bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative Stress in Relation to Lipid Peroxidation, Sclerotial Development and Melanin Production by Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Ellil A. H. A. Abo
Published: March 2003

Melanin pigments constituted 13.9% of the chemical composition of the sclerotial walls of Sclerotium rolfsii and was associated with proteins, reducing sugars and amino acids. The lipid and ash contents in the sclerotial walls were double those in the hyphal walls of the fungus. Increasing age of the culture and maturation of the sclerotia were always accompanied by elevation of lipid peroxides and melanin pigments. Such behaviour may indicate that lipid peroxidation and melanin formation are operating in parallel during sclerotial biogenesis and maturation. These two processes depend on the theory of oxidative stress, as affected by growth conditions. Both processes could be stopped or sharply retarded when subjected to some antioxidant growth factors such as vitamins (ascorbic acid), micro‐elements (selenium) and sulfhydryl compounds (glutathione). A clear relation between oxidative stress, myceliogenic germination and lytic activity via melanin production was observed. This finding appears promising in applying a new control measure against diseases caused by sclerotia‐producing fungi without using traditional toxic fungicides.
Accumulation of Autofluorogenic Compounds at the Penetration Site of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici is Associated with Both Benzothiadiazole‐induced and Quantitative Resistance of Wheat
Authors: Stadnik M. J. , Buchenauer H.
Published: March 2003

The effect of benzothiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH; Bion®) on the autofluorescence responses of adaxial epidermal cells, activity of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) as well as fungal penetration efficiency were investigated after inoculation of the wheat cultivars Monopol (susceptible) and Zentos (resistant) with Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). The frequency and intensity of autofluorescence at the Bgt‐attempted penetration site were higher in epidermal cells of cv. Zentos than in those of the cv. Monopol. In both cultivars, foliar application of the resistance inducer BTH caused an intensification of the autofluorescent responses localized below the Bgt‐appressoria (in papilla and halo). The frequency of Bgt‐attacked epidermal cells showing whole‐cell autofluorescence (hypersensitive cell death) was low in both cultivars and slightly enhanced by BTH only in cv. Monopol. Two peaks of PAL‐activity were detected. The first occurred 4 hai coinciding with primary germ tube formation and the second at 12 hai during appressorium formation. BTH caused a significant increase of the PAL‐activity at 12 and 18 hai in cv. Monopol. Increase in PAL‐activity was closely associated with enhanced localized autofluorescence, suggesting that the phenomena are correlated. BTH‐treatment markedly decreased the penetration efficiency of the powdery mildew fungus in cv. Monopol, but not in cv. Zentos which has high penetration resistance. The results suggest that enhanced PAL‐activity and synthesis of autofluorogenic compounds, probably of phenolic nature, are involved in quantitative resistance and in BTH‐induced defence mechanisms of wheat plants where they act to inhibit penetration of attacked cells.
Essential Oils as Potent Source of Nematicidal Compounds
Authors: Pandey R. , Kalra A. , Tandon S. , Mehrotra N. , Singh H. N. , Kumar S.
Published: March 2003

Bioassay tests were conducted to find out the nematicidal activity of eight essential oils against Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood at four concentrations. Maximum activity was recorded in oils of Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus hybrida and Ocimum basilicum followed by Pelargonium graveolens, Cymbopogon martinii, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata oils, respectively. The eucalyptus (E. citriodora and E. hybrida) and Indian basil (O. basilicum) oils were highly toxic to M. incognita even at the lower concentrations, namely 500 and 250 ppm. The remaining oils were also toxic to the nematode but at different amounts.
Moniliformin Accumulation in Kernels of Triticale Accessions Inoculated with Fusarium avenaceum, in Poland
Authors: Chełkowski J. , Kaptur P. , Tomkowiak M. , Kostecki M. , Goliński P. , Ponitka A. , Ślusarkiewicz‐Jarzina A. , Bocianowski J.
Published: March 2003

Twelve Polish winter triticale cultivars and 14 doubled haploid lines (DH) (derived from the cv. Lasko × line SZD 366 hybrids) were inoculated with Fusarium avenaceum isolate ATCC 64451, mycotoxin moniliformin (MON) producer to evaluate their susceptibility to Fusarium head blight (FHB). Chemical analysis revealed MON accumulation in kernels of all inoculated cultivars in three consecutive years with the following averages and ranges: 1.50 mg/kg (0.47–2.67 mg/kg) in 1996, 2.63 mg/kg (0.11–8.14 mg/kg) in 1997 and 0.25 mg/kg (0.07–0.47 mg/kg) in 1998. Cultivar Malno kernels accumulated a low level of MON in all 3 years of the experiment. In most of the genotypes examined the reaction to the pathogen and MON content changed significantly from season to season. DH lines accumulated on average 2.62 and 0.85 mg/kg of MON in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Yield parameter reductions (1000 kernel weight, kernel number per head and kernel weight per head) were higher in 1997 than in 1998. The correlation coefficient for MON content/Fusarium damaged kernels percentage was 0.539 in cultivars and 0.548 in the DH lines. This is the first report of FHB of a segregating population in triticale.
Electron Microscopy and Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasmas Associated with Little Leaf Disease of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) in Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique  , Agrawal  , Alam  , Krishna Reddy
Published: March 2003

In Bangladesh little leaf disease was observed in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) and in periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus). Phloem‐inhabiting phytoplasmas were consistently detected in both species of diseased plants using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The shape, size and within‐tissue distribution of phytoplasmas appears to be similar in both hosts. Furthermore, the molecular characterization and identifications of observed phytoplasmas were carried out based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of PCR‐amplified products (1200 bp) using phytoplasma‐specific universal primers and sequencing analysis of both 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and intergenic spacer region (ISR) of 16S‐23S rDNA phytoplasma genes. The patterns of RFLP analysis with seven restriction enzymes exhibited a similar pattern for both phytoplasma strains. The sequence homology between these two strains showed 100% similarity based on 16S rDNA and 16S‐23S ISR. Therefore, in Bangladesh the causal agents of brinjal little leaf (BLL‐Bd) and periwinkle little leaf (PLL‐Bd) are probably the same or closely related phytoplasma strains. These strains, are very close or identical to the strain of brinjal little leaf phytoplasma in India (BLL‐In), belonging to the clover proliferation group (Lee et al., Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 48, 1153–1169, 1998; Seemuller et al., J. Plant Pathol. 80, 3–26, 1998).
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Susceptible and Resistant Responses of Chinese Cabbage to Plasmodiophora brassicae
Authors: Ito  , Ichinose  , Yanagi  , Tanaka  , Kameya‐Iwaki
Published: March 2003

Differential gene expression in susceptible and resistant responses of Chinese cabbage to Plasmodiophora brassicae was examined by differential screening of randomly amplified cDNAs. Three cDNA fragments (H6–2, H8, and Y4) hybridizing to differentially expressed mRNAs in RNA gel blot analysis were sequenced and subjected to database homology searches. H6–2 cDNA, detecting inhibited expression of the corresponding gene in the susceptible response, revealed significant homology to the chloroplast 16S rRNA gene. H8 cDNA, hybridizing to an extra mRNA band in the susceptible response along with a band observed in common among susceptible, resistant and control responses had significant homology with an Arabidopsis homeobox gene Athb‐8. Southern blot analysis showed that sequences hybridizing to H8 cDNA were contained in the genomic DNA of both Chinese cabbage and P. brassicae. Y4 cDNA, detecting enhanced expression of the corresponding gene in the resistant response, shared homology with an A. thaliana transcribed sequence with an unknown function.
Studies on Cell Number and Nuclei in Spores and on Ploidy Level in Ascochyta rabiei Isolates
Authors: Bruns  , Barz
Published: March 2003

Isolates of the phytopathogenic ascomycete Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr. were stained with the DNA‐specific fluorochrome 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) and compared for differences in number of nuclei per pycnidiospore and the ploidy level. Microscopic analyses revealed that within the examined isolates five different combinations of cell number and number of nuclei in spores exist. A one‐celled spore may contain one, two and four nuclei, respectively, and in the case of two‐celled spores there exist types with one and two nuclei in one cell. Microfluorometric analyses of wild types and benomyl‐treated isolates revealed differences in ploidy level among the wild types.
Survival of Botrytis cinerea in Soil in South‐Eastern Spain
Authors: Moyano C. , Melgarejo P.
Published: March 2003

The survival of Botrytis cinerea in sterile and unsterile soil at different temperatures and relative air humidities was investigated in south‐eastern Spain. Conidia survived only 7 days at 40∘C but, depending on relative humidity, for 30–90 days at 22∘C. High air humidity (95%) was needed to maintain soil humidity (8%) at a level that favoured conidial survival. Conidia survived better in sterile soil than in unsterile soil, probably because of the presence in the latter of soil microorganisms antagonistic to B. cinerea. Survival of conidia in environmental conditions simulating those in a greenhouse was less than 28 days. Results showed that B. cinerea conidia cannot survive over summer in south‐eastern Spain, and other primary sources of inocula are discussed.
Polyamine Metabolism in an Incompatible Interaction between Barley and the Powdery Mildew Fungus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei
Authors: Cowley T. , Walters D. R.
Published: March 2003

In the incompatible interaction between the barley cultivar Hart (mlo allele) and the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis DC. Speer f. sp. hordei Marchal, free spermidine and conjugated forms of putrescine and spermidine were found to accumulate 1–3 days following inoculation. The increase in free spermidine could be accounted for by increased activities of the biosynthetic enzymes ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) and S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.50). Activities of the transferase enzymes putrescine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (EC 2.3.1.‐) and tyramine feruloyl‐CoA transferase (EC 2.3.1.‐) were also increased in leaves of Hart inoculated with powdery mildew, as were activities of the polyamine catabolic enzymes diamine oxidase (DAO, EC 1.4.3.6) and polyamine oxidase (PAO, EC 1.4.3.4). The possible role of conjugated polyamines, and increases in DAO and PAO, in penetration based resistance to powdery mildew infection is discussed.
Possibilities of Flow Cytometric Analysis for Immunophenotypic Characterization of Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Culmsee K. , Simon D. , Mischke R. , Nolte I.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of the study presented here is to show the possibilities of flow cytometric analysis for immunophenotypic characterization of canine malignant lymphoma. Aspiration biopsies from lymph nodes of 30 dogs with multicentric lymphoma were stained by four dog‐specific antibodies and three human‐specific antibodies cross‐reacting with canine lymphocytes, and analysed by flow cytometry. Twenty of the 30 lymphoma examined were characterized as B‐cell‐lymphoma and 10 as T‐cell‐lymphoma. Flow cytometry is a suitable method for the immunophenotypic analysis of canine lymphoma. Contrary to immunohistochemistry, no surgically produced lymph node biopsy is required and the results are available within a few hours.
Effects of Aqua‐Treadmill Exercise on Selected Blood Parameters and on Heart‐Rate Variability of Horses
Authors: Voss B. , Mohr E. , Krzywanek H.
Published: March 2003

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of Aquatraining of horses (aqua‐treadmill exercise; treadmill manufactured by Equitech – L.u.S. Equipment, Warendorf, Germany) on selected blood parameters [lactic acid concentration (mmol/l), haemoglobin content (g/l)] and on heart‐rate variability (HRV) [heart rate (beats per min; b.p.m.), standard deviation of all NN‐intervals (SDNN; ms), normalized power of the low and high frequency band (LFnorm, Hfnorm; au), % recurrence, % determinism and ratiocorr]. Seven horses performed six exercise tests with different work loads (walking (x=1.56 ± 0.08 m/s) and trotting (x=2.9 ± 0.13 m/s); dry, water above the carpus and water above the elbow). The standardized test‐protocol was: 5 min warm‐up at walk while the water was pumped in, followed by the 20‐min exercise period at walk or trot, followed by a 5‐min walk while pumping out the water. Blood samples were taken prior to each test at rest in the stable, as well as exactly 5 min after the end of the 20‐min exercise period. Electrocardiograms were recorded during rest and the 20‐min exercise period. Compared to rest, neither the chosen velocities, the two water levels, nor the dry tests led to a significant increase of the lactic acid concentration in any horse. The haemoglobin content showed a significant increase as a result of exercise. Significant differences could be found between the heart rates at rest and the six exercise tests and between the mean of the levels `walking' and the mean of the levels `trotting'. An exercise‐induced change of HRV was characterized by a decreasing SDNN, a significantly higher LFnorm (sympathetic influence) combined with a significantly lower HFnorm power (parasympathetic activity) and a rising degree of order (significantly higher % determinism and nearly unchanged % recurrence) and stability (significantly rising ratiocorr) of the recurrence plot. In conclusion, the used training‐protocol for aqua‐treadmill exercises only represents a medium‐sized aerobic work load for horses, but the different levels of burden were indicated especially by changes in HRV.
Immunization against GnRH in Mature Mares: Antibody Titres, Ovarian Function, Hormonal Levels and Oestrous Behaviour
Authors: Dalin A.‐M. , Andresen Ø. , Malmgren L.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of active immunization against GnRH in mature Standardbred mares (three experimental and one control mare) on antibody titres, ovarian function, hormonal levels and oestrous behaviour. The mares were individually teased with a stallion once each day. During the first part of the experiment (period I: late April until November), blood was sampled every third day during the first 3 months, thereafter once per week. In the second part of the experiment (period II: December until August), sampling was carried out every second week. Progesterone, oestradiol‐17β and LH were analysed. Rectal gynaecological examination was made with the same intervals as the blood samplings and included palpation of the genital organs and ultrasonography. The experimental mares were immunized against GnRH with a GnRH–BSA conjugate. Equimune® (Vetrepharm, Bracetown, Business Park, Clonee, Co. Meath, Republic of Ireland) was used as adjuvant. The mares were immunized on four occasions (20–30 day intervals) and GnRH antibody titre was determined. All immunized mares produced antibodies against GnRH but the maximum titres as well as the duration of a greater than 10% binding capacity varied between the mares (1 : 1600 to 1 : 50 000; 5 to 12 months, respectively). After the first injection, all mares showed one oestrus and ovulated at the regular time. In two of the mares, the immunization resulted in ovarian atrophy. Their hormone levels of progesterone, oestradiol‐17β and progesterone decreased to basal levels and the cyclical hormone pattern was interrupted from approximately 30 days onwards. They continued to show oestrous signs but with irregular durations and intervals. The third mare showed ovarian suppression only for short periods and not in both ovaries at the same time; the hormone levels were basal for only about 20 days (days 50–70) and the mare ovulated on day 75 after start of immunization. The other mares ovulated after 13.5 and 15 months, respectively. It is concluded that the effect of immunization against GnRH in mature mares was individual concerning antibody titre response and the suppression of ovarian activity and hormone levels. Mares with totally inactive ovaries continued to show oestrous signs but with irregular intervals and durations.
Microscopic and Ultrastructural Lesions of the Ureter and Renal Pelvis in Sows with Regard to Actinobaculum suis Infection
Authors: WOLDEMESKEL M. , DROMMER W. , WENDT M.
Published: March 2003

Tissues from ureter and renal pelvis of 18 sows naturally (n = 15) and experimentally (n = 3) infected with Actinobaculum suis (former Actinomyces, Eubacterium suis) were studied using light and scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy. The results were compared with the findings from 11 clinically healthy sows as controls. The lesions in both the ureter and renal pelvis of naturally and experimentally infected animals were similar. In severe cases there were necrotizing ureteritis and pyelitis with accumulation of bacterial colonies in some cases. Several superficial epithelial cells were found phagocytosing necrotic debris. In mild cases the main lesions included epithelial cell hyperplasia, desquamation of the superficial epithelial cells and goblet cell metaplasia with intra‐epithelial cyst formation. The goblet cells were found in the superficial as well as in the intermediate cell layers. Generally, it was observed that severe purulent ureteritis and pyelitis/pyelonephritis in sows were to be expected only in mixed infection of A. suis with other bacteria. The findings were compared and discussed with the changes in the infected urinary bladder of sows and the alterations induced by urinary tract infection in man.
Central Nervous System Cryptococcoma in a Cat
Authors: Mandrioli L. , Bettini G. , Marcato P. S. , Benazzi C. , Della Salda L. , Krockenberger M. B. , Jensen H. E.
Published: March 2003

This report describes the gross, histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic findings in a 4‐year‐old cat with systemic Cryptococcus neoformans infection. A 1‐cm diameter pontine mass, pinpoint lesions in the cerebellum and in the right kidney were the main macroscopic findings. A presumptive diagnosis of cerebral neoplasia with metastasis was formulated. Light microscopy revealed a huge number of yeasts surrounded by a pyogranulomatous inflammatory reaction in the cerebral parenchyma and, to a lesser extent, in the kidney, while the meninges were not involved. The positive mucicarmine stain that coloured the capsule of the yeasts was indicative of cryptococcal infection. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of C. neoformans var. grubii (C. neoformans serotype A). Electron microscopy revealed yeasts with a massive fibrillar capsule and lamellar cell wall free in the cerebral tissue and within macrophages.
Glucose or Essential Amino Acid Infusions in Late Pregnant and Early Lactating Simmenthal Cows Failed to Induce a Leptin Response
Authors: GABAI G. , COZZI G. , ROSI F. , ANDRIGHETTO I. , BONO G.
Published: March 2003

To assess the leptin response to metabolic challenges, three Italian Simmental cows were infused for 6 h: with (a) saline (control); (b) glucose; and (c) amino acid solutions according to a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment. The infusions were carried out at the 36th week of pregnancy, and the second and 12th week of the following lactation. At each of the three infusion periods, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein before and 15, 30, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 min after the beginning of each infusion. All samples were analysed for leptin, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone (GH), glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and urea. The physiological phase of the cows significantly affected the basal concentrations of insulin, glucagon, urea and NEFA. The infusion of both glucose and the amino acid solutions did not affect leptin concentrations. Insulin response was significantly increased when animals were infused with the glucose solution and, within treatment, the greatest response was observed at the 12th week of lactation. The greatest glucagon response was observed when infusing the amino acid solution. Urea response to all treatments increased from the dry period to the 12th week of lactation. The GH and NEFA responses were not affected by treatments. The Multi Species radio‐immunoassay used in this study showed a lower sensitivity for ruminant leptin which may partially explain the lack of significant leptin variations. However, it can be hypothesized that leptin variations around parturition can be affected by the negative energy balance, and leptin release is not acutely affected by glucose and amino acid availability. In addition, no short‐term relationship were found between insulin, glucagon and GH and leptin release in Italian Simmental cows during the dry period and early lactation.
Continuous Monitoring of Rumen pH – A Case Study With Cattle
Authors: Enemark J. M. D. , Peters G. , Jørgensen R. J.
Published: March 2003

The use of a new pH probe for continuous rumen pH measurement was investigated in a preliminary study in cattle during a 10‐day period. Two cannulated non‐pregnant dairy cows were used together with two autonomous stomach probes, containing a commercial microelectrode and a reference‐electrode with a pressure‐equalizing system. By feeding diets with changing composition it was thought to provoke marked changes in rumen pH. Probes were programmed to sample pH and temperature every 30 s. During the entire experimental period, three daily rumen fluid samples were collected via the cannula as close to the probe as possible. Upon removal of probes, final calibration revealed only minor drifting of electrodes, that was significantly lower than results obtained during previous work with continuous measurement of gastric pH. After drift correction, the calculated absolute error of respective probe measurements for 11 sampling events was on average 0.08 pH for cow 817 (maximum 0.085 pH) and 0.14 pH for cow 686 (maximum 0.146 pH). pH measured by gastric probe was on average lower (i.e. more acid) than pH determined by tube sampling, with a mean difference of 0.33 pH (maximum 0.54) and 0.05 pH (maximum 0.5) for cow 817 and cow 686, respectively. The present prototype may thus play an important role in the development of a telemetric device for continuous monitoring of rumen pH in cattle and potentially other ruminants.
Influence of Cortisol, Gonadal Steroids and an Energy Deficit on Biochemical Indicators of Bone Turnover in Swine
Authors: Weiler U. , Finsler S. , Claus R.
Published: March 2003

In the pig a high growth potential seems to favour a disposition for skeletal problems. Hormones of growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I axis as well as cortisol and gonadal steroids are endocrine determinants of the anabolic potential but their effects on bone turnover in pigs have not been described. Thus, key hormones were either infused for 7 days (cortisol, 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestradiol) or influenced by Metyrapone (inhibition of cortisol synthesis) or energy deficit (increasing GH). Each treatment was carried out in six growing barrows/treatment. Bone turnover was characterized by daily measurements indirect parameter of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, osteocalcin (OC) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) respectively. All treatments except cortisol infusion seemed to favour bone formation, as they led either to a pronounced increase in OC (Metyrapone: +14%) or to significantly reduced TRAP (DHT: −9%, E2: −17%, energy deficit: −25%) followed by significantly higher OC (DHT: +9%, E2: +6%, energy deficit: +18%). Cortisol infusion affected bone loss mainly by a severe inhibition of osteoblastic activity (OC: −61%). Some reactions are explained by direct effects of the infused gonadal steroids on bone cells (inhibition of osteoclasts) or of the experimentally modified cortisol levels (inhibition of osteoblasts by cortisol). Other effects seem to be mediated by concomitant changes of IGF‐I (inhibition of osteoclasts after energy deficit or cortisol) and GH‐secretion (increased osteoblastic activity during energy deficit), respectively. Consequences for co‐ordinated bone turnover are discussed.
Incidence of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in Wild Boar in a Densely Populated Area Indicating CSF. Virus Persistence as a Mechanism for Virus Perpetuation
Authors: Kern B. , Depner K. R. , Letz W. , Rott M. , Thalheim S. , Nitschke B. , Plagemann R. , Liess B.
Published: March 2003

A virological survey was carried out to establish the distribution of classical swine fever (CSF) virus among wild boar in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Organ materials and blood samples were collected from 11 670 wild boar shot or found dead during the period March 1995 to December 1997. In total 211 (1.8%) wild boar were positive for CSF virus or antigen. The incidence of CSF‐positive animals decreased continuously from 4.6% at the beginning of the epidemic in 1995 to 0.7% in 1997. The highest incidence of positive animals (22%) was found in wild‐boar piglets younger than 3 months of age in 1995. The findings were indicative for the decisive role which young wild boar play in the epidemiology of CSF. Following intrauterine transfer some of the wild‐boar piglets were probably persistently infected with CSF virus as experienced experimentally. Such piglets can be held responsible for CSF virus perpetuation within the wild‐boar population. No CSF virus was isolated from adult wild boar weighing more than 75 kg. During 3 years of monitoring a sufficient number of susceptible wild boar, in particular young animals, was available to maintain the infection chain in that area. It was concluded that persistently infected piglets and the high population density of wild boar in the Brandenburg region offered optimal conditions for the establishment of an CSF epidemic.
Optimum Incubation Conditions for the Isolation of Yeasts from Canine Otitis Externa
Authors: Blanco J. L. , Guedeja‐Marrón J. , Blanco I. , Garcí M. E.
Published: March 2003

Samples from otitis externa in the dog were cultured on a variety of media under different conditions of incubation in order to assess the most suitable conditions, especially for the isolation of Malassezia pachydermatis. Columbia blood and MacConkey agar at 37°C for 24 h with air and Sabouraud glucose agar under microaerophilic conditions for 48 h at 37°C were considered the ideal combination.
In vitro Effects of Some Steroidal Hormones on the Replication of Avian Pneumovirus
Authors: AL‐AFALEQ A. I. , JONES R. C. , HOMEIDA A. M. , SAVAGE C. E.
Published: March 2003

The effects of testosterone, oestradiol, progesterone and cortisone on the in vitro replication of avian pneumovirus in tracheal organ cultures (TOC) were investigated. Samples of cell‐associated and cell‐free virus from TOC, grown in medium containing these hormones, were taken at selected intervals. Progesterone and cortisone caused a slight increase in cell‐associated virus. Testosterone and oestradiol caused a slight delay and decrease in virus replication when compared with the controls. All groups shared the same time interval to reach peak cell‐free virus titre, 96 h post inoculation. In comparison with the controls, only a small drop (0.25–0.50 log10) in the peak of virus titre was observed in the hormone treated groups.
Molecular Identification of the Marek's Disease Virus Vaccine Strain CVI988 in Vaccinated Chickens
Authors: DAVIDSON I. , BORENSHTAIN R. , WEISMAN Y.
Published: March 2003

The study describes three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems for the CVI988 vaccine virus: the meq gene, the MDV BamHI‐D/H 132 bp tandem repeat fragment and the MDV‐gB gene. Whereas the PCR product of virulent MDV strains and of the CVI988 virus strain with the meq and the 132 bp primer sets differed for the two templates, the MDV‐gB PCR products were similar. The sensitivity of the three PCRs was determined for the two templates; the CVI988 DNA was detected up to 2.48 plaque forming units, and a MDV‐1 DNA, was amplified with the 132 bp primers up to the 10−3 DNA dilution, and up to the 10−2 with the MDV‐gB and meq gene primers. As conventional detection for the CVI988 vaccine virus is by tissue culture, the aim was to analyse the feasibility of the molecular detection of the vaccine virus in the vaccinated chick. In two experimental trials employing specific pathogen free and commercial Lohmann chicks, respectively, the vaccine virus replicated to a limited extent; it was detected only in the spleen of up to 60% chicks at 2–4 weeks and in one chick at 3 weeks, respectively. The survey of three commercial Lohmann flocks, kept in biosecurity conditions, revealed the vaccine virus only in the spleen of 40% of 30‐day‐old chicks. The present study shows that CVI988 DNA is present in vaccinated chicks in a low quantity and it is difficult to detect directly from the chick, probably because vaccine viruses are latent in vivo. For an efficient detection it is pertinent to cultivate the vaccine virus on chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF), as then the virus escapes the latent state, enters into the productive mode of replication, and a high viral copy number is produced.
Phylogenetic Similarity of the Canine Parvovirus Wild‐Type Isolates on the Basis of VP1/VP2 Gene Fragment Sequence Analysis
Authors: RYPUŁA K. , CHMIELEWSKI R. , ŚMIELEWSKA‐ŁOŚ E. , KLIMENTOWSKI S.
Published: March 2003

Biological material was taken from dogs with diarrhoea. Faecal samples were taken from within live animals and intestinal tract fragments (i.e. small intestine, and stomach) were taken from dead animals. In total, 18 specimens were investigated from dogs housed alone or in large groups. To test for the presence of the virus, latex (On Site Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden) and direct immunofluorescence tests were performed. At the same time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers complementary to a conservative region of VP1/VP2 was carried out. The products of amplification were analysed on 2% agarose gel. The purified products were cloned with the Template Generation System (Finnzymes, Espoo, Finland) using a transposition reaction and positive clones were searched using the `colony screening by PCR' method. The sequencing gave 12 sequences of VP1/VP2 gene fragments that were of high similarity. Among the 12 analysed sequences, six exhibited 88% similarity, four exhibited 100% similarity and two exhibited 71% similarity.
Molecular Diversity of Campylobacter coli and C. jejuni Isolated from Pigs at Slaughter by flaA‐RFLP Analysis and Ribotyping
Authors: Moore J. E. , Lanser J. , Heuzenroeder M. , Ratcliff R. M. , Millar B. C. , Madden R. H.
Published: March 2003

A population of porcine isolates of Camplobacter jejuni (n=11) and C. coli (n=17) were examined for genotypic relatedness employing ribotyping, as well as polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) analysis of the flagellin (fla)A gene locus. PCR was employed to amplify a 533 bp fragment from the flaA gene, including the previously described short variable region (SVR), employing the novel primers, A2 and A1 and successfully generated this amplicon for all wild‐type strains examined (n=28) of both C. jejuni and C. coli, as well as with both type strains, i.e. C. jejuni NCTC 11351 and C. coli NCTC 11366. Individual genotypes were assigned to each isolate typed employing the four typing methods (flaA‐RFLPHae III, flaA‐RFLPPst I ribotypingHae III and ribotypingPst I,) and were assigned an arbitrary genotype code in ascending alphabetical order in comparison with a database of established genotypes for each of the methods employed. This study showed that several flaA‐RFLP and ribopatterns existed within C. jejuni and C. coli, and demonstrated a heterogeneous diversity of strains occurring in the pigs examined. Ribotyping of strains with 16S and 23S rRNA with Pst I and Hae III digested chromosomal DNA allowed subdivision of strains into nine and eight groups, respectively. RFLP analyses with Pst I and Hae III digests probed with the flaA gene probe allowed subdivision of strains into eight and eleven subtypes, respectively. Employment of RFLP with the flaA nucleic acid probe and Hae III digests produced the greatest amount of variation of any genotyping scheme employed. Although there was a high degree of variability demonstrated by both typing methods, most isolates (>60%) clustered into four main genotypes, i.e. genotypes A–D. FlaA‐PCR–RFLP typing demonstrated that the majority of isolates, 67.9 and 60.7%, were included in these four main genotypes for Pst I and Hae III restriction digests, respectively, although there was a high prevalence (7/11; 63.6%) of flaHae III genotype A occurring within the C. jejuni isolates. Likewise, ribotyping studies demonstrated that most isolates were clustered into these four main genotypes, accounting for 81.5 and 60.7% of isolates for Pst I and Hae III restriction digests, respectively. This may indicate that the clonal population of campylobacters within this pig population is largely composed of persistent and dominant types, with a smaller number of hypervariable subtypes. Such data may useful in determining epidemiological routes of transmission of campylobacters from animal to animal, as well as helping to identify virulence determinants in persistent subtype populations.
Determination of the Clonal Structure of Avian Escherichia coli Strains by Isoenzyme and Ribotyping Analysis
Authors: Da Silveira W. D. , Lancellotti M. , Ferreira A. , Solferini V. N. , De Castro A. F. P. , Stehling E. G. , Brocchi M.
Published: March 2003

Forty‐nine avian Escherichia coli strains isolated from different outbreak cases of septicemia (24), swollen head syndrome (14) and omphalitis (11), and 20 strains isolated from poultry with no signs of the mentioned illnesses, for a total of 69 strains, were typed by isoenzyme profile and ribotyping analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Isoenzyme analysis discriminated better among strains (0–0.07 degree of genetic dissimilarity) than ribotyping analysis (0– 0.02 degree of genetic dissimilarity). The enzyme profiles of the E. coli isolates allowed the identification of 33 clones that were organized into six main clusters (A–F). Cluster A comprised 87% of the pathogenic strains and had no commensal strains, while commensal strains were assigned to clusters B–F. The ribotyping analysis resulted in a more heterogenous distribution of strains but most of those that cause the same type of infection were kept close together. Taken as a whole, these results demonstrate that pathogenic clones are more similar to one another when compared with commensal strains and suggest a correlation between the genetic background and the pathogenic characteristics of avian pathogenic E. coli strains.
Dynamics of the Polychaetes Desdemona ornata and Perinereis cultrifera and Their Resources  of Food in a Mediterranean Mudflat
Authors: Rossi Francesca
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Availability of food in the sediment can play an important role in determining the dynamics of deposit feeders. Generally the abundance of deposit feeders during winter and spring is related to an increase in the nutritive value of the sediment due to the concurrent microalgal peaks.  This work investigated, in 1998, the seasonal variability patterns in the nutritive value of the sediment and in the abundance of two polychaetes, Desdemona ornata (Sabellidae: Fabriicinae) and Perinereis cultrifera (Nereididae), that probably feed on benthic microalgae. Previously, in 1997, these two species were abundant in winter and spring. During that winter, the amount of chlorophyll a in the sediment was quite variable due to grazing activities.  Three manipulative field experiments were carried out in winter and spring (January, March and April 1998) to test the hypothesis that increasing the amount of chlorophyll a increases the nutritional value of the sediment and the abundance of Perinereis cultrifera and Desdemona ornata.  The results indicated that the patterns of variability for these species and for chlorophyll a were similar to those observed in 1997. In plots where microalgal growth was stimulated experimentally, Perinereis cultrifera increased in January and Desdemona ornata increased in January and March. The role of food in regulating the abundances of Perinereis cultrifera and Desdemona ornata is discussed.
Case Report. Histoplasmosis in an AIDS paediatric patient
Authors: Cimerman S. , Sokolowski W. , Gonçalves S. E. C. , Lins M. Soares de O. , Colombo A. L.
Published: March 2003

Histoplasmosis has been little reported among HIV‐infected children. We report a case of a 4‐year old boy with AIDS who presented with disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed by lung biopsy. The patient had a good clinical response to amphotericin B followed by itraconazole oral solution.
Dematiaceous fungal pathogens: analysis of ribosomal DNA gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: Caligiorne R. B. , De Resende M. A. , Dias‐Neto E. , Oliveira S. C. , Azevedo V.
Published: March 2003

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of ribosomal gene small subunit (SSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions was examined in 12 isolates of dematiaceous agents of chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. The amplicon length of the fragment ITS1–ITS4, comprising the 5.8 rDNA and ITS1–ITS2 spacers, ranged in size from 620 to 690 bp. This result indicated a polymorphism of size in this region. Additionally the RFLP profiles showed a high degree of inter‐ and intra‐specific variability. In contrast, the SSU rDNA amplification, using NS1–NS2 primers, originated a fragment of approximately 570 bp and its restriction profile proved to be well conserved among the species studied and was clustered into only two genetically heterogeneous groups, the first one formed by Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea compacta and the second one formed by Cladophialophora (Cladosporium) carrionii, Cladophialophora (Xylohypha) bantiana, Phialophora verrucosa and Rhinocladiella species.
Case Report. Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis in a non‐neutropenic patient treated with liposomal amphotericin B
Authors: Filippou N. , Papachristou K. , Ilias I. , Pefanis A. , Papaleftheris E. , Iliopoulos I.
Published: March 2003

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare infection encountered mainly in immunocompromised patients. We present the case of a young woman where the diagnosis of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis was established after an open biopsy of the right lung. Liposomal amphotericin B was administered postoperatively for 10 days with moderate success. In a concise review we summarize the basic notions of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.
Adhesion of Candida parapsilosis to epithelial and acrylic surfaces correlates with cell surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Panagoda G. J. , Ellepola A. N. B. , Samaranayake L. P.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We investigated in vitro adherence of 24 isolates of Candida parapsilosis and 12 isolates of Candida albicans with regard to their relative cell‐surface hydrophobicity (CSH), adherence to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) and acrylic surfaces. There was no significant interspecies difference in the relative adherence of C. parapsilosis and C. albicans isolates to BEC, although the former demonstrated a tendency for increased adherence. However, a significant intra‐species variation in adherence among isolates of C. parapsilosis (P < 0.0001) to BEC, but not of C. albicans was noted. The superficial isolates of C. parapsilosis demonstrated a higher avidity (33%) to BEC than the systemic isolates. On regression analysis a significant positive correlation between C. parapsilosis adherence to BEC and denture acrylic surfaces was noted (r = 0.45, P = 0.02). Similarly, buccal cell adherence correlated strongly with CSH of C. parapsilosis (r = 0.63, P = 0.0008). These results shed further light on the intimate relationship between adherence and CSH in candidal colonization and imply that both C. parapsilosis and C. albicans are equally potent in colonizing mucosal surfaces with respect to the attributes investigated.
Prevalence of dermatophytic skin and nail infections in diabetic patients
Authors: Romano C. , Massai L. , Asta F. , Signorini A. M.
Published: March 2003

Summary. To determine whether there is a higher frequency of mycotic infections due to dermatophytes in diabetics, 171 diabetic outpatients and 276 controls were recruited in the period 1997–98. Patients with suspicious lesions underwent mycological examination which was positive in seven diabetics and 17 controls. In diabetics the most frequent infection was tinea pedis, followed by distal subungual onychomycosis; the most frequently isolated fungus was Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The results of the study did not show a prevalence of dermatophyte infections in diabetics. No correlation was found between dermatophytosis and duration or type of diabetes and its complications, blood sugar levels or levels of glycosylated haemoglobin. None of the diabetic patients with dermatophytosis had complications related to diabetes and basal blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin levels indicated good metabolic control.
Case Report. Hepatic abscesses due to Aspergillus terreus in an immunodeficient child
Authors: Trachana Maria , Roilides E. , Gompakis N. , Kanellopoulou Klita , Mpantouraki Maria , Kanakoudi‐Tsakalidou Florence
Published: March 2003

Summary. We report the first case of hepatitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a 13‐year‐old boy with common variable immunodeficiency that occurred while the patient was receiving secondary prophylaxis with fluconazole after an episode of pulmonary candidosis. The infection subsided after the addition of itraconazole to the combination of liposomal amphotericin B and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor that he was receiving.
Antifungal activity of the new azole UK‐109 496 (voriconazole): addition and clarification
Authors: Kappe R.
Published: March 2003

Antimyzetische Aktivität des neuen Azols UK‐109 496 (Voriconazol): Zusatzanmerkung und Klarstellung
Phospholipases of Candida albicans
Authors: Niewerth M. , Korting H. C.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Infections due to Candida albicans are frequent and of clinical importance. Especially at a time of increasing organ transplantations, HIV infections, and resistance to antimicrobial agents a profound knowledge of the interaction between C. albicans and host tissue is mandatory. In addition to secreted aspartyl proteinase, dimorphism, cell surface composition, and toxin production phospholipases are a main factor in pathogenicity. Up to the present, many different groups and subgroups of phospholipases have been detected. These different enzymes are related to various types of aggressive and defensive actions. These range from active invasion of host cell tissue to growth control and remodelling of the yeast cell membrane. It is clear that a multiplicity of factors must co‐operate to overcome the host's defences. Yet it can be supposed today that phospholipases are one important factor in this complex interaction. Therefore the known phospholipases of C. albicans are described in detail under clinical aspects.
Phenotypic characterization of Microsporum canis isolated from cats and dogs
Authors: Maia M. L. S. , Dos Santos J. I. , Viani F. C. , Larsson C. E. , Paula C. R. , Gambale W.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  To characterize strains of Microsporum canis that infect dogs and cats in Sa˜o Paulo city, 30 isolates of this dermatophyte were tested for their ability to assimilate carbon and nitrogen sources, for proteinase and phospholipase secretion, for susceptibility to yeast killer toxins, and for susceptibility to the antifungals fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, 5‐fluorocytosine and amphotericin B, in E test. All samples assimilated the nitrogen sources asparagine, ammonium sulphate, urea and sodium nitrate, as well as the carbon sources inulin, mannitol, trehalose, meso‐erythritol, maltose, mannose, sorbitol, cellobiose, fructose and dextrin. Not all the samples assimilated adonitol, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, raffinose, melibiose, ribose and sucrose, and none of them was capable of growing with dulcitol, lactose, or xylose as the only carbon source. Proteinase and phospholipase secretion was observed for most isolates. In the test of yeast killer toxin, 10 types could be identified, with four types exclusively observed in isolates from dogs and two types exclusively observed in isolates from cats. In the E test, all isolates were found to be resistant to the fluconazole and 5‐fluorocytosine, while they were variably sensitive to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole. When the data were submitted to the qualitative analysis in the matrix distance program Fitopac, the similarity of the isolates could be assessed.
Case Report. Pityriasis versicolor mimicking Pityriasis rotunda
Authors: Aste Nicola , Pau Monica , Aste Natalia , Biggio P.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Pityriasis versicolor is a common dermatomycosis, occurring throughout the world, characterized by irregular, slightly scaly patches, varying in color from red/light brown to white. Pityriasis rotunda, on the other hand, is an uncommon disease, reported in specific ethnic groups, and characterized by perfectly round or oval patches of varying color, with a scaly surface. The histologic pattern is that of ichthyosis vulgaris. We report here the case of a male patient, aged 31, from Sardinia (Italy), affected by Pityriasis versicolor mimicking Pityriasis rotunda. Mycological examination allowed us to formulate the correct diagnosis, and ensuing treatment with antifungal drugs was entirely successful. The authors, while pointing out the rarity of this case, stress the possibility that Pityriasis versicolor mimics Pityriasis rotunda and vice‐versa, especially in those countries in which the two diseases are endemic. More widespread recourse to microscopic examination can help avoid the risk of mistaken diagnosis and consequent incorrect treatment.
Clinicopathological and mycological spectrum of allergic fungal sinusitis in South India
Authors: Rupa V. , Jacob M , Mathews M. S. , Job A. , Kurien M. , Chandi S. M.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  In the present study, we describe characteristic clinicopathological and radiological features as well as fungal culture results in a series of 24 patients with allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Nasal obstruction and discharge with nasal polyposis was the commonest (95.8%) clinical presentation. Allergic mucin was uniformly present in all patients. Aspergillus species were the commonest fungal isolates (95.8%). One case of mixed Aspergillus and Curvularia sinusitis as well as one case of Drechslera sinusitis were also identified. Typical computerized tomography scan features of hyperdense areas interspersed with soft tissue densities in the affected sinuses were seen in all patients. Application of appropriate diagnostic criteria is essential to establish the diagnosis of AFS and distinguish it from invasive fungal sinus infections.