bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of different ant species on the olive moth, Prays oleae (Bern.), in Spanish olive orchard
Authors: Morris T. I. , Symondson W. O. C. , Kidd N. A. C. , Campos M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  In the olive orchards of Granada, Spain, ants are one of the most abundant insect families. Two sites were compared in 1994 and 1995 – a commercial orchard and an abandoned one. In both, the temporal pattern of abundance and the ant species composition were similar. Drought affected captures between the years. The managed orchard had fewer species and was dominated by Tapinoma nigerrimum. Predation studies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the maximum number of ants found to be test positive for olive moth, Prays oleae remains coincided with the moth's most vulnerable period. In the commercial orchard the most abundant ant species also had, by far, the highest number of positives for predation whereas at the abandoned site several species were of equal importance. Trophallaxis and scavenging are two particular traits of ants that may artificially inflate the ELISA results. However, as a basis for further study, ELISA can greatly assist the identification of ant species which warrant further research into their possible role against the olive moth.
The host plant range of the pea aphid subspecies Acyrthosiphon pisum ssp. destructor (Johnson) (Hom., Aphididae)
Authors: McVean R. I. K. , Dixon A. F. G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  In order to establish the host range of the pea aphid subspecies, Acyrthosiphon pisum ssp. destructor, and hence from which plant species pea crops are likely to become infested, the performance of this aphid on different leguminous plants was assessed. The plant species used were: Lotus uliginosus, Medicago sativa, Melilotus officinalis, Ononis repens, Sarothamnus scoparius, Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca and Vicia faba. Vicia faba and Trifolium hybridum were the plants on which aphids reached the greatest size, took the least time to reach maturity, and experienced the lowest mortality. The time taken for the aphids to develop to maturity was negatively correlated with adult size, whereas survival to maturity was positively correlated with adult size. The host preference of the aphids was also assessed. The plant species selected as hosts by alatae were those on which their offspring performed best.
Evaluation de deux méthodes de lutte intégrée contre les ravageurs en vergers d'agrumes
Authors: Benziane T. , Abbassi M. , Bihi Et T.
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  Evaluation of two IPM methods to control main pests in citrus orchards This study aims to the consolidation of the acquired knowledge regarding integrated pest management (IPM) against the main pests in citrus orchards. We provide evidence that the principles of this method already tested on small scales, are quite applicable on larger ones. In addition to this aspect, the purpose of our work has been the evaluation of two IPM methods: the first one, has been tested in Morocco for 3 years in areas not exceeding 1.2 ha; the second one originating from Australia, is presently recommended by the Plant Protection Authorities in Morocco. The results obtained confirm the complementarity between these two methods which are not mutually exclusive, despite some advantages recorded in favour of this method or the other. Our results show that the Moroccan method is more efficient in monitoring aphids and citrus leaf miner (CLM) population as it leads to the same results while reducing by half the number of the samples inspected. In contrast, mites monitoring is more convenient with the Australian method, allowing a good evaluation of the numbers of phytoseiid predators. Moreover, this method enabled us to reduce the quantity of pesticides used against Mediterranean fruit fly through treatment by lured spots reducing pulp volume by more than 92.8% and costs by 20%. These two methods gave the same results for monitoring population dynamics of California red scale and Mediterranean fruit fly but, fruit infestation at harvest was higher with the Australian method than the method developed locally (70.95% against 74.75 for California red scale and 2.35 against 3.35 for Mediterranean fruit fly).
The complete nucleotide sequence of RNa1 of barley mild mosaic virus (asl1) and attempts at bacterial expression of the P3 protein
Authors: Subr Z. , Fomitcheva V. W. , ühne T. K.
Published: March 2003

The complete nucleotide sequence of RNA1 of an Aschersleben isolate of barley mild mosaic virus (BaMMV) was determined. It consists of 7263 nucleotides (nt) excluding the 3′ poly (A) tail. The 5′ and 3′ nontranslated regions (NTR) are 148 and 338 nt in length, respectively, and flank a single large open reading frame coding for a precursor polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 256 kDa. Sequence comparison revealed a 96% amino acid (aa) identity to RNA1 translation products of Japanese and French BaMMV isolates. Conserved nucleotide motifs in the 3′ sense and 5′ complementary sense NTR of the two genomic RNAs were identified that may represent the polymerase recognition sites. A range of constructs containing various parts of the coding region of the P3 nonstructural protein was prepared for expression in Escherichia coli. A short stretch of 35 aa in the C‐proximal region of P3 appeared to be highly toxic to the bacterium.
Stylosanthes is a Host for Several Phytoplasmas, One of which Shows Unique 16S‐23S Intergenic Spacer Region Heterogeneity
Authors: Rue S. De La , Padovan A. , Gibb K.
Published: March 2003

Stylosanthes sp. exhibiting characteristic symptoms such as little leaf, witches’ broom and floral abnormalities were collected from north Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australia. Previous studies have shown that sweet potato little leaf V4 (SPLL‐V4), tomato big bud (TBB), stylosanthes little leaf (StLL) and pigeon pea little leaf (PLL) phytoplasmas are associated with this disease. The detection of an additional phytoplasma type, vigna little leaf (ViLL) is reported herein. The range and severity of symptoms expressed by affected plants is highly variable and is not associated with a particular phytoplasma type. Similarly, host plants infected with a complex of two phytoplasmas did not have unique or more severe symptoms. Of the phytoplasmas associated with stylosanthes little leaf disease, StLL is unique because it lacks the tRNAIle gene which is normally situated in the 16S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. This phytoplasma was shown to have a second operon containing the expected tRNAIle gene in all StLL samples examined. Sequence analysis suggests that the two 16S rRNA genes amplified by polymerase chain reaction from StLL samples originate from the same phytoplasma. This the first report of a phytoplasma having ribosomal operons both with and without an intergenic tRNAIle gene.
The Association of Phytoplasma with Stunting, Leaf Necrosis and Witches’ Broom Symptoms in Magnolia Plants
Authors: KAMIŃSKA M. , ŚLIWA H. , RUDZIŃSKA‐LANGWALD A.
Published: March 2003

In 1999–2000 a severe disease was observed on plants of four Magnolia spp. cultivated in a commercial nursery in Poland. Affected plants showed a progressive loss of vigour, were stunted, and had severely malformed leaves, leaf necrosis and witches’ broom. Phytoplasma was detected in magnolias with severe symptoms and in dodder‐inoculated Catharanthus roseus seedlings by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with primer pair R16F1/R0 followed by universal (rA/fA) and group specific (R16(I)F1/R1) primer pairs which amplified a fragment of phytoplasma 16S rDNA. The PCR products (560 bp or 1.1 kb) of all samples used for restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis after digestion with endonuclease enzymes AluI and MseI produced the same profile which corresponded to that of an aster yellows phytoplasma reference strain. Phytoplasma DNA was detected throughout the growing season in roots, stems and young but not mature leaves. Electron microscope examination of the ultra‐thin sections of the leaf and stem of diseased magnolias showed collapsed and degenerated sieve tube elements with wall thickening. The reduced lumen of these sieve elements contained numerous vesicles and membrane‐bound structures, but no typical phytoplasma cells. This is the first report of aster yellows phytoplasma in magnolia identified by molecular assays.
Enhanced Detection of Prune Dwarf Virus in Peach Leaves by Immunocapture‐Reverse Transcription‐Polymerase Chain Reaction with Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (IC‐RT‐PCR Nested PCR)
Authors: HELGUERA P. R. , DOCAMPO D. M. , NOME S. F. , DUCASSE D. A.
Published: March 2003

To improve the sensitivity of detection of Prune dwarf virus (PDV) in peach trees, the immunocapture‐reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction combined with nested PCR (IC‐RT‐PCR nested PCR) was modified. The nested PCR substantially improved PDV detection compared with double antibody sandwich‐ELISA. Both assays use the same tissue extracts.
A Comparison of Sensitive and Specific Methods for the Detection of Lily Mottle Virus in Lily Plants
Authors: SATO H. , HAGIWARA K. , NAKAMURA S. , MORIKAWA T. , HONDA Y. , OMURA T.
Published: March 2003

The nucleotide sequence of the 3′‐terminal region of a potyvirus from lily in Miyagi, Japan, exhibited 96.5% homology in the CP gene and 98.9% homology in deduced amino acid sequence to an isolate of Lily mottle virus (LMoV) from the Netherlands. Dilution end‐points were compared for the detection of LMoV in lily by an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; an assay with immunocapture, reverse transcription (RT) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and an assay with RT and PCR using total RNA extracted from infected plant material. The RT‐PCR assay with total RNA was the most sensitive assay which, with primers based on the nucleotide sequence information, was able to distinguish between infection by LMoV and Tulip breaking virus, another potyvirus that can infect lily.
Gas Exchange and Emission of Chlorophyll Fluorescence during the Monocycle of Rust, Angular Leaf Spot and Anthracnose on Bean Leaves as a Function of their Trophic Characteristics
Authors: BASSANEZI R. B. , AMORIM L. , FILHO A. BERGAMIN , BERGER R. D.
Published: March 2003

Measurements related to gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence emission were taken from healthy and diseased bean leaves with rust, angular leaf spot, and anthracnose during lesion development for each disease. The experiments were performed at different temperatures of plant incubation, and using two bean cultivars. The main effect of temperature of plant incubation was in disease development. There was no significant difference between cultivars in relation to disease development and in magnitude of physiological alterations when disease severity was the same for each cultivar. These diseases reduced the net photosynthetic rate and increased the dark respiration of infected leaves after the appearance of visible symptoms and the differences between healthy and diseased leaves increased with disease development. The transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were stable during the monocycle of rust, however, these two variables decreased in leaves with angular leaf spot and anthracnose beginning with symptom appearance and continuing until lesion development was complete. Carboxylation resistance was probably the main factor related to reduction of photosynthetic rate of the apparently healthy area of leaves with rust and angular leaf spot. Reduction of the intercellular concentration of CO2, due to higher stomatal resistance, was probably the main factor for leaves with anthracnose. Chlorophyll fluorescence assessments suggested that there was no change in electron transport capacity and generation of ATP and NADPH in apparently healthy areas of diseased leaves, but decreases in chlorophyll fluorescence emission occurred on visibly lesioned areas for all diseases. Minimal fluorescence was remarkably reduced in leaves with angular leaf spot. Maximal fluorescence and optimal quantum yield of photosystem II of leaves were reduced for all three diseases. Bean rust, caused by a biotrophic pathogen, induced less damage to the regulation mechanisms of the physiological processes of the remaining green area of diseased leaves than did bean angular leaf spot or anthracnose, caused by hemibiotrophic pathogens. The magnitude of photosynthesis reduction can be related to the host–pathogen trophic relationships.
First Record of Rosellinia desmazieresii on Scots Pine and its Association with Disease in Poland
Authors: KWAŚNA H. , ŁAKOMY P.
Published: March 2003

Rosellinia desmazieresii was found for the first time on a tree of Scots pine. It occurred on a dying tree in a mixed Scots pine‐oak plantation in Poland. The fungus girdled the base of the trunk, where perithecia were produced abundantly. The fungus was evidently the cause of the tree's poor growth and ultimate death.
Fusarium Head Blight of Common Polish Winter Wheat Cultivars – Comparison of Effects of Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium culmorum on Yield Components
Authors: GOLINSKI P. , KACZMAREK Z. , KIECANA I. , WISNIEWSKA H. , KAPTUR P. , KOSTECKI M. , CHELKOWSKI J.
Published: March 2003

The effects of Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium culmorum on the reduction in yield components, after independent inoculation of 14 winter wheat cultivars, were investigated. Single isolates of F. avenaceum and F. culmorum were independently used in inoculations of winter wheat heads. Reductions in the following yield traits: 1000‐kernel weight (TKW), the weight (WKH) and number (NKH) of kernels per head after inoculation were analysed statistically. The results indicate differences between both pathogens in their effects on yield traits. The statistical calculations were performed using analysis of variance (a three‐factor experiment) for particular yield trait reductions and multivariate analysis of variance for the yield trait reductions jointly. Almost all of the univariate and multivariate hypotheses concerning no differences between pathogens (F. culmorum, F. avenaceum), climatic conditions (years) and cultivars as well as hypotheses concerning no interactions between factors (pathogens, years, cultivars) were rejected at least at P= 0.05 significance level. The reduction of yield traits indicated individual reactions of the tested winter wheat cultivars to different pathogens. Among the tested traits the highest influence on the rejection of the hypothesis concerning the equivalence of F. avenaceum and F. culmorum was observed for TKW and WKH. The effect of the pathogen on yield reduction was greater for F. avenaceum than for F. culmorum during 1996 and 1997. A comparison of the cultivars indicated that the Begra cultivar showed the highest tolerance to inoculation with both Fusarium pathogens. Moreover, this genotype as well as several others showed lower tolerance to F. avenaceum rather than to F. culmorum, whereas Elena was the only cultivar with the opposite tendency.
Subtractive Cloning of DNA from Polymyxa graminis– an Obligate Parasitic Plasmodiophorid
Authors: Šubr Z. W. , Kastirr U. , Kühne T.
Published: March 2003

A simple subtractive hybridization was applied for cloning of Polymyxa graminis deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Total DNA preparations from concentrated P. graminis resting spores and from roots of non‐infested (healthy) barley were digested with different restriction enzymes and batch hybridized, followed by cloning in a plasmid vector. Sequencing and blast analysis of coincidentally selected clones enabled construction of polymerase chain reaction primers specific to P. graminis DNA. Four Polymyxa‐specific primers showed different affinities to DNA of type I and type II P. graminis and to DNA of P. betae.
Detection of Strawberry latent ring spot virus in Leaves of Olive Trees in Italy using a One‐Step RT–PCR
Authors: Faggioli F. , Ferretti L. , Pasquini G. , Barba M.
Published: March 2003

A one‐step reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) protocol was developed and used for the detection of Strawberry latent ring spot virus (SLRSV) in leaves of olive trees in Italy. The protocol was used to test for infection in samples from 87 trees and to correlate infection with leaf symptoms. SLRSV was found only in olives grown in Central Italy (the Marche and Umbria regions) and was detected in c. 15% of leaf samples. Most infected plants had narrow and twisted leaves, symptoms which seemed to occur in specific cultivars. The one‐step RT–PCR protocol is very rapid and sensitive and has the potential to be used on a mass scale for the diagnosis of SLRSV in olive. This virus should be considered an important pathogen in olive trees, even if its distribution in the field seems to be limited to well defined areas.
Molecular Characterization of Carla‐ and Potyviruses from Narcissus in China
Authors: Chen J. , Chen J. P. , Langeveld S. A. , Derks A. F. L. M. , Adams M. J.
Published: March 2003

Conserved carlavirus and potyvirus primers were used in reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to amplify virus fragments from Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis) in China and the fragments were subsequently sequenced and compared in phylogenetic analyses. Samples from Fujiang province and Shanghai contained either one or two potyviruses and a carlavirus. One potyvirus (PY1) showed a distant relationship to Iris severe mosaic virus, Onion yellow dwarf virus and Shallot yellow stripe virus, while the other (only in the Fujiang sample, PY2) was most closely related to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). Similar experiments using glasshouse grown Narcissus originating from the UK contained Ornithogalum mosaic virus and another potyvirus (PY3) in the TuMV/PY2 cluster. Comparisons with previously determined sequence fragments indicated that PY2 was probably Narcissus yellow stripe virus and PY3 Narcissus late season yellow virus. Carlavirus fragments from both Chinese sites seemed to be of the same virus, which was most closely related in phylogenetic analyses to Potato virus M, Aconitum latent virus and Hop latent virus. It is most probably a new member of the genus Carlavirus and has been tentatively named Narcissus common latent virus.
Activity of Enzymes Related to H2O2 Generation and Metabolism in Leaf Apoplastic Fraction of Tomato Leaves Infected with Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Patykowski Jacek , Urbanek Henryk
Published: March 2003

Hydrogen peroxide generation rates of uninfected and infected leaves of two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars showing differential susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea were determined. The superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, ascorbate contents and changes in NADH peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activities in the apoplast fraction were analysed. Infected leaves had an increased hydrogen peroxide level. It was greater and generally occurred earlier in plants of the less susceptible cv. Perkoz than in those of the more susceptible cv. Corindo. Induction of nitrotetrazolium blue reducing activity and SOD levels in apoplast were higher in cv. Perkoz 24 h after inoculation. In the controls, NADH peroxidase activity in apoplast was higher in the more susceptible cv. Corindo, but after infection it increased faster and to a higher level in the less susceptible cv. Perkoz. NADH oxidation was inhibited by only 15% by a specific inhibitor DPI (diphenylene‐iodonium) but was completely inhibited by KCN and NaN3. Similar increases in APX activity after 48 h and a small increase in catalase activities were observed in both cultivars soon after infection. These results indicate that resistance of tomato plants to infection by the necrotrophic fungus B. cinerea may result from early stimulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical generations by NADH peroxidase and SOD in apoplastic space, and they confirm the important role of their enhanced production in apoplastic spaces of plants.
Detection of IgM Antibodies Against a Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein of Canine Distemper Virus in Dog Sera using a Dot‐Blot Assay
Authors: Barben G. , Stettler M. , Jaggy A. , Vandevelde M. , Zurbriggen A.
Published: March 2003

A dot‐blot assay for the detection of IgM antibodies (ABs) against canine distemper virus (CDV) in canine serum is described. The diagnostic potential of this technique was evaluated by analysing sera from three test groups: (i) specific pathogen‐free (SPF) beagle dogs experimentally infected with virulent CDV; (ii) SPF dogs immunized with a combined vaccine containing CDV, and (iii) SPF dogs immunized with a CDV‐free vaccine. As antigen for the dot‐blot assay we used the recombinant nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of the virulent A75/17 CDV strain. All 12 dogs of group 1, infected with virulent CDV, showed detectable CDV‐specific IgM levels in their serum. All dogs of group 2 were also positive for anti‐CDV IgM after the first immunization with the CDV‐containing vaccine. The four dogs immunized with a CDV‐free vaccine (group iii) remained negative throughout the course of the experiment. From these results, we conclude that the IgM detection test, which requires only a single serum sample, is a useful method for diagnosing current or recent CDV infection in CDV‐infected or CDV‐immunized dogs under experimental conditions.
Evaluation of the Role of Keratan Sulphate as a Molecular Marker to Monitor Cartilage Metabolism in Horses
Authors: Okumura M. , Fujinaga T.
Published: March 2003

The role of keratan sulphate (KS) as a metabolic marker of cartilage was evaluated using anin vitromodel of equine articular cartilage. Articular cartilage was harvested from clinically healthy 6‐month‐old foals (n = 3). Chondrocytes were centrifuged and cultured as pellets. Chondrocyte pellets were stimulated by insulin‐like growth factor‐Iα (IGF‐Iα) or interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) for 2 weeks. The concentrations of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and KS in the culture media were measured by a 1,9‐dimethyl‐methylene blue (DMMB) colorimetric assay and an inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using a 1/20/5D4 antibody, respectively. The concentration of GAG was significantly increased both in the media of pellets stimulated by IGF‐Iα and in those stimulated by IL‐1α. KS concentration was significantly increased in those stimulated by IL‐1α, while no significant change was found in those stimulated by IGF‐Iα. A high correlation between GAG and KS concentrations was found in the media of pellets stimulated by IL‐1α (r= 0.84), but not in those stimulated by IGF‐Iα (r= 0.59). The results suggest that the concentration of KS reacting to 1/20/5D4 mirrors the GAG concentration during the stage of cartilage catabolism, but not during the cartilage anabolic stage. The KS concentration in biological fluids could therefore be a useful marker to understand further the cartilage catabolic process. It may also represent some aspects of the cartilage anabolic process.
Evaluation of Cellular and Biochemical Parameters of Blood and Peritoneal Fluid Following Exploratory Laparotomy in the Goat
Authors: Dehghani S. , Nazifi S. , Barzegar M. R.
Published: March 2003

To evaluate the effects of exploratory laparotomy on cellular and biochemical parameters of blood and peritoneal fluid, an experiment was conducted using 10 Iranian cross‐bred male goats. Approximately 10 ml of blood and 1–1.5 ml of peritoneal fluid were collected from all animals prior to operation for estimation of control values. Exploratory laparotomy was performed under local analgesia. Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exploratory laparotomy. The results revealed that after exploratory laparotomy, the number of white blood cells and the percentage and absolute number of neutrophils and band neutrophils significantly increased (P< 0.05). However, the percentage of lymphocytes decreased significantly (P< 0.05). The concentrations of blood urea nitrogen significantly increased (Plt; 0.05). Furthermore, following the operation, the percentage and absolute number of neutrophils in the peritoneal fluid significantly increased (P< 0.05). In contrast, the percentage of lymphocytes in the peritoneal fluid decreased significantly (P< 0.05). The concentration of protein in the peritoneal fluid increased significantly (P< 0.05).
Detomidine‐Diazepam‐Ketamine Anaesthesia in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves
Authors: Pawde A. M. , Amarpal  , Kinjavdekar P. , Aithal H. P. , Pratap K. , Bisht G. S.
Published: March 2003

Eight buffalo calves (8–12 months, 70–100 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups of four animals each. Animals of group I were given detomidine (100 µg/kg), whereas animals of group II received a mixture of detomidine (100 µg/kg), diazepam (100 µg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (DDK) intravenously. Various clinical parameters, such as weak time, down time, pedal and pinprick reflexes, muscle relaxation and extent of sedation, as well as heart and respiratory rates and electrocardiograms were measured before (time 0) and 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after treatment. In all the animals of group II (DDK), the pedal reflex was completely abolished (score: 3.00 ± 0.00) within 5 min, the pinprick response was either very weak or it was completely abolished at this interval. Muscle relaxation and sedation were excellent within 5 min of DDK administration. The depth of sedation and analgesia was maximum from 5 to 15 min post‐injection. Detomidine alone, however, failed to produce appropriate depression of the pedal and pinprick reflexes, sedation was mild and muscle relaxation was inadequate. Heart rate showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in group I, but the decrease was non‐significant in group II. A more pronounced increase in respiratory rate was observed in group I as compared to group II. Animals of both groups recovered within 90 min without any complication. Minimal changes in the cardiovascular system in the group given the DDK combination were an advantage over the group given detomidine. The results indicated that DDK combination is safe and suitable for 15 min of anaesthesia with excellent muscle relaxation and has only limited cardiorespiratory effects in buffaloes.
Proliferation, DNA ploidy, p53 overexpression and nuclear DNA fragmentation in six equine melanocytic tumours
Authors: Roels S. , Tilmant K. , Van Daele A. , Van Marck E. , Ducatelle R.
Published: March 2003

Melanocytic tumours are a well‐known clinical and pathological entity in horses, but further phenotypic characterization of these tumours is lacking. Six melanocytic tumours from five horses (two metastatic and four benign) were examined by Ki67, PCNA and p53 immunostaining, DNA nick end labelling (Tunel) and Feulgen staining. The stainings were evaluated using quantitative image analysis. The resulting parameters of growth fraction (Ki67), S‐phase index (PCNA), p53 index, apoptotic index, DNA index, nuclear diameter, ploidy balance, proliferation index (Feulgen) and hyperploidy were analysed. The metastatic melanomas showed overexpression of p53 in a large portion of the cells. Apoptosis was also found in the metastatic melanomas. No differences were found in growth fraction, S‐phase index (PCNA) nor in DNA configuration between the metastatic and the benign tumours. No immunohistochemical evidence of mutant p53 could be found in the tumours. In conclusion, melanocytic tumours in horses seem to have different phenotypic characteristics in comparison with melanocytic tumours in dogs, cats and humans, especially with respect to proliferative activity of the benign tumours. Therefore, markers put forward in these other species for predicting the clinical behaviour of the melanomas seem to be of no value in the horse. Moreover, quantitative DNA changes or p53 mutations do not seem to be involved in tumourogenesis in these cases.
The Course of Selected Bone Resorption Marker Concentrations in Response to Short‐term Hypocalcemia Experimentally Induced with Disodium EDTA Infusions in Dairy Cows
Authors: Liesegang A. , Eicher R. , Sassi M. ‐L. , Risteli J. , Riond J.‐L. , Wanner M.
Published: March 2003

The collagen metabolites hydroxyproline (HYP), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) are suitable markers for bone resorption in humans and several animal species. The purpose of this study was to describe the course of bone resorption markers during short‐term hypocalcemia induced with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na2EDTA) and to investigate whether bone resorption is increased in dairy cows under these conditions. EDTA infusions have been used as a model for periparturient paresis in dairy cows and to estimate the calcium mobilization rate from body reserves in ruminants. In this study, hypocalcemia was induced by means of a 5 % Na2EDTA infusion (0.55 mg/kg/min Na2EDTA for 5 h = total dose of 100.6 g). Two experiments were conducted: (1) Six 4–11 years‐old Brown Swiss cows were infused intravenously with EDTA for 5 h. Blood and urine samples were taken repeatedly from 1 day before until 10 days after infusion. (2) Towards the end of the lactation, the experiment was repeated with the same animals after a 14‐day‐period of feeding a low calcium diet (26 g/animal per day). The EDTA‐infusion induced hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. The HYP‐, DPD‐ and ICTP‐concentration remained mainly unaffected during both infusions. Only DPD showed an increase during infusion and HYP an increase 2 days after the infusion. In conclusion, the EDTA infusion had little effect on the concentrations of the measured bone markers, which may be due to the fact that the serum calcium pool was refilled by increased absorption of Ca via the gastrointestinal tract. From these results, it can be concluded that bone resorption was not influenced by EDTA infusion.
Differential Electrocardiographic Study on Iberica and Duroc Breeds of Pig during Physical Maturation
Authors: Fernåndez P. , Castejón F. M. , Agüera E. I. , Escribano B. , Rubio M. D.
Published: March 2003

Sequential electrocardiograms were taken of 50 pigs (25 Iberica and 25 Duroc), from the ages of 5 days to 205 days. The records were analysed to establish the normal values of the different electrocardiographic intervals (RR, QRS, QT, TQ and ST intervals), the diastole/systole quotient and heart score in the first 7 months of life, as well as age‐related electrocardiographic variations. In addition, it was intended to determine which of these two breeds showed the greater heart recovery capacity. Finally, positive or negative correlations between the RR interval and the electrocardiographic incidents studied were analysed. The mean values obtained for the electrocardiographic parameters were similar in the two breeds and increased with their physical maturity. Analysis of the correlation between the duration of the heart cycle and the different electrocardiographic incidents showed a positive and significant correlation, ther‐values being higher for the RR interval—TQ interval correlation.There was very little correlation between RR interval and heart score in Duroc pigs and practically no correlation between the RR interval and the QRS interval in either breed.
Reproductive Efficiency of Cows with Endometritis after Treatment with Intrauterine Infusions or Prostaglandin Injections, or No Treatment
Authors: Knutti B. , Kupfer U. , Busato A.
Published: March 2003

Data from 3276 cows with 6598 lactations in 85 herds participating in a herd health monitoring programme were selected for an observational study. Cases of endometritis were diagnosed based on a clinical examination after 21 days postpartum. The cases were grouped by the severity of endometritis (mild, severe) and by the treatment performed (intrauterine infusion, prostaglandin injection, no treatment). The conception rates and the calving‐to‐conception intervals of these groups were compared statistically. Conception rate was lower in cows with severe endometritis compared to cows with mild endometritis while it did not differ between treatment groups. In cows with mild endometritis a significantly longer calving‐to‐conception interval was observed if intrauterine infusions were performed compared to the other two treatment options. The occurrence of other fertility problems during the same service period had a significant effect on conception rate and calving‐to‐conception intervals. In cows with severe endometritis intrauterine or prostaglandin treatments appeared to be beneficial, whereas intrauterine infusions in cows with slight endometritis had a negative effect on reproductive efficiency.
Protein Peroxidation Processes in Bovine Retained and Not‐retained Placenta
Authors: Kankofer M.
Published: March 2003

Proteins as well as lipids and other biologically active substances may undergo peroxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was the determination of this damage in cases of retained (RFM) and not‐retained bovine foetal membranes. The levels of thiol groups were measured spectrophotometrically. Tryptophan, formylokinurenine and bityrosine bridges were determined using spectrofluorimetric methods. All parameters were determined in placental maternal and foetal homogenates collected from cows divided into six groups as follows: A, pre‐term caesarian section without RFM; B, pre‐term caesarian section with RFM; C, term caesarian section without RFM; D, term caesarian section with RFM; E, spontaneous delivery without RFM; F, spontaneous delivery with RFM. All parameters except tryptophan showed statistically significant differences between the maternal and foetal parts of the placenta. The concentrations of the thiol groups were lower in RFM than in not‐RFM cases, whereas formylokinurenine and bityrosine concentrations showed the opposite relationship. Tryptophan levels were lower in cases of RFM rather than not‐RFM samples but statistically significant differences occurred in groups C and D and the foetal part of groups E and F. Further experiments are necessary to determine the oxidative status of other biologically active substances in cases of retained bovine placenta.
Effects of Nandrolone Treatment on Recovery in Horses After Strenuous Physical Exercise
Authors: Hyyppä S.
Published: March 2003

To test the effect of nandrolone on their recovery, six adult half‐bred riding horses performed a competition exercise test (CET) and a standardized exercise test (SET) on consecutive days before and after a 2‐week treatment with the anabolic steroid nandrolone laurate. Blood samples were collected during and between these tests for the determination of red cell volume and concentrations of blood lactate, plasma glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids, glycerol, triglycrides, erythropoietin, cortisol, insulin, and glucagon. Muscle biopsy specimens were taken immediately after the CET and before the SET for analysis of glycogen content, citrate synthase, and 3‐hydroxy‐acyl CoA dehydrogenase activity. Nandrolone administration increased the rate of muscle glycogen repletion after exercise, an increase that may be explained by increased glucose output by the liver, higher plasma insulin concentration, and increased insulin‐independent glucose transport, but not by better availability of lipid fuels during recovery.
Effects ofD‐Penicillamine on Urinary Copper Excretion in High‐Copper Supplemented Sheep
Authors: Humann‐Ziehank E. , Bickhardt K.
Published: March 2003

The effects of a single oral application ofD‐penicillamine (DPA, mean dosage 28 mg/kg body weight) on urinary copper (Cu) excretion and general renal function in six high‐Cu supplemented sheep (Cu intake of 3.7 mg/day per kg body weight for 84 days) and four controls (Cu intake of 0.16 mg/day per kg body weight) were investigated to quantify induced cupruresis and the therapeutic effect of DPA as a decoppering agent. Changes in liver Cu concentration were examined before and after DPA treatment by liver biopsies. The influence of DPA treatment on general renal function was low. A 10‐fold increase in renal Cu excretion was induced in both groups of sheep. Maximal Cu excretion was observed 4 h after DPA treatment, with mean values of 280 pmol/min per kg body weight in the high Cu group and 145 pmol/min per kg body weight in the controls. In the high Cu sheep, urinary Cu excretion within 24 h after DPA application was equivalent to only 0.42 ± 0.26% of liver Cu content (mean concentration 347 ± 124 mg/kg wet weight). Moreover, no effect of DPA on liver Cu concentration was evident. These findings demonstrate that a single application of DPA is not effective in inducing sufficient Cu loss from the bodies of Cu‐loaded sheep.
Investigations on Blood Coagulation in the Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Authors: KUBALEK S. , MISCHKE R. , FEHR M.
Published: March 2003

The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time, kaolin clotting time (KCT), dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT) and reptilase time, as well as five different plasma fibrinogen assays [gravimetry, Jacobsson method (extinction at 280 nm), Millar method (heat precipitation), kinetic turbidometry, Clauss method] and resonance thrombography were performed in 26 clinically healthy green iguanas. All assays were carried out in comparison with pooled normal canine plasma. In iguana plasma, the PT [median (x0.50)=453–831 s, dependent on the reagent], APTT (x0.50= 170–242 s, dependent on the reagent), thrombin time (x0.50= 118 – >1000 s, dependent on thrombin activity), KCT (x0.50=274 s), DRVVT (x0.50=349 s) and reptilase time (all samples >1000 s) were widely scattered at the limit of measurability. Only fibrinogen concentrations measured using the Jacobsson method (x0.50=4.40 g/l) correlated well (r=0.91) with gravimetry (x0.50=4.22 g/l). The results of this study indicate a limited suitability and a confined diagnostic significance of the selected methods in the green iguana. This may be caused by the species specificity of certain components of the reagents used, as well as a less optimal test system, i.e. relationship of test reagent to clotting factor concentrations in iguana plasma.
The Influence of Age and Gender on Haematological Parameters in Lipizzan Horses
Authors: ČEBULJ‐KADUNC N. , BOŽIČ M. , KOSEC M. , CESTNIK V.
Published: March 2003

Haematological parameters [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] in resting Lipizzan horses were determined for 143 stallions, 104 mares and 25 foals. The mean RBC and WBC values in Lipizzans were in the lower part of the normal range for warm‐blooded horses. The mean PCV, MCV and MCH values were higher, but the mean haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were lower than reported for other warm‐blooded horses. In foals, the mean RBC, WBC, PCV, haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were higher, whereas MCV and MCH were lower than in older animals. Results indicating a significant decrease in WBC (P < 0.01) and an increase in MCV, MCH and MCHC (P < 0.05) with increasing age are consistent with some other reports on warm‐blooded horses. The age‐related variations in RBC and PCV were less marked. Contrary to some reports, RBC (P < 0.01), WBC and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001) were higher in Lipizzan stallions than in mares, but differences in MCHC, MCH and MCV were insignificant. The specific haematological values determined in Lipizzans are presumably a result of selection and should be taken into consideration when dealing with this race of horses.
Iron Deficiency in Outdoor Pig Production
Authors: SZABO P. , BILKEI G.
Published: March 2003

It has been claimed that outdoor‐reared suckling piglets do not need iron supplementation. According to practical experience, outdoor‐reared and non‐iron‐supplemented piglets show a lower performance in comparison with their iron‐supplemented counterparts. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of iron supplementation on outdoor‐reared suckling piglets. In a large Hungarian outdoor pig production unit, 4691 piglets were assigned to one of two treatment groups. Piglets in group 1 (n = 2344): received no iron supplementation, whereas piglets in group 2 (n = 2347) were intramuscularly injected in the neck on day 3 post‐ partum with 1.5 ml of Ferriphor® 10% solution (TAD Pharmaceutical GmbH, Bremerhaven, Germany). Animal weights, morbidity, haemoglobin concentration and mortality were recorded and analysed. At weaning the iron‐injected piglets were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier. The iron‐supplemented piglets also revealed significantly (P < 0.01) less pre‐weaning morbidity and mortality and higher (P < 0.01) blood haemoglobin concentration compared with the non‐injected ones. This study suggests that in order to prevent pre‐weaning losses and support piglet health and weight performance, iron supplementation should be administered to piglets in outdoor pig production units.
Neospora caninumInfection in a Clinically Healthy Calf: Parasitological Study and Serological Follow‐up
Authors: Fioretti D. Pergili , Rosignoli L. , Ricci G. , Moretti A. , Pasquali P. , Polidori G. A.
Published: March 2003

In this study a case of congenital infection in a clinically healthy calf is reported. The mother showed high antibody levels (IFAT) at 230 days of gestation (IgG titres 1:1600, IgM titres 1:320) and the parasite was isolated from placental cotyledonary villi at calving. The IgM values are indicative of a recent infection in the third trimester of gestation. The calf was monitored serologically for IgM and IgG from birth until slaughtering, at 8 months of age. IgM titre showed a peak at birth, while IgG peak was observed at 40–60 days of age. Parasitic isolation was obtained by biological tests using Swiss mice or VERO cell cultures inoculated with brain and spinal cord tissues. The parasitic presence in the calf was also evidenced in the myocardium with immunohistochemical method. The results are very important because they demonstrate that the period of gestation in which the cow becomes infected is an important factor in the pathogenesis ofN. caninuminduced abortion: in fact, the acquisition of infection in the third trimester of gestation allowed the foetus to develop a sufficient grade of immunocompetency to limit parasite multiplication with the result of a calf born clinically healthy.
Isolation of Dermatophilus congolensis from a Cat
Authors: Kirkan O. Kaya Ş. , Ünal B.
Published: March 2003

Dermatophilus congolensis was isolated from a cat with dermatitis. The isolate was sensitive to oxytetracyclin, streptomycin and penicillin but resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, gentamycin and cefoperazone.
Milk Leucocyte Populations in Heifers Free of Udder Infection
Authors: Leitner G. , Chaffer M. , Krifucks O. , Glickman A. , Ezra E. , Saran A.
Published: March 2003

Improvement of udder health through a process of genetic selection is related to heritability and the role of the specific trait in the probability of an individual cow developing an infection. It was suggested that different patterns of leucocyte population of the healthy gland are a significant factor in mastitis. Thus, in order to analyse the heritability of a trait and its correlation with udder health, the present study examined the leucocyte populations of uninfected mammary glands, their variability among quarters in a particular cow, and the changes that occur during lactation. Each one of the 20 cows examined was tested on average 3.06 times during lactation. The somatic cell count (SCC)/ml ranged from 12 000 to 151 000, the coefficients of determination (R2) were higher than 0.5 for SCC. No significant differences were found in the dependent variables between the sampled times (test) nor any interaction between the slopes calculated for the cows over time. No significant differences were found among quarters within a cow for any of the dependent variables including SCC. The effect of the cow trait was found to be significant for polymorphonuclear (PMN), macrophage (M<), and T‐lymphocyte‐bearing CD4+. The number of lymphocytes labelled with the anti‐B monoclonal antibodies was negligible. In conclusion the patterns of leucocyte populations in milk together with the variance among cows should enable an analysis of the heritability of this trait and its correlation with udder health in a future study.
The detection of proviral DNA by semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analysis of czech Maedi‐Visna Isolates Based ongagGene Sequences
Authors: Celer V. , Celer V. , Nejedlá E. , Bertoni G. , Peterhans E. , Zanoni R. G.
Published: March 2003

A semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (snPCR) for detecting proviral DNA of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was developed. Primers for snPCR were situated within thegaggene of the Maedi–Visna virus (MVV) genome. A comparison between the snPCR and serological tests (agar gel immunodiffusion test, immunoblot) were performed using 98 ovine blood samples. Thirty (30.6 %) of the 98 sheep examined had antibodies specific for the MVV. PCR showed 21 of them to be positive and nine seropositive animals to be PCR negative. Six of the 68 serologically negative sheep were found to be PCR positive, probably due to delayed seroconversion. The PCR amplification products of these six sheep were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The resulting phylogenetic tree of partialgaggene sequences confirmed that the ovine lentivirus genotype in the Czech Republic is more closely related to the prototype MVV isolates than to the caprine arthritis encephalitis viruses.
The Pathology of Goat Paratuberculosis: Gross and Histopathological Lesions in the Intestines and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes
Authors: Khodakaram Tafti A. , Rashidi K.
Published: March 2003

From a pathological examination of the intestinal tracts of 1590 goats killed at slaughterhouses in the Fars Province of Iran, 59 cases (3.71 %) were suspected, on gross examination, of having paratuberculosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological study and Ziehl‐Neelsen staining of direct smears of rectal faeces. On the basis of severity of involvement of the terminal ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes, the microscopic lesions were classified to mild, moderate and severe forms. Caseous necrosis and calcification were observed only in the mesenteric lymph nodes. High numbers of acid‐fast organisms were present in the epithelioid macrophages of the intestine but were inapparent or sparse in the mesenteric lymph nodes. On microscopic examination, 13.5 % of the suspected animals were found to have paratuberculosis, in comparison with 3.38 % by direct faecal smears. In addition, 30.5 % and 15.3 % of the animals were diagnosed as having eosinophilic enteritis and linguatulosis, respectively. These finidings stress the importance of a careful histopathological examination of the intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes for the diagnosis of paratuberculosis in goats.