bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The blood‐donation experience: perceived physical, psychological and social impact of blood donation on the donor
Authors: Nilsson Sojka B. , Sojka P.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives This study aimed to investigate the impact and effects of blood donation on blood donors as perceived and reported by donors themselves.

Materials and Methods A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to 600 consecutive whole‐blood donors (who had a history of at least one previous donation) consisting of an open‐ended question asking whether the blood donation had any impact on the donor. The answers to this question were considered as descriptions of effects perceived by the donors to be evoked by whole‐blood donation.

Results In all, 528 subjects completed the questionnaire (88%; 319 males and 209 females) and answered the question about the effects of blood donation. Altogether, 54% (287 out of 528) of the blood donors reported one or several effects. Exclusively positive effects were described by 29% (151) of blood donors, while exclusively negative effects and mixed effects (i.e. concomitant positive and negative effects in the same subject) were described by 19% (103) and 6% (33), respectively, while no effect was reported by 46% (241) of the donors. A majority of the effects commenced within 1 h of blood donation. The positive effects lasted significantly longer (often for weeks, P < 0·0001) than negative effects (min/h/days). Among positive effects a feeling of satisfaction, of being more alert, and feeling generally better than before the blood donation predominated for both female and male donors. Among negative effects, vertigo/dizziness was reported more frequently by female donors (P < 0·0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the negative effects were less likely to occur with increasing age (P < 0·001) and that they were more likely to occur in female donors (P < 0·001) in comparison to male donors, irrespective of age.

Conclusions The majority of effects elicited by blood donation on blood donors were positive (i.e. feelings of satisfaction, greater alertness, increased wellbeing, etc.). The positive effects did not differ from the negative regarding time of onset, yet their duration was reported to be significantly longer. There was no association between frequency of occurrence of positive effects and the number of blood donations, indicating that there is no ‘addictive’ relationship between donors and blood donations. The findings in this study of high frequency of occurrence of positive long‐lasting effects elicited in blood donors by blood donation may be of great importance for the recruitment of new blood donors as it may make blood donation less frightening and perhaps even attractive.
Comparison of unilateral versus bilateral nasal catheters for oxygen administration in dogs
Authors: Dunphy Elizabeth D. , Mann F. A. , Dodam John R. , Branson Keith R. , Wagner‐Mann Colette C. , Johnson Paula A. , Brady Mark A.
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine the effect of bilateral nasal oxygen supplementation on tracheal airway and arterial blood gas parameters.

Design: Original research.

Setting: Research Laboratory.

Animals: Eight normal dogs.

Interventions: None.

Measurements: Intra‐tracheal oxygen concentration and arterial oxygen partial pressure at three different oxygen flow rates given through either unilateral or bilateral nasal catheters.

Main results: FIO2 and PaO2 were significantly increased with higher total oxygen flow rates, but the increase was the same whether the higher flow was delivered through one nasal catheter or divided and administered though two nasal catheters. The use of bilateral nasal catheters allowed a tracheal FIO2 as high as 0.60 with minimal patient discomfort.

Conclusions: The benefit of bilateral nasal catheters for oxygen supplementation is the ability to provide high total oxygen flows with decreased risk of patient discomfort. If the desired oxygen flow can be achieved with a unilateral nasal catheter, then the only benefit of bilateral catheters is increased patient comfort. The use of bilateral nasal oxygen catheters for oxygen supplementation can result in an FIO2 that is high enough to produce oxygen toxicity with prolonged administration.
Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation in small animals—A clinical practice review. Part II
Authors: Cole Steven G. , Otto Cynthia M. , Hughes Dez
Published: March 2003

Objective:To review the principles and practice of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) in veterinary medicine, and to incorporate recommendations from the human International Guidelines 2000 Conference on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.

Data sources:Both clinical and experimental studies from the human and veterinary literature were reviewed for this manuscript.

Summary:Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation consists of basic life support measures, advanced life support measures, and post‐resuscitation care. Part I of this article introduced the evidence‐based recommendations from human medicine and reviewed basic life support. Part II of this article reviews advanced life support, including drug therapy and electrical defibrillation based upon the electrocardiographic rhythm present at the time of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Post‐resuscitation care is discussed, with a particular focus on optimizing perfusion to the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Several currently investigational methods that may improve future patient outcomes are also addressed.

Conclusions:Advanced life support techniques provide methods to augment CPCR efforts. As with basic life support, recent recommendations to improve advanced life support in humans may be also be applied to veterinary patients. However, clinical research evaluating these interventions in veterinary CPCR is necessary. Post‐resuscitation care requires vigilant monitoring and aggressive support to ensure vital organ perfusion and maximize patient outcomes.
Epidemiologie und Genetik der Alopecia areata
Authors: McDonagh A. J. G. , Tazi‐Ahnini R.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Die Häufigkeit der Alopecia areata und die beobachteten Vererbungsmuster sind mit einem polygenen Vererbungsmodell in Einklang zu bringen, doch ist die Genetik der Alopecia areata bis heute letztlich größtenteils unbekannt. Spekulativ bleibt auch die Bedeutung von Umgebungsfaktoren, die Erkrankungsbeginn oder Exazerbation triggern können. Nimmt man den Zugang über das Kandidatengen, so konnten drei Susceptibilitäts‐/Härtefaktoren identifiziert werden. Zunächst zeigten HLA‐Allele eine starke Assoziation mit Alopecia areata und einige DQB‐ und DR‐Allele bringen sowohl in Fall‐Kontroll‐Studien als auch in Familienstudien ebenfalls ein höheres Erkrankungsrisiko mit sich. Interleukin‐1 Clustergene, hauptsächlich die Interleukin‐1‐Rezeptor‐Antagonisten, sind mit der Erkrankungsschwere der Alopecia areata und einer Reihe anderer Autoimmun‐ und entzündlicher Erkrankungen deutlich assoziiert. Schließlich sind auch die Assoziation der Alopecia areata mit dem Down‐Syndrom, die größere Häufigkeit der Alopecia areata beim autoimmunen polyglandulären Syndrom Typ I aufgrund von Mutationen des autoimmunen Regulatorgens (AIRE) auf Chromosom 21q22.3, und der Nachweis der Assoziation mit MX1, einem anderen Gen in der Region des Down‐Syndroms auf Chromosom 21, Hinweise dafür, dass dieser Bereich des Genoms ein vielversprechendes Ziel für zukünftige Familienuntersuchungen darstellt. Die Bedeutung einzelner Gene des MHC, des IL‐1‐Clusters oder auf Chromosom 21q22.3 ist schwer einzuschätzen und es sind weitere genetische und funktionelle Untersuchungen erforderlich, um ihre Beteiligung an der Pathogenese der Alopecia areata zu bestätigen.
Die Bedeutung und Aufgabe des Trichologen
Authors: Mason J.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Der Autor möchte das Spezialgebiet der klinischen Trichologie und seinen ganzheitlichen Ansatz darstellen. Der Mythos, die Trichologie sei entweder eine alternative Behandlungsmethode oder eine ergänzende Therapie, soll eindeutig widerlegt werden. Vergleiche zwischen den Behandlungsmöglichkeiten des Trichologen und den verfügbaren Möglichkeiten im Rahmen traditioneller medizinischer Versorgung werden gezogen. Die Ausbildung des Trichologen wird, unter Betonung der ausgeprägten wissenschaftlichen Orientierung, in groben Zügen dargestellt. Die meisten Trichologen besitzen keine medizinische Qualifikation, es wird jedoch erläutert, dass Trichologen, soweit es die professionelle Erfüllung ihrer spezialisierten Aufgabe erfordert, innerhalb bestimmter Grenzen adäquate medizinische Kenntnisse besitzen. Der Artikel weist darauf hin, dass sowohl die Öffentlichkeit als auch Mediziner lernen müssen, zwischen gut ausgebildeten und qualifizierten Trichologen und den vielen unqualifizierten Scharlatanen, die nur Publicity anstreben, zu unterscheiden. Ziel ist es, dieses Berufsbild bekannter zu machen und die entsprechenden Möglichkeiten aufzuzeigen.
Telogeneffluvium
Authors: Harrison S. , Sinclair R.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Die Bezeichnung Telogeneffluvium, die 1961 von Kligman eingeführt wurde, bezieht sich auf den Verlust von Telogenhaaren aus erkrankten Follikeln. Kligman vertrat die Hypothese, dass der Follikel, unabhängig von der Ursache des Haarausfalls, jeweils ähnlich reagiert und die Anagenphase frühzeitig beendet.„Der Follikel gerät beschleunigt in die Katagenphase und es erfolgt die Umwandlung in einen Ruhezustand, der die Telogenphase vortäuscht.”Deshalb ermöglicht die Beobachtung eines telogenen Effluviums keinen direkten Rückschluss auf die Ursache. Die Ursache des Haarausfalls kann nur anhand einer ausführlichen Anamnese, die Rückschlüsse auf mögliche Triggerfaktoren zulässt, und biochemischer Untersuchungen, zum Ausschluss endokrinologischer, ernährungsbedingter und autoimmunogener Faktoren, sowie oftmals histologischer Untersuchungen, zur Erkennung früher Stadien einer androgenetischen Alopezie, geklärt werden. Die Dauer des Haarausfalls zum Zeitpunkt der Vorstellung erleichtert die Einschätzung, bei welchen Patienten weitere Untersuchungen sinnvoll sind.„Unglücklicherweise betrachtet man Glatzenbildung eng verknüpft mit der Frage nach „erneutem Wachstum” oder „Wiederherstellung” und somit unter tendenziell kommerziellen Gesichtspunkten. Dabei sind sämtliche Geheimnisse des Wachstums und der Differenzierung mit der Metamorphose der Haarfollikel der kahl werdenden Kopfhaut eng verknüpft. Angesichts der Suche nach diesen Geheimnissen, sollten die angestrengten Versuche erneut Haare auf einer Glatze sprießen zu lassen, eher in den Hintergrund treten, da diesbezügliche Erfolge insgesamt unbedeutend zu sein scheinen. Können wir die oben genannten komplexeren Geheimnisse klären, dann haben wir nicht nur den Schlüssel zum Haarwachstum, sondern zu sämtlichen Wachstumsprozessen, die letztlich die Grundlage aller biologischen Phänomene darstellen.”(William Montagna, 1959).
Morphological Traits Associated with Lodging Resistance of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zuber U. , Winzeler H. , Messmer M. M. , Keller M. , Keller B. , Schmid J. E. , Stamp P.
Published: March 2003

Throughout the world, lodging in cereals causes great losses in yield each year. A two year field study was conducted to determine the relationship of morphological traits to lodging resistance in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding lines and to find easily measurable traits related to lodging resistance. A set of 15 breeding lines, representing a wide range of combinations of plant height and lodging resistance, was evaluated.

During the first year, 29 morphological traits were measured at two growth stages and correlated with the lodging score. Higher correlations were found for traits measured at anthesis (DC 65) than for traits measured at maturity (DC 92); most of the fresh weight traits correlated better to lodging resistance than did the corresponding dry matter parameters. During the second year the six traits of plant height, stem length, stem diameter, ear weight, stem weight and stem weight per cm were measured at anthesis and correlated with the lodging score.

From the pooled data of four experiments, significant correlations between the lodging score and single morphological traits were found for stem diameter and stem weight per cm. Thicker stems and heavier stems (mg per cm) were indicative for better lodging resistance. Stem diameter and stem weight cm−1 explained 48.5 % and 49.7 %, respectively, of the phenotypic variation in lodging resistance. Multiple linear regression equations indicated that 77.2 % of the variation in lodging resistance was based on stem weight cm−1 and on the weight of the ear.
Effects of Irrigation at Different Growth Stages and Source‐Sink Manipulations on Yield and Yield Components of Mung Bean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek, in Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Costa W. A. J. M. , Shanmugathasan K. N.
Published: March 2003

Irrigation is a management option available to farmers in the subhumid zones of Sri Lanka to increase mung bean yields during the dry Yala season. The objective of this study was to quantify the yield gain in response to irrigation at different stages of the crop and thereby determine the most suitable stage/s of irrigation. Four field experiments were conducted during Yala in 1995 and 1996 at two sites, Maha‐Illuppallama (MI) and Kundasale (KS). Eight irrigation regimes consisting of all possible combinations of irrigation at three growth stages of the crop were defined. The respective growth stages were vegetative (from germination to appearance of first flower), flowering (from appearance of first flower to 75 % pod initiation) and pod‐filling (from 75 % pod initiation to maturity). The treatments which received irrigation during two or more stages had significantly higher yields (793–1396 kg ha−1) than those which received irrigation during only one stage (401–756 kg ha−1) with the lowest yield being shown by the rain‐fed treatment (227–396 kg ha−1). When at least two stages can be irrigated, irrigation during the flowering and pod‐filling stages was most effective. Irrigation during flowering produced the highest yield gain when only one stage could be irrigated. Seed yield showed a strong positive correlation with number of pods m−2. Fifity per cent de‐podding caused yield reductions at both sites, indicating sink limitation. In contrast, 50 % defoliation reduced the yields only at MI where the number of pods m−2 was greater than at KS. Hence, source limitation was present only when the number of pods was higher.
Effects of Water Stress on Growth, Pigments and 14CO2 Assimilation in Three Sorghum Cultivars
Authors: Younis M. E. , El‐Shahaby O. A. , Abo‐Hamed S. A. , Ibrahim A. H.
Published: March 2003

The effects of drought on growth, pigments and 14CO2 assimilation were studied in three sorghum cultivars. Water stress applied either at the vegetative or at the reproductive stage was found to reduce relative growth and net assimilation rates. Root growth was less affected by water stress and in certain cases it was increased; consequently, the root/shoot ratio was improved. The sensitivity to drought stress was greater at the reproductive than at the vegetative stage. Dorado was the most drought‐tolerant and Giza 15 the least drought‐tolerant cultivar, as determined by calculation of the drought susceptibility index for total green leaf area and shoot dry weight. Short‐term water stress in the vegetative phase (7 days) improved the chlorophyll content in leaves, and long‐term stress in the vegetative and reproductive phases reduced chlorophyll content. Carotenoid content, in general, was not changed by drought stress. 14CO2 photoassimilation indicated that soluble, insoluble and consequently total photosynthates were reduced at the end of the stress period at both stages. Drought plus defoliation appeared to increase both chlorophyll content and 14CO2 photoassimilation, to a certain extent, as compared with drought alone.
The Effect of Seed Vernalization and Irradiation on Growth and Photosynthesis of Field Bean Plants (Vicia faba L. minor) and on Nitrogenase Activity of Root Nodules
Authors: Filek W. , Kościelniak J. , Grzesiak S.
Published: March 2003

The effect of seed vernalization (2–3°C; 36 days) and irradiation intensity during vegetation of field bean upon growth and maximum leaf photosynthesis (Pmax) as well as specific (SNA) and total nitrogenase activity (TNA) of root nodules was investigated. The measurements were performed at the initial stage of pod development of varieties with undetermined (cv. Nadwiśański) and determined (cv. Tibo) growth habit. In comparison with plants in shading, those which grew in full irradiation produced larger leaf area and more dry weight, achieving higher Pmax values. Stimulation of leaf area enlargement and dry weight increase, especially in respect to the dry weight of underground parts had a positive and significant effect upon TNA value. Accumulation of dry weight was higher in vernalized than non‐vernalized plants, but only in the case of cv. Nadwiślański, in full irradiation conditions. In the case of plants grown in poorer irradiation conditions TNA values were about 68 % (cv. Nadwiślański) and 54 % (cv. Tibo) lower, due to significant limitation of root nodules. TNA value of vernalized cv. Nadwiślański plants was 66 % higher in comparison with non‐vernalized plants. However, the effect was visible only in full irradiation conditions, due to simultaneous greater intensity of root nodules production and higher SNA value. A positive effect of vernalization could also be observed in the decrease of a negative correlation between dry weight of root nodules and SNA in both varieties.
Effect of Glaucousness on Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Grain Yield in Durum Wheat
Authors: Merah O. , Deléens E. , Souyris I. , Monneveux P.
Published: March 2003

The effect of glaucousness on yield and transpiration efficiency was studied in durum wheat under Mediterranean conditions. Two groups of 16 genotypes, with contrasting glaucousness, were compared over 2 years for flag leaf and kernel carbon isotope discrimination, residual transpiration, specific leaf dry weight, biomass and grain yield. Significantly higher carbon isotope discrimination and lower specific leaf dry weight were noted in the glaucous lines. No significant effect of glaucousness was found on residual transpiration. Glaucous genotypes also exhibited higher grain yield, which was strongly correlated to the carbon isotope discrimination values. Results suggest that glaucousness has a negative effect on transpiration efficiency, which could be related to modifications of leaf energy balance. Higher stomatal conductance, reflected by the high carbon isotope discrimination, could mainly explain the higher grain yield found in the glaucous lines.
Growth and Yield Responses to Plant Density and Stage of Transplanting in Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Momoh E. J. J. , Zhou W.
Published: March 2003

Growth and yield responses to plant density (6.75 × 104, 9.75 × 104 and 12.75 × 104 plants ha–1) and stage of transplanting (30, 35 and 40 days after sowing) of winter oilseed rape cultivar HO 605 were investigated in two field trials in the 1996/97 and 1997/98 growing seasons at Zhejiang University Farm, Huajiachi Campus, China. Results revealed a progressive decrease in leaf area per plant in response to increasing plant density and delayed transplanting, though leaf area m–2 and leaf area index were higher in high‐density plants. Number of effective branches and pod per branch decreased with increasing plant density and delayed transplanting. There were no significant differences in the mean seed weight among treatments. Although the average number of seeds per pod was significantly lower for high‐density plants and delayed transplanting, the economically highest seed yields were realized in relatively high‐density plants. Seed oil content was negatively affected by increasing plant density, but no significant differences were observed with delayed transplanting. The highest seed yields of 1730.7 and 1748.1 kg ha–1 with no significant differences were observed for plant densities of 9.75 × 104 and 12.75 × 104 plants ha–1, respectively, transplanted at 35 and 30 days after sowing.
Environmental Effects on Seed Characteristics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Ahmad S.
Published: March 2003

Sunflower hybrid PARC‐92E seed lots produced at Gider, Panjpai, Chilas, Fateh Jang and Dera Ismail Khan were compared for seed quality. 100‐seed weight ranged from 5.38 to 7.29 g, oil content from 33.76 to 42.53%, hull–kernel ratio from 0.380 to 0.587, seed–kernel ratio from 1.64 to 2.62, germination potential from 97.50 to 100 %, germination rate index from 11.18 to 20.58, germination index from 13.45 to 17.92, emergence rate index from 51.61 to 145.40, and emergence from 57.96 to 84.82. 100‐seed weight had a positive relationship with all the other parameters except oil percentage (−0.087). Seed size was found to be more important than oil content for field emergence of sunflower.
Effects of NaCl Salinity on Growth and Production of Young Cladodes of Opuntia ficus‐indica
Authors: Murillo‐Amador B. , Cortés‐Avila A. , Troyo‐Diéguez E. , Nieto‐Garibay A. , Jones H. G.
Published: March 2003

The effects of salinity on the growth and production of `nopalitos' (young cladode sprouts) of Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill. cv. Copena V‐1 were investigated. Salinity (NaCl) irrigation levels with electrical conductivities of 2, 5, 10, 13, 18 and 21 dS m–1 were used. In general, all cladode variables (stem area, number of young cladodes, length and width of cladodes, and fresh and dry weights) decreased with increasing salinity. The root‐to‐stem ratio and young cladode water content decreased significantly as salinity increased. Other variables that decreased with increasing salinity included harvest index, relative growth rate, stem area ratio, dry mass accumulation, and Na+ and Cl– concentrations. For rooted cladodes, increased salinity decreased fresh weight, succulence, and root fresh weight, dry weight and length. Our conclusions suggest that this species is salt sensitive; however, there is some indication that it could be effectively managed in saline environments. Further studies and evaluation of different cultivars are needed to identify the mechanism of adaptation of salt tolerance in this species.
Die Blattanatomie eines schnell und eines langsam wachsenden Grases in Abhängigkeit von der Stickstoffversorgung
Authors: Erley G. Schulte auf'm , Rademacher I. , Kühbauch W.
Published: March 2003

Leaf anatomy of a fast‐ and a slow‐growing grass as dependent on nitrogen supply

The grass species Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra, originating from habitats with differing N‐availability, differ in their relative growth rate. This is mainly caused by the higher specific leaf area of L. perenne compared to F. rubra. The leaf anatomy of both species was further investigated. The species were raised in growth chambers under high and low N‐supply. The higher specific leaf area of L. perenne (27 mm2 mg–1) in relation to F. rubra (14 mm2 mg–1) was mainly caused by a lower leaf density (0.23 vs. 0.33 mg mm–3). The level of N‐supply influenced both leaf density and leaf thickness. The leaf volume of L. perenne comprised higher fractions of epidermis and lower fractions of mesophyll and intercellular space compared to F. rubra. However, the discrepancy in leaf density between the species could not be explained by anatomical differences. Under low N‐supply, the leaves of both species had higher amounts of vascular bundles and fibre cells and lower amounts of intercellular space, which partly explained the higher density of the leaves. It is concluded, that thinner cell walls and higher amounts of cytoplasm cause the higher specific leaf area of L. perenne.
Varietal Differences in Allelopathic Potential of Alfalfa
Authors: Xuan Tran Dang , Tsuzuki E.
Published: March 2003

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants were found to contain water‐soluble substances that inhibited the germination and seedling growth of alfalfa (Chung and Miller 1990, Agron. J. 87, 762—767). Tsuzuki et al. (1999, Rep. Kyushu Branch Crop Sci. Soc. Japan 65, 39—40) discovered allelochemicals in alfalfa plants that could have adverse effects on the growth of some lowland weeds. This study was conducted to investigate varietal differences in allelopathic potential in alfalfa plants. Eight common varieties of Japanese alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), namely Batasu, Hisawakaba, Kitawakaba, Makiwakaba, Natsuwakaba, Lucerne, Tachiwakaba and Yuba, were grown by conventional methods in the Experimental Field of the Crop Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University. Aqueous extracts of both fresh and dried material of alfalfa plants of all varieties significantly inhibited both germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Leachates from germinating seeds of almost all alfalfa varieties inhibited elongation of the radicle but produced a negligible increase in germination and only slightly inhibited elongation of the hypocotyl of lettuce plants. Results demonstrated that the degree of inhibition of germination and growth of lettuce varied with the variety of alfalfa. In particular, Lucerne was identified as having the strongest allelopathic potential of the varieties studied. The results suggested that the allelopathic potential of alfalfa might be relating to a gene.
Accuracy of detection of major genes segregating in outbred population by Gibbs sampling using phenotypic values of quantitative traits
Authors: Miyake By T. , Gaillard C. , Moriya K. , Sasaki Y.
Published: March 2003

Based on the segregation analysis with Gibbs sampling the accuracy to detect a major gene segregating in outbred populations was investigated by using only phenotypic values and pedigree information.The analyses were carried out with 50 simulated populations (replicates). When a major gene effect was large enough to make the phenotypic distribution deviate from normal, the additive allele effect and total major gene variance were correctly estimated. In populations with a low or moderate effect of the major gene, the additive allele effect was systematically underestimated. When no major gene was present, the additive allele effect had a tendency to be overestimated but the major gene variances turned out to be very close to zero as expected. Our results suggest that the major gene variances can be used to detect major genes segregating in a population.
Mapping genes for fatness and growth on pig chromosome 13: a search in the region close to the pig PIT1 gene
Authors: Yu By T. P. , Wang L. , Tuggle C. K. , Rothschild M. F.
Published: March 2003

Previous research has shown that PIT1 polymorphisms in several resource populations and the chromosomal region near PIT1 in some populations have been significantly associated with fatness and growth QTLs on pig chromosome 13. To confirm these previous results and to clarify the role of the PIT1 gene in the putative QTL region, this research project was enlarged to include two microsatellite markers flanking each side of the PIT1 gene (Swr1008, S0068, Sw398 and Sw1056). The ISU Chinese × US resource families were used and the traits analysed were birth weight, 21 day weight, 42 day weight, longissimus muscle area, back‐fat thickness at several locations, meat colour, marbling and firmness on the carcass, and growth rate for selected time periods. The total number of F2 pigs used ranged from 241 to 330. The data were analysed using interval mapping for each breed‐cross separately as well as with the pooled data, and single marker least squares analyses for the pooled data. Significant evidence of a QTL for first rib back‐fat thickness was detected approximately 20 cM from the PIT1 gene by using both single marker (p < 0.01) and interval mapping analyses in the pooled data (p < 0.0001) as well as in one family (p < 0.01). Evidence of a QTL for birth weight was detected at the estimated PIT1 position in the interval mapping analysis by using the pooled data (p < 0.014) and verified by the single marker analyses. These results confirmed the previously published QTL work on pig chromosome 13 for the birth weight QTL but suggest that other genes in the region may be partly responsible for the earlier results on the back‐fat thickness QTL in our resource families.
A multiple‐species, multiple‐project database for genotypes at codominant loci
Authors: Reinsch By N.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

The possibility of identifying chromosome segments which have an important effect on quantitative traits has been greatly increased by the availability of dense marker maps. Crosses between wild ancestors and domesticated breeds (e.g. A nderssonet al. 1994) as well as commercial populations (e.g. G
eorgeset al. 1995) can be used either to scan the entire genome of livestock species or to investigate single chromosome regions of special interest (e.g. R
einschet al. 1998a).

This kind of research makes it necessary to genotype hundreds or thousands of animals for numerous marker loci and consequently a big bulk of genotypic data must be processed. The results of QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) research are expected to initiate the age of marker‐assisted breeding value estimation (F ernando 1998) and marker‐assisted selection, extending the demand for genotypic data processing to commercial breeding programmes. But even in current selection schemes genotypic data are accumulated, usually for parentage testing and by using DNA probes for the selection against alleles causing unfavourable conditions or diseases, e.g. at the ryanodine receptor locus in pigs (F
ujiiet al. 1991). New developments like DNA‐chip technology (L
ipshutzet al. 1995) or the application of mass spectrometry (H
aff and S
mirnov 1997; H
igginset al. 1997) aim at the implementation of reliable automated high‐throughput genotyping systems and are likely to drive the mass of available genotypes further, at least until tissue sample collection and DNA preparation become a bottleneck.

Keeping this situation in mind this paper gives a description of a database (DB) for genotypes at codominant loci. It was initially developed to collect the marker data from a QTL mapping project initiated by the German Cattle Breeders’ Federation (ADR) in collaboration with several animal breeding institutes, and may also serve as a prototype for unified procedures to process a large variety of genotypic data, such as may occur in a breeding programme. In the first part of the paper the general role of such a database is described, with emphasis on different sources of inconsistencies. The second part is a description of the structure and the relational scheme of ADRDB, followed by a section on consistency checking and error reporting. Finally the use of ADRDB in some research projects is described. Special aspects like the treatment of null alleles or sex‐linked loci are part of the discussion section.
A missense mutation in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene shows different allele effects on litter size in Chinese Erhualian and German Landrace pigs
Authors: Jiang Z. , Rottmann O. J. , Krebs O. , Chen J. , Liu H. , Pirchner F.
Published: March 2003

The follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is a unique member of the glycoprotein hormone receptor family. Its expression is highly gonad‐ and cell‐specific, demonstrating its importance for oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Based on published porcine FSHR gene sequence, a pair of primers was designed to amplify a 674‐bp fragment of exon 10. The genetic polymorphism was detected by PCR‐single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) analysis and a C/T substitution was revealed by direct sequencing of PCR products of putative SSCP homozygotes. This C‐to‐T transition led to an isoleucine 377‐to‐threonine substitution in the porcine FSHR protein. Bi‐directional PCR amplification of specific allele (Bi‐PASA) assay was developed to genotype this C/T substitution on 75 pure Chinese Erhualian (347 litter records) and 113 pure German Landrace sows (501 litter records). The general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS analysis revealed significant associations of the marker with total piglets born in these two breeds, but showing different allele effects. In Chinese Erhualian pigs, the homozygous T/T genotype was associated with 2.12 and 1.46 piglets more in total born than the homozygous C/C and heterozygous C/T genotype (p = 0.0137). In contrast, German Landrace pigs of homozygote T/T produced 1.92 and 2.14 piglets less in total born than pigs of homozygote C/C and heterozygote C/T (p = 0.0499). This result indicates that genes could interact differently due to the genetic background in livestock species.
Genetic parameters of production traits of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats in China
Authors: Zhou H.M. , Allain D. , Li J.Q. , Zhang W.G. , Yu X.C.
Published: March 2003

Data on raw cashmere weight and bodyweight traits for 7102 animals with 11 415 observations, from 1988 to 2000, were analysed. Genetic parameters of cashmere weight (CW), fibre length (FL), fibre diameter (FD) and live bodyweight (LBW) were estimated using a restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology applied to a multivariate animal model. In addition to fixed effects, the model included random permanent environmental, and direct and maternal additive genetic effects. Heritability estimates were 0.28, 0.23, 0.32 and 0.10 for CW, FL, FD and LBW, respectively. Estimates of maternal genetic effect were close to zero for all traits and can be ignored. Genetic correlations were low to moderate, ranging from −0.19 between FL and FD to 0.41 between LBW and FD. Estimates of repeatability were 0.44, 0.40, 0.38 and 0.39 for CW, FL, FD and LBW, respectively. These genetic parameter values provide a basis for the development of genetic improvement programmes for Inner Mongolian cashmere goats.
Analysis of the cultural value of local livestock breeds: a methodology
Authors: Gandini G. C. , Villa E.
Published: March 2003

The article analyses the potential cultural value of local livestock breeds with the aim of identifying useful elements to both conserve and attribute value to them. Local breeds can be considered cultural properties in relation to their role as historical witnesses as they often play a central part in the agriculture tenures and in the social life of rural populations. Local breeds can also be likened to cultural properties because they contribute to the preservation of ancient local traditions. To analyse the historical value of a local breed, a methodology is proposed which is based on a set of parameters including antiquity, role in the agricultural system, farming techniques, role in landscape, gastronomy, folklore and handicrafts and presence in forms of higher artistic expression. To assess the role of the breed as a custodian of local traditions, additional parameters are proposed to evaluate its contribution in maintaining traditional landscape, gastronomy, folklore and handicrafts. The proposed methodology is applied to a set of nine local cattle breeds, covering a wide spectrum of farming settings. The analysis shows that consistent differences can be observed in the cultural values of local breeds, both as historical witness and as custodian, today, of local traditions.
Fixed or random contemporary groups in genetic evaluation for litter size in pigs using a single trait repeatability animal model
Authors: Babot D. , Noguera J. L. , Alfonso L. , Estany J.
Published: March 2003

The importance of using fixed or random contemporary groups in the genetic evaluation of litter size in pigs was analysed by using farm and simulated data. Farm data were from four Spanish pig breeding populations, two Landrace (13 084 and 13 619 records) and two Large White (2762 and 8455 records). A simulated population (200 sows and 10 boars) selected for litter size, in which litter size was simulated using a repeatability animal model with random herd–year–season (HYS), was used to obtain simulated data. With farm data, the goodness‐of‐fit and the predictive ability of a repeatability animal model were calculated under several definitions of the HYS effect. A residual maximum likelihood estimator of the HYS variance in each population was obtained as well. In this sense, HYS was considered as either fixed or random with different number of individuals per level. Results from farm data showed that HYS variance was small in relation to the total variance (ranging from 0.01 to 0.04). The treatment of HYS effect as fixed, reduced the residual variance but the size of HYS levels does not explain by itself the goodness‐of‐fit of the model. The results obtained by simulation showed that the predictive ability of the model is better for random than for fixed HYS models. However, the improvement of predictive ability does not lead to a significant increase of the genetic response. Finally, results showed that random HYS models biased the estimates of genetic response when there is an environmental trend.
Re‐examination of the metabolizable energy contents of various rations containing different types and levels of bacterially fermentable substrates in digestibility experiments with growing pigs
Authors: Kreuzer M. , Wittmann M. , Gerdemann M. M. , Hanneken H. , Abel HJ. , Machmüller A.
Published: March 2003

Introduction  Feedstuffs with elevated contents of bacterially fermentable substrates (BFS: GFE 1987) offered to pigs have intermediate metabolizable energy (ME) contents compared with feedstuffs mainly composed of starch or hardly fermentable fibre (H
adorn et al. 1996a,b). Consequently, BFS‐elevated feeds could be used as major components enabling pig fattening rations to obtain the ME values required for feed calculation from tabulated values (DLG 1991) or equations based on nutrient composition (GFE 1996). The main field of application for BFS‐elevated feeds is, however, still the feeding of adult, non‐lactating sows, with the majority of investigations on fermentation characteristics also being conducted with sows. In fattening pigs a higher accuracy of estimated ME contents is required than in non‐lactating sows. Furthermore, the ME values of feeds with elevated BFS contents might be systematically different in sows and fattening pigs because a still incomplete evolution of the fermentative capacity of the hindgut of growing pigs cannot be totally excluded (J
entsch et al. 1990). The efficiency of hindgut bacterial protein synthesis might also be different from that being assumed from sow data (e.g. K
irchgessner et al. 1989, 1994).

The objective of the present study was to determine the actual ME and BFS contents of rations varying widely in type and level of BFS in three experiments with growing pigs. By comparing these values with those calculated from equations or from tabulated values a re‐examination of the currently applied feed evaluation system should be carried out. Furthermore, interactions of BFS with dietary protein reduction were investigated, since in low‐protein rations fermentation efficiency might be limited by a lack of nitrogen in the hindgut (M osenthin 1987).
Die Wirkung einer Vitamin‐A‐Zulage auf die Konzentration einzelner antioxidativer Komponenten und die Antioxidative Kapazität im Serum von Ponys
Authors: Fuhrmann . Von H. , Pelz G. , Sallmann H. ‐P.
Published: March 2003

Einleitung

Das Plasma enthält wenige antioxidative Enzyme, ist aber reich an anderen hoch‐ und niedermolekularen antioxidativen Molekülen. Hier sind die Plasma‐Proteine mit ihren Thiolgruppen, allen voran Albumin, zu nennen. Von den niedermolekularen Verbindungen haben Urat, Ascorbat, Thiole, Bilirubin und α‐Tocopherol eine Bedeutung. Als Parameter für die oxidative Homöostase des Organismus kann die Bestimmung der antioxidativen Kapazität des Plasmas und anderer biologischer Flüssigkeiten herangezogen werden (L ewin and P
opov 1994). In den letzten Jahren wurde eine Vielzahl von Methoden zur Bestimmung der Antioxidativen Kapazität von Einzelsubstanzen und biologischem Material entwickelt. Die Generation freier Radikale geschah photochemisch (P
opov and L
ewin 1994), chemisch oder chemisch‐enzymatisch (P
ascual and R
omay 1992). Die antioxidative Wirkung wurde dann über Radikal‐Spintrapping (S
oriani et al. 1994), Fluoreszens (R‐Phycoerythrin) oder Chemilumineszenz (Luminol) ermittelt.

Die genannten Verfahren haben bisher kaum Eingang in die Tiermedizin gefunden, obwohl eine Reihe metabolischer Dysfunktionen bei Haustieren mit Störungen des peroxidativen Stoffwechsels in Zusammenhang gebracht werden (F uhrmann et al. 1996; M
udron et al. 1997; S
allmann 1998).

Ein weiterer Aspekt der Antioxidativen Kapazität ist die bei einigen Spezies beschriebene verminderte Vitamin E‐Retention bei hohen Gaben von Vitamin A (Huhn: C ombs 1976; F
rigg and B
roz 1983; Ratte: J
enkins and M
itchell 1986; Schwein: H
oppe and S
ch&
ouml;
ner 1993). Demzufolge erhob sich die Frage, ob auch beim Pony eine überhöhte Gabe von Vitamin A die Tocopherolgehalte und damit den antioxidativen Stoffwechsel negativ beeinflußt. Dazu wurden neben einzelnen antioxidativen Komponenten die Antioxidative Kapazität des Serums mit zwei unterschiedlichen Methoden bestimmt.
The activity of hepatic lysophospholipid acyltransferase in zinc‐deficient rats
Authors: Waldhauser K. , Eder K. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: March 2003

Recent studies have demonstrated that zinc deficiency increases the levels of long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and reduces the levels of n‐6 PUFA in rat tissues (Eder and Kirchgessner 1994a,b, 1995). In particular, the ratio between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in tissue phospholipids, particularly in phosphatidylcholine was markedly elevated by zinc deficiency. The ratio between these fatty acids is of great physiologic relevance because eicosanoids produced from EPA and AA mediate physiological processes in diverse ways. For instance, in platelets, AA is metabolized primarily to thromboxane A2 which is a potent stimulant of platelet aggregation and a vasoconstrictor. In contrast, EPA is converted to small amounts of thromboxane A3 which is a poor agonist for inducing platelet aggregation (Sprecher 1986).

To date, the reason for the increased ratio between n‐3 PUFA and n‐6 PUFA in zinc‐deficient animals is unknown. One possible reason, however, could be an altered incorporation of PUFA into phospholipids by lysophospholipid acyltransferase. This enzyme reacylates lysophospholipids and hence, is the key enzyme in phospholipid renewal. The present study was conducted to investigate whether an altered activity of this enzyme could be the reason for the altered fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids observed in zinc‐deficient rats. As previous studies (Eder and Kirchgessner 1994a, 1995, 1997) have demonstrated that the type of fat influences the effects of zinc deficiency on the fatty acid metabolism, the study used two different fat sources, olive oil with a high level of mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and linseed oil with a high level of n‐3 PUFA.
A note on the stoichiometrical relationship of short chain fatty acid production and gas formation in vitro in feedstuffs of widely differing quality
Authors: Blümmel M. , Aiple K. ‐P. , Steingaβ H. , Becker K.
Published: March 2003

In vitro gas production tests are increasingly used in feedstuff research, mainly because rates of fermentation can conveniently be estimated via the accumulating gas volumes (for review see Getachew et al. 1998). In Germany, the Hohenheim in vitro gas test is widely employed in routine feed evaluation to predict in vivo digestibilities and metabolizable energy contents of feeds (Menke and Steingaβ 1988). Although they are waste products, fermentative gases (mainly CO2 and CH4) undoubtfully represent parts of the feeds which have been degraded. Conceptually, the use of in vitro gas tests is then only justified by a close linkage between the waste products and useful fermentation products, i.e. short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and/or microbial biomass.

It was shown for straw (Blümmel and O˜rskov 1993), cereal grain (Opatpatanakit et al. (1994) and hay (Makkar et al. 1995) that gas volumes in the bicarbonate buffered Hohenheim in vitro gas production test reflect SCFA production very closely. Gas volumes were produced quantitatively and qualitatively (Blümmel and O˜rskov 1993) according to the stoichiometry of Wolin (1960), i.e. the amount of fermentative CO2 and CH4 could be accurately calculated from the amount and proportion of acetate, propionate and butyrate present in the incubation medium. As previously suggested by Menke and Steingaβ (1988) additional CO2 was produced from buffering the SCFA and about 54% of the total gas volume was attributable to this buffering reaction (Blümmel and O˜rskov 1993), assuming that 1 mmol of SCFA released 1 mmol of CO2 from the bicarbonate buffer into the gas phase.

However, the stoichiometry of Wolin (1960) considers only the fermentation of carbohydrates with glucose as a model and the presence of protein (or fat) in feeds might distort the stoichiometrical relationship between SCFA and gas production. It was for example argued by Cone (1998), that the stoichiometry does not hold good for protein rich feeds. In other words, the relationship between SCFA and gas production would be getting weaker and more variable. These conclusions were based on dilution experiments of starch and glucose with casein in an in vitro gas production test (Cone 1998). Obviously, uncoupling of SCFA and gas production would make the interpretation of gas profiles difficult, since the relationship between the useful products (SCFA) and the waste product (gases) would become obscured. It was therefore the objective of this technical note to re‐examine the relationship between SCFA and gas production for 55 feeds varying largely in their protein and also fat content.
The effect of feeding time (day versus night) and feeding frequency on pancreatic exocrine secretion in pigs
Authors: Botermans J. A. M. , Hedemann M. S. , örhede‐Winzell M. S. , Erlanson‐Albertsson CH. , Svendsen J. , Evilevitch L. , Pierzynowski S. G.
Published: March 2003

The effect of night feeding and feeding frequency on exocrine pancreatic secretion was studied in five chronically catherized growing pigs (16 to 31 kg). Feeding during the night (2200 to 2400 h) as compared to the day (1000 to 1200 h) tended to stimulate cholesterol ester lipase activity and tended to lower the colipase : lipase ratio in the pancreatic juice, but no effect on volume output, protein output and the activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase and colipase could be demonstrated. Feeding 12 small meals between 0800 and 2000 h as compared to one large meal (1000 to 1200 h) daily, altered the pattern of exocrine pancreatic secretion, tended to stimulate protein output by 44 %, chymotrypsin activity by 29 % and lipase activity by 46 %. These observations strengthened the theory that exocrine pancreatic secretion is partly regulated by feed intake per se and does not only depend on the amount of feed consumed. Feeding 12 small meals versus one large meal, compared at the same total daily feed intake, lowered the colipase : lipase ratio by 32 %. It can be concluded that feed intake pattern affected exocrine pancreatic secretion.