bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Causes of Diabetes Mellitus in Cattle Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus
Authors: Tajima M. , Yuasa M. , Kawanabe M. , Taniyama H. , Yamato O. , Maede Y.
Published: March 2003

In cattle, we encountered insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) associated with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection. To estimate the correlation between IDDM and BVDV infection, the distribution of BVDV in the pancreas and islet‐cell antibody (ICA) were investigated. The distribution of BVDV in the pancreas was examined by in situ hybridization using two oligonucleotide probes that recognized the gp25‐ and p14‐coding regions of the BVDV gene. ICA was examined by indirect fluorescence antibody assay using the sera from affected cattle and pancreata from normal cattle. In the pancreata of all BVDV‐infected cattle, including IDDM‐complicated cattle, oligonucleotide probe hybridized portions were recognized. In short, BVDV genes were detected not only in IDDM‐complicated cattle but also in uncomplicated cattle. Moreover, there was no hybridized portion in the islet cells. In BVDV‐infected and IDDM‐complicated cattle, ICA was frequently detected. On the other hand, ICA was not detected in BVDV‐infected and IDDM uncomplicated cattle. These results suggest that IDDM associated with BVDV infection is not a direct effect of BVDV on islet cells. Therefore, as BVDV did not induce IDDM in any cases, it appears that BVDV does not induce IDDM directly, but rather may be an autoimmune disease induced by autoantibodies against islet cells.
Experimental Enteric Infection of Gnotobiotic Piglets with a Chlamydia psittaci Strain of Avian Origin
Authors: Guscetti F. , Hoop R. , Schiller I. , Corboz L. , Sydler T. , Pospischil A.
Published: March 2003

The pathogenicity of a Chlamydia psittaci isolate of pigeon origin was assessed using a litter of gnotobiotic piglets. At 3 days of age, six piglets were inoculated intragastrically with egg‐grown chlamydiae, the remaining six pigs were sham‐inoculated. The animals were observed for clinical signs, and they were killed and necropsied sequentially between 4 and 15 days of age. Clinical manifestations consisted of slight softening of the faeces between 6 and 10 days post‐inoculation (DPI). Immunohistochemistry revealed chlamydial replication predominantly in the small intestine, initially within villous enterocytes, after 4 DPI mostly in the lamina propria. Histopathology showed villous atrophy and increased numbers of inflammatory cells in the gut up to 6 DPI. Chlamydial stages of normal morphology were identified within enterocytes using transmission electron microscopy. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) run on faecal samples revealed shedding of chlamydial antigen from 3 until 11 DPI. Systemic dissemination of Chlamydia occurred to a limited extent according to polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry results of several extraintestinal organs. Corresponding histopathological changes were minimal. Sera of all pigs were negative for anti‐chlamydial antibodies using a complement fixation test. In conclusion, inoculation of this isolate in gnotobiotic piglets resulted in a productive enteric infection with mild lesions, weak systemic dissemination, and faecal shedding, indicating the pig as a potential host for avian chlamydiae.
Experimental Infection of Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) with Sarcoptes scabiei Derived from Naturally Infected Goats
Authors: Lavin S. , Ruiz‐Bascaran M. , Marco I. , Fondevila M. D. , Ramis A. J.
Published: March 2003

Two chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) out of a group of three were experimentally infected with Sarcoptes scabiei derived from a naturally infected domestic goat. One of the chamois presented the first clinical manifestations (papules and desquamation) at 7 days post‐infection, after 22 days crusts and alopecia appeared and after 41 days pruritus. The other chamois presented desquamation after 15 days and papules after 21 days and crusts and alopecia after 31 days. All these clinical manifestations continued to spread and when the animals were treated at 84 days post‐infection, pruritus, papules and crusts were first to disappear, there being no evidence of their presence at 99 days post‐infection, when the second treatment dose was applied. The desquamation and alopecia disappeared at 114 days post‐infection, by which stage both animals were considered to have been cured. The results of the skin scraping was negative in both chamois until 54 days post‐infection and it became negative again after 84 days, when the first treatment dose was applied. Biopsies showed different levels of hyperkeratosis and a marked epidermic hyperplasia with formation of small crusts. Superficial epidermis presented marked vasodilatation and also infiltrated inflammation. None of the biopsies carried out showed the presence of parasites. The non‐infected chamois, which was kept in the same compound as the other two, did not present any clinical manifestations compatible with infection by S. scabiei throughout the entire period of the experiment.
Viruses of Lower Vertebrates
Authors: Essbauer S. , Ahne W.
Published: March 2003

Viruses of lower vertebrates recently became a field of interest to the public due to increasing epizootics and economic losses of poikilothermic animals. These were reported worldwide from both wildlife and collections of aquatic poikilothermic animals. Several RNA and DNA viruses infecting fish, amphibians and reptiles have been studied intensively during the last 20 years. Many of these viruses induce diseases resulting in important economic losses of lower vertebrates, especially in fish aquaculture. In addition, some of the DNA viruses seem to be emerging pathogens involved in the worldwide decline in wildlife. Irido‐, herpes‐ and polyomavirus infections may be involved in the reduction in the numbers of endangered amphibian and reptile species. In this context the knowledge of several important RNA viruses such as orthomyxo‐, paramyxo‐, rhabdo‐, retro‐, corona‐, calici‐, toga‐, picorna‐, noda‐, reo‐ and birnaviruses, and DNA viruses such as parvo‐, irido‐, herpes‐, adeno‐, polyoma‐ and poxviruses, is described in this review.
Characterization and Purification of Cytosolic and Membrane‐Bound Protease(s) in Adults of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: KOCHER D. K. , AHUJA S. P. , SOOD M. L.
Published: March 2003

The activity of protease(s) was observed separately in cytosolic and membrane‐bound protease(s) from male and female Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae). Different fractions showed optimum protease activity at 37°C, pH 8.5 and 8.0 mg casein concentration. The female fractions had a particularly high activity of protease(s) in comparison with the male fractions, especially of membrane‐bound enzymes in the anterior half. Inhibition/activation studies revealed the presence of four kinds of protease(s) in cytosolic and membrane‐bound fractions. Protease(s) in different fractions are purified to a greater extent by higher concentrations of saturated ammonium sulphate solution, i.e. ranging from 50 to 65%. The purification study revealed the presence of multiple forms of protease(s) in cytosolic and membrane‐bound extracts of H. contortus.
Comparison of ITS Profiling, REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR of Salmonella Enteritidis Isolates from Poland
Authors: CHMIELEWSKI R. , WIELICZKO A. , KUCZKOWSKI M. , MAZURKIEWICZ M. , UGORSKI M.
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐one Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from chickens, broilers and hens were analysed by genotypic typing including REP‐PCR, ERIC‐PCR and ITS profiling (PCR‐ribotyping). Analysis of DNA banding patterns generated by REP‐PCR revealed the presence of 22 different genotypes, which were grouped by dendrogram analysis into three distinct lineages (maximum similarity approx. 50%). Each isolate of S. Enteritidis analysed by ERIC‐PCR generated an individual DNA pattern. Again, these isolates could be divided into three distinct genomic groups (maximum similarity approx. 60%) by their ERIC‐PCR fingerprints. REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR were found to be more discriminatory for typing of S. Enteritidis than ITS profiling. Amplification of the 16S‐23S rDNA spacer region gave nine different profiles of DNA, subdivided into two closely related groups by dendrogram analysis. In summary, data obtained by genotyping methods for S. Enteritidis isolates from regions located in the south‐west and the central parts of Poland revealed an enormous heterogeneity among analysed samples, and proved that REP‐ and ERIC‐PCR are highly discriminatory techniques, which can be used, in addition to conventional methods, in epidemiological studies of S. Enteritidis infections.
Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci Isolated from Healthy Dogs and Dogs Suffering from Otitis Externa
Authors: Junco M. T. Tejedor , Barrasa J. L. Martín
Published: March 2003

A total of 67 strains of coagulase positive staphylococci isolated from healthy dogs and dogs suffering from otitis externa were studied. Twenty‐two isolates were from healthy dogs (five from hound dogs and 17 from companion dogs) and 45 from dogs suffering otitis externa (14 from hound dogs and 31 from companion dogs). Presumptive identification was attempted using the following tests: production of acetoin, anaerobic utilization of mannitol, acid production from mannitol, presence of β‐galactosidase, and growth on P agar supplemented with different concentrations of acriflavine. Susceptibility of staphylococci to 16 antibiotics was determined. Most effective antibiotics were imipenem, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, gentamicin and marbofloxacin. Penicillin, ampicillin and polymyxin B showed the lowest activity. There were no significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility among isolates from healthy dogs and dogs suffering from otitis externa.
Variance Components of an Enzyme‐linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of IgG Antibodies in Milk Samples to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Nielsen S. S.
Published: March 2003

Milk samples from 120 cows were tested up to 10 times in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis. The purpose of the study was to estimate variance components of the assay attributable to laboratory factors using mixed model theory. Because of significant interaction between the between‐run, between‐day and between‐plate variables, the ELISA‐plate variable was nested in run‐number and run‐number was nested in day‐number. The nested variable accounted for 68% of the laboratory variability (P<0.001), whereas the intra‐plate variability accounted for only 0.04% of the laboratory variability (P>0.9). Therefore, it was concluded that the intra‐plate variability could be ignored whereas the variability from the combined run‐day‐plate variable should be considered in any analyses based on the ELISA.
Development and application of an ELISA for the detection of duck antibodies against Riemerella anatipestifer antigens in egg yolk of vaccinees and in serum of their offspring
Authors: Lobbedey L. , Schlatterer B.
Published: March 2003

A direct and an indirect antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for duck yolk IgY and duck serum IgY was developed and tested on egg yolk and serum of ducks vaccinated with Riemerella anatipestifer (Ra). Tests were performed either with primary antibodies labelled with horseradish peroxidase or with alkaline phosphatase‐labelled secondary antibodies reacting with specifically bound rabbit anti‐duck IgY antibodies, respectively. Ra‐specific IgYs in egg yolk from three ducks increased rapidly at day 8 after the first of two vaccinations. In two ducks, the IgY titre persisted on a high plateau for 3 months. The concentration of Ra‐specific IgYs in the serum of the progeny of vaccinees decreased between day 3 and day 10 after hatching. The fraction of total IgYs decreased less but also significantly. It was shown that antibodies were vertically transmitted and therefore protect offspring against Ra infection at least during the first week after hatching. The test design with anti‐IgY rabbit antibodies is further suitable to detect other specific antibodies if respective antigens were fixed on solid phases.
Effects of Soft Corals on Scleractinian Coral Recruitment.  II: Allelopathy, Spat Survivorship and Reef Community Structure
Authors: Maida Mauro , Sammarco Paul W. , Coll John C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Two field experiments were performed on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, at Orpheus Island and Lizard Island, respectively, to investigate the effects of allelopathic soft corals on survivorship and community structure of scleractinian coral spat. Ceramic tiles were placed around the allelopathic soft corals Sinularia flexibilis (Quoy & Gaimard 1833) and Sarcophyton glaucum (Quoy & Gaimard 1833), and controls. One control consisted of settlement plates surrounding a scleractinian coral (non‐allelopathic planktivore); another control had no adult soft or scleractinian coral present. The experimental soft corals affected the recruitment of various taxonomic groups of coral spat differentially, as evidenced by the diversity of coral spat settling in treatments and controls. At Orpheus Island (O.I., n = 1038 spat) and Lizard Island (L.I., n = 7032 spat), there were significant differences between recruitment success of the two dominant coral taxa, Pocilloporidae (O.I., 61.4 %; L.I., 20.5 %) and Acroporidae (O.I., 33.7 %; L.I., 53 %). Settlement plates exposed to Sinularia flexibilis at either site had the lowest proportion of acroporid recruits. Diversity indices (Shannon‐Wiener Indices) varied significantly between treatments at both Orpheus and Lizard Islands. This appears to be due to selective inhibition of acroporid spat by Sinularia flexibilis at both sites. Growth of coral spat was higher on settlement plates in the presence of Sarcophyton at Lizard Island. Settlement of most associated epibiota was generally inhibited under these conditions. Coral spat survivorship was highest in the presence of Sinularia at Orpheus ­Island; at Lizard Island, this was the case with the Sarcophyton treatment. Higher survivorship, and in some cases growth, of coral spat near soft corals was apparently due to reduced competition for space between spat and associated epibiota. This hypothesis is supported by the results of a sister experiment where a coating of Sinularia flexibilis extract on settlement tiles significantly decreased fouling by sessile epibiota. Soft corals have an allelopathic effect on recruitment and early development of scleractinian corals and, consequently, on early coral reef community succession.
Lipid Partitioning in the Hydrothermal Vent Shrimp Rimicaris exoculata
Authors: Allen Cathy E. , Copley Jon T. , Tyler Paul A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. This study examines the composition and partitioning of lipids in the alvinocarid shrimp Rimicaris exoculata from Mid‐Atlantic hydrothermal vents. Juveniles and adults at different stages of reproductive development were dissected into abdomen, branchial and ovary/hepatopancreas tissues. Each of these tissues was analysed for total lipid and lipid class composition, and fatty acids and fatty alcohols were identified using GC and GC‐MS. Adult and juvenile shrimp differ in the partitioning of lipids between tissues. Juveniles store lipids in the abdomen as wax ester droplets and may use phosphatidyl choline as an additional reserve. Adult shrimp use triglycerides as an energy store, and triglycerides and polar lipids accumulate in ovary and hepatopancreas tissue during reproductive development. The wax ester storage droplets of juvenile shrimp contain high concentrations of n‐3 fatty acids, which are photosynthetically‐derived and thought to be important for reproductive development in crustaceans. These n‐3 fatty acids are concentrated in the ovary and hepatopancreas of adults compared to other tissues. The n‐3 fatty acid content of these adult tissues is well within that estimated for whole juvenile shrimp, supporting the hypothesis that the n‐3 fatty acids putatively required for adult reproduction are stored from the juvenile stage.
Diet of Phycis blennoides (Gadidae) in Relation to Fish Size and Season in the Western Mediterranean (Spain)
Authors: Morte Maria Salomé , Redón Manuel J. , Sanz‐Brau Antonio
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Despite its commercial value, little is known about the feeding ecology of the greater forkbeard, Phycis blennoides (Brünnich 1768). The stomach contents of 2631 greater forkbeard were taken at monthly intervals off the coast of the Gulf of Valencia (western Mediterranean). They were examined in order to assess the diet and to determine the fish size‐ and season‐related dietary variation of the species. Prey items were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The basic food consisted of epibenthic species, mostly Decapoda, Mysidacea and Teleostei. A change in food composition based on fish size was observed and seasonal variation in diet was also recorded. The food overlap analysis indicated a high convergence in diet among similar size groups.
Tinea capitis in children in northern Greece during the period 1981–1995
Authors: Koussidou‐Eremondi Thalia , Devliotou‐Panagiotidou  , Mourellou‐Tsatsou  , Fotidou  , Minas
Published: March 2003

In our 15 years of investigation in northern Greece, the predominant organism producing tinea capitis in children was found to be the zoophilic Microsporum canis (494 strains) which is a common saprophyte of the hair of pets, especially cats. The high percentage of cases with M. canis (97%), in contrast to zoophilic fungi (3%), is probably due to the increased contact of children with pets. The small number of infections with anthropophilic fungi (41 strains) is attributed to good hygienic conditions. The fluorescence of infected hair under Wood's light seems to be a major diagnostic criterion in the hands of dermatologists who are not served by a mycological laboratory.
Case Report. Tinea corporis purpurea
Authors: Veraldi S. , Gorani A. , Schmitt E. , Gianotti R.
Published: March 2003

We report a case of tinea corporis purpurea localized to a calf in a 36‐year‐old woman. The patient, who was also affected by mild superficial venous insufficiency of lower limbs, complained of intense pruritus. Microsporum canis was the aetiological agent. Clinically atypical varieties of tinea corporis were sometimes reported in the literature, particularly in HIV‐positive patients, although they are uncommon in immunocompetent patients; in particular, tinea corporis purpurea is very rare.
Itraconazole trough concentrations in antifungal prophylaxis with six different dosing regimens using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin oral solution or coated‐pellet capsules
Authors: Glasmacher A. , Hahn C. , Molitor E. , Marklein G. , Sauerbruch T. , Schmidt‐Wolf I. G. H.
Published: March 2003

We have previously shown that a trough concentration of at least 500 ng ml−1 itraconazole is necessary for an effective antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic patients. Since the bioavailability of itraconazole is reduced in these patients, a satisfactory dosing regimen remains to be defined. In this study, six dosing regimens with itraconazole capsules 400, 600 or 800 mg day−1, itraconazole solution 400 mg day−1 (additional loading dose: 400 mg day−1 solution for 2 days), 800 mg day−1 or 400 mg day−1 (additional loading dose: 800 mg day−1 capsules for 7 days, s/c1200) were compared during 160 courses of myelosuppressive chemotherapy in 123 patients with acute leukaemia. After the first week, patients taking 800 mg day−1 or 400 mg day−1 (s/c1200) itraconazole solution achieved significantly higher trough concentrations (high‐performance liquid chromatography) than patients in other groups (P<0.05) and 87 and 100%, respectively, of these had concentrations >500 ng ml−1. Contrary to a dose of 400 mg day−1, a dose of 800 mg day−1 itraconazole solution induced severe nausea and vomiting in 46% of the patients. We conclude that 400 mg day−1 itraconazole solution with a loading dose of 800 mg day−1 capsules for 7 days resulted in sufficient trough concentrations from the first week onwards and appears to be suitable for antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic patients.
Non‐dermatophytic onychomycosis. An understimated entity? A study of 51 cases
Authors: Gianni  , Cerri  , Crosti
Published: March 2003

The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence, the clinic characteristics, the therapeutic antifungal response and the evaluation of side‐effects in 51 non‐dermatophytic onychomycosis cases which were observed in a case‐study of 1012 patients, affected by different types of onychopathy, attending the Mycology Ambulatory of San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy during the period 1994–97.
Erysipelas and tinea pedis
Authors: Roldan Yayaira B. , Mata‐Essayag Sofia , Hartung Claudia
Published: March 2003

During a 2‐year period 30 adults were selected out of a group of patients diagnosed with erysipelas, who, except for tinea pedis, were apparently otherwise healthy patients. Clinical and epidemiological studies were performed to establish how tinea pedis and erysipelas are related. Thirteen of 30 patients with a diagnosis of erysipelas were found to have tinea pedis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. In seven of the patients (23%) tinea pedis was found to be the unique predisposing factor for erysipelas. Tinea pedis may be a risk factor for streptococcal infections such as erysipelas, mainly in tropical countries, where tinea pedis is a frequent disease.
Case Report. Rhinocerebral zygomycosis
Authors: Aydogdu I. , Sari R. , Mizrak B.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  A case of rhinocerebral zygomycosis treated with liposomal amphotericin B is described.
Adherence of Aspergillus species to soft contact lenses and attempts to inhibit the adherence
Authors: Sionov E. , Sandovsky‐Losica H. , Gov Y. , Segal Esther
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The aim of this research was to assess the adherence of various Aspergillus species (A. niger, A. fumigatus, A. flavus) to contact lenses with different water content and to attempt to inhibit the adherence of Aspergillus spp. to the contact lenses by a chitin derivative (CSE). Adherence of Aspergillus spp. to lenses with higher water content was greater. Differences were found between the adherence levels of various Aspergillus species to contact lenses with different water content. CSE significantly inhibits the adherence in vitro of A. niger, A. fumigatus and A. flavus to soft contact lenses. These findings suggest a possibility for prevention of fungal ocular infections caused by Aspergillus spp. in wearers of contact lenses.
Evaluation of lymphocytes subpopulations and natural killer cells in peripheral blood of patients treated for dermatophyte onychomycosis
Authors: Maleszka R. , Adamski Z. , Dworacki G.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Thirty‐five patients with dermatophyte onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes var. granulosum, T. tonsurans and Epidermophyton floccosum were examined before treatment and 27 of these patients were examined again when they came to the control check up 3 months after completion of treatment. The immunological investigations, including evaluation of immunological competence, were performed in vivo through the determination of lymphoid cell immunophenotype by a flow cytometry technique. The quantitative composition of basic lymphocyte subpopulations and natural killer cells in the peripheral blood of 35 patients before the treatment was compared with a control group of 20 individuals. Statistically significant differences in the percentages of CD3+ T lymphocytes (P < 0.05), T helper lymphocytes (CD4+) (P < 0.05) and activated T lymphocytes (CD3+/HLA‐DR+) (P < 0.05) were obtained. In the control check‐up examinations of 27 patients 3 months after completion of treatment, in comparison with the control group of 20 healthy individuals, highly statistically significant differences in percentages of T lymphocytes (CD3+) (P < 0.001) and T helper lymphocytes (CD4+) (P < 0.01) were obtained. In five of these 27 patients the treatment resulted in failure. Comparing the group of 22 recovered patients with these five patients in whom the treatment result was failure, the only statistically significant difference obtained before as well as after the treatment was in B lymphocytes (CD19+) percentage (P < 0.05). The results obtained confirm that impairments of the patients' cellular immunity are crucial factors influencing the course and results of treatment in dermatophyte onychomycosis.
Case Reports. Pulmonary Cryptococcosis associated with Cryptococcal Meningitis in non‐AIDS Patients
Authors: Zhu Li‐Ping , Shi Yao‐Zhong , Weng Xin‐Hua , Müller F.M.C.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We report four cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis associated with cryptococcal meningitis in non‐HIV infected patients. All four patients had no apparent symptoms and signs of focal lesions that necessitate evaluation for the pulmonary lesion. Two out of four patients had radiologic evidence of pulmonary cavitation and mass lesions simultaneously, an uncommon finding in non‐AIDS patients. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems of pulmonary cryptococcosis associated with cryptococcal meningitis are discussed.
Impact of components of denture acrylic resin on gingival cell growth and sensitivity to Candida albicans adhesion
Authors: Makihira S. , Nikawa H. , Nishimura M. , Egusa H. , Sadamori S. , Rahayu R. P. , Nishimura H. , Hamada T.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The effects of four liquid components of denture acrylic resin on host cell activity and fungal adhesion were investigated in this study. The low concentration (1 μmol l−1) of the liquid components caused no change in the activities and morphologies of the gingival fibroblast cells, compared with control and dimethylsulphoxide‐exposed cells. However, when the cells were exposed to high concentrations (1 mmol l−1) of benzoyl peroxide, morphological change was observed, implying that the exposure of the cells to high concentrations of the liquid components of denture acrylic causes the loss of adhesion proteins from the cells. Thus the amount of Candida adhesion to human gingival cells was analysed, and the adherence of fungi to the cell was significantly reduced when the cells were pre‐exposed to methyl methacrylate, hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide at a concentration of 1 μmol l−1 (P < 0.01), which did not affect either the cell viability or the cell morphology. These results, taken together, suggested that the renewal of dentures could be a possible therapeutic and/or preventive aid for oral candidosis in denture‐wearing patients.
Fatal Peritonitis due to Trichoderma sp. in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Eşel D. , Koç A. N. , Utaş C. , Karaca N. , Bozdemir N.
Published: March 2003

Summary  We describe a rare case of peritonitis caused by an unusual fungus, Trichoderma sp., in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Management of the patient consisted of Tenckhoff catheter removal and antifungal chemotherapy, but the patient died.
Development of reliable PCR markers for the selection of the Vf gene conferring scab resistance in apple
Authors: Tartarini S. , Gianfranceschi L. , Sansavini S. , Gessler C.
Published: March 2003

Early selection of scab‐resistant apple seedlings can be enhanced by the use of markers tightly linked to the Vf resistance gene. Two sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) markers have been obtained from previously described random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. AM19‐SCAR is a codominant marker, while AM19‐SCAR is dominant, as is the RAPD from which it was derived. A highly detailed map in the vicinity of the Vf gene was built through the cumulative analysis of about 600 seedlings from six different controlled crosses. The usefulness of these and other SCAR markers will be discussed in relation to combining the traditional phenotypic selection with MAS. The availability of two codominant, tightly linked markers flanking both sides of the resistance gene (AL07‐SCAR and M18‐CAPS) also makes it easy to identify the seedlings homozygous for the resistance gene.
The reaction of potato differentials to Phytophthora infestans isolates collected in nature
Authors: Swiezyński K. M. , Domański L. , Zarzycka H. , Zimnoch‐Guzowska E.
Published: March 2003

Available data have been evaluated on the reaction of potato differentials to over 5000 Phytophthora infestans isolates, collected in various parts of the world. The differentials were able to identify up to 11 virulence factors in P. infestans. The isolates differed in virulence expression, depending on the isolate and testing conditions. All 11 virulence factors were found in both ‘old’ and ‘new’P. infestans populations. The resistance of individual differentials was not overcome with equal frequency. The resistance of differentials R5, R8 and R9 was overcome least frequently. This may be due to instability of expression of the respective virulence factors in P. infestans and/or the kind of resistance present in the differentials. Whatever the reason, such resistance may possibly be used in breeding potato cultivars with durable resistance to P. infestans.
Searching for molecular markers linked to male sterility and self‐compatibility in apricot
Authors: Badenes M. L. , Hurtado M. A. , Sanz1 F. , Archelos D. M. , Burgos L. , Egea J. , Llácerl G.
Published: March 2003

In apricot, there are two traits related to flower biology that can be a limitation for the breeder: self‐incompatibility and male sterility. Fully mature trees are needed to determine both phenotypes. Molecular biology techniques may provide a potential tool for increasing selection efficiency by means of marker‐assisted selection. In this study, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers combined with bulked segregant analysis have been used to search for markers linked to these traits. A screening of 228 primers resulted in a marker linked to male‐fertility (M4‐650). No markers linked to S alleles were obtained. A second approach consisted of the screening of primers in a subset of seedlings and resulted in three markers linked to male‐fertility and two markers linked to the Sc allele. These markers may allow an earlier determination of the phenotype in progenies segregating for these traits.
Allelic variants of granule‐bound starch synthase proteins in European bread wheat varieties
Authors: Marcoz‐Ragot C. , Gateau I. , Koenig J. , Delaire V. , Branlard G.
Published: March 2003

The composition of 324 European wheat cultivars were analysed at the three granule‐bound starch synthase (GBSS I) loci. Protein separation was first made by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE. A specific two‐dimensional (2D) electrophoresis (immobilized pH gradient × SDS‐PAGE) using an Immobiline dry strip in the first dimension was developed to resolve the GBSS I proteins more clearly and to confirm some results. Very low polymorphism was found. Among the 324 cultivars analysed, only one carried a Wx‐A1 null allele (Wx‐A1b) and none was found to have the Wx‐2D null allele. As described in the literature the Wx‐B1 locus was more polymorphic and the null allele was encountered in 11 cultivars. The use of 2D electrophoresis allowed us to find another type of variant which presented as having thicker band with same mobility as the Wx‐D1 protein in SDS‐PAGE. Twelve per cent of the cultivars analysed presented this band and could have been previously mistaken for cultivars carrying the Wx‐B1 null allele. Indeed this band probably corresponded to the Wx‐B1ć or Wx‐B1e allele overlapping with the Wx‐D1a allele in SDS‐PAGE.
Genotype‐environment interactions and phenotypic stability analyses of linseed in Ethiopia
Authors: Adugna W. , Labuschagne M. T.
Published: March 2003

Seed yield of 10 linseed genotypes, tested in a randomized block design with four replications across 18 environments of Ethiopia was analysed using different stability models. The objectives were to assess genotype‐environment (G‐E) interactions, determine stable genotypes, and to compare the stability parameters. Year by location and location variability were the dominant source of interactions. The stability analyses identified ‘R12‐N10D’, ‘Chilalo’ and ‘P13611’×‘10314D’ as more stable genotypes, while ‘R11‐N1266’, ‘R10‐N27G’ and ‘R12‐D24C’ were specifically adapted to some environments. The highly significant rank correlations found among the deviations from regression, additive main effects multiplicative interaction, stability values, coefficients of determination, and stability variances indicated their close similarity and effectiveness in detecting stable genotypes over a range of Ethiopian environments.
Clustering of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in a linkage map of rye
Authors: Saal B. , Wricke G.
Published: March 2003

Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) are now widely used in DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity studies, the construction of dense genetic maps and in fine mapping of agronomically important traits. The AFLP markers have been chosen as a source to extend and saturate a linkage map of rye, which has previously been generated by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism, random amplified polymorphic DNA, simple sequence repeat and isozyme markers. Gaps between linkage groups, which were known to be part of chromosome 2R, have been closed, thus allowing the determination of their correct order. Eighteen EcoRI‐MseI primer combinations were screened for polymorphism and yielded 148 polymorphic bands out of a total of 1180. The level of polymorphism among the different primer combinations varied from 5.7% to 33.3%. Eight primer combinations, which revealed most polymorphisms, were further analysed in all individuals of the F2 mapping population. Seventy‐one out of 80 polymorphic loci could be integrated into the linkage map, thereby increasing the total number of markers to 182. However, 46% of the mapped AFLP markers constituted four major clusters located on chromosomes 2R, 5R and 7R, predominantly in proximity to the centromere. The integration of AFLP markers caused an increase of 215 cM, which resulted in a total map length of almost 1100 cM.
Breeding for resistance to lentil Ascochyta blight
Authors: Ye G. , McNeil D. L. , Hill G. D.
Published: March 2003

Ascochyta blight, caused by Ascochyta lentis, is one of the most globally important diseases of lentil. Breeding for host resistance has been suggested as an efficient means to control this disease. This paper summarizes existing studies of the characteristics and control of Ascochyta blight in lentil, genetics of resistance to Ascochyta blight and genetic variations among pathogen populations (isolates). Breeding methods for control of the disease are discussed. Six pathotypes of A. lentis have been reported. Many resistant cultivars/lines have been identified in both cultivated and wild lentil. Resistance to Ascochyta blight in lentil is mainly under the control of major genes, but minor genes also play a role. Current breeding programmes are based on crossing resistant and high‐yielding cultivars and multilocation testing. Gene pyramiding, exploring slow blighting and partial resistance, and using genes present in wild relatives will be the methods used in the future. Identification of more sources of resistance genes, good characterization of the host‐pathogen system, and identification of molecular markers tightly linked to resistance genes are suggested as the key areas for future study.
Effect of Long‐Term Storage at Different Temperatures on the Quality of Liquid Boar Semen
Authors: Paulenz H , Kommisrud E , Hofmo Po
Published: March 2003

Contents

In this study the effect of long‐term storage of liquid boar semen at different temperatures on motility, acrosome integrity and pH was investigated. Additionally, individual variation in sperm tolerance to storage at 10°C were examined. Beltsville Thawing Solution‐diluted AI doses from 16 randomly chosen Norwegian Landrace AI boars with proven fertility were split into subsamples and stored at 25, 20, 15 and 10°C, respectively. After 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of storage, sperm motility, acrosome integrity and pH were determined. After 96 h, the initial percentage of motile sperm (77.8%) was significantly reduced to 52.2, 58.8, 50.9 and 42.8% by storage at 25, 20, 15 and 10°C, respectively. After an identical period of time, the percentage of acrosome intact sperm (95.8%) at time 0 became significantly reduced to 91.3, 91.3, 81.5 and 68.3% by storage at 25, 20, 15 and 10°C, respectively. The initial pH (7.21) decreased significantly to 6.96 and 7.06 after 96 h storage at 25 and 20°C, and increased not significantly to 7.25 for storage at 15°C and significantly to 7.29 at 10°C. In conclusion, the results from this study show that, according to the variables studied, 20°C is the least harmful of the four temperatures tested for the long‐term liquid storage of boar semen. Furthermore, remarkable differences in the individual resistance of boar semen to long‐term storage at 10°C were observed.
In vitro Fertilizing Capacity of Deep Frozen Boar Semen Packaged in 0.5 and 5 ml Straws
Authors: Córdova A , Pérez JF , Lleó B , Artiga C García , Rillo S Martín
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the straw size effect used for freezing on the in vitro fertilizing capacity. Twenty‐one ejaculates from seven fertile boars were frozen under controlled conditions in 0.5 and 5 ml straws. Thawed semen was compared to fresh semen. For fresh and thawed semen in 0.5 and 5 ml straws, the results were: 92.18, 77.38 and 79.04% sperm penetration; 80.68, 66.89 and 69.33% monospermy; 11.51, 10.49 and 9.74% polyspermy; 86.19, 47.14 and 47.02% motility and 75.52, 48.19 and 46.81% normal apical ridge (NAR), respectively. Analysis of variance and test of multiple comparisons showed that under the conditions employed, penetration, monospermy, motility and NAR were significantly reduced by freezing–thawing, but polyspermy was much less affected. The results obtained suggest that frozen boar semen is adequate for in vitro fertilization. In addition freezing in 5 ml straws did not have any detrimental effect on either penetration, monospermy, polyspermy, motility and NAR, in comparison with freezing in 0.5 ml straws.
Production of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos in vitro: Premises and Promises
Authors: Nandi S , Raghu HM , Ravindranatha BM , Chauhan MS
Published: March 2003

Contents

Techniques for in vitro production (IVP) of buffalo embryos adopting the procedures developed in cattle have received increasing interest in the recent times. A high oocyte maturation, fertilization and cleavage rate and a low rate of blastocyst yield and calving following transfer of in vitro produced buffalo embryos have been obtained. The efficiency of IVP in buffalo is much lower than that in cattle. Several problems need to be resolved before IVP technology can be used regularly in buffalo breeding. This review attempts to present an overview of the different techniques used in buffalo to produce transferable embryos in vitro, namely in vitro maturation and fertilization of immature oocytes and in vitro development of the resulting cleaved embryos to the blastocyst stage before transfer. The problems associated with IVP, the possible solutions and the new biotechniques linked to IVP are discussed.
An Overview of Low Dose Insemination in the Mare
Authors: Morris LHA , Allen WR
Published: March 2003

Contents

The need for relatively high numbers of spermatozoa for artificial insemination limits our application of recently available technologies such as sex‐sorted semen. The fertility of two different methods of low dose insemination using fresh, frozen and sex‐sorted semen are compared in this overview. Satisfactory conception rates are described using very low doses of spermatozoa inseminated by either hysteroscopic or deep uterine insemination methods, proving the stallion is fully fertile. The hysteroscopic method appears to give higher conception rates when inseminating fewer than 5 × 106 spermatozoa and is therefore, the preferred method of insemination for sex‐sorted spermatozoa. However, hysteroscopic deposition of low numbers of spermatozoa from infertile stallions does not appear to improve their fertility.
Clinical placements in mental health: Are clinicians doing enough for undergraduate nursing students?
Authors: Mullen Antony , Murray Linda
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

There are growing concerns identified in the literature about the lack of quality clinical placements in mental health for undergraduate nursing students. This study outlines an innovative student programme, designed and implemented by clinicians, committed to providing a quality clinical placement for students. The programme was evaluated by the use of an open‐ended questionnaire administered to a sample of 10 undergraduate nursing students. Results of this evaluation suggested that the programme was able to provide a positive clinical experience in mental health for nursing students and is worthy of a more controlled investigation.
What happens when people disclose sexual or physical abuse to staff at a community mental health centre?
Authors: Agar Kirsty , Read John
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

The files of 200 users of a community mental health centre revealed that 46% of the files contained documentation of sexual or physical abuse as children or adults. Only 36% of summary formulations and 33% of treatment plans for the abused clients mentioned the abuse. Only 22% of the abused clients received abuse‐focused therapy. Response rates were lower for clients who were male or had a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis, and if the clinician was male or a psychiatrist. None of the alleged crimes, past, recent or ongoing, was reported to legal authorities. Development of unit policies and training programmes to ensure appropriate response to abuse histories is recommended.
Defective TCR expression in transgenic mice constructed using cDNA‐based α‐ and β‐chain genes under the control of heterologous regulatory elements
Authors: Barnden Megan J , Allison Jan , Heath William R , Carbone Francis R
Published: March 2003

We describe the generation of ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific, MHC class II‐restricted αβ T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice. Initial attempts at generating these transgenic mice utilized heterologous regulatory elements to drive the expression of cDNA genes encoding the separate α‐ and β‐chains of the TCR. Unexpectedly, T cells bearing the transgenic αβ TCR failed to emerge from the thymus in these mice, although the transgenes did modify endogenous TCR expression. However, subsequent modification of the approach which enabled expression of the TCR β‐chain under the control of its natural regulatory elements generated mice whose peripheral T cells expressed the transgenic TCR and were capable of antigen‐dependent proliferation. These results show that successful generation of MHC class II‐restricted, OVA‐specific αβTCR transgenic mice was dependent upon combining cDNA‐ and genomic DNA‐based constructs for expression of the respective α‐ and β‐chains of the TCR.
Approaches to the treatment of central nervous system autoimmune disease using specific neuroantigen
Authors: Willenborg David O , Staykova Maria A
Published: March 2003

The ultimate aim in the treatment of autoimmune disease is to restore self‐tolerance to the autoantigen(s) in question. In lieu of this ideal result, the conversion of a destructive or pathogenic autoimmune response into one of benign autoimmunity would also be highly desirable. In either case the use of the antigenic epitope, which is the target of the destructive immune response, would ideally be employed so as to give specificity to the protection without the need for long‐term immunosuppression. This review describes a number of different approaches using various forms, doses, and routes of injection of specific neuroantigen to inhibit the different clinical varieties of autoimmune encephalomyelitis in a number of animal models; all done with the view to translating the findings into the clinic for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. We conclude that any treatment strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) must have a number of features: it must be clinically acceptable, specific, long‐lasting, require only short‐term treatment, able to shut off ongoing disease, and have the potential to prevent or deal with epitope spreading. Few of the approaches we describe fulfill all of these criteria. We suggest that investigations of new adjunctive agents to be used with a specific antigen be pursued, and that currently the use of chimeric proteins or DNA vaccination with or without the new adjunctives may hold the most hope for the future.
Regulation of immune responses at mucosal surfaces: Allergic respiratory disease as a paradigm
Authors: Holt PG
Published: March 2003

The epithelial surfaces of the respiratory tract represent a fragile interface between the immune system and the outside environment. In order to maintain local homeostasis, the adaptive immune system must continuously discriminate between innocuous antigens which are ubiquitous in the atmosphere, and antigens associated with microbial pathogens. Any breakdown in this discrimination process can potentially lead to chronic inflammatory disease. The mechanisms employed by the mucosal immune system to maintain this delicate balance are many and varied, and a comprehensive understanding of how they collectively operate would provide novel insight into a wide variety of diseases. This discussion reviews recent progress in this area, focusing on allergic respiratory disease as a model for the study of immune regulation at mucosal surfaces.
The regulation of burn‐associated infections with herpes simplex virus type 1 or Candida albicans by a non‐toxic aconitine‐hydrolysate, benzoylmesaconine. Part 1: Antiviral and anti‐fungal activities in thermally injured mice
Authors: Kobayashi Makiko , Mori Kazuya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Pollard Richard B , Suzuki Fujio
Published: March 2003

As compared with normal unburned mice, thermally injured mice have been shown to be 50–100 times more susceptible to HSV type 1 (HSV‐1) or Candida albicans infection. Benzoylmesaconine (BEN) improved the resistance of thermally injured mice against infection with HSV‐1 or C. albicans to the level observed in normal mice. Mortality rates of normal mice exposed to lethal amounts of these pathogens were not affected by the BEN treatment, while significant survival effects were produced in these mice after treatment with acyclovir (against HSV‐1) or amphotericin B (against C. albicans). Benzoylmesaconine did not inhibit the growth of these pathogens in vitro and did not directly reduce the viability of the pathogens. However, burned mice inoculated with CD4+ T cells from BEN‐treated mice resisted infections from these pathogens. These results suggested that, through the generation of CD4+ T cells, BEN recovered the impaired resistance of thermally injured mice to infection by HSV‐1 or C. albicans.