided into six zones, which presented different habitats: rhodoliths, walls, big boulders, small boulders and black coral. Some physical descriptors for the substrate were determined: depth, rugosity, number and size of rocks, and the percent coverage of several types of sessile invertebrates. Number of species and abundances were determined by visual transects. Two main seasons were distinguished, and the number of species was different between seasons and among zones. Four fish groups were identified based on the frequency and abundance of species. These fish groups presented similar proportions in each zone. Although most species recorded at Los Islotes were found in all the studied habitats, their densities varied significantly between habitats, suggesting groups of ‘representative’ species. Correlation analysis showed relationships between physical characteristics and the ‘representative’ species, that can be explained by the natural history of each species, including feeding behavior and shelter requirements.
Case Report. Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladosporium oxysporum
Authors: Romano C. , Bilenchi R. , Alessandrini C. , Miracco C.
Published: March 2003

The case of a 66‐year‐old woman with Cushing syndrome and a 1‐year history of papulo‐nodular lesions on the right leg is reported. Biopsy revealed septate hyphae and yeast‐like cells in granulomatous dermo‐hypodermal lesions. Culture of biopsy fragments on Sabouraud glucose agar without cycloheximide produced colonies that were olive green on top and greenish black underneath. On the basis of microscope findings and scanning electron microscopy observation of fragments of colonies, a diagnosis of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladosporium oxysporum was made. The patient was initially treated with itraconazole, which led to clinical improvement, but mycological recovery was obtained after a course of ketoconazole, made necessary by the presence of pituitary adenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cl. oxysporum.
Occurrence of Cryptococcus spp. in excreta of pigeons and pet birds
Authors: Kielstein  , Hotzel  , Schmalreck  , Khaschabi  , Glawischnig
Published: March 2003

In pooled samples of faeces from 25 pet bird flocks in Thuringia, a high rate of contamination with Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was found. The prevalence of Cr. neoformans in the bird‐breeding establishments correlated with the numbers of the different pet bird species in these flocks. The differentiation between varieties of Cr. neoformans by means of proline assimilation and canavanine resistance detection as well as with the aid of Cr. neoformans factor sera, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting, sequencing of PCR products as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed uniform results which also corresponded to the serological differentiation between serovars A and D. A predominance of serovar A could be observed among the pet bird breeding flocks. This corresponded to the frequency distribution of serovars A and D in cases of human diseases in Germany. In 50% of the samples of pigeon excreta examined (n=30) in Innsbruck (Austria), Cryptococcus albidus could be isolated but not Cr. neoformans. However, this Cryptococcus species is of minor pathogenetic importance for man. Cryptococcus albidus may be clearly distinguished from Cr. neoformans by means of microbiological methods, PCR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Inhibitory effect of essential oils on apical growth of Aspergillus fumigatus by vapour contact
Authors: Inouye  , Tsuruoka  , Watanabe  , Takeo  , Akao  , Nishiyama  , Yamaguchi
Published: March 2003

The inhibitory effect of seven essential oils on the apical growth of hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus was studied using a bio cell tracer by vapour contact in a sealed vessel. Based on the inhibitory pattern, these essential oils were classified into three groups. The first group, composed of citron, lavender and tea tree oils, stopped the apical growth in a loading dose of 63 μg ml−1 air, but allowed the regrowth of the hyphae after removal of the vapour, indicating fungistatic action. The second group, consisting of perilla and lemongrass oils, stopped the apical growth in a loading dose of 6.3 μg ml−1 air, and did not allow the regrowth after gaseous contact at 63 μg ml−1 air, indicative of fungicidal action. The third group, consisting of cinnamon bark and thyme oils, retarded the growth in a dose of 6.3 μg ml−1 air, stopped it in a dose of 63 μg ml−1 air, and incompletely suppressed regrowth of the hyphae. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed that vapours of essential oils were absorbed on fungal mycelia and agar medium most abundantly by the first group, followed by the second and third groups, reflecting the volatility of the respective groups. Suppression of the apical growth by vapour contact was ascribed to the direct deposition of essential oils on fungal mycelia, together with an indirect effect via the agar medium absorbed.
Mycological examination of the hair samples of 11 school‐going Nepalese children suspected of tinea capitis
Authors: Basnet  , Basnet  , Hiruma  , Inaba  , Makimura  , Kawada
Published: March 2003

Among 150 students from a semi‐urban school in Kathmandu (Nepal), 30 from various age groups and both sexes with symptoms suggestive of scalp ringworm, were examined clinically. Hair samples were collected for mycological examination, using the hair brush method, from 11 of the 30 children (36.7%), aged between 5 and 14 years, who were clinically diagnosed. Four of the cultured samples were positive for isolates of Trichophyton violaceum. This minor study provides evidence that tinea capitis might constitute a substantial infectious dermatological problem in Nepal. The study also indicated T. violaceum as the causative organism of tinea capitis.
Case Report. Meningitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans serotype AD associated with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Nagrajan Shanta , Gugnani  , Kowshik
Published: March 2003

A case of meningitis in a 38‐year old male with pulmonary tuberculosis is described. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid. The isolate belonged to variety neoformans serotype AD. The patient died before any antimycotic therapy could be instituted.
Case Report. A case of chromoblastomycosis effectively treated with terbinafine. Characteristics of chromoblastomycosis in the Kitasato region, Japan
Authors: Tanuma  , Hiramatsu  , Mukai  , Abe  , Kume  , Nishiyama  , Katsuoka
Published: March 2003

A 38‐year‐old male with history of trauma in the left gluteal region 20 years ago presented with a dark red skin eruption at the traumatized area. It gradually grew to form an erythematous plaque with a well‐defined border. Clinical findings and mycological cultures resulted in the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi. After initial administration of 5‐fluorocytosine and local heat an almost complete cure was achieved with terbinafine combined with local heat therapy. A review is given on the chromoblastomycosis cases observed in the Kitasato region in Japan.
Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for treatment of tinea pedis. A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Yamauchi  , Hiruma  , Yamazaki  , Wakabayashi  , Kuwata  , Teraguchi  , Hayasawa  , Suegara  , Yamaguchi
Published: March 2003

A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of lactoferrin, which is a protein component of cow's milk, in the treatment of tinea pedis. Doses of either 600 mg or 2000 mg of lactoferrin, or a placebo was orally administered daily for 8 weeks to 37 adults who were judged to have mild or moderate tinea pedis. Dermatological improvement and antifungal efficacy were assessed. In the analysis of all subjects, dermatological symptoms scores in all groups decreased but the differences were not statistically significant comparing the three groups. However, in the analysis limited to subjects with moderate vesicular or interdigital tinea pedis, dermatological symptoms scores in the lactoferrin‐treated groups decreased significantly in comparison with the placebo group (P<0.05). The organisms isolated wereTrichophyton rubrumandTrichophyton mentagrophytes. A mycological cure was not seen in any of the subjects. In the 37 subjects there were no adverse events and no subject withdrew from the study because of an adverse event. These results suggest that orally administered lactoferrin can improve the dermatological symptoms in some subjects. The potential usefulness of lactoferrin as a functional food material for treating tinea pedis was seen for the first time in this study.
Onychomycosis caused by Alternaria spp. in Tuscany, Italy from 1985 to 1999
Authors: Romano C. , Paccagnini E. , Difonzo E. M.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Alternaria spp. is reported with increasing frequency, especially in patients with immune deficiency. Onychomycosis caused by this mould is still rarely observed. Here we report nine cases observed in Tuscany in the period 1985–99; the agent was Alternaria alternata in eight cases and Alternaria chlamidospora in one. Diagnosis was made on the basis of repeated direct microscopic mycological examination and culture, confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation of fragments of colonies. In most cases, the clinical manifestations were dystropy and distal subungual hyperkeratosis of one or two nails of the feet or hands. Seven cases were treated with oral itraconazole, successfully in six cases, as clinical and mycological recovery was confirmed at follow‐up 1 year later.
Sinocranial aspergillosis: a form of central nervous system aspergillosis in South India
Authors: Murthy J. M. K. , Sundaram C. , Prasad V. S. S. V. , Purohit A. K. , Rammurti S. , Laxmi V.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Of the 21 patients with aspergillosis of central nervous system seen during the years 1990–1997, 16 (76%) had aspergillosis of sino‐cranial origin. The occupation in patients with sino‐cranial aspergillosis was either agricultural or manual work and predisposing risk factors were present in only two (12.5%) patients. Skull‐base syndromes were the presenting features in 13 patients and three patients presented with features of intracranial space‐occupying lesion. Paranasal sinus mass lesions were seen in all the 16 patients. Computerized tomography showed intracranial extradural‐enhancing mass lesions in the anterior, middle or posterior cranial fossa in nine (68%) patients, intracranial and orbital lesions in four and orbital lesions in three. Well‐formed granuloma with dense fibrosis was the histological feature. Survival rates were not good even after surgical and antifungal chemotherapy. Surgical treatment was subradical in our series. The majority of cases of sinocranial aspergillosis are reported from countries with temperate climates and the high incidence in these regions is probably related to constant exposure to the high spore content of pathogenic Aspergillus species in the ‘mouldy’ work environment.
Fluconazole vs. amphotericin B for the management of candidaemia in adults: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kontoyiannis D. P. , Bodey G. P. , Mantzoros C. S.
Published: March 2003

Summary. The incidence of bloodstream infections caused by Candida species is rising. Few published studies have compared the efficacy of fluconazole with that of amphotericin B. We performed a meta‐analysis of the prospective studies that compared fluconazole and amphotericin B for the treatment of candidaemia in adults. Data on total mortality, candidaemia‐attributable mortality, efficacy, microbiological failure, and toxicity were extracted from eligible studies. All studies appeared homogeneous with respect to the outcome measures. Most patients were at relatively low risk for death as evidenced by the low average physiologic score and the lack of intense immunosuppression. The odds ratios (OR) of treatment with amphotericin B versus fluconazole and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were as follows: total mortality (OR, 1.06; CI, 0.89–1.25), candidaemia‐attributable mortality (OR, 1.0; CI, 0.70–1.45), clinical response (OR, 1.14; CI, 0.93–1.39) and microbiological failure according to all Candida species (OR, 0.99; CI, 0.78–1.26). A trend favouring amphotericin B was seen in mycological eradication of non‐albicans Candida species (OR, 0.70; CI, 0.47–1.06). Finally, amphotericin B was more toxic than fluconazole (OR, 2.94; CI, 2.14–4.4). In conclusion, fluconazole is as efficacious and less toxic than amphotericin B in stable, not severely immunosuppressed candidaemic patients at low risk for death. However, fluconazole may be less effective than amphotericin B in candidaemias caused by some non‐albicans Candida species.
Liposomal amphotericin B for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in high‐risk paediatric patients with chemotherapy‐related neutropenia: interim analysis of a prospective study
Authors: Uhlenbrock S. , Zimmermann M. , Fegeler W. , Jürgens H. , Ritter J.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. A retrospective analysis of children with cancer at high risk for IFI treated at Mu¨nster University Hospital showed that the incidence (7.4% vs. 1.8%) and lethality (28.1% vs. 0) of documented IFI were lower in patients receiving systemic antifungal prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B (l‐AmB) in comparison to a historical control group. To determine whether this decline in incidence and lethality was due to antifungal prophylaxis or was produced by advances in diagnostic procedures and early empirical antifungal therapy, a prospective study was initiated. Patients in the prophylaxis arm received thrice‐weekly 1 mg kg−1 body weight 1‐AmB, whilst patients in the early intervention arm received no prophylaxis. Diagnostic procedures and antifungal therapy for suspected or proven IFI were initiated as clinically indicated for all patients. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of IFI. Secondary endpoints were the use of therapeutic doses of l‐AmB, the safety of prophylactic l‐AmB, and the total consumption of l‐AmB for antifungal therapy. The interim analysis after 1 year showed no differences between the two approaches with respect to the incidence of IFI and to safety issues.
Case Report. First report on human ringworm caused by Arthroderma benhamiae in Japan transmitted from a rabbit
Authors: Nakamura Y. , Kano R. , Nakamura E. , Saito K. , Watanabe S. , Hasegawa A.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Two human cases of tinea corporis due to Arthroderma benhamiae (teleomorph of Trichophyton mentagrophytes) were described. They acquired the infection from their cross‐bred rabbit. The three clinical isolates from a human couple and a pet rabbit had been identified as A. benhamiae by chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene analysis as well as by mating experiments. There was no previous isolate of A. benhamiae from humans in Japan, although we had reported the first isolate of A. benhamiae from a rabbit in 1998. Therefore, this is the first report on human ringworm cases caused by A. benhamiae in Japan. It is anticipated that the human and animal cases of A. benhamiae infection could rise in number.
Case reports. Tinea gladiatorum due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Skořepová M , Štork J. , Hrabáková J
Published: March 2003

Summary. Two cases of tinea gladiatorum due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum are described. A pet rabbit was probably the primary source of infection, which was then spread further by man‐to‐man contact. Besides these two patients, four other members of the same wrestling team were affected by tinea corporis.

Zusammenfassung. Zwei Fälle von Tinea gladiatorum durch Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum werden beschrieben. Ein Zwergkaninchen war wahrscheinlich die ursprüngliche Quelle der Infektion. Diese verbreitete sich dann weiter durch Mensch‐zu‐Mensch‐Kontakt. Neben den zwei beschriebenen Patienten waren noch vier andere Mitglieder der Ringergruppe betroffen.
The high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits and ω‐gliadin composition of bread and durum wheats commonly grown in Portugal
Authors: Igrejas G. , Guedes‐Pinto H. , Carnide V. , Branlard G.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 63 bread wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) and 21 durum wheats (Triticum durum Desf.) commonly grown in Portugal since 1982 were characterized for the composition of wheat storage proteins (WSP), high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS), low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS) and ω‐gliadins. The composition of HMW‐GS, LMW‐GS and &‐gliadins, encoded at loci Glu‐1, Glu‐3 and Gli‐1, respectively, was revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. WSP allelic compositions of bread and durum wheat patterns were given. In the bread wheats, a total of 24, 24 and 18 patterns were observed for HMW‐GS, LMW‐GS and ω‐gliadins, respectively. Forty‐two different alleles were identified for the nine loci studied, Glu‐A1 (3), Glu‐B1 (7), Glu‐D1 (4), Glu‐A3 (5), Glu‐B1 (7), Glu‐D3 (2), Gli‐A1 (2), Gli‐B1 (8) and Gli‐D1 (4). In the case of durum wheats, 19 alleles were identified: one allele at Glu‐A1, two at Glu‐B3, Glu‐B2 and Gli‐A1, three at Glu‐B1, four at Glu‐A3 and five at Gli‐B1. For HMW‐GS, LMW‐GS and ω‐gliadins, three, six and six different patterns were revealed, respectively. This study represents the first attempt to discriminate the bread and durum wheat varieties commonly grown in Portugal by the allelic variation of storage proteins. The database is useful for varietal identification and for plant breeders who seek to devise effective programmes aimed at improving wheat quality.
Development of new sources of cytoplasmic male‐sterile lines in rice
Authors: Pradhan S. B. , Jachuck P. J.
Published: March 2003

Two male‐sterile lines, KalashreeA and PadminiA, with a Miz.21 cytoplasm source were developed through indica/indica hybridization followed by repeated backcrossing with their respective recurrent male parents (Kalashree and Padmini) up to the BC6 generation. These two cytoplasmic male‐sterile lines are suitable for use in the development of hybrids for lowland situations owing to their intermediate to semi‐tall stature, late flowering duration, good grain quality and easy fertility restoration ability.
Heterosis and inheritance of drought tolerance in faba bean, Vicia faba L.
Authors: Abdelmula A. A. , Link W. , Kittlitz E. Von , Stelling D.
Published: March 2003

Twelve parental lines of faba beans and 27 F1 hybrids derived from them were field‐tested under a dry and a well‐watered treatment, at two German locations (Göttingen, Hohenheim) in two years (1995, 1996). Drought was artificially induced using rain shelters from anthesis until maturity. Data were collected on yield under dry (Yd) and well‐watered (Yw) conditions. Drought tolerance was assessed as Yd/Yw. The mid‐parent heterosis was significant for Yd and Yw, but not for Yd/Yw. Relative heterosis for Yd (52.0%) was greater than for Yw (39.3%). Parental heritability was greater for Yw (0.86) than for Yd (0.61). However, it was similar for both traits in F1 hybrids (0.65 and 0.66). Principal component analysis showed that F1 hybrids exhibited the same pattern of adaptation as their parents. The heritability of drought tolerance was 0.48 in F1 hybrids and 0.70 in parents. Attention should be paid to its negative correlation with yield. Several hybrids combined high tolerance, a favourable pattern of adaptation and appropriate performance.
Different types of resistance against greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rond, and the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko, in wheat
Authors: Castro A. M. , Vasicek A. , Ramos S. , Worland A. , Suárez E. , Muñoz M. , Giménez D. , Clúa A. A.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 26 cultivars of wheat Triticum aestivum were screened for resistance against the two main aphid pests of cereals, the greenbug Schizaphis graminum Rond. and the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko. Since genetic variability has been found in Argentinean populations of both aphid species, this work was aimed at determining the response of different types of resistance in wheat cultivars when infested with aphids. Antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance were evaluated with traditional tests in controlled environmental conditions using a clone of greenbug biotype C and a clone of RWA collected on wheat. Genetic resistance was found against one or both aphid species in several wheats. Most of the highest levels of antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance against the two aphids occurred in different cultivars; as a consequence the resistance mechanisms for both pests appear to be partly independent. Antibiosis against greenbug or RWA appears to be determined by two different sets of genes, one affecting development time and the other reducing fecundity and longevity. The antibiosis against both aphid species in terms of their development time and the intrinsic rate of population increase resulted in a partial cross effect of these aphid traits against the alternative insect species. Nonetheless, the same cultivars affected the total fertility and the longevity of both aphids. Since the highest plant performance levels and the least plant damage were recorded in different wheats, different patterns of tolerance were displayed against the greenbug and the RWA. Consequently, different genes appear to be involved in several traits of the resistance mechanisms against the two aphids. The genes that independently conferred resistance to aphids could be combined in new cultivars of wheat to broaden their genetic base of resistance against the greenbug and the RWA.
Inheritance of resistance to plum pox potyvirus (PPV) in apricot, Prunus armeniaca
Authors: Dicenta F. , Martínez‐Gómez P. , Burgos L. , Egea J.
Published: March 2003

The results from the evaluation of apricot seedlings for resistance to the plum pox potyvirus (sharka) are presented. The susceptibility of 291 seedlings from 19 different crosses, most of them between resistant and susceptible cultivars, was determined. The results obtained seem to indicate that the resistance to plum pox potyvirus in apricot is controlled by a single gene, where resistance would be a dominant trait and the resistant parents used would be heterozygous for this trait. Since the resistance appeared to behave as a quantitative trait during the evaluation process, the hypothesis of a monogenic control is discussed.
First‐division restitution in hybrids of Langdon durum disomic substitution lines with rye and Aegilops squarrosa
Authors: Xu S. J. , Joppa L. R.
Published: March 2003

Durum wheat ‘Langdon’(LDN) caused a high frequency of first‐division restitution (FDR) and partial fertility in hybrids with rye, Secale cereale L., and Aegilops squarrosa L. In order to determine the genetic control of FDR, a complete set of 14 Langdon durum D‐genome disomic substitution lines (LDNDS) was crossed with ‘Gazelle’ rye and one accession (RL5286) of A. squarrosa. The microsporogenesis and fertility of the hybrids were studied. The results showed that most of the hybrids expressed a high frequency of FDR and partial fertility. However, the hybrids of 2D(2A), 4D(4A), 5D(5B) and 6D(6B) crossed with both rye and A. squarrosa, as well as 1D(1A) with A. squarrosa, had either little or no FDR and were completely sterile. These hybrids had different types of first meiotic divisions compared with LDN control hybrids. The hybrids with 2D(2A), 4D(4A) and 6D(6B) had a high frequency of random segregation of chromosomes at the first division. The hybrids with 5D(5B), as expected, showed high homoeologous pairing. The hybrid of 1D(1A) with A. squarrosa had a high frequency of equational division at first division. These results suggest that the reduced or absent FDR in such hybrids might be related to the substitution of chromosomes with an FDR gene and poor compensation ability of the D‐genome chromosomes for their homoeologous A‐ or B‐ genome chromosomes. Cytological analysis suggested that chromosome 4A in LDN most likely carries a gene for high frequency of FDR in hybrids. In addition, some monads were observed at the end of meiosis in the hybrids of 3D(3A) and 6D(6A) crossed with rye. They were formed from FDR cells that failed to divide at second division, suggesting that the LDN 3A and 6A chromosomes might carry genes for normal second division of FDR cells in the rye crosses.
Effect of dosage at the soft starch (h) locus on starch granule volume in maize
Authors: Wilson J. A. , Glover D. V. , Nyquist W. E.
Published: March 2003

Larger particle volume is beneficial for many aspects of maize starch processing, and may improve the performance of some starch attributes. Of the numerous endosperm carbohydrate mutants, the soft starch (h) mutant appears to have the greatest influence on starch particle volume. The objective of this study was to determine the gene dosage effect upon starch particle volume at the h locus. Two inbreds, B37 and Oh43, were studied in 1992 and 1993, and their hybrid B37 × Oh43 was studied in 1993. Appropriate crosses were made to establish four endosperm genotypes ++/+, ++/h, hh/+ and hh/h. Starch was extracted from mature kernels collected for each endosperm genotype and analysed for particle volume. The source of variation attributable to fitting two straight regression lines on number of h alleles was highly significant (P < 0.01) in all experiments, resulting in a horizontal‐line relationship among the three normal genotypes (++/+,++/h and hh/+) at 14.452 μm33 and a regression line of slope 1.622 μm3 passing from hh+ to hh/h. There is no dosage effect of starch particle volume at the h locus; complete recessiveness of the h allele for starch particle volume is the same as the visual phenotypic observation of soft starch.
Use of RAPD and microsatellite (SSR) variation to assess genetic relationships among populations of tetraploid alfalfa, Medicago sativa
Authors: Mengoni A. , Gori A. , Bazzicalupo M.
Published: March 2003

The level of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellite variation present in four ecotypes and two varieties of alfalfa (lucerne) from Italian and Egyptian germplasm sources was evaluated. A sample of 100 plants from 10 populations was analysed by means of 41 RAPD markers and 37 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Both molecular approaches revealed a high degree of genetic diversity within each of the cultivated populations and enabled each of the plants considered to be uniquely fingerprinted. The genetic relationships among plants and populations were analysed by computing AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) and FST analyses. RAPDs were able to separate the Italian populations from the Egyptian variety. SSRs allowed strong separation of the four Italian alfalfa ecotypes. It was concluded that RAPD and microsatellites could be useful and powerful tools for assessing genetic variation and genetic relationships in tetraploid alfalfa.
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for the verification of hybridity in interspecific crosses of Alstroemeria
Authors: De Benedetti L. , Burchi G. , Mercuri A. , Pecchioni N. , Faccioli P. , Schiva T.
Published: March 2003

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to verify interspecific hybridization in Alstroemeria. Five putative interspecific hybrids and their parents were analysed by means of four preselected RAPD primers. The putative parentage was confirmed in four hybrids and was excluded in one that showed completely different RAPD patterns from its putative parents and a different phenotype. Our results demonstrated that this molecular technique is a powerful tool for verifying hybridity rapidly if the putative parents are given. This tool will allow screening of small immature seedlings for verification of hybridity and should improve the efficiency of breeding programmes.
Genotypic variation for resistance to Septoria nodorum in triticale
Authors: Oettler G. , Schmid T.
Published: March 2003

Septoria nodorum leaf and glume blotch is an important disease of triticale (×_Triticosecale Wittm.) and can cause severe losses of grain yield in some regions. Quantitative genetic parameters for resistance were estimated for 2 years in two locations in triticale genotypes artificially inoculated with S. nodorum. The effect of infection was assessed by a visual symptom rating of flag leaves and spikes and by grain yield traits relative to an uninoculated control. The mean ratings of flag leaves and spikes, calculated from two to four ratings, were 2.6 and 3.9, respectively, with a range of six ratings for spikes and over five for flag leaves. Infection caused an 11.5% mean reduction in kernel weight per spike, which was the result of 13.2% lower 1000‐kernel weight. The number of kernels per spike and 50‐ml weight were little affected. For all relative grain yield traits, genotypic variation was small with high genotype‐environment interaction effects and thus moderate to low heritabilities. In contrast, for visual ratings genotypic variation was high, with low interaction effects leading to high heritabilities. Phenotypic correlation between flag leaf and spike ratings was low, indicating independent disease resistance mechanisms. The best association, although still moderate, was obtained between flag leaf rating and relative 1000‐kernel weight. Therefore, visual disease ratings do not satisfactorily assess the effect of Septoria infection on grain yield traits. The reduction in 1000‐kernel and possibly 50‐ml weight are good indicators, provided that multi‐environment tests are conducted.
Recurrent selection using male sterility and hydroponic tiller culture in pedigree breeding of wheat
Authors: Marais G. F. , Botes W. C. , Louw J. H.
Published: March 2003

A procedure for recurrent selection based on the male sterility gene, Ms3, was implemented. To facilitate the production of large numbers of hybrid progeny, a simple hydroponic system was developed in which male‐sterile tillers cut at the flowering stage can be pollinated and maintained for about 8 weeks‐long enough to produce a large quantity of viable hybrid seeds. The recurrent selection steps were integrated with a pedigree breeding programme employing different selection cycles for male and female plants. F1 female plants are subjected to a single screening for seedling resistance. In addition to F1 seedling screening, F2‐F4 male families are field‐selected for disease resistance, agrotype and quality in a pedigree programme before being used in crosses.
Outcrossing rates of barley landraces from Syria
Authors: Parzies H. K. , Spoor W. , Ennos R. A.
Published: March 2003

Diversity levels in populations of barley landraces may be influenced by varying levels of natural outcrossing caused by environmental conditions. Outcrossing was studied in 10 accessions of the barley landrace Arabi Aswad from different environments in Syria. Electrophoretic variation at two codominant isoenzymes (Est1 and Est2) in six seeds of 50 families per population were analysed and multilocus outcrossing rates calculated. Results were correlated with interpolated environmental conditions. Outcrossing was, on average, 1.7% and not significantly different from the outcrossing rate of wild barley. A significant increase of outcrossing was observed with increasing inter‐annual variation in rainfall and decreasing minimum temperatures of the coldest month.
The mechanism and inheritance of intraflower self‐pollination in self‐pollinating variant strains of periwinkle
Authors: Kulkarni R. N. , Sreevalli Y. , Baskaran K. , Kumar S.
Published: March 2003

The mechanism and inheritance of intraflower self‐pollination in self‐pollinating variant strains of periwinkle was studied using three self‐pollinating and two non‐self‐pollinating but fully self‐fertile strains. Intraflower self‐pollination in self‐pollinating strains occurred due to the continued growth of the gynoecium beyond the base of the anthers, even after anthesis, resulting in intraflower self‐pollination. In non‐self‐pollinating strains, the stigma remained below the base of the anthers and did not come into contact with the pollen up to flower drop. Intraflower self‐pollination was found to be governed by duplicate recessive genes. The utility of the intraflower self‐pollination trait in the breeding of periwinkle cultivars is discussed.
Comparison of Bt maize hybrids with their non‐transgenic counterparts and commercial varieties for resistance to European corn borer and for agronomic traits
Authors: Magg T. , Melchinger A. E. , Klein D. , Bohn M.
Published: March 2003

The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), is a major pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in Central Europe. In order to compare transgenic Bt maize hybrids with their non‐transgenic counterparts and commercial hybrids, field trials and a laboratory bioassay were conducted. The field experiments were performed at four locations with natural and manual infestation of ECB larvae in 1998 and 1999. Transgenic Bt hybrids showed significantly lower means than their corresponding non‐transgenic counterparts and commercial hybrids for all resistance traits (damage rating of stalks, number of larvae per plant, and percentage of damaged plants or ears under infestation). Bt hybrids containing the CryIA(b) gene under the control of green tissue and pollen‐specific promoters (event 176) showed a significantly higher percentage of damaged ears than Bt hybrids carrying the CryIA(b) gene under the control of a constitutive promoter (Mon810). Bt and non‐Bt hybrids showed no significant differences for all agronomic traits, except for plant height under insecticide protection and grain yield reduction under infestation, whereas Bt hybrids had significantly lower means than their non‐transgenic counterparts and other commercial hybrids. All resistance traits were significantly correlated with grain yield reduction. The laboratory bioassay confirmed the level of antibiosis of Bt hybrids against neonate ECB larvae. Bt hybrids showed the highest level of ECB resistance and therefore are an attractive method of preventing ECB damage within an integrated pest‐management system.
Development of interspecific somatic hybrid cell lines in cultivated jute and their early characterization using jute chloroplast RFLP marker
Authors: Saha T. , Majumdar S. , Banerjee N. S. , Sen S. K.
Published: March 2003

A strong sexual incompatibility barrier that exists between the two cultivated jute species, Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius, limits the scope for improvement through genetic introgression. Protoplast fusion was carried out to generate interspecific hybrid cell lines. Cotyledonary cell protoplasts of C. capsularis and anthocyaninpigmented hypocotyl protoplasts of C. olitorius were used in the fusion experiments, which appeared to be visually useful in the early selection of the fused products. A chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) marker was developed in jute, which showed species‐specific hybridization patterns with EcoRI‐digested total genomic DNA of C. capsularis and C. olitorius. This cpDNA marker was used in the characterization of the somatic hybrid cell lines at their early stages of growth. Evidence for the presence of both types of cpDNA in the hybrid cell lines was obtained when the total genomic DNA of 4‐ to 7‐month‐old hybrid cell lines was challenged with the chloroplast DNA marker through Southern analysis. It was shown that the early segregation of the parental chloroplasts did not occur in jute, although this is common in other plant species. The hybrid nature of the fused cell lines could also be identified through peroxidase isozyme analysis. Isozyme banding patterns were complex and varied among the hybrid cell lines.
A strict diploid‐like pairing regime is associated with tetrasomic segregation in induced autotetraploids of kale
Authors: Jenczewski E. , Eber F. , Manzanares‐Dauleux M. J. , Chevre A. M.
Published: March 2003

Fertility and reproductive stability in polyploids depend on the precise control of chromosome pairing at meiosis. In this study, meiotic pairing configurations are related to isozyme segregation ratios in F1 hybrids between colchicine‐induced autotetraploids of kale. An immediate diploid‐like pairing regime is associated with tetrasomic segregation. Although the mechanisms driving such a behaviour have yet to be identified, pairing preferences are not responsible for the cytological diploidization of autotetraploid kales.
A cytogenetic study of the progenies of hybrids between Brassica napus and Brassica oleracea, Brassica bourgeaui, Brassica cretica and Brassica montana
Authors: Inomata N.
Published: March 2003

In this cytogenetic study the progeny of all crosses were investigated in F1, F2 and backcross (BC1) hybrids. Brassica napus and F1 hybrids between B. napus and B. oleracea, and between B. napus and three wild relatives of B. oleracea (B. bourgeaui, B. cretica and B. montana). Each of the wild relatives has 18 somatic chromosomes. Interspecific F1 hybrids were obtained through ovary culture mean. These had 28 and 37 chromosomes and their mean pollen fertility was 10.7% and 93.0%, respectively. Many F2 and BC1 seeds were harvested from the F1 hybrids with 37 chromosomes after self‐pollination and open pollination of the F1 hybrids, and backcrossing with B. napus. Many aneuploids were obtained in the F2 and BC1 plants. It is evident from these investigations that the F1 hybrids may serve as bridge plants to improve B. napus and other Brassica crops.
Mapping a new source of resistance to powdery mildew in mungbean
Authors: Chaitieng B. , Kaga A. , Han O. K. , Wang X. W. , Wongkaew S. , Laosuwan P. , Tomooka N. , Vaughan D. A.
Published: March 2003

Both restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses were employed to map a new source of resistance to powdery mildew in mungbean. Disease scores of an F2 population derived from the cross between a moderately resistant breeding line VC1210A and a susceptible wild relative (Vigna radiata var. sublobata, accession TC1966) showed a continuous distribution and was treated as a quantitative trait. Although no significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) that can explain the variation was detected by QTL analysis based on the reconstructed RFLP linkage map, new marker loci associated with resistance were discovered by AFLP analysis. The RFLP loci detected by two of the cloned AFLP bands are associated with resistance and constitute a new linkage group. A major resistance quantitative trait locus was found on this linkage group that accounted for 64.9% of the variation in resistance to powdery mildew. One of the probes developed in this study has the potential to assist in breeding for powdery mildew resistance in mungbean.
Molecular tools for clone identification: the case of the grapevine cultivar ‘Traminer’
Authors: Imazio S. , Labra M. , Grassi F. , Winfield M. , Bardini M. , Scienza A.
Published: March 2003

In viticulture, biotype identification problems have traditionally been solved using ampelography, ampelometry and chemical traits analysis. However, these tools have resulted in several false attributions, in particular when used at the clonal level. The availability of relatively cheap, reliable and reproducible tools to identify genetic differences at the clonal level would greatly facilitate the work of clonal patenting. In this work, 24 accessions of ‘Traminer’ cultivars were characterized using molecular markers. Three different approaches were applied: simple sequence repeats (SSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methyl‐sensitive amplified length polymorphism (MSAP). Results showed that SSRs were not a powerful tool for clonal distinction. In contrast, the AFLP technique was able to distinguish 16 out of the 24 cultivars, even though the average similarity was high (97.1%). The MSAP technique was used to evaluate qualitative differences in the degree of DNA methylation among clones. Results suggest that morphological differences among clones are probably due to the synergetic effect of genetic and epigenetic modifications, and that clonal identification could be greatly improved using molecular tools such as AFLP and MSAP.
Developmental responses to vernalization in wheat deletion lines for chromosomes 5A and 5D
Authors: Whitechurch E. M. , Snape J. W.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this investigation was to test the developmental patterns of deletion lines, generated for chromosome arms 5AL and 5DL in the variety ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS) under vernalized and non‐vernalized treatments. Plants were grown in controlled conditions under saturating daylength. Time to heading and the duration of particular phases before flowering were recorded, and leaf and spikelet production rates and numbers were analysed. The lines lacking Vrn‐A1 and Vrn‐D1 were delayed in time to heading under non‐vernalized conditions, because of the lengthening of the emergence to floral initiation phase (EM‐FI) and the terminal spikelet to heading phase (TS‐H). Differences in final leaf numbers corresponded to longer durations of the EM‐FI phase. The absence of Vrn‐A1 and Vrn‐D1 apparently decreased the number of spikelets by a lower primordium production rate, even though the duration of the FI‐TS phase was longer or equal to CS. The sensitivity to vernalization in lines where the Vrn genes were deleted was much higher.
Transmissible Virus Diseases in Porcine Reproduction
Authors: Bouma A
Published: March 2003

ContentsThis paper describes the risk of transmission and possible consequences of viral diseases in pigs (as CSFV, PRRSV and SVD), transmitted via AI and embryo transfer. Transmission via A1 is, however, more unlikely for CSF and SVD than for PRRS. The likelihood of disease transmission is greater with the introduction of a boar into a herd than through the use of fresh or frozen semen. The probability that an infection with CSF or SVD virus starts within an AI centre is very small, because of the high hygienic measurements and quarantine period, although the viruses can be transmitted if these centra are located within a protection zone. Therefore, during an outbreak, it should be recommended to stop semen distribution within this zone.
Differences in Reproductive Performance, Embryo Development, Interferon‐tau Secretion by the Conceptus and Luteal Function in Ewe Lambs Synchronized in Oestrus before or after the Spontaneous Onset of Luteal Activity Preceding Puberty
Authors: Abecia JA , Forcada F , Zúñiga O
Published: March 2003

In mid‐September, 1 month before the insertion of intravaginal pessaries to induce sexual activity, blood samples were collected every 4 days from 16 ewe lambs aged 7 months, in order to determine the incidence of ovulations by measurement of plasma progesterone concentrations. It has been studied whether the response to a progestagen treatment of ewe lambs apparently close to puberty could be modified by the onset of the ovarian events preceding puberty. The effect of the presence or absence of ovulations prior to progestagen treatment on the potential reproductive performance (fertility, litter size and fecundity), embryo development [embryo quality and interferon‐tau (IFNτ) secretion], luteal function (progesterone secretion in vitro) and endometrial progesterone content was studied in seven ovulating (Ov+) and nine nonovulating ewe lambs (Ov−) on day 14 after mating. The best potential reproductive results were obtained with Ov+ animals, although these differences could not be initially attributed to either different progesterone secretion in vitro or concentration of endometrial progesterone. Irrespective of the experimental groups, secretion of progesterone by luteal tissue from ewe lambs with normal embryos was significantly greater (p<0.05) than that of animals with abnormal embryos or with no embryos. Normal embryos secreted a higher amount of IFN‐τ than those embryos classified as abnormal (p<0.07). In conclusion, ewe lambs which exhibit luteal activity before puberty have the highest levels of reproductive performances after a progestagen treatment. Corpora lutea from ewe lambs with normal embryos had higher rates of progesterone secretion in vitro and their embryos had a higher IFN‐τ production by the embryos, indicating greater capacity for subsequent development.
First Confirmed Case ofNeospora caninum‐associated Abortion Outbreak in Portugal
Authors: Thompson G , Canada N , Topa M do Carmo , Silva E , Vaz F , Rocha A
Published: March 2003

In a dairy herd experiencing an abortion outbreak, 49% of the 119 cows were positive forNeospora caninumantibodies and the remaining 51% were seronegative. Using immunohistochemical analysis of foetal brain tissue,Neosporacysts and bradyzoite clusters were identified in two of the 15 aborted foetuses submitted for testing. Other agents that commonly cause abortions were not found. These results, coupled with neurological clinical symptoms in new‐born calves, implicatedN. caninumas the major cause of abortions in this dairy herd. This is the first report that associatesN. caninuminfection with bovine abortions in Portugal.