bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trap position and fruit presence affect visual responses of apple maggot flies (Dipt., Tephritidae) to different trap types
Authors: Rull J. , Prokopy R. J.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  We compared responses of apple maggot flies, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in a commercial apple orchard in Massachusetts with three different types of visual traps baited with synthetic fruit volatiles. The traps were red spheres, Ladd traps (a rectangular yellow panel between two red hemispheres) and rectangular yellow panels. Traps were placed either in optimal position (Drummond, F.; Groden, E.; Prokopy, R. J., 1984: Environ. Entomol. 13, 232–235.) or sub‐optimal position (not surrounded by foliage and fruit from all sides). The study was performed over 3 years. Early in the fruiting season, when apples were small and green, red spheres followed by Ladd traps attracted more flies than yellow panels. Ladd traps were the most sensitive to trap positioning, losing effectiveness when placed in sub‐optimal position. Late in the fruiting season, in years yielding crops of large red apples, red spheres in optimal position (surrounded by growing red fruit) lost some effectiveness relative to Ladd traps in optimal position. Red spheres in sub‐optimal position were not similarly affected, perhaps because of the lack of fruit in the background. Red sphere performance relative to Ladd traps was re‐established after removal of competing fruit from trees at harvest. Because Ladd traps are more expensive to purchase and more difficult to position, red spheres are a better option for commercial growers in eastern North America. Conceivably, loss of capturing power of red spheres because of visual competition from red apples towards harvest could be mitigated by adjusting trap positioning.
Department of Virology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Authors: Rosner A. , Maslenin L.
Published: March 2003

PVYNTN was distinguished from PVYN on the basis of differences in electrophoretic mobility of their corresponding RNA transcripts. Transcripts were copied from polymerase chain reaction products of two PVY strains to which the T7 promoter was added. Single‐strand and double‐strand transcript heteroduplexes of the NTN and N strains exhibited different rate of migration in gel which enabled strain differentiation. This procedure obviates the need for prior information on sequence divergence (e.g. restriction sites, etc.) among the virus isolates.
Variability of Potato Virus Y in Potato Crops in France
Authors: Kerlan C. , Tribodet M. , Glais L. , Guillet M.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 332 PVY isolates, originating from potato crops, was characterized in order to seek the newly described PVY variants, PVYNW and PVYZ. Serologically, 284 samples were found to contain only PVYO, 36 samples to contain only PVYN, whereas 12 samples were doubly infected by both PVYO and PVYN. All 36 isolates, serologically PVYN‐typed and 16 isolates serologically PVYO‐typed, induced vein necrosis on tobacco. The latter 16 isolates reacted like a Polish standard PVYNW isolate and are probably new members of that PVY subgroup; in the panel of samples, they originated from potato cultivars never previously reported as infected by PVYNW and their high incidence probably indicates that they are more widespread than commonly accepted. Indexing of 108 PVYO isolates on three potato cultivars (Desiree, Eersteling and Maris Bard) carrying hypersensitivity resistance genes to PVYO, PVYC and PVYZ, respectively, revealed the presence of various pathotypes. Two isolates reacted as two standard isolates, designated PVYZE, originating from Spain and previously suspected to be PVYZ members; these isolates were able to overcome the hypersensitivity genes in the three potato cultivars and consequently were members of a newly recognized pathotype. Another isolate evoked the reactions expected after infection with PVYZ. Surprisingly, PVYC was only found in one sample that was doubly infected by PVYO.
Occurrence, Distribution and Relative Importance of Viruses Infecting Hot Pepper and Tomato in the Major Growing Areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Hiskias Y. , Lesemann D.‐E. , Vetten H. J.
Published: March 2003

Hot pepper and tomato fields in the main growing areas in the Rift Valley and the west of Ethiopia were surveyed for virus infections in 1994. A total of 286 samples from hot pepper and 222 samples from tomato plants and associated Datura stramonium L. and Nicandra physalodes Gaertn. weeds with symptoms suggestive of virus infections were collected and analysed using electron microscopy, serology and test plant reactions. Potato virus Y (PVY), Ethiopian pepper mottle virus (EPMV), pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) were detected in hot pepper samples while tomato samples were shown to be infected with tomato mild mottle virus (TMMV), PVY and ToMV. The most widespread and predominant viruses which also occurred frequently in mixed infections were PVY and EPMV in hot pepper and PVY and TMMV in tomato. TMMV was also found in many samples of D. stramonium and N. physalodes. ToMV was identified in only few samples from both crops in the Rift Valley by its characteristic particle morphology, serological properties and symptomatology. PVMV was found in hot pepper samples only from western Ethiopia, but no natural infection of tomato with this virus was revealed. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of TMMV in tomato, D. stramonium and N. physalodes, as well as of ToMV in hot pepper and tomato in Ethiopia.
Pathogenic Variability in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and Evaluation of Resistance in Phaseolus vulgaris in the North‐Western Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Sharma P. N. , Kumar A. , Sharma O. P. , Sud D. , Tyagi P. D.
Published: March 2003

Eightyfive isolates of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (bean anthracnose) collected from different kidney bean growing areas of a hilly state (Himachal Pradesh) of India, were characterized on the basis of their reaction types on International and CIAT differentials. On international differentials, 12 races viz., Alpha‐Brazil, Beta, Gamma and Ind I to Ind IX were characterized. The races designated as Ind I to Ind IX were different from those identified in Europe and USA, thus forming a new race group from the Indian subcontinent. On the CIAT differential set the 85 isolates have been grouped into 19 races. Of these, only races 65 and 73 resembled the North American races. Exotic accessions AB 136 and G 2333 were resistant to all the Indian races. However, race specific resistance has been found in a number of indigenous and exotic genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris.
Rapid identification of pseudomonas avellanae field isolates, causing hazelnut decline in central italy, by repetitive PCR genomic fingerprinting
Authors: Scortichini M. , Marchesi U. , Rossi M. P. , Angelucci L. , Dettori M. T.
Published: March 2003

Pseudomonas avellanae is the main cause of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) decline, the so called ‘moria’, in central Italy where it has already killed more than 30 000 trees. Its current identification is very long requiring biochemical, physiological and nutritional tests as well as pathogenicity tests and takes not less than 6 months for its completion. In the present study the reliability of the repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep‐PCR) technique for a rapid and accurate identification of such a pathogen was compared with the traditional identification method. In order to assess the variability of the pathogen, REP, BOX and ERIC primer sets were used in preliminary work to generate genomic fingerprints of 60 P. avellanae reference strains previously isolated from different areas of hazelnut cultivation. ERIC primers yielded the most discriminative clustering of strains that were grouped according to their geographic origin. Sixty field isolates collected from hazelnut orchards of central Italy, planted with different cultivars, during the years 1996–98 were submitted to either the traditional identification methods or to rep‐PCR by using ERIC primers. The latter technique accurately identified all the isolates that were also identified by the traditional methods. Whole‐cell protein analysis by means of sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed this achievement. Rep‐PCR can be successfully adopted for the rapid and accurate identification of P. avellanae in central Italy and it constitutes a very useful tool for the sanitation of the area.
Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidant Enzymes in Systemic Virus Infections of Plants
Authors: Riedle‐Bauer M.
Published: March 2003

Oxidative stress in compatible virus‐host plant interactions was studied in cucumber mosaic virus and zucchini yellow mosaic virus‐infected Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita pepo plants. Both cucumber mosaic virus‐ and zucchini yellow mosaic virus‐infected plants showed an enhanced peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids indicating an advanced disintegration of membranes. Radical intermediates formed during lipid peroxidation co‐oxidize pigment molecules and might thus account for virus‐induced yellowing symptoms. Furthermore in infected plants an induction of superoxide dismutases, catalases, total peroxidases and ascorbate peroxidases was observed. All the peroxidase isoforms detected in Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita pepo, however, not only functioned as radical scavengers but also catalysed the formation of H2O2. Thus it can be presumed that the enhancement of peroxidases contributes to the oxidative stress in systemic plant‐virus interactions. By way of oxidation of indole‐3‐acetic acid upregulated peroxidases might also be responsible for growth reductions and malformations in virus‐infected plants.
Effects of Prevailing Wind Direction on Spatial Statistics of Plant Disease Epidemics
Authors: Xu  , Ridout
Published: March 2003

A stochastic simulation model was used to study the effects of the strength of prevailing wind (W), the size/shape (Q) of sampling quadrats and their orientation in relation to the prevailing wind direction (D) on spatial statistics describing plant diseases. Spore dispersal followed a half‐Cauchy distribution with median distance μ, which depended on simulated wind speed. The relationship of spatial autocorrelation at distance k (ρk) to disease incidence (p) and distance was well described by a four‐parameter (α, β1, β2, β3) power‐law model; at a given p, ρk declined exponentially with distance. A total of 35 different quadrat sizes, ranging from 4 to 432 plants, were used to sample the simulated epidemics for estimating intraclass correlation (κ). The κ‐values decreased exponentially with increasing quadrat size; a binary power law model with three parameters (α1, β4, β5) successfully related κ to p. In general, the effect of W and D was greatest on the parameters α, β1, β2 and β3. The effect of W on α, β1, β2 and β3 depended critically on the spatial pattern of initial infected plants (Y); W had greatest effect for the random pattern. In contrast, the main effect of D and its interaction with W on the parameters α, β1, β2 and β3 were large and consistent over different initial conditions. Variations in α1, β4 and β5 were predominantly due to Y and Q. Only for β5 under the clumped pattern was the effect of W very large. For the parameters α1, β4 and β5 there was a large interaction among W, Q and D for the clumped and regular patterns. As expected, in general, the effect of D increased with increasing prevailing wind strength, quadrat size and quadrat length : width ratio. Using square quadrats reduced significantly the effect of W on the parameters α1, β4 and β5; however, the effect of W on β5 was still very large for the clumped pattern. Sampling perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction generally resulted in larger differences in the nine estimated parameters.
Leaf Disc Inoculation, a Fast and Precise Test for the Screening of Metalaxyl Tolerance in Sunflower Downy Mildew
Authors: Rozynek B. , Spring O.
Published: March 2003

A new method, based on leaf disc inoculation, was developed for the screening of metalaxyl tolerance in field isolates of Plasmopara halstedii. High‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fungicide concentration in the inoculation medium and in the incubated leaf tissue over the test period. These measurements revealed that the fungicide concentration inside the leaf tissue within 24 h had adjusted to the concentration in the outer medium and remained constant for the time of cultivation over a period of more than 11 days. In contrast to whole seedling tests with application of the fungicide via seed dressing, the leaf disc method allows precise quantification of the effective fungicide concentration at the site of infection and is less space and time consuming. Metalaxyl tolerance of P. halstedii isolates was gradually determined according to the sporulation of the pathogen on sunflower leaf discs in the presence of increasing fungicide concentrations. Isolates collected in South Germany showed no tolerance and sporulation was prohibited when tests were carried out at 0.02 μg (a.i.)/ml of metalaxyl or more. In contrast, a tolerant French isolate developed sporangia on leaf discs incubated in a metalaxyl solution of 100 μg (a.i.)/ml.
Comparison of Methods for Virus Detection in Allium spp.
Authors: Dovas C. I. , Hatziloukas E. , Salomon R. , Barg E. , Shiboleth Y. , Katis N. I.
Published: March 2003

Reverse transcriptase (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunocapture (IC)‐RT‐PCR protocols were developed and optimized for the sensitive detection of Onion yellow dwarf virus, Leek yellow stripevirus and allexiviruses infecting Allium species. Polyvalence of the designed primers was successfully demonstrated, using samples of different plant species and geographic origins. Different sample preparation procedures were evaluated for their suitability to provide appropriate PCR templates. IC‐PCR, RT‐PCR with plant tissue extracts, and RT‐PCR with total RNA, proved to be 102–104 times more sensitive than double‐antibody sandwich‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, a ‘one step’ IC‐RT‐PCR assay was developed using plant leaf extract as template source, which proved to be 102 times more sensitive than ELISA, and convenient for testing large numbers of leaf samples.
Plant Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria‐Elicited Alterations in Phenolic Profile of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Infected by Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: SARMA B. K. , SINGH D. P. , MEHTA S. , SINGH H. B. , SINGH U. P.
Published: March 2003

Efficacy of seven strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pfs1–7), plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), were tested under field conditions for their ability to protect Cicer arietinum against Sclerotium rolfsii infection. Best protection was observed in strain Pfs3 where 23% seedling mortality was recorded in comparison to 44% in non‐treated control. To correlate the induction of phenolic compounds by the PGPRs with disease resistance, qualitative and quantitative alterations of phenolic compounds in different parts of C. arietinum were estimated following PGPR application as seed treatment. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of the leaves, collars and roots of the PGPR‐treated and non‐treated (control) plants showed the presence of gallic, ferulic, chlorogenic and cinnamic acids with varied amounts in the PGPR‐treated as well as non‐treated (control) plants. Maximum accumulation of cinnamic acid was observed in plants treated with Pfs3 strain (1660 ng g–1 fresh wt.) which was almost 19.5 times higher than untreated control plants and also significantly high when compared to other PGPR treatments. Pfs3 also caused maximum accumulation of total phenolics and gallic acid in all chickpea plant parts as compared to other treatments and untreated control. A direct relationship between the level of total phenolics and seedling survivability was observed. PGPR‐mediated induction of phenolic compounds as a biochemical barrier in C. arietinum against S. rolfsii infection is envisaged.
Resistance Against the Damping‐off Fungus Rhizoctonia solani Systemically Induced by the Plant‐Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IE‐6S+) and P. fluorescens (CHA0)
Authors: Siddiqui I. A. , Shaukat S. S.
Published: March 2003

Bare‐root‐dip treatment or soil drench with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IE‐6S+ and P. fluorescens CHA0 significantly suppressed Rhizoctonia solani and the bacterial efficacy was more pronounced in the presence of low inoculum level of the fungus. The two bacteria afforded better protection to tomato roots against R. solani during early growth stages of the roots. There was a significant difference in the level of protection between root‐dip treatment and soil drench with both the bacterial inoculants. The ability of the antagonistic bacteria to induce systemic resistance against R. solani was demonstrated in split‐root trials, where the root system of a single tomato plant was spatially divided into two separate parts. Root infection caused by R. solani was substantially lower in both bacterized and non‐bacterized halves. However, the level of protection was greater in the bacteria‐treated half compared with the bacteria‐free half. Viable and dead cells of the two bacteriashowed similar activity against R. solani, while the culture filtrate of P. fluorescens induced systemic resistance of a higher degree towards R. solani compared with P.aeruginosa. In general, populations of the two bacteria in the rhizosphere declined by tenfold at each harvest and colonization of P. aeruginosa was slightly greater compared with that by P. fluorescens. Initially (day 0), both the bacterial inoculants had almost a similar pattern of rhizosphere colonization, whereasat first (day 7) and second harvest (day 14) P.aeruginosa colonized more heavily than P. fluorescens. At final harvest (day 21), the two bacteria did not differ significantly in their colonization pattern. Whereas P.fluorescens specifically colonized the rhizosphere, P.aeruginosa also colonized the inner root tissues of tomato.
Energy Dissipation and Photoinhibition in Douglas‐Fir Needles with a Fungal‐Mediated Reduction in Photosynthetic Rates
Authors: Manter Daniel K.
Published: March 2003

The dissipation of absorbed light and potential for photooxidative damage was explored in Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ) seedlings with and without Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii infection. The presence of P. gaeumannii significantly reduced net CO2 assimilation rates from ca. 6 μmol/m2/s to 1.5 μmol/m2/s, without any significant impact on chloroplast pigments. The partitioning of absorbed light‐energy to photochemistry or thermal dissipation was determined from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Maximum thermal dissipation for both control and infected needles was ca. 80%, consistent with the similar xanthophyll pool sizes in the two treatments. At high photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), when thermal dissipation was maximized, the lower photochemical utilization in infected needles resulted in greater amounts of excess absorbed light (ca. 20 and 10% for the infected and control needles, respectively). A second experiment, monitoring changes in photosystem II (PSII) efficiency (Fv/Fm) in response to a 1 h high light treatment (PPFD=2000 μmol/m2/s) also suggests that infected needles absorb greater amounts of excess light. In this experiment, declines in Fv/Fm were 1.5 times greater in infected needles, despite the similar xanthophyll pool sizes. Furthermore, increases in minimum fluorescence (178 and 122% of initial values for the infected and control needles, respectively) suggest that the reduction in PSII efficiency is largely attributable to photooxidative damage. Finally, reductions in PSII efficiency under high light conditions provide a plausible explanation for the greater pathogenicity (e.g. premature needle abscission) of P. gaeumannii in sun‐exposed foliage.
Investigations on the Efficacy of some Natural Chemicals against Powdery Mildew [Uncinula necator (Schw.) Burr.] of Grape
Authors: Yildirim I. , Onogur E. , Irshad M.
Published: March 2003

The efficacies of Na2SiO3, K2SiO3, KH2PO4, NaHCO3 and di‐1‐p‐menthen against powdery mildew caused by Uncinula necator (Schw.) Burr. were investigated on Vitis vinifera L. spp. c.v. ‘Yuvarlak Cekirdeksiz’ and compared with the efficacy of sulphur and penconazole. The investigation was carried out during 1998–1999 under glasshouse condition and in two vineyards in Manisa and Izmir/Turkey.

When applied to pot‐grown plants before inoculation with the fungus, NaHCO3 and Na2SiO3 reduced the spore formation ability of colonies for 4 days on young leaves and NaHCO3, KH2PO4, Na2SiO3 and di‐1‐p‐menthen reduced the spore formation ability of colonies for 7 days on old leaves.

In vineyard trials, all the test chemicals showed low efficacies against leaf infection. However, bunch infections were inhibited by fungicide application with the alternation of KH2PO4– di‐1‐p‐menthen and the mixture of KH2PO4 + sulphur(S) (WP), as effectively as by the alternate application of penconazole – sulphur. NaHCO3 and K2SiO3 + S (WP) were less effective in the vineyard with high disease incidence. The test chemicals had no effect on the sugar content of berries and did not cause any toxic effect or residue problems in the leaves and bunch.

It is, therefore, suggested that Na2SiO3, K2SiO3, KH2PO4, NaHCO3 and di‐1‐p‐menthen could be included in the spraying programmes against powdery mildew with sulphur, synthetic fungicides or they could be used in suitable mixtures and alternations with each other.
Characterization of a Canine CD44 Specific Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Alldinger S. , Baumgärtner W. , Kremmer E. , Fonfara S.
Published: March 2003

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against a CD44 mRNA expressing (RT‐PCR) macrophage/monocyte cell line (DH82) from a dog with malignant histiocytosis. The mAbs, that reacted with DH82 cells by FACS analysis were tested on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. Exclusively the incubation of DH82 cell pellets with mAbs from clone 2D10 resulted in a cell membrane associated immunoreaction. Immunoelectron microscopy specified, that the antibody bound exclusively to the cell membrane and processes of DH82 cells. The mAb was tested on a variety of normal canine tissues, including lymphoid, urinary, alimentary, respiratory, and endocrine organs, nervous tissues, liver, pancreas, skin, and muscles. Furthermore, tumour and inflamed tissues were tested for immunoreaction with the mAb. Immunohistologically, the 2D10 mAb reacted with macrophages/monocytes, subsets of lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and central nervous system white matter. FACS analysis of canine peripheral blood leukocytes showed, that a high proportion of lymphocytes and granulocytes were positive with this mAb. Western blot analysis revealed, that the 2D10 mAb bound to a protein with a molecular weight of about 85 kDa. The results of FACS and Western blot analyses, RT‐PCR, immunohistology and immunoelectron microscopy strongly suggest that the antigen detected by the 2D10 mAb is most likely the canine equivalent of human CD44, a cell bound hyaluronan binding proteoglycan.
Comparison of Blood Ionized Calcium and Acid‐Base Variables in Samples Obtained from Different Sampling Sites in Dairy Cows
Authors: Bajcsy Á. CS. , Bartyik J. , Szenci O.
Published: March 2003

Ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentrations, pH, blood gas tensions (pCO2 and pO2), base excess (BE), and bicarbonate () concentrations were determined and standard ionized calcium (stCa2+) concentrations were calculated (Ca2+ corrected to pH 7.4) for the blood withdrawn from the jugular vein, the coccygeal vein or coccygeal artery and the milk vein in 29 clinically healthy post‐partum dairy cows. The blood withdrawal site had no significant effect on the blood ionized calcium and standard ionized calcium (mean differences among the blood samples varied between 0.01 and 0.05 mmol/l), or on bicarbonate concentrations or base excess. pH, pCO2 and pO2 were significantly lower or higher in samples taken from the coccygeal vein compared to other venous blood samples.
Induction of Arthritis with Mycoplasma hyosynoviae in Pigs: Clinical Response and Re‐isolation of the Organism from Body Fluids and Organs
Authors: Hagedorn‐Olsen T. , Nielsen N. C. , Friis N. F.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this investigation was to study the pathogenesis of experimental Mycoplasma hyosynoviae arthritis in pigs. The experimental inoculations were designed to provide information about systemic spread, the persistence of subclinical infection, and the length of time for which the mycoplasma is cultivable from synovial fluids and other tissues. In this article we report on the clinical response to infection and the results obtained from re‐isolation attempts.

In three inoculation experiments with M. hyosynoviae, clinical arthritis was produced by intravenous and by intranasal exposure as well as by pen‐contact in 12 out of 23 exposed pigs. The infection was transmitted from persistent carrier pigs to non‐infected pigs by pen‐contact. The incubation period until development of clinical arthritis was 4–9 days for all routes of exposure, and the symptoms were of variable severity. In half of the cases the onset was acute and the lameness severe, typically involving the hindlegs and with affected pigs assuming a dog‐sitting position. A systemic phase was found in the majority (86 %) of the pigs. However, the infection was in two cases established in the tonsils without detection of a systemic phase. An apparent persistent infection of the tonsils became established in all the pigs.

M. hyosynoviae spreads via the blood to different organs from which it could be re‐isolated during the acute phase of the infection. In general, M. hyosynoviae was recovered from joints from day 3 until day 21 post‐exposure, but longer persistence of viable mycoplasmas in joints or regional lymph nodes in the chronic phases of the infection appeared to have taken place in a few pigs.
Age Determination in Mini‐Shetland Ponies and Donkeys
Authors: Muylle S. , Simoens P. , Lauwers H. , Van Loon G.
Published: March 2003

The accuracy of ageing mini‐Shetland ponies and donkeys was assessed by correlating the appearance of specific dental features with the known ages of 106 mini‐Shetland ponies and 63 donkeys. The ages of the animals ranged between 2 days and 26 years. In both species the eruption of the deciduous and permanent incisors occurred later than in horses. On the other hand, the appearance of the dental stars on the permanent incisors of mini‐Shetlands and donkeys was seen at a younger age than in horses. As in most horse breeds, the disappearance of the cups, the clinical crown lengths, the presence of hooks on the upper corner and the presence of a Galvayne’s groove are unreliable features for dental age determination in the pony and the donkey. Specific dental characteristics of both the mini‐Shetland pony and the donkey are discussed.
Comparative Studies in the Promoter and Exon 1 Regions of Tumour Suppressor p53 in Several Mammalian Species: Absence of Mutations in a Panel of Spontaneous Domestic Animal Tumours
Authors: Mayr B. , Resch S. , Hepperle S. , Brem G. , Reifinger M. , Schaffner G.
Published: March 2003

Tumour suppressor p53 is critical in a broad panel of tumour types in human, mouse and other mammals. Regions of the promoter and exon 1 play an important role in expression of p53. In the present study, the DNA sequences of promoter and exon 1 regions of four domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse and cattle) are determined and compared with experimental rodents (mouse, rat and hamster) and man. A broad panel of tumour types have been investigated for mutations in this regulatory area in 90 canine, 136 feline, 25 equine and 10 bovine patients. No mutation was detected in any of the tumours analysed.
Metabolic, Enzymatic and Endocrine Status in High‐Yielding Dairy Cows – Part 2
Authors: Aeberhard K. , Bruckmaier R. M. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2003

Pairs of 29 high‐yielding (HC) dairy cows (≥45 kg/day reached at least once during lactation) and 29 corresponding control (CC) cows (with milk yields representing the average yield of the herds) were studied in 29 Swiss farms from March 1995 to September 1996. The hypothesis tested was that there are differences in metabolic, enzymatic and endocrine status between HC and CC cows. Cows were studied 2 weeks before and at 5, 9, 13, 17 and 40 weeks post‐partum. Concentrations of metabolites, minerals and hormones and enzyme activities were in the normal range in both HC and CC cows. Changes in metabolic and endocrine traits in early lactation expressed insufficient energy intake, but were similar in both HC and CC cows. Homeorhetic and homeostatic control of metabolism in HC cows was thus adequate to adjust to and allow high milk yields. Under adequate husbandry, management and feeding conditions, metabolic disease problems in HC cows [10 500 kg energy‐corrected milk (ECM)/lactation, peak yields of ≥45 kg ECM/day] can be avoided.
Field Evaluation of a Bioregulator Containing Live Bacillus cereus Spores on Health Status and Performance of Sows and their Litters
Authors: Alexopoulos C. , Karagiannidis A. , Kritas S. K. , Boscos C. , Georgoulakis I. E. , Kyriakis S. C.
Published: March 2003

The efficacy of Paciflor, a bioregulator containing live Bacillus cereus CIP 5832 spores, was assessed in sows during late pregnancy and lactation, as well as in their piglets up to the growing phase. Two groups each of 30 pregnant gilts and sows received normal feed (T1 group), or feed with 85 g Paciflor per ton feed (T2 group), from 15 days prior to farrowing up to the end of the lactation period. Furthermore, 15 litters of the T1 group and 15 litters of the T2 group, were offered normal feed from the 5th to the 70th days of life (T1.1 and T2.1 groups, respectively), while the remaining 15 litters each of the T1 and T2 groups received the same feed but including Paciflor at a dose of 100 g/ton (from day 5 to day 49) and 50 g/ton (from day 50 to day 70). These pig litters were T1.2 and T2.2, respectively. No differences were seen between the T1 and T2 groups with respect to the clinical observations (loss of appetite, fever, mastitis, metritis and returns to oestrus, treatments applied, deaths, or removals to the slaughterhouse), gestation length, bodyweight of sows at farrowing or litter‐size at birth. However, during lactation, the fat content of the dam’s milk was increased (0.46% more fat), the body weight loss of sows was reduced and the number of weaned pigs per sow was increased (0.6 more pigs per litter) after administration of Paciflor (P < 0.05). Weaning to service interval was also reduced by 1 day (P < 0.05). Moreover, piglets receiving Paciflor with their feed (T1.2 and T2.2 groups) showed less incidence of scours and lower mortality compared to the untreated piglets (T1.1 and T2.1 groups), particularly those pigs originating from Paciflor‐treated dams (T2.2 group) (P < 0.05). Despite the fact that no difference was seen between groups with regard to the amount of feed consumed, the feed conversion ratio of Paciflor‐treated piglets (T2.2 and T1.2) was significantly improved compared to that of the untreated piglets (T2.1 and T1.1) (P < 0.05). With respect to weight gain, for the Paciflor‐treated piglets, those born to Paciflor‐treated mothers (T2.2) were 0.56 kg heavier than those born to untreated dams (T1.2) (P < 0.05). It is concluded that administration of Paciflor in dams during the end of pregnancy and during lactation, as well as to their offspring during suckling and the flat‐deck period is beneficial for the survival and growth of the piglets.
Comparison of Sevoflurane with Isoflurane for Rapid Mask Induction in Midazolam and Butorphanol‐sedated Dogs
Authors: Mutoh T. , Kojima K. , Takao K. , Nishimura R. , Sasaki N.
Published: March 2003

Rapid mask induction can be a useful induction technique for veterinary patients, although it is often accompanied by exaggerated excitement responses in unpremedicated animals (Mutoh et al.: Jpn. J. Vet. Anesth. Surg. 26, 109–116; J. Vet. Med. Sci. 57, 1007–1013; J. Vet. Med. Sci. 57, 1121–1124; 1995). The aim of this study was to compare sevoflurane with isoflurane for rapid mask induction in six dogs sedated by a combination of midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg). Induction with sevoflurane (5 %, 2.4 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) in O2resulted in shorter time to loss of the palpebral reflex, negative tail clamp response, and successful intubation than with isoflurane (3 %, 2.4 MAC) in O2. There were no changes in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure during induction with sevoflurane, whereas an increase in heart rate was observed in dogs induced with isoflurane. A decrease in respiratory rate compared with the pre‐induction rate was observed during induction, and associated mild respiratory acidosis, characterized by an increase in arterial PCO2, was measured at the end of the induction period in both induction groups. None of the animals had episodes of induction‐related complications. These results suggest that both sevoflurane and isoflurane produce a smooth onset of induction in midazolam and butorphanol‐sedated dogs. Sevoflurane is a more suitable for rapid mask induction than isoflurane since it provides faster induction associated with a lower blood/gas partition coefficient.
Skeletal Muscle Fibre Characteristics in Young and Old Bulls and Metabolic Response after a Bullfight
Authors: Agüera E. I. , Muñoz A. , Castejón F. M. , Essén‐Gustavsson B.
Published: March 2003

Fibre type composition, activities of enzymes such as citrate synthase (CS), 3‐hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HAD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as glycogen, lactate and pH levels were analysed in muscle biopsies (m. gluteus medius) obtained after bullfighting from 10 young and 10 old bulls. No changes were seen in fibre type composition between groups, but the older bulls had higher HAD and LDH activities. Low glycogen concentrations and low pH values were found in both groups, but the lactate concentration after bullfighting was higher in the older group of bulls. The histochemical stain for glycogen revealed that type IIB fibres in both young and old bulls contained more glycogen than seen in type IIA and type I fibres. These results show that young and old bulls have similar muscle fibre type composition, but the metabolic capacity differs, with a higher glycolytic capacity and lactate production in older bulls. Furthermore, it seems that the physical and emotional stress in connection with a bullfight causes a marked depletion of glycogen, especially of type I and IIA fibres.
Effect of Medetomidine on Electroencephalography and Use of a Quantitative Electroencephalograph for Evaluating Sedation Levels in Dogs
Authors: Itamoto K. , Taura Y. , Wada N. , Taga A. , Takuma T. , Matsumura H. , Miyara T.
Published: March 2003

This study was designed to characterize the effect of medetomidine (Med) on canine electroencephalography (EEG), to evaluate the use of quantitative EEG for assessing sedation levels and to explore the correlation between the serum concentration of Med and the quantitative EEG. Four groups of dogs were given Med at doses of 20, 40, 80 and 160 μg/kg (Med‐20, Med‐40, Med‐80 and Med‐160 groups). Following Med administration, there was synchrony between each unipolar EEG lead. On EEG power spectrum analysis of the bipolar leads, all groups showed a significant depression of the 14–30 Hz components. The power of the 1–3 Hz component in the Med‐80 and Med‐160 groups was significantly increased, although there were few changes in the other groups. Similar results were obtained from raw data analysis. As a result of quantitative EEG analysis, spectrum edge frequency 90 analysis (SEF90) showed that the frequency was significantly reduced in all groups after Med administration. A dose–response effect was observed in all groups except for the Med‐160 group. Both of these EEG analyses were significantly correlated with the serum concentration of Med. However, the result of the SEF90 analysis suggested a stronger correlation than that for median edge frequency analysis. In conclusion, care must be taken in veterinary clinical diagnoses when Med is used during EEG recording, as Med may cause increased activity in the low frequency band and a decrease in high frequency band activity. In addition, quantitative EEG analysis may be useful in assessing the depth of sedation and in further studies on Med administration.
Effect of Nigella sativa on Glucose Concentration, Lipid Peroxidation, Anti‐Oxidant Defence System and Liver Damage in Experimentally‐Induced Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Meral I. , Yener Z. , Kahraman T. , Mert N.
Published: March 2003

This study was carried out to investigate whether Nigella sativa could decrease the lipid peroxidation, increase the anti‐oxidant defence system and also prevent the lipid‐peroxidation‐induced liver damage in experimentally induced diabetic rabbits. Fifteen New Zealand male rabbits were divided into three experimental groups: control, diabetic and diabetic and N. sativa‐treated. The diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in the rabbits using 150 mg/kg of 10% alloxan. The diabetic + N. sativa‐treated group was given extract of N. sativa seeds orally every day for 2 months after induction of DM. At the end of the 2‐month experiment, blood samples were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin and glucose concentration, and livers were harvested for histopathological analysis. Treatment with N. sativa decreased the elevated glucose and MDA concentrations, increased the lowered GSH and ceruloplasmin concentrations, and prevented lipid‐peroxidation‐induced liver damage in diabetic rabbits. It was concluded that N. sativa might be used in diabetic patients to prevent lipid peroxidation, increase anti‐oxidant defence system activity and also prevent liver damage.
The Effect of Short‐duration, High‐intensity Electromagnetic Pulses on Fresh Ulnar Fractures in Rats
Authors: LEISNER S. , SHAHAR R. , AIZENBERG I. , LICHOVSKY D. , LEVIN‐HARRUS T.
Published: March 2003

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been found to be beneficial to a wide variety of biological phenomena. In particular, PEMFs have been shown to be useful in the promotion of healing of ununited fractures. Conflicting information exists regarding the benefit of using PEMFs to accelerate the healing of fresh fractures. This paper reports on the evaluation of the effect of a new PEMF generator (PAP IMI®) on the healing of fresh ulnar fractures in rats. This device is unique by virtue of the extremely high power output of each of the pulses it generates. Ulnar fractures were created in rats by using a bone cutter, thus producing a 2–3 mm bone defect. Rats were then randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group underwent periodic treatments with the PAP IMI®, and the control group received no treatment. Radiographs of rats from both groups were taken at 1‐week intervals. Histological evaluation was performed at the end of the study. Radiographic and histopathological evaluations were scored, and scores were used to assess both rate and quality of healing. The radiographic results demonstrated gradual bridging callus formation in both control and treatment groups, however, the healing process was faster in rats that were not treated by PEMF. Histological evaluation demonstrated that the fibrous content of the callus in rats belonging to the treatment group was significantly higher than that in rats belonging to the control group. The results of this study do not support the claim that PEMF generated by the PAP‐IMI® stimulate osteogenesis and bone healing after the creation of fresh ulnar fractures in rats.
Expression of T Helper 1 and T Helper 2 Cytokine mRNAs in Freshly Isolated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: HAYASHIYA S. , TANI K. , MORIMOTO M. , HAYASHI T. , HAYASAKI M. , NOMURA T. , UNE S. , NAKAICHI M. , TAURA Y.
Published: March 2003

Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and semi‐quantitative PCR techniques, mRNA expression for canine interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐10 in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined in dogs with or without atopic dermatitis (AD). The expression of IFN‐γ mRNA in dogs with AD was lower than that in dogs without AD (healthy control). The expression of IL‐5 mRNA was higher in dogs with AD than in control dogs, but there were no significant differences in IL‐4 mRNA and IL‐10 mRNA expression between the groups. The number of circulating eosinophils was higher in dogs with AD than in control dogs, although eosinophilia was found in only one dog with AD. These results suggest that there is a tendency for the PBMCs of atopic dogs to express a type 2 cytokine pattern that is similar to the pattern observed in human AD patients.
Caudomedial Approach for Removal of an Ununited Anconeal Process and Assessment of the Medial Coronoid Process of the Ulna
Authors: Meyer‐Lindenberg A. , Staszyk C. , Gasse H . , Fehr M . , Nolte I .
Published: March 2003

A caudomedial approach that allows the removal of an ununited anconeal process (UAP) is described. Intraoperative examination of the medial part of the joint to diagnose a fragmented coronoid process (FCP) is also possible using the same approach. Sixty‐two joints (53 dogs) with UAP and various degrees of arthrosis were included in the study. In all joints the UAP could be removed via the caudomedial approach and the medial coronoid process could be inspected after extending the incision of the joint capsule distally. In eight cases a FCP was diagnosed and removed either by the caudomedial or by a medial approach. The results of the present study show that an UAP can occur simultaneously with a FCP in the same joint and that inspection of the medial part of the joint is useful.
Transferring and Distributing Profiles of p,p′‐(DDT) in Egg‐forming Tissues and Eggs of Laying Hens Following a Single Oral Administration
Authors: FURUSAWA N.
Published: March 2003

Laying hens were administered orally with a single dose of p,p′‐(DDT) (1 mg/kg bodyweight). The concentrations (μg/g) of DDT or its metabolites, p,p′‐(DDE) and p,p′‐(DDD), in the main tissues involved in egg formation (blood, liver, ovary, and oviducts) and egg yolk, collected 1 day after DDT dosing, were determined by normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The limits of detection were 0.04 μg/g for DDT, 0.07 μg/g for DDE and 0.06 μg/g for DDD. In extractable fats from the above tissues and egg yolk, DDT and DDE were transferred/distributed throughout the tissues and egg yolk. DDD was detected only in the liver. The findings indicate that DDT is metabolized instantaneously to DDE/DDD in the hen's body and they are transferred rapidly into the egg‐forming tissues and egg yolk. Among the four tissues and yolk fats examined, the DDT levels were high in the ovary, oviduct and egg yolk; the DDE levels were high in the liver, ovary and oviduct and lowest in the yolk (P < 0.01).
Clinical Effects of Betamethasone and Hyaluronan, and of Defocalized Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment on Traumatic Arthritis in the Fetlock Joints of Horses
Authors: LINDHOLM A. C. , SWENSSON U. , DE MITRI N. , COLLINDER E.
Published: March 2003

The clinical effects of intra‐articular betamethasone together with hyaluronan (βM/HA) and treatment with a defocalized carbon dioxide laser on acute traumatic arthritis of the fetlock joint were assessed. The horses in these studies were selected using a thorough lameness examination, including intra‐articular anaesthesia abolishing the lameness. This investigation comprised an observer‐blind study, including 10 sport horses (10 joints), and a prospective study, including 180 sport horses (333 joints). In both studies, the material was divided into two groups treated with either βM/HA or a carbon dioxide laser. The treatment doses were 12 mg of βM, 20 mg of HA or 60 J/cm2of treated area. Convalescence before training was 21 days for both groups in the observer‐blind study. In the prospective study, convalescence in the βM/HA group was 21 days but was only 7 days for the laser‐treated group. In the observer‐blind study, three of five treated joints recovered in both cohorts. In the prospective study, the groups had significantly different recovery rates – 68% of the βM/HA‐treated joints and 80% of the carbon dioxide laser‐treated joints. These results indicate that the defocalized carbon dioxide laser should be an applicable mode of treatment of acute traumatic synovitis in horses. However, the biochemical functions related to carbon dioxide laser treatment require further elucidation.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Reticular Motility in Cows after Administration of Atropine, Scopolamine and Xylazine*
Authors: Braun U. , Gansohr B. , Haessig M.
Published: March 2003

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of various dosages and routes of administration of atropine, scopolamine and xylazine on reticular motility in cows. Groups of five cows received atropine, scopolamine or xylazine at dosages varying from 0.01 to 0.20 mg/kg. The drugs were administered intramuscularly and intravenously; atropine was also given subcutaneously. A total of 17 trials, each using five cows, were carried out. Reticular motility was assessed for 3 min immediately prior to the administration of a drug and for 21 min after administration, and the latter period was divided into seven 3‐min intervals. The motility was further assessed during 3‐min periods every 10 min starting 28 min and ending 141 min after administration of a drug. During each 3‐min interval, the number of reticular contractions or the occurrence of reticular atony was determined. Onset and duration of reticular atony were assessed. All three drugs inhibited reticular motility but onset varied with route of administration and dosage. As expected, the onset of reticular atony occurred most rapidly after intravenous administration of each drug, followed by intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Reticular atony occurred 0–3.0 min after the intravenous administration of each drug and at all dosages except the lowest dosage of atropine. Atony lasted for 3–111 min. Reticular atony occurred 3–18 min and 9–15 min after intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, respectively. It lasted 32–108 min and 39–122 min for the intramuscular and subcutaneous routes, respectively. For each drug, higher dosages resulted in a more rapid onset and longer duration of reticular atony than did lower dosages. This study demonstrated that administration of atropine, scopolamine and xylazine results in reticular atony. Whether this has clinical relevance requires further investigation.