bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AFSS: Athlete's foot severity score. A proposal and validation
Authors: Cohen A. D. , Wolak A. , Alkan M. , Shalev R. , Vardy D. A.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We developed a simple scoring system to evaluate the severity of tinea pedis (Athlete's foot severity score, AFSS). The AFSS consists of a clinical evaluation, using a three‐point scale, of erythema and scaling in the plantar and interdigital spaces of the feet, and counts of interdigital spaces involved. Each foot is evaluated separately. The validity of the AFSS was assessed in 224 soldiers of the Israel Defense Force using mycological cultures as the main outcome measure and subjective assessment of pruritus as the secondary outcome measure. Mycological examinations were performed in 106 patients who had clinical evidence of tinea pedis. AFSS was significantly associated with culture results (P<0.0001), as well as with the presence of pruritus (P=0.002), and pruritus scores (P=0.025). We conclude the AFSS is valid for the clinical evaluation of tinea pedis severity in military settings. The application of AFSS to civilian morbidity should be subjected to further evaluation.

AFSS: Schweregrad‐Beurteilung des Athletenfußes. Ein Vorschlag
Randomized prospective comparative study: short‐term treatment with ciclopiroxolamine (cream and solution) versus boric acid in the treatment of otomycosis
Authors: Del Palacio A. , Cuétara M. S. , López‐Suso M. J. , Amor E. , Garau M.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Sixty‐four patients with symptomatic otomycosis (80 infected ears) confirmed by direct microscopy and culture were randomly treated for 1 week with ciclopiroxolamine cream 1% (group A, 20 infected ears, 17 patients), ciclopiroxolamine solution 1% (group B, 20 infected ears, 17 patients) and boric acid (group C, 40 infected ears, 30 patients) and daily mechanical suction aspiration of the debris. An attempt was made to match 11 clinical parameters with both the mycological and bacteriological findings. There was no significant association between the fungal species cultured and the clinical parameters did not vary with the presence or absence of different bacteria; pus was never present in fungal otitis externa (Fisher's test, P < 0.001). Before therapy, a significant number of ears had completely sterile bacterial cultures (P < 0.01, χ2 test); saprophytic Gram‐positive bacteria increased after treatment, whilst Gram‐negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus species, decreased after treatment. Clinical total cure rates 3 days after the end of therapy ranged from 50% in group A, 25% in group B to 22.5% in group C. Mycological cure rates were 80% (group A), 95% (group B) and 72.5% (group C). Two weeks after the end of therapy the clinical cure rates were 60% (group A), 65% (group B) and 80% (group C) and the mycological cure rates was 65% for group A and 75% for both group B and C. Eleven patients relapsed with otitis externa: four (20%) in groups A and C and three (15%) in group B. In four cases the infection was due to bacteria and the remaining seven were due to fungi. Six sites relapsed with the same fungal species as that isolated at the start of the study. In this short‐term assessment the relapse rate was not significantly associated with predisposing conditions. The tolerance was excellent in group A. Four patients (20%) in group B had mild (two patients) or moderate (two patients) burning and itching with each application. Twelve patients (30%) in group C had severe stinging and five of these patients who had perforated tympanic membranes also experienced pain. In terms of clinical and mycological effectiveness, there were no significant differences between the three treatment groups, although group A (ciclopiroxolamine cream 1%) and B (ciclopiroxolamine solution 1%) both showed significantly better tolerance (Fisher's test, P < 0.05) when compared with boric acid (group C).
Epidemiology, treatment and outcome of candidemia: a five‐year review at three Canadian hospitals
Authors: Macphail G. L. P. , Taylor G. D. , Buchanan‐Chell M. , Ross C. , Wilson S. , Kureishi A.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  To determine treatment regimens and epidemiological patterns in the occurrence of candidemia, a review of cases occurring from 1992 to 1996 in three large Canadian hospitals, University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) and Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), Edmonton, and Foothills Medical Center (FMC), Calgary, was carried out. Cases were detected by reviewing microbiology laboratory records. There were 202 cases in all (UAH 104, FMC 70, RAH 28). For the five study years the candidemia rate was 4.5/10 000 discharges (UAH 7.6, FMC 4.9, and RAH 1.7; P < 0.05 for all interhospital comparisons). The rate remained stable between 1992 and 1995 but rose dramatically in 1996 to 7.6/10 000 (P < 0.01 compared to 1995) as a result of increases at UAH and RAH. Of the 208 species identified, Candida albicans accounted for 135 (65%). During hospitalization 93 (46%) patients died. Species did not influence outcome. Antifungal treatment with fluconazole alone was given to 14% of patients, and increased in frequency throughout the study. No antifungal therapy was given to 47 patients (23%). This group had a much higher mortality (68%) than those who received treatment (39% P < 0.01). Twenty of the untreated patients had already died by the time the blood culture had been reported as growing a yeast. Candidemia rates vary significantly between hospitals and increased in some but not all over the five study years. As many patients with candidemia will have died by the time laboratory diagnosis is made, presumptive antifungal therapy in high‐risk patients may be necessary if outcome is to be improved.
Case Report. Oro‐facial manifestations of Penicillium marneffei infection in a Thai patient with AIDS
Authors: Khongkunthian P. , Isaratanan W. , Samaranayake L. P. , Gelderblom H. R. , Reichart P. A.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Penicillium marneffei infection is prevalent in South‐East Asia and Southern China and has been considered an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining disease. This report focuses on the oral and facial manifestations of P. marneffei infection in a 28‐year‐old Thai male patient with AIDS. The clinical, mycological and ultrastructural features are described.
Case Report. Keratomycosis due to Alternaria alternata in a diabetic patient
Authors: Zahra Loranne Vella , Mallia D. , Hardie J. Grech , Bezzina A. , Fenech T.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  A case of keratitis caused by Alternaria alternata in a diabetic male, after traumatic corneal injury with a sharp object, is described. The patient was treated with topical amphotericin B solution and a full uneventful recovery was achieved. This is the first reported case of fungal keratamycosis in Malta, which was substantiated with both positive direct microscopy and a positive culture of the fungus.
Mycological and histological investigations in humans with middle ear infections*
Authors: Vennewald I. , Schönlebe J. , Klemm E.
Published: March 2003

Summary The aim of our investigations was to characterize fungal colonization of the ear in immunocompetent patients. From 1993 to 2000, 128 patients supposed to suffer from otomycosis were included. Mycological examination conducted by direct microscopy and fungal cultures was performed on 139 specimens. Among these, 115 patients suffered from chronic otitis media with persisting tympanum perforation and otorrhea. A further 13 patients had clinical signs of an otitis externa only. Out of 139 samples, fungi were identified in the auditory canal (n = 54), on the tympanic membrane (n = 5), and in the middle ear (n = 5). Two‐thirds were as moulds and one‐third yeasts. The dominating species were Aspergillus niger and Candida parapsilosis. Samples from 15 patients supposed to have mastoiditis or cholesteatoma were examined histologically. Fungal hyphae were observed in the middle ear cavity and/or between horny lamellae of cholesteatoma in four patients. In the middle ear of immunocompetent patients chronic‐hyperplastic (polypoid) inflammation was detected with increased production of mucus, which probably promotes colonization by pathogenic fungi in the middle ear as well as in the auditory canal. In vasive fungal growth into the subepithelial connective tissue was not observed.
A major gene for flowering time in almond
Authors: Socias R. ,   i Company, Felipe A. J. , Aparisi J. Gómez
Published: March 2003

Almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) is the earliest temperate fruit species to bloom. This restricts the economic growing of almond to frost free regions. Most almond‐breeding programmes aim to develop lateflowering cultivars in order to avoid frost damage and take advantage of higher temperatures which are favourable for pollination and fertilization. Flowering time is generally considered to be inherited quantitatively but a single gene conferring very late flowering in a qualitative way has been identified in several progenies tracing back to a single mutant, ‘Tardy Nonpareil’. The effect of this allele has been studied in three progenies, showing that the effect of this major gene is modified by minor genes, quantitatively inherited, and probably influenced by inbreeding.
Molecular markers and their applications in wheat breeding
Authors: Gupta P. K. , Varshney R. K. , Sharma P. C. , Ramesh B.
Published: March 2003

In recent years, considerable emphasis has been placed on the development of molecular markers to be used for a variety of objectives. This review attempts to give an account of different molecular markers—restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), sequence‐tagged sites (STS), DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and microsatellites (STMS)—currently available for genome mapping and for tagging different traits in wheat. Other markers, including microsatellite‐primed polymerase chain reaction (MP‐PCR), expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are also discussed. Recent information on synteny in cereal genomes, marker‐assisted selection, marker validation and their relevance to cereal breeding in general and wheat breeding in particular are also examined.
Relationships between cold‐ and salt‐tolerance during seed germination in tomato: Germplasm evaluation
Authors: Foolad M. R. , Lin G. Y. , Quaslet C. O.
Published: March 2003

Thirty tomato accessions representing six Lycopersicon species were evaluated for the rate of seed germination under no stress, cold‐stress and salt‐stress conditions. Most accessions responded similarly to both cold‐ and salt‐stress conditions (i.e. they were equally sensitive or tolerant to both stresses), however, a few accessions exhibited more sensitivity (or tolerance) to one stress than the other. In addition, some accessions that germinated relatively rapidly under non‐stress conditions exhibited great sensitivity to both cold stress and salt stress. Across accessions, significant (P < 0.01) positive phenotypic correlations were observed between germination rate under control and cold stress (rP= 0.89), control and salt stress (rP= 0.63) and cold stress and salt stress (rP= 0.77). The results indicate that the rate of tomato seed germination under non‐stress, cold‐ and salt‐stress conditions may be controlled by the same genes (or physiological mechanisms), but additional components may be involved which affect germination rate under specific stress conditions.
Inheritance of net photosynthesis and transpiration efficiency in spring wheat, Triticum aestivum L., under drought
Authors: Malik T. A. , Wright D. , Virk D. S.
Published: March 2003

The inheritance of net photosynthesis and transpiration effciency in spring wheat under drought were studied in two years in order to determine their heritability. The parents, F1 and segregating generationsf (F1, BC1, BC1) of four crosses between each of two drought‐resistant and two drought‐susceptible genotypes were evaluated under drought in pots under glasshouse conditions. Measurements of gas exchange were made using a portable gas‐analysis system. Generation means and variance component analyses of the data suggested that these traits are simply inherited and controlled mainly by additive genetic variation. Narrow‐sense heritability estimates varied between crosses from 61% to 84% for net photosynthesis and from 88% to 89% for transpiration effciency.
Effect of ethylene on Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated gene transfer to melon
Authors: Ezura H. , Yuhashi K.‐I. , Yasuta T. , Minamisawa K.
Published: March 2003

The effect of ethylene on gene transfer mediated by an Agrobacterium tumefaciens harbouring a binary vector with the β‐glucuronidase (uid A) gene was investigated in melon, Cucumis melo L. Explants excised from melon cotyledons produced ethylene, the production of which was increased by the addition of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC, 20 or 200 μM), and inhibited by the addition of aminoethoxy‐vinylglycin (AVG, 10 μM). Agrobacterium inoculation of explants increased ethylene production, while application of AVG during inoculation reduced it. After 4 days of co‐cultivation with Agrobacterium, gene transfer in the explants was assayed by transient uid A expression. Application of ACC to the co‐cultivation medium reduced Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer to explants and that of AVG increased it. These results suggest that ethylene affects the A. tumefaciens‐mediated gene transfer to the explants excised from melon cotyledons, and the efficiency of Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer can be improved by inhibiting ethylene production from the explants.
Selection for sugar yield in sugar beet, Beta vulgaris, using different selection indices
Authors: Geidel H. , Weber W. E. , Mechelke W. , Haufe W.
Published: March 2003

In sugar beet breeding, sugar yield is mainly influenced by root yield and sugar content. In this short communication several indices to select for both traits simultaneously are compared in order to find the best one. The indices are correlated with the base index of Williams (1962) from independent experiments. The indices differ in the amount of information necessary for the calculation of their weights. Three different series of each eight sites gave similar results. The optimum index using all information from phenotypic and genotypic variances and covariances, did not perform best. Sugar content with its higher herit ability must have a larger weight than root yield. Heritabilities as index weights performed best, but two other indices using heritabilities and phenotypic but no genetic covariances also performed well.
Marker‐assisted selection of common beans for resistance to common bacterial blight: efficacy and economics
Authors: Yu K , Park S. J. , Poysa V.
Published: March 2003

The possibility of using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers previously mapped in the common bean PC50/XANI59 population to select for resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB) in different populations was examined. Two out of 02 selected RAPD markers were polymorphic in HR56 and W0633d, the parental lines used in this experiment. Cosegregation analysis of the two polymorphic markers and disease reaction in a recombinant inbred (RI) population derived from HR67/W1744d confirmed that one of the two RAPD markers, BC420900, was significantly associated with a major quantitative trait locus‐conditioning resistance to CBB in HR67. This locus accounted for approximately 51) of the phenotypic variation. The RAPD marker was transformed into a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker and used for selection in a different population derived from ‘Envoy’/HR67. Prediction for resistance to CBB with the BC420.990 SCAR marker was 94.2% accurate in this population. A comparison between marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and conventional greenhouse screening showed that the cost of MAS is about one‐third less than that of the greenhouse test.
Diversity in seed quality traits of common bean populations from Basilicata (Southern Italy)
Authors: Piergiovanni A. R. , Cerbino D. , Gatta C. Della
Published: March 2003

The diversity of nutritional and culinary traits in 21 populations of common bean from the Basilicata region was studied for three consecutive harvests (1995‐97). The results were compared with the six commercial cultivars widely grown in the region. Some populations deserve particular attention since they had large seeds, high protein content, low trypsin inhibitor levels and short cooking time. The cluster analysis showed that 18 populations clustered in two main groups and that the bush populations were clearly distinguishable from the climbing ones. When phaseolin type and some plant morphological traits were added to the nutritional and culinary traits to classify these populations, it was observed that they resembled the race Peru (Andean gene pool).
Inheritance of resistance to early blight disease in a diploid potato population
Authors: CHRIST B. J. , HAYNES K. G.
Published: March 2003

Early blight disease, caused by Alternaria solani Sorauer, is a serious disease of potato foliage and tubers that occurs in most potato‐growing regions world‐wide. Developing new potato cultivars with resistance to early blight may reduce losses in the field and in storage, and lessen the need for fungicide applications. A total of 280 clones, derived from 72 maternal half‐sib families from a diploid random‐mated hybrid population of Solarium phureja×Solarium stenotomum were examined for resistance to early blight. The clones that were evaluated in a replicated field trial for 2 years in Pennsylvania, USA, had similar early blight intensity both years. Significant differences were found among families, within families and for the interaction of years × within families. Broad‐sense heritability for resistance, measured as area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), was estimated as 0.73, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.65‐0.78, and narrow‐sense heritability was estimated as 0.61 ± 0.29 (P = 0.05). The correlation of AUDPC for early blight between years was 0.57 (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that this diploid population is worthy of use in breeding for early blight resistance.
The variability of (Z)‐ and (E)‐2‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy‐4‐methoxycinnamic acids and apigenin glucosides in diploid and tetraploid Chamomilla recutita
Authors: Repčák M. , Pastírová A. , Imrich J. , Š Vehlíková V. , Mártonfi P.
Published: March 2003

(Z)‐ and (E)‐2‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy‐4‐methoxycinnamic acids (GM‐CA) belong to the main compounds of water‐alcoholic extracts of Chamomilla recutita. The quantities of GMCA and apigenin in anthodia (flower heads) of diploid and tetraploid C. recutita cultivars were studied. The ploidy of a plant does not significantly influence the percentage of GMCA, in contrast to the total GMCA content in anthodia of diploid and tetraploid cultivars. Progenies of selected tetraploid plants with significantly high (9.95 mg/g) and low (5.47 mg/g) contents of GMCA were also evaluated. The higher and lower values of GMCA were conserved in the progeny generation, with significant differences in GMCA content found between the two groups of progenies.
Mapping of a gene for leaf scald resistance in barley line ‘B87/14’ and validation of microsatellite and RFLP markers for marker‐assisted selection
Authors: Williams K. , Bogacki P. , Scott L. , Karakousis A. , Wallwork H.
Published: March 2003

Seedlings of the barley line ‘B87/14’ were resistant to 22 out of 23 Australian isolates of Rhynchosporium secalis, the causal agent of leaf scald.‘B87/14’‐based populations were developed to determine the location of the resistance locus. Scald resistance segregated as a single dominant trait in BC1F2 and BC1F3 populations. Bulked segregant analysis identified amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) with close linkage to the resistance locus. Fully mapped populations not segregating for scald resistance located these AFLP markers on chromosome 3H, possibly within the complex Rrs1 scald locus. Microsatellite and restriction fragment length polymorphism markers adjacent to the AFLP markers were identified and validated for their linkage to scald resistance in a second segregating population, with the closest marker 2.2 cM from the resistance locus. These markers can be used for selection of the Rrs.B87 scald‐resistance locus, and other genes at the chromosome 3H Rrs1 locus.
Doubled haploid lines of Brassica carinata with modified erucic acid content through mutagenesis by EMS treatment of isolated microspores
Authors: Barro F. , Fernández‐Escobar J. , De La Vega M. , Martín A.
Published: March 2003

Brassica carinata is a potential oilseed crop for the Mediterranean area. Chemical mutagenesis has been applied to microspores of B. carinata with the purpose of identifying lines with altered erucic acid content. From a population of nearly 400 doubled haploid plants recovered, nine lines have been identified that exhibit promising useful changes in erucic acid concentration in the seed oil. Three lines showed erucic acid contents below 25%, with a minimum of 17.1%, and in six lines the level of this fatty acid was greater than 52%. Changes in other fatty acids are also described and discussed.
Inheritance of petal colour and its independent segregation from seed colour in Brassica rapa
Authors: Rahman M. H.
Published: March 2003

The inheritance of petal (flower) colour and seed colour in Brassica rapa was investigated using two creamy‐white flowered, yellow‐seeded yellow sarson (an ecotype from Indian subcontinent) lines, two yellow‐flowered, partially yellow‐seeded Canadian cultivars and one yellow‐flowered, brown‐seeded rapid cycling accession, and their F1, F2, F3 and backcross populations. A joint segregation of these two characters was examined in the F2 population. Petal colour was found to be under monogenic control, where the yellow petal colour gene is dominant over the creamy‐white petal colour gene. The seed colour was found to be under digenic control and the yellow seed colour (due to a transparent coat) genes of yellow sarson are recessive to the brown/partially yellow seed colour genes of the Canadian B. rapa cvs.‘Candle’ and ‘Tobin’. The genes governing the petal colour and seed colour are inherited independently. A distorted segregation for petal colour was found in the backcross populations of yellow sarson × F1 crosses, but not in the reciprocal backcrosses, i.e. F1× yellow sarson. The possible reason is discussed in the light of genetic diversity of the parental genotypes.
Molecular mapping of a locus controlling resistance to Albugo candida in Indian mustard
Authors: Mukherjee A. K. , Mohapatra T. , Varshney A. , Sharma R. , Sharma R. P.
Published: March 2003

Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss is widely grown as an oilseed crop in the Indian subcontinent. White rust disease caused by Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze is a serious disease of this crop causing considerable yield loss every year. The present study was undertaken to identify molecular markers for the locus controlling white rust resistance in a mustard accession, BEC‐144, using a set of 94 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The screening of individual RILs using an isolate highly virulent on the popular Indian cultivar ‘Varuna’ revealed the presence of a major locus for rust resistance in BEC‐144. Based on screening of 186 decamer primers employing bulked segregant analysis (BSA), 11 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were identified, which distinguished the parental lines and the bulks. Five of these markers showed linkage with the rust resistance locus. Two markers, OPN0l000 and OPB061000, were linked in coupling and repulsion phases at 9.9 cM and 5.5 cM, respectively, on either side of the locus. The presence of only two double recombinants in a population of 94 RILs suggested that the simultaneous use of both markers would ensure efficient transfer of the target gene in mustard breeding programmes.
Half‐sib family selection for forage yield in orchardgrass
Authors: Casler M. D. , Fales S. L. , McElroy A. R. , Hall M. H. , Hoffman L. D. , Undersander D. J. , Leath K. T.
Published: March 2003

Genetic variation for forage yield of orchardgrass is abundant, but there are few reports of progress from selection for increased forage yield. The objective of this study was to estimate direct effects of selection from one cycle of half‐sib family selection for forage yield in orchardgrass. Eleven selected populations were compared with their parent populations within three maturity groups. Populations were evaluated under hay management at three locations and management‐intensive rotational grazing at two locations. Nine of the 11 selected populations differed, by an average of 7.4%, from their parent population in forage yield. Nine of the selected populations also showed changes in Drechslera leafspot reaction, all indicating a negative genetic correlation with forage yield. Selection for high forage yield tended to result in greater ground cover and later relative maturity. However, changes in net herbage accumulation (NHA) under rotational grazing were generally not significant and were uncorrelated with changes in forage yield, indicating that forage yield of hay plots is not correlated with the NHA of grazed plots. Although genetic gains in forage yield measured under hay management were very favourable relative to other reports from the literature, the lack of correlated progress under grazing management indicates that directed selection for NHA of orchardgrass should be conducted under grazing management.
Genetic improvement of agronomic and qualitative traits of spring barley
Authors: Grausgruber H. , Bointner H. , Tumpold R. , Ruckenbauer P. , Fischbeck G.
Published: March 2003

Five experiments, involving 24 genotypes, were carried out over three seasons to estimate the increase both in grain yield and other selected agronomic traits, and in potential malt extract of spring barley achieved by plant breeders during a period of over 160 years. In all experiments there was neither a chemical control of fungal diseases nor physical support of the tall, older genotypes to prevent yield losses from attack by fungi and lodging, respectively. In all experiments the most modern cultivars yielded more than the older ones. Significant breeding progress was also observed for plant height, resistance score, protein content and potential malt extract. The trend over time was generally of a curvilinear nature, showing no or only a slight increase till the 1950s and/or 1960s, and a greater rate of increase during the last 40 years of barley breeding. Using data from the official trials of cultivars and advanced breeding lines a linear increase in yield per year of 60 kg/ha since the 1950s was calculated for the low‐rainfall conditions of eastern Austria.
Marker‐assisted backcross introgression of the Yd2 gene conferring resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus in barley
Authors: Jefferies S. P. , King B. J. , Barr A. R. , Warner P. , Logue S. J. , Langridge P.
Published: March 2003

YLM, a codaominant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) marker linked to Yd2, could substantially improve the precision and efficiency of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance breeding. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of YLM in a marker‐assisted introgression programme and to quantify associations between the presence of Yd2 and other agronomic and quality traits. The Yd2 gene was introgressed into a BYDV‐susceptible background through two cycles of marker‐assisted backcrossing. BC2 F2‐derived lines, either carrying or not carrying the YLM allele associated with resistance, were compared in the presence and absence of BYDV. The YLM marker was shown to be effective in the introgression of Yd2. Lines carrying the YLM allele associated with resistance produced significantly fewer leaf symptoms and showed a reduction in yield loss when infected with BYDV. There were no deleterious effects associated with the introgression of Yd2 on grain yield, grain size or malting quality. The implications of marker‐assisted selection for Yd2 on barley improvement are discussed.
Recombination of gliadin genes of chromosome 1D in the common wheat hybrid carrying the introgression from Aegilops cylindrica
Authors: Kozub N. A. , Sozinov I. A. , Sozinov A. A.
Published: March 2003

Recombination of co‐gliadin components of the allele ‘_/’ at the Gli‐D1 locus and the allele at the respective locus from Aegilops cylindrica was revealed in the common wheat hybrid carrying the introgression from Ae. cylindrica. Gliadins of single seeds from F2 plants of the cross between the winter common wheat variety ‘Albatros Odesskii’ and the common wheat line carrying the introgression from Ae. cylindrica were analyzed by acid polyacrylamide gel electrophor‐esis. The average frequency of recombination detected between the gliadin components was 0.35%.
In vitro Follicle Growth: Achievements in Mammalian Species
Authors: Cortvrindt R , Smitz J
Published: March 2003

The exact mechanisms regulating in vivo folliculogenesis in mammalians have only been partly unravelled. Some processes, such as the initiation of growth of primordial follicles are still poorly understood. This increases the difficulty to culture follicles in vitro as the primordial follicles will be the ultimate starting material for culture.

There are important species differences in regulation and timing of maturation, which makes it difficult to transpose techniques.

Only in the mouse model, live pups were born when primordial or early preantral follicles were cultured entirely in vitro. Although no systems are as yet permitting complete in vitro culture of early follicle stages in large animals or humans, parts of folliculogenesis have been successfully reproduced in vitro. This review summarizes achievements of the last years in follicle culturing starting off at several stages of development.

Future applications of in vitro follicle culture include fertility preservation for humans, preservation of rare animal species and creation of oocyte banks for research.
Improvement of the Culture Conditions for In Vitro Production of Cattle Embryos in a Portable CO2 Incubator
Authors: Dong YJ , Varisanga MD , Mtango NR , Aono M , Otoi T , Suzuki T
Published: March 2003

The effects of different concentrations of growth hormone (GH) on in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) of bovine oocyte/embryos in CR1aa or CR2aa media using a simple CO2 incubator were investigated. The IVM/IVF/IVC of oocytes were carried out in the presence of 0, 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml GH in the medium. The proportion of metaphase II oocytes was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 200 ng/ml compared with 0 ng/ml GH in CR1aa medium (59 versus 85%, respectively), but this effect was not observed under CR2aa. Higher concentrations of GH yielded lower rates of unfertilized ova and thus superior cleavage rates (36.5 ± 0.2 and 63.5 ± 2.0% versus 17.5 ± 0.2 and 82.5 ± 1.5% or 40.4 ± 0.6 and 59.6 ± 1.4% versus 16.6 ± 1.2 and 83.4 ± 6.2% for 0 and 200 ng/ml GH in portable or ordinary incubator, respectively) in CR1aa. This dose‐dependent effect was also observed in the percentages of transferable embryos, although not statistically different (17.2 ± 1.7 versus 27.3 ± 1.8% and 16.6 ± 3.1 versus 26.0 ± 1.4%, for 0 versus 200 ng/ml GH in portable and ordinary incubator, respectively). In contrast to the CR1aa, different concentrations of GH in CR2aa medium did not increase either fertilization or cleavage rates. In fact, higher concentrations of GH in this medium negatively affected the rate of transferable embryos. Hence, percentages of transferable embryos obtained in the portable incubator under 0 or 50 ng/ml GH were higher (p < 0.05) compared with those obtained in 100 or 200 ng/ml GH (35.4 ± 5.7 or 40.5 ± 5.4% versus 22.4 ± 2.4 or 15.5 ± 2.1%, respectively). There was however, no significant difference in the rate of transferable embryos in an ordinary incubator employing CR2aa medium, but the trend was more or less similar to that observed in the portable incubator. Despite the fact that relatively fewer oocytes were employed for the culture in the ordinary incubator, overall results observed employing the simple portable CO2 incubator were within the range of those obtained in an ordinary incubator; implying that the simple portable incubator can effectively be employed for the in vitro production of bovine embryos under field conditions.
Seroprevalence of Canine Herpesvirus‐1 in the Belgian Dog Population in 2000
Authors: Ronsse V , Verstegen J , Onclin K , Guiot AL , Aeberlé C , Nauwynck HJ , Poulet H
Published: March 2003

Contents

Canine herpesvirus‐1 (CHV‐1) is known to be associated with fertility and fecundity disorders as well as neonatal mortality in puppies of less than 3 weeks of age. The virus is presumed to be enzootic in dogs all over the world and recent studies in several European countries suggest a high seroprevalence among the dog population. In the year 2000, a total of 647 Belgian canine sera from 102 privately owned patients and 545 breeding dogs were analysed with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore 77 of the samples were submitted to two serum neutralization (SN) tests for comparison. An overall CHV‐1 seroprevalence of 45.75% was observed in the Belgian dog population. No significant differences could be observed based on breeding status, reason for consultation or sex. The correlation between the ELISA and both SN tests appeared to be moderate with a significantly greater sensitivity of the ELISA. This study also demonstrated that the CHV‐1 seroprevalence in the Belgian dog population is similar to that in other recently investigated European countries and that the incidence in breeding units is not necessarily higher than in non‐breeding dogs.
Limnological features of Funil Reservoir (R.J., Brazil) and indicator properties of rotifers and cladocerans of the zooplankton community
Authors: Branco Christina W. C. , Rocha Maria‐Isabel A. , Pinto Gláucia F. S. , Gômara Gisele A. , Filippo Rodrigo De
Published: March 2003

Funil Reservoir receives inflow from a highly industrialized region and acts as a natural sink to pollutants. Among the consequences of the uncontrolled nutrient loading is the constant presence and periodic heavy blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa.

This study verified limnological features and zooplankton assemblage of the Funil

Reservoir focusing on the environmental‐indicator properties of rotifers and cladocerans.

The summer bloom of M. aeruginosa caused reductions in water transparency,

nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations and raises in chlorophyll a, pH,

dissolved oxygen and chemical oxygen demand values. All zooplankton species presented

spatial and temporal variations with the exception of the copepods, which were present

in all samples. According to canonical correspondence analysis, ammonium was the

variable most related to zooplankton variability and different Rotifera and Cladocera

assemblages indicated distinct environment conditions. Rotifer taxa associated with

increases of water temperature and chlorophyll a concentration were found

with high densities during M. aeruginosa blooms. Species of rotifer and cladocerans are suggested as indicators that can be used to identify different physical and chemical gradients or eutrophic increases in Funil Reservoir.
Effects of nutrient enrichment on channel catfish growth and consumption in Mount Storm Lake, West Virginia
Authors: Blanc Todd J. , Margraf F. Joseph
Published: March 2003

With the objective of augmenting fish production in Mount Storm Lake, Virginia Electric and Power Company initiated a programme of phosphorus addition to increase primary production, and ultimately, channel catfish (Ictaturus punctatus) growth in the 486 ha cooling reservoir. We simulated channel catfish growth dynamics using two bioenergetics modelling scenarios: (i) effects of average reservoir temperature on growth, conversion efficiency and consumption; and (ii) effects of reservoir enrichment on growth, which is simulated by increasing feeding rates. During 1991–1993, fish were sampled monthly, but sampling was increased to every 2 weeks during the peak growing season (June–September). Most of the channel catfish collected were aged 0 year and aged 1 year with rapid annual growth rates ranging from 9.0 to 13.7 J/g. We found many age 1 250–300 mm catfish, but few beyond this size. Conversion efficiency (joules gained/joules consumed) was low at approximately 18–19%. High algae consumption (40%) was evident, but consumption of zooplankton and Asiatic clam (Corbicula sp.) increased over the study. Simulated increased feeding rates showed that channel catfish were food limited in summer and fall (July–December). Weight gains with 5 and 10% feeding increases were 6–13% and 18–38%, respectively, from the baseline. Catfish of all sizes should benefit from phosphorus additions.
Cell death induced by the Fas/Fas ligand pathway and its role in pathology
Authors: Waring Paul , Müllbacher Arno
Published: March 2003

Engagement of the cell death surface receptor Fas by Fas ligand (FasL) results in apoptotic cell death, mediated by caspase activation. Cell death mediated via Fas/FasL interaction is important for homeostasis of cells in the immune system and for maintaining immune‐privileged sites in the body. Killing via the Fas/FasL pathway also constitutes an important pathway of killing for cytotoxic T cells. Fas ligand is induced in activated T cells, resulting in activation‐induced cell death by the Fas/FasL pathway. Recently it has been shown that the Fas receptor can also be up‐regulated following a lesion to the cell, particularly that induced by DNA‐damaging agents. This can then result in killing of the cell by a Fas/FasL‐dependent pathway. Up‐regulation of Fas receptor following DNA damage appears to be p53 dependent.
Chemokines and chemokine receptors in infectious diseases
Authors: Mahalingam Surendran , Karupiah Gunasegaran
Published: March 2003

Today, 10 years after the discovery of IL‐8, chemokines (chemotactic cytokines) are seen as the stimuli that largely control leucocyte migration. Chemokines are low molecular weight chemoattractant cytokines secreted by a variety of cells, including leucocytes, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and numerous other cell types. They are produced in response to exogenous stimuli, such as viruses and bacterial LPS, and endogenous stimuli, such as IL‐1, TNF and IFN. These factors mediate chemotaxis and leucocyte activation. They also regulate leucocyte extravasation from the blood and/or lymph vessel luminal surface to the tissue space, the site of inflammation. There is no doubt that chemokines and chemokine receptors are critical for defence against infectious pathogens. It is also clear that these pathogens have evolved to accommodate the workings of the host immune system. Survival of these infectious agents appears dependent upon strategies that can evade, suppress, counteract or otherwise confound the constellation of host responses to invading pathogens. In this regard, the chemokines and their receptors are a major target. Reviewed in the present paper are several examples in which microbial pathogens have usurped the mammalian chemokine system to subvert the host immune response.
Signal transduction and white cell maturation via extracellular ATP and the P2Y11 receptor
Authors: Van Der Weyden Louise , Conigrave Arthur D , Morris Michael B
Published: March 2003

Extracellular ATP promotes a wide range of physiological effects in many tissues. Of particular interest is the effect of ATP on leukaemia‐derived HL‐60 and NB4 cell lines, which are induced to mature to neutrophil‐like cells. The differentiation process appears to be mediated by ATP binding to a cell‐surface purinergic P2Y receptor, resulting in the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, elevation of cAMP levels and activation of protein kinase A. In 1997, a novel ATP‐selective P2Y receptor, P2Y11, was cloned and shown to be linked to both cAMP and Ca2+ signalling pathways. The pharmacological profile of ATP analogues used by P2Y11 for cAMP production in transfected cells is reviewed in the present paper and shown to be closely similar to the profiles for cAMP production and differentiation of myeloblastic HL‐60 cells and promyelocytic NB4 cells, both of which express P2Y11. Additional data are provided showing that HL‐60 mature to neutrophil‐like cells in response to extracellular ATP, as measured by upregulation of the N‐formyl peptide receptor, N‐formyl peptide‐mediated actin polymerization and superoxide production. It is proposed that P2Y11 is responsible for the ATP‐mediated differentiation of these cells lines and that this receptor may play a role in the maturation of granulocytic progenitors in the bone marrow.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors in tumorigenesis: Targets of tumour promotion and treatment
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson Sarah J
Published: March 2003

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) are ligand‐activated transcription factors. There are three genes that code for the PPAR isoforms: PPARα, PPARβ and PPARγ. In the present review, studies characterizing the various PPAR isoforms are discussed. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α has been implicated in the lipid‐lowering effects of the fibrate drugs. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ has a clear role in adipocyte differentiation and is therapeutically targeted by the thiazolidinedione drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes. The physiological role of PPARβ is less well understood but, as described in the present review, recent studies have implicated it with a role in colon cancer. In the present review, particular attention is focused on the role of PPAR in the regulation of expression of proteins associated with cell cycle control and tumorigenesis.
Serum prolactin is associated with apoptosis in men with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Parra A , Ramírez‐Peredo J , Larrea F , Pérez‐Romano B , Cabrera V , Torres I , Reyes‐Núñez V , Ruiz‐Argüelles G , Ruiz‐Argüelles A
Published: March 2003

We examined the in vivo and in vitro production of prolactin (PRL) in 20 untreated HIV‐infected men compared to 14 uninfected men and its association with the cell cycle and apoptosis. Compared to uninfected men, the HIV‐infected men had: (i) higher fasting serum bioactive (BIO) PRL; (ii) lower serum immunoreactive (RIA) and BIO‐PRL responses to intravenous metoclopramide; (iii) greater BIO‐RIA PRL ratio both fasting and during intravenous metoclopramide; (iv) lower percentage of non‐stimulated PBMC in the G0/G1 phase, but a higher percentage in the S phase, of the cell cycle with normal response to Concanavalin‐A; and (v) higher in vitro production of BIO‐PRL by non‐stimulated PBMC, which was blocked after Concanavalin‐A. Fasting serum BIO‐PRL positively correlated with the percent of non‐stimulated PBMC in S + G2/M phases. The percentage of apoptotic PBMC negatively correlated with CD4+ T lymphocytes and with the area under the serum RIA–PRL curve, but positively correlated with the area under the curve for the BIO/RIA ratio. These results suggest that in these HIV‐infected men: (i) a diminished dopaminergic tone may exist, as an adaptive mechanism attempting to survive; and (ii) BIO‐PRL may participate as a cofactor in the stimulation of T‐cell proliferation.
Prostaglandin E2 signalling pathway in human T lymphocytes from healthy and conjunctiva basal cell carcinoma‐bearing subjects
Authors: Venza I , Giordano L , Piraino G , Medici N , Ceci G , Teti D
Published: March 2003

Prostaglandin E‐induced signal transduction pathways in human T cells from healthy and uveal melanoma‐bearing subjects were studied. Transfection experiments showed that PGE2 was able to phosphorylate and activate the fusion trans‐activator of the cAMP responsive element‐binding protein (CREB). Phosphorylation was at least partially mediated by protein kinase A, as evidenced by the effects of specific kinase inhibitors. Western blotting experiments, which were performed to identify the CREB/ATF2 family members involved in the response to PGE2, revealed a modulation of proteins CREB1, CREB2 and ATF2 and phosphorylation of the 43 kDa form of CREB. Experiments of immunoprecipitation with CREB‐binding protein (CBP) demonstrated that, after PGE2 treatment, all of the CREB/ATF isoforms studied, as well as the phosphorylated form of CREB (p‐CREB), interacted with CBP. In basal conditions, T cells from patients with conjunctiva basal cell carcinoma showed the presence of p‐CREB, which coimmunoprecipitated with CBP. CREB phosphorylation did not modify after PGE2 treatment whereas the p‐CREB fraction bound to CBP increased in a delayed manner compared to normal subjects.
Biology and significance of T‐cell apoptosis in the liver
Authors: Park Sun , Murray Debbie , John Beena , Crispe I Nicholas
Published: March 2003

The liver has emerged as an organ with distinct immunological properties. In this review, we summarize evidence that shows that the liver can remove apoptotic, or non‐apoptotic but activated, CD8+ T cells from the circulation and induce apoptosis in these activated T cells by either active or passive mechanisms. Hepatitis viruses, particularly hepatitis C virus, often establish persistent infection. We review evidence that suggests that these viruses exploit intrahepatic tolerance mechanisms to protect themselves from immune attack.
Patient satisfaction with nursing care: A measurement conundrum
Authors: O’Connell Bev , Young Jeanne , Twigg Di
Published: March 2003

Patient satisfaction is a major indicator of quality care. There are several theories on the types of concepts that should be measured concerning patient satisfaction with nursing care. Given the different theories of patient satisfaction, the issue of accurate measurement of this concept presents nurse researchers, clinicians and leaders with a challenge. This paper will discuss the findings of a patient satisfaction survey that was conducted in two acute care surgical wards, using the revised 28‐item La Monica–Oberst patient satisfaction scale and telephone interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Textual data were managed using NUD*IST and analysed for common emerging themes and categories. The findings of the quantitative and qualitative data were compared in order to determine similarities and differences. The survey results revealed very high levels of patient satisfaction; however, the qualitative data revealed some anomalies. Specifically, due to the numbers of nurses involved in the care, some patients had difficulties answering the questionnaire. Moreover, they were unable to discriminate nursing care from the rest of their overall patient experience. Within this study, it seemed that patients’ perceptions of nurses influenced the way patients rated quality nursing care. Based on this information, the authors question the accuracy of the measurement of patient satisfaction and raise issues that need to be considered in order to further clarify the measurement of this concept.
A care policy and its implementation
Authors: Lövgren Gunvor , Åström Gunilla , Engström Birgitta
Published: March 2003

Chief physicians, nurse managers and head nurses (n = 50) in hospital care and primary health care in Västerbotten, Sweden, were interviewed to explore their views on adopting and implementing a new care policy. The results indicated agreement among the respondents concerning the values of the care policy and its adaptability to the health‐care system. More respondents in hospital care than in primary health care expressed a positive view (63%, respectively 55%), reported involvement in the implementation process (64%, respectively 35%) and planned or ongoing activities (63%, respectively 45%). Obstacles in the implementation process due to a frustrated situation and barriers between professional groups were, however, expressed by 67% of the respondents, more among the respondents in primary health care than among those in hospital care (75%, respectively 62%). Divergent views among respondents working in the same department were seen in both hospital care and primary health care. The findings indicated demands for further efforts if the implementation is to move on from its early stages, especially in primary health care.