bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Larval competition for patchy resources in Chrysomya megacephala (Dipt., Calliphoridae): implications of the spatial distribution of immatures
Authors: Von Zuben C. J. , Von Zuben F. J. , Godoy W. A. C.
Published: March 2003

In the present study, a single procedure was established to investigate the effect of the spatial distribution of immatures in patchy resources, on the outcome of larval competition for food, in experimental populations of Chrysomya megacephala. A theoretical model of intraspecific competition was extended and applied to experimental data on survival to adulthood for 20 larval densities, to obtain the theoretical mean number of individuals that will survive, considering a hypothetical previous random adult oviposition in a system of homogeneous patches. The survival curve obtained suggests that the larval competition for food in C. megacephala is of the scramble/exploitative type, which corroborates results from previous studies, although the latter did not consider the correlation between local and global abundances. The present model allows that experimental data could be perfectly applicable, and it incorporates fundamental assumptions about the spatial context of competition for patchy resources in blowflies, and may be applied to the optimization of mass rearing techniques and to the maintenance of insect colonies under experimental conditions.
Satiation time and appetite revival of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Col., Coccinellidae), a predator of Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. (Hom., Aphididae)
Authors: Kumar N. , Kumar A. , Tripathi C. P. M.
Published: March 2003

After a 24 h period of starvation the Coccinella septempunctata grub satiated in 85 min after eating 31.57 ± 7.12 prey (aphids). After 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 h of prey deprivation, the grub consumed 14.31 ± 5.67, 22.05 ± 5.39, 27.10 ± 6.49, 31.57 + 7.12, 33.76 + 6.52, and 36.98 ± 8.56 prey, respectively. The voluntary intake (appetite) shows a sigmoid relationship with the time since the last meal, with an upper limit of 44.30 prey irrespective of the prey deprivation period. As maximum appetite was attained after 24–36 h of deprivation, it is recommended that C. septempunctata grubs should be starved for 24 h prior to release in the biological control programme of Lipaphis erysimi.
Effects of contact, oral and persistent toxicity of selected pesticides on Cotesia plutellae (Hym., Braconidae), a potential parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae)
Authors: Haseeb M. , Amano H.
Published: March 2003

Cotesia plutellae (Kurd.) is an important larval parasitoid of Plutella xylostella (L.). Effects of contact, oral and persistent toxicity of field doses of selected pesticides on immature and mature stages of this useful wasp were determined in controlled conditions. Contact toxicity tests showed that cartap 75% SG, chlorfenapyr 10% F, emamectin benzoate 1% EC, permethrin 20% EC, chlorfluazuron 5% EC, flufenoxuron 10% EC, and teflubenzuron 5% EC were found to be selective against the cocoon stage. In contrast, contact toxicity of four insecticides viz., cartap 75% SG, chlorfenapyr 10% F, emamectin benzoate 1% EC, permethrin 20% EC were found to be moderately to extremely toxic (80% to 100% lethal) to wasp stage. Effects of oral toxicity of three IGRs on wasp stage were somewhat selective. However, beneficial performance of wasps seems to be adversely affected as host parasitism was recorded as being significantly different (P < 0.05) in comparison with control. A persistent toxic effect of insecticides via cabbage leaves discs against female wasps showed that cartap 75% SG was moderately persistent (16–30 days). While chlorfenapyr 10% F and emamectin benzoate 1% EC were recorded slightly to be persistent (5–10 days) and permethrin seems to be short lived (< 5 days). Implications of tested products in IPM of cabbage are discussed.
Oviposition preference of Lygocoris pabulinus (Het., Miridae) in relation to plants and conspecifics
Authors: Groot A. T. , Heijboer A. , Visser J. H. , Dicke M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: To predict possible locations of Lygocoris pabulinus (L) in the field during the summer, we determined their oviposition preference under summer conditions. With L. pabulinus reared on potato, oviposition preference was determined for potato, tomato or green bean. As preference may depend on larval or early adult experience, the oviposition preference of bugs reared on green bean for three generations, and of bugs captured from the field 12 h prior to the experiment was also determined. All females showed a strong preference for potato plants, on which fecundity was higher. Hence, although L. pabulinus is a generalist in its feeding habits, the summer generation seems to be an oviposition specialist. Aggregation of ovipositing females does not seem to occur; similar amounts of eggs were oviposited in plants with clip cages containing conspecifics as in plants without conspecifics. More eggs were oviposited in damaged plants than in undamaged plants. Plant volatiles released upon damage may aid L. pabulinus females in finding suitable oviposition sites.
Interaction Between Root and Leaf Disease Development in Barley Cultivars after Inoculation with Different Isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana
Authors: Almgren I. , Gustafsson M. , F A. ‐S. , ält . , Lindgren H. , Liljeroth E.
Published: March 2003

The relationship between root and leaf infection in 11 cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare) by different isolates of Bipolaris sorokiniana was investigated in young plants. Roots of 10‐day‐old seedlings, grown in filterpaper rolls, and the third leaf of 17‐day‐old seedlings were inoculated with the different isolates and a Disease Development Index (DDI) was calculated.

The rate of lesion development in leaves was higher than in roots, indicated by generally higher DDI after leaf inoculation than after root inoculation. Significant differences in resistance were found among the barley cultivars. Inoculation with different isolates of B. sorokiniana caused significant differences in DDI for both roots and leaves. In the leaves, but not in the roots, a significant cultivar–isolate interaction was found. No significant correlations, neither in isolate aggressiveness nor in cultivar reaction between root and leaf, were observed.
Seasonal Colonization Pattern of European Stone Fruit Yellows Phytoplasmas in Different Prunus Species Detected by Specific PCR
Authors: Jarausch W. , Lansac M. , Dosba F.
Published: March 2003

The seasonal variation in the colonization of two Japanese plum trees by European stone fruit yellows (ESFY) phytoplasmas was followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection for 2 years. Samples were obtained monthly from nine above‐ground sampling sites and one root. The colonization of the trees was systemic from July until leaf fall. The ESFY phytoplasmas were also detected in off‐season grown leaves during winter until March. In contrast, almost no phytoplasmas could be detected in normally grown leaves in April and May. Similar results have been obtained for European plum cultivars using 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining and PCR and for apricot cultivars tested by PCR. A possible explanation of this phenomenon is discussed. The root system of the corresponding Prunus marianna GF 8–1 rootstocks remained infected throughout the year and the phytoplasmas were equally distributed within the roots as determined when the trees were uprooted. In vitro culture was used to demonstrate that ESFY phytoplasmas detected by PCR in winter in aerial parts of the tree were viable. Nine ESFY‐diseased shoot cultures were obtained at four different time points during winter. Sampling protocols for ESFY phytoplasma detection by PCR in routine diagnosis are discussed.
Sensitivity of Resistance to Net Blotch in Barley
Authors: Robinson J. , Jalli M.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to demonstrate various methods of analysing terminal net blotch, Pyrenophora teres Drechs. f. teres Smedeg., severity data from 15 spring barleys, Hordeum vulgare L., grown in Finnish official variety trials in five environments. The analyses have been developed and used principally by plant breeders for assessing crop yield, but lend themselves to use by plant pathologists. Pyrenophora teres is the major barley phytopathogen in Finland and improved resistance to it is sought. Joint regression analysis (JRA) and an additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model were used to investigate the data. Statistically significant genotype by environment (GE) interaction for resistance was indicated, and this included qualitative (crossover) interactions among genotypes over environments. A stable, non‐sensitive, response to net blotch over environments, combined with a low mean score for terminal severity of the disease characterized the six‐row barley ‘Thule’ which showed statistically significant crossover interaction only with ‘Tyra’. ‘Kustaa’ exhibited the lowest mean terminal net blotch severity, but was relatively sensitive to net blotch. ‘Arve’ exhibited severe terminal net blotch in all environments, was relatively sensitive to environment and exhibited no crossover interaction with other genotypes. AMMI analysis appeared to represent a useful method for analysing these disease severity data, facilitating the selection of useful sources of resistance. Plots of AMMI‐adjusted mean net blotch severities against first principal component axis (PCA) scores were informative for differentiating genotype response over environments, and are therefore potentially useful to plant pathologists and barley breeders seeking to gauge and subsequently improve the resistance status of barley to net blotch.
A Simple and Fast Extraction Procedure to Obtain Amplifyable DNA from Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) Solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus Inoculated Potato Tuber Extracts and Naturally Infected Tubers to Conduct a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Niepold F.
Published: March 2003

A modified NaOH alkaline boiling procedure using a mixture of lysozyme and proteases combined with minimized TRIS/HCl/BSA buffer volume was applied to extract amplifyable DNA from the two quarantine bacteria Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus artificially added to potato tuber extracts of a low and a high starch potato variety. A PCR detection threshold of 104−105 colony forming units per ml extract of each quarantine bacterium was obtained by using the two potato varieties, the high starch potato variety resulting in a lower detection threshold.

Similar sensitivities could be obtained from potato tubers naturally infected with both quarantine bacteria. When comparing a published DNA extraction procedure suitable for Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus with the alkaline extraction the latter is much faster and simpler with similar detection thresholds and representing an inexpensive method to obtain suitable template DNA for routine PCR tests.
Isolation of an RNA‐dependent RNA Polymerase fromNicotiana benthamianaPlants Infected withTobacco Necrosis Virus(strain D) and Template‐dependent Transcription of its Satellite,Satellite Tobacco Necrosis Virus(strain C) RNA
Authors: Coutts  , Plante
Published: March 2003

Partially purified RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase activity isolated fromNicotiana benthamianaplants infected withTobacco necrosis virusstrain D (TNV‐D) is capable of template‐dependent synthesis ofSatellite tobacco necrosis virusstrain C (STNV‐C) RNA. Thisin vitrosystem will be of great value in investigations on both TNV‐D and STNV‐C RNA replication.
Genetic Diversity of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (synonyms: X. campestris pv. juglandis;X. juglandis pv. juglandis) Strains from Different Geographical Areas shown by Repetitive Polymerase Chain Reaction Genomic Fingerprinting
Authors: Scortichini M. , Marchesi U. , Di Prospero P.
Published: March 2003

A world‐wide collection of 61 Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis strains, isolated from Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) or obtained from international culture collections and bacterial plant diseases laboratories, were studied by means of repetitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genomic fingerprinting using ERIC, BOX and REP primer sets and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cluster analyses were performed by UPGMA. Copper resistance, ability to hydrolize starch and quinate metabolism of the strains was also assessed. Pathogenicity was tested by inoculating leaves and nuts of Persian walnut seedlings. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis allowed very clear and reproducible differentiation of the PCR products. Cluster analysis showed the existence of three major groups of strains. The first two groups were 85% genetically similar, whereas the third clustered at 78% similarity with the other two. Each group could be divided into two subgroups which clustered according to the geographical origin of the isolates. In some cases, different genomic profiles were shown by strains from one country. This is possibly due to Persian walnut cultivation being mainly based on ecotypes and/or local seedlings that have become adapted to particular environments and so have allowed selection of different X.a. pv. juglandis populations. All strains were pathogenic and positive in starch hydrolysis and quinate metabolism tests. This is the first record of copper‐resistant strains occurring outside California, USA.
Occurrence of Didymella fabae, the Teleomorph of Ascochyta fabae, on Faba Bean Straw in Spain
Authors: RUBIALES D. , TRAPERO‐CASAS A.
Published: March 2003

Pseudothecia of Didymella fabae, the teleomorph of Ascochyta fabae, were first observed on faba bean (Vicia faba) debris in Spain during autumn 1995. Most pseudothecia were mature by December–February. The ascospores gave rise to typical cultures of A. fabae, and conidia from these cultures caused ascochyta blight symptoms on inoculated faba bean plants. Placing straw‐bearing pseudothecia over the plants to allow ascospore discharge also resulted in typical ascochyta blight symptoms. Pseudothecia maturity and discharge of ascospores from the infested faba bean straw overlapped with the vegetative stage of the faba bean crop, which occurs in southern Spain during winter as the crop is sown in autumn and harvested in spring. These observations indicate that ascospores may serve as primary inoculum for the disease.
Fusarium culmorum Infection of Barley Seedlings: Correlation between Aggressiveness and Deoxynivalenol Content
Authors: HESTBJERG HELLE , FELDING GITTE , ELMHOLT SUSANNE
Published: March 2003

Fusarium culmorum is a serious plant pathogen, especially on cereals. The production of deoxynivalenol (DON) by F. culmorum is believed to play a role in pathogenesis. This relationship has been almost exclusively studied in connection with head blight. The present paper reports the first finding of DON in cereal seedlings infected with F. culmorum. A pathogenicity test was performed, including 70 isolates of this pathogen from different sites within northern and central Europe. All isolates caused disease on barley seedlings. For 15 isolates with varying aggressiveness, the DON content in the 19‐day‐old‐barley seedlings was determined. There was a significant correlation between DON concentration and disease index. The aggressiveness of two outlying isolates with very low DON production is discussed. The results indicate that for F. culmorum isolates of the DON chemotype, production of this toxin influences the aggressiveness of the isolates towards barley seedlings.
Seasonal Variations in Detection and Transmission of Pear Decline Phytoplasma
Authors: Errea P. , Aguelo V. , Hormaza J. I.
Published: March 2003

The seasonal variation in the detection of the pear decline phytoplasma was followed in diseased pear trees pertaining to the cultivars ‘Limonera’, ‘Magallón’ and ‘Monsallard’. Wood and/or leaf samples were obtained every two weeks at five different above‐ground levels and analyzed using nested‐PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). The results revealed that it was possible to detect the pathogen during the dormant season in the aerial parts of the diseased trees examined under the environmental conditions used in this study. Moreover, graft transmission experiments showed that the phytoplasmas can be propagated through grafting with phytoplasma‐infected dormant buds collected in winter. The results are discussed in terms of their implication for pear cultivation and propagation.
Red‐Light‐Induced Resistance in Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) to Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Alternaria tenuissima
Authors: Rahman M. Z. , Honda Y. , Arase S.
Published: March 2003

The effect of different light wavelengths on the development of lesions induced by Alternaria tenuissima in broad bean leaves was investigated. Lesion development was completely suppressed in red‐light‐irradiated broad bean leaflets, irrespective of isolate or spore concentration. Pre‐treatment of leaflets with red light for 24 h before inoculation also suppressed lesion development. Alternaria tenuissima failed to produce infection hyphae in red‐light‐irradiated broad bean leaflets. These results indicate that disease suppression in broad bean leaflets is due to light‐induced resistance. Spore germination fluid (SGF) of A. tenuissima allowed non‐pathogenic Alternaria alternata to infect wounded and unwounded broad bean leaflets kept in the dark, results suggesting that SGF induced susceptibility. Red light suppressed susceptibility induced by A. tenuissima SGF; thus, lesion formation and development were suppressed when leaflets inoculated with the spores of A. alternata suspended in A. tenuissima SGF were kept under red light. From these results, we conclude that red light induced resistance in broad bean to leaf spot disease caused by A. tenuissima, and that SGF induced susceptibility of broad bean leaflets to a non‐pathogenic isolate of A. alternata.
Comparative Biokinematic Study of Young and Adult Andalusian Horses at the Trot
Authors: Cano M. R. , Miró F. , Vivo J. , Galisteo A. M.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine basic kinematic parameters (linear, temporal and angular) in young and adult Andalusian horses (P.R.E.) at the trot, using a normal computer‐aided videography system. The trotting gaits of 16 horses were analysed: seven young horses (3.7 ± 0.2 years old, height at withers 167.1 ± 4.1 cm) and nine adult stallions (12.3 ± 2.9 years old, height at withers 162.9 ± 3.6 cm) were recorded at least 6 times at the trot using a 25‐Hz video‐camera filming from the side. Video images were processed with a real‐time digital system (SMVD®).

Speeds averaged 3.84 and 3.75 m/s for young and adult horses, respectively. Differences between age groups for speed and linear and temporal parameters of the stride were not significant. However, variations in angular parameters were detected: adults showed a greater ARM than younger horses for most forelimb joints. In the hind limb, hip, stifle, and, to a lesser degree, the tarsal joint, a smaller degree of extension during the stance phase was observed in adult horses.
Effects of Indomethacin on Salmonella Typhimurium‐ and Cholera Toxin‐induced Fluid Accumulation in the Porcine Small Intestine
Authors: Unmack M. A. , Hansen M. B. , Grøndahl M. L. , Olsen J. E. , Christensen P. , Skadhauge E.
Published: March 2003

The effect of the cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, on the secretory responses induced by Salmonella serotype Typhimurium (ST) and cholera toxin (CT), in the porcine small intestine was investigated. ST (1010 colony‐forming units) and CT (56 μg) were instilled in tied‐off intestinal loops in young anaesthetized pigs receiving intravenous indomethacin in a total dose of 7.5 mg/kg, or saline. The accumulated fluid in the loops and the luminal content of endogenous secretagogues PGE2 and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) were measured. ST induced fluid accumulation in the jejunum, whereas CT induced fluid accumulation in the jejunum and ileum. Indomethacin had no effect on the secretory responses. Indomethacin had a significant effect on the luminal content of PGE2 in jejunal ST and CT loops, whereas no effect of indomethacin was observed on the luminal content of 5‐HT in ST and CT loops. In ST and CT loops, an increased content of PGE2 and 5‐HT compared with test loops infused with Ringer’s solution was observed. These results indicate that the porcine jejunal secretory response to ST and CT does not involve prostaglandins although indomethacin has an influence on the luminal release of PGE2 but not of 5‐HT.
Evaluation of an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Determination of Porcine Haptoglobin
Authors: Petersen H. H. , Nielsen J. P. , Jensen A. L. , Heegaard P. M. H.
Published: March 2003

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for quantification of haptoglobin in porcine serum was evaluated. The detection limit when expressed as the estimated concentration of a blank sample was 0.0003 mg/ml. The precision of the assay was acceptable with intra‐assay coefficients of variation below 4 % and inter‐assay coefficient of variation below 5 % for serum concentrations ranging from 1.0 mg/ml and above. For samples with a concentration below 0.8 mg/ml, the inter‐assay coefficient of variation was above 10 %. The assay maintained linearity under dilution. Recovery was proportional. Haemolysis significantly decreased the measured concentration of haptoglobin in paired serum samples (one‐sidedt‐test,P < 0.0001, degrees of freedom=29). No significant effect on the concentration due to repeated freezing and thawing of serum was observed. The biological variation in individual pigs with no clinical signs of disease was estimated by nested analysis of variance. Between‐pig variation was 86.0 %, within‐pig variation was 13.3 % and analytical variation was 0.7 %. The one‐sided critical difference was 12.3 % and the two‐sided critical difference was 14.6 %. The index of individuality was 0.2. The maximum allowable analytical imprecision was 2.6 % and the maximum analytical inaccuracy was 9.9 %. The number of samples required to determine the true haptoglobin value in an individual pig when accounting for the day‐to‐day fluctuation was 5. In conclusion, the haptoglobin assay was found to be suitable for quantification of haptoglobin in non‐haemolysed porcine serum samples with a haptoglobin concentration above 1.0 mg/ml. The analytical variance was found to be low. The haptoglobin concentration in serum was found to characterize individual animals. A large inter‐animal variation in haptoglobin level was found.
Correlations Among Body Temperature, Plasma Progesterone, Cortisol and Prostaglandin F2α of the Periparturient Bitch
Authors: VERONESI M. C. , BATTOCCHIO M. , MARINELLI L. , FAUSTINI M. , KINDAHL H. , CAIROLI F.
Published: March 2003

The results of this study suggest that, besides the irrelevant role of body temperature measurement to predict the impending parturition in the bitch, progesterone and 15‐ketodihydro‐prostaglandin F2α plasma level records could be more suitable to detect the approaching whelping in this species. More interesting was the statistically significant substantial increase in body temperature beginning 12 h after the onset of parturition. Therefore, if any significant increase in body temperature is recorded at the end of pregnancy without the beginning of the expulsion of fetuses, it could indicate problems at parturition. In this study, cortisol levels increased significantly at the time of delivery and remained high 12 h after the beginning of parturition, decreasing within 36 h after the onset of whelping. 15‐ketodihydro‐prostaglandin F2α levels increased significantly 24 h before parturition and again at the onset of whelping. Progesterone levels decreased significantly, starting 24 h before the onset of whelping and remained low after delivery.
Effect of Lead Exposure on the Erythrocytic Antioxidant Levels in Goats
Authors: Mousa H. M. , Al‐Qarawi A. A. , Ali B. H. , Abdel Rahman H. A. , ElMougy S. A.
Published: March 2003

Summary Fifteen adult female goats were orally exposed to 5.46 mg lead (as lead acetate) per kg body weight daily for 2 weeks to study the antioxidant enzymes of the erythrocyte, lipid peroxide level, total thiol groups and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma. Ten goats served as unexposed control. Blood samples were collected before exposure (day 0) and on days 7 and 14. Ten per cent erythrocyte haemolysate was prepared and analysed for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total thiol groups and lipid peroxide. TAS was determined in plasma. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of erythrocytic GPx, SOD, CAT, total thiol groups and TAS on day 7 which was followed by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of all these parameters on day 14. Lipid peroxide level increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the maximum level was attained by day 14. The results obtained indicate a possible role of free radicals in lead poisoning pathogenicity.
Idiopathic Systemic Granulomatous Disease with Encephalitis in a Horse
Authors: Peters M. , Graf G. , Pohlenz J.
Published: March 2003

A 14‐year‐old standardbred mare with clinically suspected acute bronchitis was killed because of rapidly progressing central nervous disturbances. Necropsy revealed systemic granulomatous inflammation and vasculitis involving the lungs, thoracic lymph nodes, ribs, and liver. In the cerebrum there was a severe subacute bilateral encephalitis and malacia predominately affecting the white matter, and vasculitis with perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, and giant cells. A causative infectious agent could not be detected by Ziehl‐Neelsen, Grocott, or Giemsa stains, by periodic acid–Schiff reaction of tissue sections, nor by bacterial and fungal cultures. Therefore, idiopathic systemic granulomatous disease (ISGD) was diagnosed and an immune‐mediated pathogenesis was suspected. Inflammatory involvement of the brain has hitherto not been reported in cases of equine ISGD. This case seems to be an uncommon variant of ISGD with encephalitis and lack of dermal involvement.
Pathological and Microbiological Studies on Pneumonic Lungs from Danish Calves
Authors: Tegtmeier C. , Uttenthal AA. , Friis N. F. , Jensen N. E. , Jensen H. E.
Published: March 2003

During 1 year, the association between microbiological and pathological findings in 72 lungs from calves submitted to the Danish Veterinary Laboratory for diagnostic purposes was studied. All cases were evaluated pathologically and bacteriologically, whereas only 68 cases were examined for the presence of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), parainfluenza‐3 virus (PI‐3 virus) and bovine coronavirus, 62 cases for bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVD), 45 cases for bovine adenovirus and 51 cases for mycoplasmas. Based on histopathological examination, the cases were diagnosed as fibrinous and/or necrotizing bronchopneumonia, suppurative bronchopneumonia, embolic pneumonia and others. The diagnoses were based on the dominating and most severe lesions in each lung. Haemophilus somnus, Pasteurella multocida, Actinomyces pyogenes, P. haemolytica and BRSV were the most commonly found bacterial and viral lung pathogens, respectively. Pasteurella spp. and H. somnus were often associated with the more severe fibrino‐necrotizing type of bronchopneumonia, whereas BRSV was primarily detected in cases of suppurative bronchopneumonia. Mycoplasma bovis was isolated from one case only, whereas M. dispar, M. bovirhinis and Ureaplasma diversum were present, often concomitantly, in the majority of cases. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from one case.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Lymph Nodes of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) by a Target‐Amplified Test System
Authors: Bollo E. , Ferroglio E. , Dini V. , Mignone W. , Biollatti B. , Rossi L.
Published: March 2003

A detailed macroscopic and histological description is given of tuberculous‐like lesions in mandibular lymph nodes obtained from wild boar (Sus scrofa) collected in Italy during the 1995/1996 hunting season, as well as a correlation with results obtained from a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex target amplified test system. According to macroscopic appearance, lesions were largely represented by caseous‐necrotic‐calcified granulomata (n=272/285; 95.4%), while histological investigations showed mainly necrotic‐calcified (n=82/218; 37.6%) and fibronecrotic‐calcified (n=81/218; 37.2%) lesions. When tested with a target rRNA amplification/hybridization technique to detect M. tuberculosis complex, 112 (43.6%) samples out of 275 tested gave positive results.
A Sequential Study of Experimental Infection of Pigs with Porcine Circovirus and Porcine Parvovirus: Immunostaining of Cryostat Sections and Virus Isolation
Authors: Allan G. M. , McNeilly F. , Meehan B. M. , Ellis J. A. , Connor T. J. , McNair I. , Krakowka S. , Kennedy S.
Published: March 2003

The sequential tissue distribution of virus was investigated using virus isolation and immunofluorescence tests in 1‐day‐old piglets inoculated with porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and/or porcine parvovirus (PPV). Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were seen in the pig inoculated with PCV2 alone and killed at 26 days post‐inoculation (PI). One of the pigs inoculated with PCV2 and PPV and killed at 21 days PI had an enlarged liver. The pig killed at 26 days PI in this group had enlarged liver, kidneys and heart. Histopathological changes were seen in lymphoid tissues of the pigs inoculated with PCV2 alone and killed at 14 and 26 days PI. Similar, but more severe, lesions were observed in the pigs infected with PCV2 and PPV and killed from 10 days PI onwards. Histological lesions of nephritis, pneumonia and hepatitis were also apparent in these animals. Mild nephritis was also seen in the pigs infected with PPV alone and killed at 14 and 26 days PI. Moderate amounts of PPV antigen were detected in tissues from the pigs inoculated with PPV alone and killed at 14 days PI. Low levels of PCV antigen were detected, mainly in lymphoid tissues, in the pigs inoculated with PCV alone and killed at 14 days PI. Low to moderate amounts of PCV antigen were detected in a wider range of tissues in the pig in this group killed at 26 days PI. In the pigs inoculated with both viruses, PPV antigen was detected in tissues of pigs killed from 3 to 26 days PI with maximal amounts detected between 6 and 14 days PI. PCV2 antigen was detected in low to moderate amounts in the tissues of pigs killed at 14 days PI. Large amounts of PCV2 antigen were detected in most of the tissues from pigs in this group killed between 17 and 26 days PI. Virus isolation results for PCV2 generally correlated well with the results for immunofluorescent staining. PPV was isolated from almost all tissues from pigs inoculated with PCV2 and PPV, a much higher incidence of positive tissues than observed for immunofluorescent staining.
Prevalence of Sarcocysts in One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) from Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemeskel M. , Gumi B.
Published: March 2003

A survey of sarcocystis was made in camels from southern Ethiopia during a part of 1998–99. A total of 605 haematoxylin and eosin‐stained tissue samples from cardiac, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and oesophagus muscles of 121 adult camels and 20 tissue samples from four foetuses were examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts were detected in 55 of 121 (45.45%) camels examined. The infestation rate of oesophagus, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and cardiac musculatures were 19.83, 11.57, 12.4, 8.26 and 9.17%, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) variation between males (48.6%) and females (40.82%), nor between the two sites studied (Dollo Addo, 40.00% versus Neghelle Borana 47.25%). None of the 20 tissue samples from the four foetuses examined harboured sarcocysts. The possible impact of sarcocysts on camel production is indicated. This is the first report of the presence of sarcocysts in camels from Ethiopia.
A Simple Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Genotyping Method for Field Isolates of Dermatophilus congolensis
Authors: LARRASA J. , GARCIA A. , AMBROSE N. C. , ALONSO J. M. , PARRA A. , HERMOSO DE MENDOZA M. , SALAZAR J. , REY J. , HERMOSO DE MENDOZA J.
Published: March 2003

Dermatophilus congolensis is the pathogenic actinomycete that causes dermatophilosis in cattle, lumpy wool in sheep and rain scald in horses. Phenotypic variation between isolates has previously been described, but its genetic basis, extent and importance have not been investigated. Standard DNA extraction methods are not always successful for D. congolensis due to its complex life cycle, one stage of which is encapsulated. Here we describe the development of rapid and reliable DNA extraction and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) methods that can be used for genotyping D. congolensis field isolates. Our results suggest that genotypic variation between isolates correlates with host species. Several DNA extraction methods and RAPD protocols were compared. An extraction method based on incubation of the bacterium in lysozyme, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and proteinase K treatments and phenolic extraction yielded high‐quality DNA, which was used to optimize RAPD–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols for two random primers. An alternative rapid, non‐phenolic extraction method based on proteinase K treatment and thermal shock was selected for routine RAPD typing of isolates. DNA extracted from reference strains from cattle, sheep and horse using either method gave reproducible banding patterns with different DNA batches and different thermal cyclers. The rapid DNA extraction method and RAPD–PCR were applied to 38 D. congolensis field isolates. The band patterns of the field and type isolates correlated with host species but not with geographical location.
Cattle Infected with Bovine Leukaemia Virus may not only Develop Persistent B‐cell Lymphocytosis but also Persistent B‐cell Lymphopenia
Authors: BEYER J. , KÖLLNER B. , TEIFKE J. P. , STARICK E. , BEIER D. , REIMANN I. , GRUNWALD U. , ZILLER M.
Published: March 2003

We investigated the distribution of B and T cells in the peripheral blood of haematologically inconspicuous (non‐persistent lymphocytotic, PL−) cattle infected with the bovine leukaemia virus (BLV). Flow cytometric data were obtained from six PL− cattle and compared with six age‐matched animals with persistent lymphocytosis (PL+) and five non‐infected healthy controls (BLV−). In the PL− group, the percentage and number of surface immunoglobulin‐positive (sIg+) B cells were significantly reduced. Whereas in BLV− cattle, about 40% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were sIg+ and 24% were sIgM+ B cells. In the PL− group, less than 20% of the PBL were sIg+ and sIgM+ B cells. Only 5% of the PBL co‐expressed sIgM+ and CD5+ versus 16% in BLV−. This decrease was persistent over 3 years and predominantly affected: (i) B cells that did not express sIgM; (ii) sIgM+ B cells co‐expressing CD5 and CD11b; and (iii) equally both λ‐ and κ‐type light chain B‐cell subpopulations. In contrast, the number of all circulating lymphocytes, CD5− and CD11b− sIgM+ B cells and CD2+ T cells did not differ. In PL+ animals, about 75% of the PBL were sIgM+CD5+ B cells. These cells were of polyclonal origin, as light chains of the λ‐ and κ‐type were expressed in a ratio of 4:1 (57.7% of PBL λ+, 14% κ+) as in BLV− animals (33.6% of PBL λ+, 8.7% κ+). In PL+ cattle the absolute number of B‐cells and, therefore, their relative percentage is significantly increased. For this reason, even in case of absolutely increased T‐cell numbers, the relative percentage of T‐cells could be lower than in normal controls. The cause for the observed B cell decrease in PL− cattle is unknown, but it can be assumed that cytotoxic T cells are involved in this B‐cell lymphopenia.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Classical Swine Fever, Aujeszky's Disease, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Viruses in Wild Boars in Croatia
Authors: Z̆UPANC̆IĆ Z̆. , JUKIĆ B. , LOJKIĆ M. , C̆AC̆ Z̆. , JEMERŠIĆ L. , STAREŠINA V.
Published: March 2003

During the hunting season in February 1999, a total of 44 blood samples were collected from wild boars shot in the area of MoslavaC˘ka gora. These blood samples were examined by enzyme immunoassay for the presence of antibodies to classical swine fever (CSFV), Aujeszky's disease (ADV), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVDV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRSV) viruses. Out of 44 serum samples examined, 17 (38.63%) were positive for CSFV, 24 (54.54%) were positive for ADV and two (4.54%) were positive for BVDV. All sera were negative for PRRSV. The results, recorded for the first time in Croatia, supported the hypothesis that wild boar act as a potential reservoir of CSFV, ADV and BVDV, and thus have a role in the epidemiology of these diseases.
Development of PCR Assay for Differentiation of Some Important Wild Animal Meat of Sri Lanka
Authors: Rajapaksha W. R. A. K. J. S. , Thilakaratne I. D. S. I. P. , Chandrasiri A. D. N. , Niroshan T. D.
Published: March 2003

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to differentiate meat of Ceylon spotted deer (Axis axis ceylonensis), Ceylon hog deer (A. porcius oryzus), Ceylon sambhur (Cervus unicolor unicolor) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntijak malabaricus) from meat of cattle, goat, buffalo, pig, dog and sheep. A set of primers was designed according to the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of C. elaphus canadensis and by PCR amplification about 450 bp band was observed for all four animal species and these primers were not cross reacted with DNA of other animal species tested in the study under the tested reaction conditions. A band of 649 bp size was observed for all animal species when DNA was amplified with the universal primers and that indicated the presence of mitochondrial DNA in the samples. Further, the results indicated that this technique was sensitive enough to differentiate rotten meat, at least 5 days after the killing of an animal. Under these PCR conditions, the DNA of bacteria, which is involved in decomposition of meat, was not amplified with both universal and specific primers. However, the method was not sensitive enough in differentiating cooked meat of these species. Slaughtering of these four wild animal species is banned, but the animals are being killed illegally. Lack of meat identification methods has been identified as one of the major constraints to implement legal procedures and conserve biodiversity in the country.
Fox Encephalitozoonosis: Isolation of the Agent from an Outbreak in Farmed Blue Foxes (Alopex lagopus) in Finland and Some Hitherto Unreported Pathologic Lesions
Authors: Åkerstedt J. , Nordstoga K. , Mathis A. , Smeds E. , Deplazes P.
Published: March 2003

The farmed blue fox (Alopex lagopus) is particularly susceptible to congenital infections of the microsporidian species Encephalitozoon cuniculi. This report is based on an outbreak of the disease in Finland with high mortality. Five pups (four males and one female) with prolonged disease were examined. The pups had moderate pathological alterations in the kidneys and mild lesions were found in the brains, hearts, salivary and prostatic glands. Diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection was made from serological tests (ELISA, CIA, IFAT), and by in vitro isolation of the parasite from the brain of all five pups investigated. The identity was confirmed by molecular means as E. cuniculi strain II (‘mouse strain’). Novel histopathological lesions not described as yet in fox encephalitozoonosis are presented. These include cerebral infarction and necrotizing inflammation of the renal pelvis. The sources and mechanisms of spreading of E. cuniculi to blue foxes are discussed.
Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 1 Isolates from the Spinal Cord of Parrots Display a Very Low Virulence
Authors: Grund C. H. , Werner O. , Gelderblom H. R. , Grimm F. , Kösters J.
Published: March 2003

The spinal cord of 32 psittacines suffering from proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) was investigated. In six cases, a virus was isolated which upon electron microscopic examination revealed morphological details typical of members of theParamyxoviridae. All isolates were subsequently characterized as avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV‐1) by type‐specific polyclonal antisera. According to their reactivity with APMV‐1 specific monoclonal antibodies, the six isolates shared epitopes within the haemagglutinin‐neuraminidase spike protein, distinct from pigeon‐type paramyxoviruses and the LaSota vaccine strain. This grouping was further corroborated by properties of the haemagglutinin: all isolates showed a very thermosensitive haemagglutination activity and were rapid eluters. Virulence of the APMV‐1 isolates in 1‐day‐old specific pathogen free (spf) chicken was very low, with intracerebral pathogenicity indices between 0 and 0.1. In embryonated spf chicken eggs, psittacine isolates replicated to high titres (108.6–1010.7EID50/ml). However, they exhibited a reduced lethality over an observation time of 7 days (106.1–108.3 ELD50/ml). In a haemagglutination inhibition test with parrot sera from birds with no history of APMV‐1 vaccination, sera reacted preferentially with two isolates compared with APMV‐1 vaccine strains LaSota and B1. The other four isolates exhibited a differentiated reaction pattern with the parrot sera, indicating an antigenic inhomogeneity. This is the first report of isolating very low virulent APMV‐1 from neuronal tissue of parrots and implications for a possible role in slow progressing disease will be discussed.
Meiofaunal Colonization of Artificial Substrates in an Estuarine Embayment
Authors: Atilla Nazan
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Artificial substrates were used to investigate the cryptic meiofauna of a Louisiana estuary. Three types of collectors were used as artificial habitats in colonization studies. Mesh collectors (composed of a plastic thread, approximately 74 m long, woven into a pad) and bottle brushes (with approximately 4400 plastic bristles per brush, each 2.5 mm long) were colonized equally well by meiofauna; Hester‐Dendy plates with less structural complexity were colonized at a slower rate, especially by copepods. Nematodes and harpacticoid copepods were always the two most abundant meiofaunal taxa collected. Mesh collectors were retrieved in July and December after a 2‐week colonization period to examine seasonal trends. Starting in December, a long‐term colonization study was also performed to determine if an equilibrium abundance could be achieved; artificial substrates were collected after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Meiofauna achieved high abundances (means ranged from 1000 – 20,000 individuals per collector) on artificial substrates regardless of season, and abundance was related to supply, water flow and capture efficiency of the substrates as well as behavior of the meiofauna. Copepod species diversity was low (6 species were observed in July and 11 in December). Diversity and evenness were significantly different between July and December, and among the three collections in the long‐term study. The copepod species assemblage qualitatively differed between July and December. Our data suggest that an abundant and dynamic but understudied meiofaunal assemblage is present in this estuarine embayment. This assemblage is not associated with macroalgae but rather related to presence of hard substrates and seasonally abundant filamentous microalgae.
Life Cycle, Demography and Secondary Production of the Polychaete Hediste ­diversicolor in a Non‐Polluted Estuary in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: García‐Arberas Loreto , Rallo Ana
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Population dynamics and secondary somatic production data of a population of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor (O. F. Müller) are reported. Monthly samples were taken in a small muddy‐sand flat in the Gernika estuary (Basque Country, North Iberian Peninsula) from May 1991 to May 1992. In addition to H. diversicolor abundance, temporal variation of the infauna and sediment conditions were analysed. Size measurements were employed to estimate H. diversicolor biomass and several cohorts were differentiated based on the size distribution. Secondary production was estimated based on cohort summation of growth increments following individual cohorts through time. Results are compared with those of other H. diversicolor populations located along the whole latitudinal gradient of distribution of the species.
Clinical and mycological features of dermatophytosis in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Sentamil Selvi G. , Kamalam A. , Ajithados K. , Janaki C. , Thambiah A. S.
Published: March 2003

Dermatophytosis was detected in 42% of 100 renal transplant recipients screened, of whom 17% had the infection for more than 1 year. Tinea cruris and tinea corporis were the common clinical types observed. Tinea unguium presented as proximal subungual white onychomycosis (PSWO) in 3% of patients. The lesions in the majority were non‐inflammatory, scaly and without central clearance. The commonest isolate was Trichophyton rubrum.
Case Report. An unusual case of cutaneous sporotrichosis and its response to weekly fluconazole
Authors: Ghodsi  , Shams  , Naraghi  , Daneshpazhooh  , Akhyani  , Arad  , Ataii
Published: March 2003

Cutaneous sporotrichosis is clinically divided into two main types: lymphocutaneous and fixed plaque type. Our report represents an unusual case with both types simultaneously. Fluconazole 150 mg once weekly was used as the treatment. The fixed type lesions responded very well and were healed after 4 months, but the lymphocutaneous lesions were not controlled even after 6 months of the treatment.
Multicentric genetic study of Candida albicans isolates from non‐neutropenic patients using MLEE typing: population structure and mode of reproduction
Authors: Arnavielhe Sylvie , De Meeüs T. , Blancard A. , Mallié M. , Renaud F. , Bastide J. ‐M.
Published: March 2003

A mycological survey was conducted on non‐neutropenic patients in three distinct intensive care units in two hospitals in Marseille (France) from November 1993 to November 1995. Candida albicans positive cultures from 62 patients were included in this study. Every first isolate of each patient was typed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE). The enzyme profiles obtained from 15 polymorphic loci were then compared. This analysis demonstrated a strong population differentiation of C. albicans infective strains within and between the different care units and confirmed the probable preponderant clonal mode of reproduction of this yeast.
An epidemic of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans among children (wrestlers) in Germany
Authors: El Fari  , Gräser Yvonne , Presber  , Tietz
Published: March 2003

An outbreak of tinea corporis due to Trichophyton tonsurans among 46 children (aged 7–17 years) was investigated. Most of them were wrestlers. Thirty‐one strains were identified by conventional methods, but proved to be problematic in 15 isolates due to colony variation and reduced sporulation. They were identified as Trichophyton tonsurans by the use of molecular methods, for example, sequence comparison of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and polymerase chain reaction fingerprinting. No DNA polymorphisms were detected with any of the techniques used, suggesting clonal reproduction of the populations of the species and providing evidence for spatial and temporal stability of the lineage.