bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Institute for Biological Standards and Control/UK Blood Transfusion Service working standards for HBsAg, anti‐HCV and anti‐HIV‐1 (‘go/no‐go’ controls)
Authors: Ferguson M. , Holmes H. , Sands D.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The positive controls supplied with the commercial kits used in the testing of blood donations for markers of viral infection are usually of high reactivity and do not give users a reliable indication of optimal performance of the kit on a day‐to‐day basis.

Materials and Methods

The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control has developed working standards for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) and anti‐human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti‐HIV‐1) for the UK Blood Transfusion Services for daily use in every test.

Results

Data from the use of these reagents are collated and quarterly reports are issued.

Conclusions

The centralized collation, analysis and reporting of the results from users of working standards facilitate the continual assessment of the responses obtained by individual laboratories, comparisons of the interlaboratory performance and the performance of different manufacturers’ kits at a national level. This information complements the data on infection surveillance and initial/repeat reactivities using the same kits.
Preparation of lyophilized and liquid intravenous immunoglobulin G: development and scale‐up
Authors: Sisti A. M. , Vitali M. S. , Manfredi M. J. , Zarzur J. A.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) preparations are used in several disorders: primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, autoimmune and systemic inflammatory diseases, and in infectious diseases as effective therapy. In this work, we report a method of processing IVIG (lyophilized and liquid) from Cohn fraction II (FII) paste.

Materials and Methods

The process included the following steps: virus inactivation by heat in a solution of FII, ultrafiltration, treatment at pH 4 with traces of pepsin, diafiltration and final formulation. Optimizations for each step on a small scale are described. The method has been effectively scaled‐up.

Results

The final product contained at least 99% monomers plus dimers of IgG, a low anti‐complementary activity (AcA) < 1 CH50/mg, and the remaining quality parameters fell within the range fixed by the European Pharmacopoeia.

Conclusion

The method described is an effective way of preparing large quantities of IVIG (lyophilized and liquid) which fulfils the standard requirements of both the European Pharmacopoeia and the World Health Organization.
Sources of preventable errors related to transfusion
Authors: Sharma R. R. , Kumar S. , Agnihotri S. K.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Transfusion errors always remain under‐reported owing to a lack of awareness about transfusion‐related adverse events among the hospital staff and an inadequate feedback system in most of the transfusion centres. This article reports the results obtained from a study carried out to investigate the sources and types of errors in our tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods

The errors reported by the blood bank staff (i.e. reception counter clerical and technical staff) and the residents in charge of the patient, were studied over a period of 1 year (from May 1998 to April 1999) and classified based on the site of occurrence.

Results

A total of 123 errors were detected over the 1‐year study period. Of these 123 errors, 107 (86·99%) occurred outside the blood bank and 16 (13%) in the blood bank.

Conclusion

Errors occur most frequently outside the blood bank, and the bedside of the patient is the main location.
Bradykinin production during donor plasmapheresis procedures
Authors: Perseghin P. , Capra M. , Baldini V. , Sciorelli G.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Extracorporeal circuits made of artificial substances may induce blood cells and humoral activation. Negatively charged surfaces may activate Factor XII and the prekallikrein‐kinin cascade, resulting in bradykinin (BK) production. BK has been considered to be involved in severe hypotensive reactions occurring during therapeutic apheresis in patients taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or in those receiving platelet transfusion. In this study we investigated BK production during donor plasmapheresis procedures.

Patients and Methods

Eighteen volunteer donors entered the study protocol. Nine of them were taking ACE inhibitors. Their blood pressure (BP) was monitored both pre‐ and post‐apheresis, and BK determination was carried out using a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA), in plasma samples collected both during and at completion of the procedure. In addition, a limited number of thawed plasma units were checked for BK.

Results

No side‐effects were observed during the procedures. However, donors taking ACE inhibitors showed a higher variation of their systolic BP compared to those who were not taking ACE inhibitors, while diastolic BP percentage variations did not differ significantly between the two groups. The BK concentration was considerably higher in donors taking ACE inhibitors: 183 ± 26 versus 82 ± 6 ng/ml (P < 0·0001) after the first collection cycle and 142 ± 20 versus 65 ± 11 ng/ml (P < 0·0001) in the final samples. BK was also detected, at a lower concentration (15 ng/ml), in one out of four thawed plasma units obtained from donors taking ACE inhibitors and at 1 ng/ml in one out of two thawed plasma units from the control group.

Conclusion

Donors taking ACE inhibitors and undergoing plasmapheresis showed higher levels of BK compared to the control group. Furthermore, the detection of BK in plasma units after a freeze–thaw procedure might explain the sudden hypotensive reaction occurring during therapeutic plasma exchange when plasmapheresis units are adopted as substitution fluids. Further investigations are needed to assess the real clinical importance of the presence of BK in plasma units.
International collaborative study to evaluate methods for quantification of anti‐D in immunoglobulin preparations
Authors: Thorpe S. J. , Sands D. , Rautmann G. , Schäffner G.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives The disadvantages of autoanalyser methodology for anti‐D potency estimation have prompted the search for an alternative reference method. The aim of this study was to carry out a direct comparison of autoanalyser methodology, competitive enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) and flow cytometry.

Materials and Methods The anti‐D potencies of nine immunoglobulin preparations were estimated against the World Health Organization (WHO) International Reference Preparation for anti‐D immunoglobulin, using the three different assay methods described above, in an international collaborative study involving 18 laboratories.

Results No significant differences in potency estimates for five of nine samples were identified using the three different methods. For six of nine samples the mean potency estimates obtained using competitive EIA lay between those of the autoanalyser and flow cytometry. Flow cytometry gave the lowest estimates for seven of nine samples. The range of intralaboratory variability, expressed as percentage geometric coefficients of variation (% gcv) and excluding extreme values, was as follows: autoanalyser (eight laboratories), 0·4–17·0; competitive EIA (12 laboratories), 2·6–34·8; and flow cytometry (eight laboratories), 2·9–30·0. The range of interlaboratory variability (expressed as % gcv) was: autoanalyser (eight laboratories, eight samples), 10·8–17·6; competitive EIA (12 laboratories, nine samples), 10·3–17·3; flow cytometry (nine laboratories, eight samples), 6·2–16·1.

Conclusions The study did not show clear superiority of one method over the others. Both competitive EIA and flow cytometry are acceptable alternatives to autoanalyser methodology for polyclonal anti‐D potency estimation. For monoclonal anti‐D, further work is necessary to determine the most appropriate method for potency testing.
Molecular defects in coagulation Factor VIII and their impact on Factor VIII function
Authors: Saenko E. L. , Ananyeva N. , Kouiavskaia D. , Schwinn H. , Josic D. , Shima M. , Hauser C. A. E. , Pipe S.
Published: March 2003

Molecular defects in Factor VIII (FVIII), such as haemophilia A‐related mutations or denaturative conformational changes, may affect the stability of FVIII as well as its interactions with physiological activators, von Willebrand Factor, phospholipid, or conformationally sensitive antibodies. We summarize the contemporary assays which allow identification of impaired functional interactions of FVIII that cause a reduction or loss of its cofactor activity and/or increased immunogenicity. These assays can potentially be used for detection of molecular defects in FVIII and elucidation of the function impaired by these defects.
Effect of transfusion of fresh‐frozen plasma on recipients’ antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen status in countries where hepatitis B virus is endemic
Authors: Lim Y. A. , Hyun B. H. , Kim D. Y.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBV) that are passively acquired through transfusions may lead to confusion and inappropriate clinical decisions. We evaluated the effects of transfusing fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) on serological tests for HBV antibodies in patients without such antibodies.

Materials and Methods Tests for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and for antibodies to HBV surface antigen (anti‐HBs) and HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc), were carried out using enzyme immunoassay on the FFP and sera of 50 patients transfused with FFP containing anti‐HBs.

Results After FFP transfusion, the incidences of ‘false’ positivity for anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were 64% (32/50) and 100% (seven of seven), respectively, and of ‘false’ negativity for HBsAg was 18·8% (three of 16) in previously positive patients. The post‐transfusion seropositivity for antibodies results from passive transmission, whereas the inability to detect HBsAg is the result of decreased detectable levels.

Conclusions Laboratory staff and clinicians alike should be cautious in interpreting the results of the HBV marker tests in patients who have recently been transfused, and in obtaining specimens for such studies.
Calcipotriene Toxicosis in a dog successfully treated with Pamidronate Disodium
Authors: Pesillo S. Anna , Khan Safdar A. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Rush John E.
Published: March 2003

Objective:To describe a case report of hypercalcemia following ingestion of calcipotriene, and successful treatment of hypercalcemia with pamidronate disodium as an adjuvant therapeutic agent.

Case summary:A 3‐year‐old spayed female Boxer dog presented with polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, lethargy and anorexia 4 days after ingesting 100 g of a topical antipsoriatic (0.005% calcipotriene). Severe hypercalcemia and moderate hyperphosphatemia were present on a serum biochemical profile. Treatment was initiated with salineadiuresis, furosemideb, dexamethasone sodium phosphatec, and cimetidined. A single dose of pamidronate disodiumewas administered on the first day of hospitalization. Ionized and total calcium levels normalized within 24 hours and there was immediate clinical improvement. Serum calcium concentration and renal values were monitored for 3 weeks and remained within normal limits.

Unique information provided:Pamidronate disodium, used in combination with other calciuretic agents, was a safe and effective adjuvant therapeutic agent in the management of hypercalcemia due to calcipotriene toxicosis.
Monitoring acute fluid shifts with bioelectrical impedance analysis: a review
Authors: Bordelon David J. , Wingfield Wayne E.
Published: March 2003

Objective:To review the principles and physics of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and its current use in human and veterinary medicine.

Data sources:Research for this manuscript included current human and veterinary literature.

Human‐based studies:Human studies of BIA and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) have resulted in a considerable amount of controversy about the capability of BIA and MFBIA to accurately assess exact fluid volume and distribution. The recent emphasis on point‐of‐care monitoring has resulted in the use of BIA and MFBIA to evaluate the rapid changes in fluid distribution that can occur with trauma and various disease states.

Veterinary‐based studies:The use of BIA and MFBIA has been limited in veterinary medicine. However, studies in domestic and laboratory animals have shown good correlation with the isotope dilution method. The effectiveness of BIA/MFBIA in monitoring the critically ill veterinary patient has not yet been evaluated.

Conclusion:BIA and MFBIA have been used to evaluate a variety of biological parameters such as nutritional status, cardiac output, and intracellular and extracellular fluid volumes. Recent studies using BIA and MFBIA to evaluate fluid compartmentalization and shifts in critically ill human patients have shown promising results. BIA and MFBIA provide immediate results that may aid in the assessment of a patient's clinical progress and response to therapy.
Association between ratings of facial attractivess and patients’ motivation for orthognathic surgery
Authors: Vargo JK , Gladwin M , Ngan P
Published: March 2003

Structured Abstract

Authors – Vargo J, Gladwin M, Ngan P.

Objectives – To compare the judgments of facial esthetics, defects and treatment needs between laypersons and professionals (orthodontists and oral surgeons) as predictors of patient's motivation for orthognathic surgery.

Design – Two panels of expert and naïve raters were asked to evaluate photographs of orthognathic surgery patients for facial esthetics, defects and treatment needs. Results were correlated with patients’ motivation for surgery.

Setting and Sample Population – Fifty‐seven patients (37 females and 20 males) with a mean age of 26.0 ± 6.7 years were interviewed prior to orthognathic surgery treatment. Three color photographs of each patient were evaluated by a panel of 14 experts and panel of 18 laypersons.

Experimental Variables – Each panel of raters were asked to evaluate the facial morphology, facial attractiveness and recommend surgical treatment (independent variables). The dependent variable was the patient's motivation for orthognathic surgery. Outcome measure – Reliability of raters were analyzed using an unweighted Kappa coefficient and a Cronbach alpha coefficient. Correlations and regression analyses were used to quantify the relationship between variables.

Results – Expert raters provided reliable ratings of certain morphological features such as excessive gingival display and classification of mandibular facial form and position. Based on the facial photographs both expert and naïve raters agreed on facial attractiveness of patients. The best predictors of patients’ motivation for surgery were the naïve profile attractiveness rating and the patients’ expected change in self‐consciousness.

Conclusions – Expert raters provide more reliable ratings on certain morphologic features. However, the layperson's profile attractiveness rating and the patients’ expected change in self‐consciousness were the best predictors for patients’ motivation for surgery. These data suggest that patients’ motives for treatment are not necessarily related to objectively determined need. Patients’ decision to seek treatment was more correlated to laypersons’ rating of attractiveness because they see what other laypersons see, and are directly or indirectly affected by others reactions to their appearance. These findings may provide useful information for clinicians in counseling patients who seek orthognathic surgery.
Erfolgreiche Therapie der fokalen epithelialen Hyperplasie (M. Heck) mit 5 % Imiquimod
Authors: Maschke J. , Hengge U. R.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Imiquimod gehört zur Familie der topisch applizierbaren Imidazoquinoline, die auf vielfältige Weise die angeborene und erworbene Immunität u. a. durch die Induktion von INF‐α, TNF‐α, und IL‐12 stimulieren. Es entsteht ein lokales Th1‐dominiertes Immunmilieu, das durch Zell‐mediierte Immunität zur Therapie viraler Infektionen und initialem Hautkrebs eingesetzt wird. Neben der zugelassenen Indikation der Condylomata acuminata besitzt die Substanz auch Potential in der Therapie von Warzen, Mollusken und initialen Plattenepithel‐ und Basalzellkarzinomen bei immunkompetenten und  ‐supprimierten Patienten.  Wir stellen den Fall einer älteren Dame mit M. Heck des harten Gaumens vor, bei der es nach  3‐maliger Anwendung von 5 % Imiquimod Creme unter der Prothese zur kompletten Abheilung gekommen ist.
Atypisches Fibroxanthom – eine nicht‐„histiozytäre” Neoplasie.
Authors: Wilk M. , Nilles M. , Zelger B.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Im Hinblick auf die ungewisse Differenzierung atypischer Fibroxanthome (AFX) untersuchten wir 9 klinisch klassische Fälle histologisch und immunhistologisch. Histologisch zeigten sich erodierte, unscharf begrenzte dermale Läsionen von pleomorph‐storiformem Aspekt, bestehend aus überwiegend pleomorphen Zellen mit massenhaft, teilweise atypischen Mitosen und in variabler Beimengung mehr monomorphen Zellen, hierunter auch Spindelzellareale. Drei unserer Läsionen zeigten dabei Osteoklasten‐ähnliche Riesenzellen. Immunhistochemisch exprimierten die Läsionen regelmäßig Vimentin, stellenweise in den histologisch weitgehend monomorphen spindelförmigen Arealen alpha‐Aktin glatte Muskulatur und reagierten fokal mit KP1 und stärker mit Ki‐M1p – ebenfalls in histologisch unauffälligen Arealen ohne Atypien und Mitosen – bei genereller Negativität für Keratin, Desmin und S‐100‐Protein. Die Ki‐M1p‐Rate positiver Zellen betrug im Schnitt 10 – 20 %, in Einzelfällen jedoch fokal bis zu 60 %. Um diese Zellpopulation genauer zu untersuchen, wurden die entsprechenden Schnitte mit dem Proliferationsmarker MIB1 doppelmarkiert. Die Rate MIB1 positiver Zellen betrug bis zu 40 %, jedoch zeigten nur ganz vereinzelte eine Doppelmarkierung mit Ki‐M1p. Auch die Osteoklasten‐ähnlichen Riesenzellen wurden mit den Makrophagenmarkern KP1 und Ki‐M1p markiert, jedoch nicht mit MIB1. Somit erscheint eine Differenzierung des atypischen Fibroxanthoms in Richtung Makrophagen weitgehend ausgeschlossen und die teilweise ausgeprägte Reaktivität für Ki‐M1p am besten als reaktive Begleitreaktion von Makrophagen auf eine neoplastische Gewebsdestruktion zu werten.
Nekrotische und vegetierende Syphilide – Seltene Manifestationen einer Lues II*
Authors: Bruch‐Gerharz D. , Lang K. , Kruse R. , Haas I. , Kallen C. , Ruzicka T.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Während die Inzidenz der Syphilis lange Zeit zurückging, wird nun seit einigen Jahren in den venerologischen Zentren eine Zunahme der Erkrankungsfälle beobachtet.  Dabei treten auch in frühen Stadien bei immunkompetenten Personen häufiger rapid progressive Krankheitsverläufe und untypische syphilitische Exantheme bzw. Enantheme auf. Daher empfiehlt es sich, gerade diese seltenen Manifestationen wieder stärker in die differentialdiagnostischen Überlegungen einzubeziehen.
Andrologie im Zeitalter der assistierten Reproduktionstechniken*
Authors: Haidl G.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Obwohl die modernen Techniken der assistierten Reproduktion einen hohen Stellenwert in der Behandlung schwerer andrologischer Störungen besitzen, können diese Methoden nicht bei jedem infertilen Paar eingesetzt werden. Die Aufgabe des Andrologen ist es, durch sorgfältige diagnostische Maßnahmen die Fertilitätsprognose des Mannes herauszuarbeiten und ggf. geeignete therapeutische Schritte in die Wege zu leiten. Dabei beschränkt sich die Diagnostik keinesfalls nur auf die Durchführung eines Spermiogramms, sondern umfasst neben der dezidierten Spermaanalyse die klinische Untersuchung, Hormonbestimmungen, sowie den gezielten Einsatz z.T. sehr aufwendiger Spermatozoenfunktionstests. Unter Zugrundelegung einer abgestuften exakten Diagnostik, die eine bessere Selektion der Patienten für eine andrologische Behandlung ermöglicht, können häufig konventionelle Therapieverfahren eingeleitet werden. Zu diesen gehören operative Verfahren, die intrauterine Insemination sowie die medikamentöse Behandlung. Als einzige kausale medikamentöse Therapie ist nur die hormonelle Substitutionsbehandlung bei hypogonadotropem Hypogonadismus bei unterschiedlichen Ursachen allgemein akzeptiert. Effektive Behandlungsverfahren stehen daneben für die retrograde Ejakulation zur Verfügung. Die Wirksamkeit einer antientzündlichen und immunsuppressiven Therapie sowie einer Behandlung mit Antioxidantien beim Nachweis von reaktiven Sauerstoffspezies wurde in kontrollierten Studien noch nicht ausreichend bewiesen. Umstritten ist die Behandlung der sog. idiopathischen Infertilität. Medikamentöse, empirische Behandlungsversuche mit Antiöstrogenen, Androgenen, Aromatasehemmern, Mastzellblockern, Zink, Kallikrein und Pentoxifyllin haben hierbei unterschiedliche Ergebnisse gezeigt. Die Kombination von Antiöstrogenen mit Androgenen sowie die Verabreichung von gereinigtem und rekombinantem FSH sind möglicherweise erfolgversprechende neue Entwicklungen. Die andrologische Behandlung zielt neben dem Eintritt einer Schwangerschaft auf natürlichem Weg auch darauf ab, möglichst einfache Verfahren der künstlichen Befruchtung zu erlauben, was sich nach der Zahl der motilen Spermatozoen nach Spermapräparation richtet.
Physiological Changes in Sesbania Species to Reducing Light Intensities
Authors: Vandana  , Bhatt R. K.
Published: March 2003

Sesbania sesban and S. grandiflora were studied for their physiological characters under different light intensities (100, 75, 50 and 25 %) in a natural environment for 4 months. Rate of photosynthesis (PN) and stomatal conductance (CS) significantly decreased with decreasing light intensities and with intensity reduced to half the full sun light under high shading i.e. at 25 % light intensity, whereas the intercellular CO2 concentration increased with decreasing light intensities in both the species. The reduction in PN was more in S. grandiflora than S. sesban. S. sesban maintained higher carboxylation efficiency under shade condition as compared to S. grandiflora. Rate of transpiration and water use efficiency (PN/TR) decreased while leaf diffusion resistance increased significantly with decreasing light intensities. Total chlorophyll content was maximal under 50 % light intensity in both plant species. Accumulation of chl b increased but chl a decreases under low light intensities. The higher accumulation of chl b in S. sesban under shade predicted its shade adaptability. The total protein content and NRA reduced under low light intensities. The overall rate of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency and water‐use efficiency were higher in S. sesban as compared to S. grandiflora, indicating its better adaptability under shade condition and that it may be suitable to grow under stress in agroforestry systems in semi‐arid tropics.
Theoretical Results on the Effects of Nonregular Spatial Patterns of Plants on Yield per Area
Authors: H M. , ühn .
Published: March 2003

Caused by the necessarily imperfect seed placement accuracy of sowing machines and, additionally, caused by many other biotic and abiotic factors, the resulting plant stands exhibit nonregular spatial distributions of its plants. Based on several simplifying assumptions, a stochastic approach is developed which allows an estimation of the effects of nonregular spatial patterns on yield per area. In this approach, two random variables are attached to each plant: single plant yield E and individual space A. The latter is estimated by the area of Thiessen polygons. Yield per area, calculated by the expectation of the ratio E/A, can be approximately expressed dependent on the means (Ē and Ā) and coefficients of variation (vE and vA) of E and A and their correlation (rEA). In relation to the commonly used estimate Ē/Ā for yield per area, one obtains yield decreases if vA/vE < rEA. This inequality, however, will be usually valid in the field of applications. The theoretical approaches and results were applied to three experimental data sets for drilled seeds of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) (plant density: 60 plants m−2, row distance: 10 cm). These data sets are characterized by different accuracies of longitudinal distributions within rows (58 %, 101 %, 150 %): yield depression increases with an increasing variability of plant distances within rows.
Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization in Winter Wheat under Different Fertilization Regimes, with Particular Reference to Main Stems and Tillers
Authors: Sticksel E. , Maidl F. ‐X. , Retzer F. , Fischbeck G.
Published: March 2003

Two‐year field trials with winter wheat under nine nitrogen (N) fertilizer treatments were conducted at TU Munich’s research station in Southern Bavaria. The study investigated N uptake and N utilization of wheat stands for varying N fertilizer strategies, with emphasis on N application during stem elongation. N use was analysed in individual plants, separated into main stems and tillers to estimate the effect on the tiller category. While grain N uptake showed only slight differences, substantial differences were recorded for N uptake of straw, leading to significant variation in N harvest index as affected by N fertilizer treatment. Individual plant analysis indicated that N harvest indices of tillers were lower than those of main stems due to high N uptake into the straw of tillers. This was not modified by any of the N fertilization strategies. It is presumed that for tillers the translocation of nitrogen from straw into kernels is less effective than for main stems since ears of tillers produce a lower sink size. N fertilization with emphasis on stem elongation led to a below‐average number of tillers and above‐average N harvest indices for main stems as well as tillers. This was confirmed by a negative correlation between plant density and N harvest index. High N content in straw was not found to be necessary for achieving high N content in kernels. In addition to economical benefits, a N fertilization strategy with emphasis on application during stem elongation has environmental benefits in intensive wheat production systems.
Effects of Cropping System, Seed Bed Management and Fertility Interactions on Biomass of Crops Grown on a Vertisol in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Tedla A. , Mamo T. , Klaij M. C. , Diedhiou M. L.
Published: March 2003

In the Ethiopian highlands, where integrated crop and livestock production takes place, the inadequate supply, in both quantity and quality, of feeds during the year is a major constraint. Native pastures and crop residues are the major feed sources, but their quality is often poor. Integration of forage legumes in the cropping system is one alternative to improve the fodder quality. Results of field work conducted over two seasons in order to assess and evaluate the potential yields of crops, crop/forage combinations and rotation systems on a Vertisol under two seed bed preparation systems showed that intercropping wheat with clover or sequential cropping of an oat/vetch mixture followed by chickpea provided high‐quality fodder; the effect was greater under fertilized conditions. In addition, where monocropping treatment was tested, legume–cereal rotation resulted in higher grain and fodder yield when compared to cereal–cereal rotation. The study also showed that two short‐duration crops could be produced in sequence per year. It is therefore suggested that the Vertisols in the Ethiopian highlands could provide a good opportunity for longer period cropping using improved food and forage crops, thereby improving the availability and quality of animal feed and protecting the land against erosion.
Ultrastructure of Seed Coat Development in the Natural Tetraploid Trifolium pratense L.
Authors: And G. Algan , Büyükkartal H. N. Bakar
Published: March 2003

Seed coat development in the natural tetraploid Trifolium pratense L. was studied by electron microscopy. The mature seed coat derived from the outer integument is composed of three layers of cells. The cells of the outer epidermis divide anticlinally and undergo radial elongation to form a macrosclereid layer. The cells are characterized by thin walls, the presence of amyloplasts, and numerous vacuoles which are completely or incompletely filled with tannin. The outer tangential walls are thickened at an early stage. An electron‐translucent cap develops in the outer tangential walls of the macrosclereid cells at the globular embryo stage. Osteosclereid cells are highly vacuolate with densely staining cytoplasm. Gradually, extensive intercellular spaces are formed. The parenchyma cells are small and have prominent intercellular air spaces. Maturation eventually leads to the disappearance of cytoplasm in all cells, and the compression of the cells of the parenchyma layer.
Intercropping of Corn with Soybean, Lupin and Forages: Silage Yield and Quality
Authors: Carruthers K. , Prithiviraj B. , Fe Q. , Cloutier D. , Martin R. C. , Smith D. L.
Published: March 2003

Intercropping of corn with legumes is an alternative to corn monocropping and has a number of advantages, for example, lower levels of inputs, lower cost of production and better silage quality than monocrop systems. An experiment was carried out at two sites in 1993 and 1994 to investigate the effects of seeding soybean or lupin alone or in combination with one of three forages (annual ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam.; perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L.; red clover, Trifolium pratense L.) on silage yield and quality. The intercrop plots received 90 kg ha−1 less nitrogen fertilizer than monocrop plots, which received 180 kg ha−1. Corn biomass yield had a variable response to the treatments, but showed no change at most site‐years. Soybean and lupin biomass yields were decreased by intercropping (80–98 % for soybean, and 94–100 % for lupin). However, when corn growth was limited due to poor establishment at one site in 1994, soybean was able to grow well and produce yields similar to those of monocropped soybean. The three underseeded forages did not grow well during the period examined (up to silage harvest) and had no effect on the yield of any crop. Total silage yields were similar to corn monocrop biomass yields even during 1994 at the site with low corn population densities because soybean was able to compensate for reduced corn growth.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Germination in Wheat
Authors: Al‐Yahya S. A.
Published: March 2003

The percentage germination was determined for storage of wheat at four grain moisture contents (15, 18, 21 and 24 %), four temperature levels (4, 15, 25 and 40°C) and three levels of mechanical damage (0, 15 and 30 %). The effect of each level of moisture was investigated using three replicates for each temperature and each level of mechanical damage. During storage, at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 % dry matter loss (DML), germination tests were carried out on samples taken from each of the above treatments. The percentage germination was compared statistically amongst treatments. The analysis showed significant differences among most of the treatments. The percentage germination decreased very slowly at a low moisture level (15 %), low temperature (4°C) and low level of damage (0 %), while it decreased rapidly at a high moisture level (24 %), high temperature (40°C) and high level of damage (30 %). For example, the percentage germination was 41 % when the wheat was stored at 4°C, 15 % mechanical damage and 24 % moisture content after a storage time of 36.5 days, while the percentage germination was 88.3 % when the wheat was stored at 4°C, 15 % mechanical damage and 15 % moisture content after a storage time of 104 days.
Comparing the Feasibilities of Pearlmillet‐Based Intercropping Systems Supplied with Varying Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Sharma O. P. , Gupta A. K.
Published: March 2003

To compare the feasibilities of pearlmillet‐based intercropping systems, field experiments were carried out for 2 years on loamy sand soils in the semi‐arid plain zone of Rajasthan, India. Results showed that the pooled yields of pearlmillet from the single crop (1525 kg ha−1) and from the crop intercropped with legumes (1528, 1498 or 1540 kg ha−1) were statistically the same. The yields from intercrop legumes were obtained as a bonus. The highest value of land equivalent ratio (1.21) was recorded for the pearlmillet + clusterbean system, which gave significantly better results than the pearlmillet + cowpea system. It was also found that the dose of nitrogen can be reduced by up to 25 % when pearlmillet is grown with legumes. However, intercrop legumes required the recommended dose of fertilizer to produce their optimal yields. The practice of intercropping without fertilizer proved disadvantageous.
Rapid Assessment of Specific Leaf Area and Leaf Nitrogen in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using a Chlorophyll Meter
Authors: Nageswara Rao R. C. , Talwar H. S. , Wright G. C.
Published: March 2003

The present study investigates the potential use of a hand‐held portable SPAD chlorophyll meter for rapid assessment of specific leaf area (SLA) and specific leaf nitrogen (SLN), which are surrogate measures of transpiration efficiency (TE) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The effects of sampling (leaf position, time of sampling and leaf water status) and climatic factors (solar radiation and vapour pressure deficit, VPD) on SLA and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) were studied in a range of peanut genotypes grown under field and greenhouse conditions. The correlation between SLA and SCMR was significant (r=−0.77, P < 0.01) for the second leaf from the apex but the correlation declined for leaves sampled from lower nodal positions. The diurnal fluctuation in SLA ranged from −20 % to +10 %, whereas SCMR was relatively unaffected by these diurnal changes. Solar radiation and VPD during the sampling period had a significant influence on the relationship between SLA and SCMR, largely through their effects on SLA. However, standardization of SLA for these environmental factors significantly improved the relationship between SLA and SCMR from −0.50 to −0.80 (P < 0.01), suggesting that, when protocols for leaf sampling and SLA measurements are followed, SCMR can be a surrogate measure of SLA. There were significant relationships between SLN and SCMR (r=0.84, P < 0.01) and SLN and SLA (r=−0.81, P < 0.01). These significant interrelationships amongst SLA, SLN and SCMR suggested that SCMR could be used as a reliable and rapid measure to identify genotypes with low SLA or high SLN (and hence high TE) in peanut.
Screening of Chickpeas for Adaptation to Autumn Sowing
Authors: O'Toole N. , Stoddard F. L. , O'Brien L.
Published: March 2003

Dry matter accumulation was determined in 27 chickpea (Cicer arietinum) lines in time‐of‐sowing field trials and in controlled‐environment chambers at day/night temperatures of 13/5, 18/8 and 23/13 °C to assess tolerance to growth‐inhibiting temperatures. Field trials were based at Narrabri, NSW, Australia, in a region of summer‐dominant rainfall where winter crops are grown on stored soil moisture. Percentage emergence was lower than expected in some field trials and in the coolest controlled environment. Subsequent dry matter accumulation showed the effects of poor crop establishment until the onset of flowering. Kabuli types were more susceptible to poor emergence than desi types. Different lines yielded the greatest dry matter production at different stages of growth. In the seedling phase, to 30 days after emergence, kabuli accessions SP1.563 and Garnet showed significantly greater dry matter accumulation than all other accessions in all controlled environments, suggesting broad adaptation. One desi accession, Gully, was almost as productive as these two kabuli accessions in the intermediate environment but was much poorer in the other environments, indicating very narrow adaptation. In the vegetative phase, the greatest relative growth rates were found in the desi accessions. Line 940‐26 was identified as highly productive in both field and controlled‐environment experiments. Dry matter accumulation was not significantly affected by temperature, although it was slightly greater in the coolest controlled environment than in the other two. The accession by temperature interaction was not significant, showing that the breadth of adaptation was similar in all accessions during this growth phase. The optimum time of sowing for dry matter accumulation was late May, 4–6 weeks before the winter solstice. The results showed that chickpeas are well adapted to germination and seedling establishment in moderate conditions, followed by vegetative growth in cooler conditions. These conditions are typical following autumn sowing in a Mediterranean or temperate environment. Kabuli types appear to have stronger growth during the seedling phase and desi types during the vegetative phase. Recombination of these traits could lead to more productive cultivars.
Allelopathic Effects of Parthenium hysterophorus Extracts on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Eragrostis tef
Authors: Tefera T.
Published: March 2003

The present study was conducted to investigate the allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus weed on seed germination and seedling growth of tef. Flower, stem, root and leaf aqueous extracts of Parthenium at 0, 1, 5, and 10 % concentrations were applied to determine their effect on tef seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory conditions. Increasing concentrations of aqueous extracts of Parthenium from leaf and flower inhibited seed germination and complete failure of seed germination was recorded when the extract concentration from the leaf part was 10 %. In contrast, aqueous extracts from stem and root had no effect on tef seed germination. Roots appeared more sensitive to allelopathic effect than shoots. Extracts from flower, root and stem had a stimulatory effect on shoot length at all concentration levels, as against an inhibitory effect of leaf extracts. Root extracts at low concentration (1 %) greatly promoted root length but aqueous extracts from leaf and flower inhibited root length.
Effects of Soil Moisture Deficit on Forage Quality, Digestibility, and Protein Fractionation of Kura Clover
Authors: Seguin P. , Mustafa A. F. , Sheaffer C. C.
Published: March 2003

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a persistent rhizomatous forage legume with great potential for permanent pastures. The effects of a soil moisture deficit on forage quality, digestibility and protein fractionation of two cultivars of Kura clover (Endura and Rhizo) were investigated in this study for 1 year. The responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were also characterized. Stands of each species were field‐grown and submitted to two soil water regimes promoting soil moisture deficits and well‐watered (i.e. control) conditions. There were no interactions between species and soil water regimes. Soil moisture deficit increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) but reduced acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and consequently increased forage digestibility. It had only minor effects on protein content and fractionation. Species varied for most parameters measured. Kura clover generally had the lowest neutral detergent fibre (NDF), ADF and ADL contents, and consequently the greatest digestibility (83.9 %). Species also differed in their crude protein fractionation. Kura clover and red clover had a lower proportion of non‐protein nitrogen (NPN; A fraction) and a greater proportion of true protein (B fraction) (30.9 and 64.5 %, respectively) than alfalfa (36.4 and 57.4 %, respectively). Kura clover also had the lowest proportion (i.e. 4.7 %) of acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP; C fraction) of all species tested. Endura Kura clover often had a higher forage quality than Rhizo. This study confirms that Kura clover produces high‐quality forage and provides the first estimates of protein fractionation in this species.
Nature's Concept. The ‘New Agriculture’ amidst Ecology, Economy and the Demythologization of the Gene
Authors: Geldermann U. , Kogel K.‐H.
Published: March 2003

From worldwide discussions about the limits of agriculture has arisen a powerful vision of sustainable development. Phrases like ‘limitation’, ‘sustainability’, ‘sufficient supply’, ‘fair distribution’ and ‘productivity of resources’ are no longer hindrances but guidelines for a fairer and safer world. ‘Nature's Concept' focuses on biological and ecological principles. On this basis, criteria of action have to be defined in order to determine long‐term economic consequences of agri‐production. The costs of destruction of natural resources, such as reduction of genetic resources, changes to the world climate and soil degradation, are inestimably large. The long‐term effects show the real substance of the agri‐shift and the demands on research. The solution for sustainable agriculture is more than ever a scientific development of ‘tools’ for a sensible management of resources. Gene technology may be an option to reduce the ecological risks of agriculture, especially those of devastating land use. For this purpose, new education programmes with international links and interventions by states are crucial in order to solve conflicts when short‐term interests interfere with long‐term ecological values. The international agri‐centres could have a further impact to guarantee access to new techniques for all countries. Thus agriculture could finally become a major pillar in a fair world order.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and Date of Utilization on the Quality and Yield of Tall Fescue in Winter
Authors: Wolf D. , Opitz von Boberfeld W.
Published: March 2003

There is no information available on the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on autumn‐accumulated forage under Central European conditions. In this context, the metabolizable energy and the degree of fungal infection have never been examined before. In this study, the effects of the amount of N fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha−1), the date of N application (July and August) and the date of winter harvest (December, January and February) on the quality and dry matter (DM) yield of Festuca arundinacea stands in winter were investigated. DM yield, the metabolizable energy and digestibility of organic matter (= in vitro rumen fermentation technique), crude protein, ADL (acid detergent lignin), and for the first time ergosterol were determined. Disregarding the 0 variant, no interactions of any relevance were present. DM yield, crude protein and values of ADL increased with increasing amounts of N, but the concentration of energy decreased. The late N application resulted mostly in lower DM yields but kept the forage physiologically younger, which brought about higher levels of metabolizable energy and lower concentrations of ADL. With later date of harvest, losses of mass and quality occurred. The degree of fungal infection rose as the amount of N fertilizer increased. Three years of investigation under different weather conditions, including interactions with the effects of N fertilization, provide a good base for generalization.
The influence of selection on reaction to stress in mice.VII. Activity of some lysosomal enzymes in the muscle, spleen, kidney and liver
Authors: Witek By B. , Koątaj A. , Sobczyńska M.
Published: March 2003

The experiment was carried out on 30 56‐day old mice selected during 12 generations for feed efficiency and 30 unselected mice. Measurements were made of beta‐glucuronidase; beta‐galactosidase; beta‐glucosidase; N‐acetyl‐beta‐glucosaminidase; acid phosphatase; alanyl aminopeptidase; cathepsin D; lysosomal esterase and lysosomal lipase. The results suggest that the selected animals had higher activities of the lysosomal enzymes in comparison with unselected ones.
Homology of DNA sequences encompassing malignant hyperthermia mutation site in the ovine (Ovis aries) and porcine (Sus scrofa) ryr1 gene
Authors: Gronek By P. , Napieraa D. , Nuc K. , Steppa R. , Plawski A. , S!omski R.
Published: March 2003

The PCR products of ryr1 gene amplified from genomic DNA of Sus scrofa and synthetic prolific lines of Ovis aries were analysed. The polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP), and sequencing analysis for research on ovine, ryanodine receptor (ryr1) gene. The ovine fragment of ryr1 gene did not differ from exon 17 of the porcine ryr1 gene.
Lactation length in Venezuelan dual‐purpose cows
Authors: Vaccaro By L. , Velázquez E. , P A. , érez . , Mejías H.
Published: March 2003

Introduction

Short lactations are frequently excluded from the analyses of milk records of tropical cattle. The practice leads to overestimates of milk yield and lactation length and decreases the accuracy of selection procedures. The objectives of this paper are to quantify lactation length using unselected records from a sample of Venezuelan dual‐purpose cows, evaluate some of the sources of variation and discuss suitable editing procedures for milk production records in these populations.
Identification of the variant C of β‐lactoglobulin in sheep using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method
Authors: Anton By I. , Zsolnai A. , F L. , ésüs .
Published: March 2003

Introduction

β‐Lactoglobulin (β‐LG) is the major whey protein in the milk of ruminants and is able to bind and transport small hydrophobic molecules. However, its biological role is mainly unknown (G odovac‐Z
immermann 1988). Previously three genetic variants have been found in sheep: A, B and C. The genetic variants A and B differ at amino acid position 20, where variant A has a His and variant B has a Thr (K
olde and B
raunitzer 1983). The variant C is a subtype of variant A with a single amino acid exchange of Arg→Glu at position 148 (E
rhardt et al. 1989). The genotype β‐LG BB was found to be associated with higher milk yield, whereas genotypes AA and AB had a higher milk protein and casein content as well as yielding more curd (G
arzon and M
artinez 1992). No data is available concerning the relationship between the β‐LG C allele and production traits or milk properties. Since DNA‐based genotyping has already been performed for alleles A and B (S
chlee et al. 1993), the aim of the present study was to develop a DNA‐based method for identifying the β‐LG C variant. However polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) typing has been established (P
rinzenberg and E
rhardt 1999) recently, and this study shows an alternative method to detect β‐LG C.