bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity in Ramogi Hill, Kenya, and its evolutionary significance
Authors: BAGINE
Published: March 2003

The bulk of Kenyan forests are in the afromontane biogeographical region, but the Lake Victoria basin and its biota have been referred to by many biogeographers as an eastern fragment of the Guineo‐congolian forest. The Ramogi Hill forest in the lake basin receives an annual rainfall of less than 400 mm. Although much of its biota is typical of the Guineo‐congolian region, several species of insects, birds, mammals and plants have been known to occur in the lowland forests of the Kenyan coast. The presence of taxa in these forests has been attributed to past geological changes and climatic fluctuations during the pleistocene period. Migration and dispersal of taxa have been suggested to have been through Kenya Rift or via the southern route of Rukwa Rift. The biodiversity studies conducted indicate that Ramogi Hill has low animal diversity compared to other forests. However, the importance of Ramogi Hill may be linked to its biological resources, and cultural and religious values accrued by the surrounding local communities. The preservation of Ramogi Hill as a reference point for biodiversity and sacred sites will depend a lot on the influence and participation of communities in biodiversity conservation and management programmes.
Population dynamics of two species of hyraxes in the Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: BARRY RONALD , MUNDY PETER
Published: March 2003

Populations of the syntopic rock hyrax, Procavia capensis (Pallas), and yellow‐spotted rock hyrax, Heterohyrax brucei (Gray), in the 42,400‐ha Matobo National Park (MNP), Zimbabwe, were characterized from 1992 to 1996. The Procavia:Heterohyrax species ratio varied significantly (P< 0.01) across years from 1.43:1.00 to 0.74:1.00. Estimates of abundance (31,114–39,869 Procavia and 21,833–46,619 Heterohyrax) and densities (0.73–0.94 Procavia ha−1 and 0.51–1.10 Heterohyrax ha−1) indicated that populations had experienced a considerable decline since 1978, with drought suspected as the principal cause. The Heterohyrax population fluctuated more than the Procavia population. Although sex ratios of individuals trapped and collected in 1991–92 did not differ from 1:1 for either species, female Procavia nearly outnumbered males (P< 0.10) among the prey of black eagles (Aquila verreauxii Lesson), suggesting the possibility of divergence in the social organization and vigilance of the two species. In each year of the study, pups comprised < 30% of individuals in the two populations after the interspecifically synchronous annual birth event in March–April, and evidence exists for an effect by drought on fecundity. Females appear to breed, on average, no more than every other year. We estimated juvenile (0–1 year of age) mortality at 52.4–61.3% for Heterohyrax and 59.6–75.6% for Procavia. Mean mass (±1 SE) of Procavia adults was 3.4±0.2 kg and of Heterohyrax adults, 2.4±0.1 kg. Procavia had a significantly (P< 0.01) greater condition index (body mass/total length) than Heterohyrax. Adults are especially important reservoirs of biomass for the diverse and numerous predators of the MNP, accounting for > 84% of hyrax biomass intraspecifically.
Consequences of different forms of conservation for large mammals in Tanzania: preliminary analyses
Authors: Caro T. M , Pelkey N , Borner M , Campbell K. L. I , Woodworth B. L , Farm B. P , Ole Kuwai J , Huish S. A , Severre E. L. M
Published: March 2003

We examined the effects of protection from human activities and effects of tourist hunting on densities of 21 large mammal species in Tanzania. Aerial censuses revealed that mammal biomass per km2 was highest in National Parks. Densities of nine ungulate species were significantly higher in National Parks and Game Reserves than in areas that permitted settlement; these tended to be the larger species favoured by poachers. The presence of tourist hunters had little positive or negative impact on ungulate densities, even for sought‐after trophy species; limited ground censuses confirmed these results. Our analyses suggest that prohibition of human activity, backed up by on‐site enforcement, maintains ungulate populations at relatively high densities, and challenge the idea that enforcement is only effective when spending is high.
A note on the distribution and abundance of puku, Kobus vardoni Livingstone, in Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Authors: GOLDSPINK C. R. , HOLLAND R. K. , SWEET G. , STJERNSTEDT R.
Published: March 2003

This study (1994) examines the distribution and abundance of puku (Kobus vardoni Livingstone) in Kasanka National Park (area=470 km2) Zambia, following five years of anti‐poaching control. The puku is an important ‘flagship’ species for the park. Most puku were confined to a limited number (n=19) of river floodplains and dambos (total area=20·29 km2) towards the centre of the park. Large areas of ‘suitable’ habitat contained few, if any animals. The total population was estimated to be 613 (confidence limits=414–967) with an average density of 35·93 km−2 on occupied sites. The population sex ratio was markedly biased towards females (mean=3·4 females to 1 male), but group sizes were similar to those recorded in other African studies. Male groups were on average (2·6), smaller than those of females (7·3). Males appeared to be particularly vulnerable to poaching. The distribution of puku reflected a patchy distribution of resources and a flexible social system. Puku numbers have increased two fold since the previous (1989) survey. Other species have faired less well. Further work is required to clarify dispersal mechanisms. Taylor's power law may provide a useful model for describing population dispersion. Kasanka is an important local refuge for this increasingly threatened species in Zambia. Metapopulation theory may be applicable to puku because of their ability to move between patches, during seasonal flooding.
Seasonal selection of soil types and grass swards by roan antelope in a South African savanna
Authors: HEITKÖNIG IGNAS , OWEN‐SMITH NORMAN
Published: March 2003

Roan antelope are distributed mainly in regions characterized by infertile soils, offering food of low quality. We hypothesized that roan may select localities with higher soil nutrient levels and/or grass swards with more favourable properties in terms of food abundance or quality than generally available in those regions. Roan antelope were observed in a savanna region in South Africa where soils of widely varying nutrient status occurred. Roan favoured open grassland over wooded savanna areas. During the wet season, roan preferred sites with felsite‐derived soil of intermediate soil nutrient status. Grasslands growing on nutrient enriched alluvial soils were preferred outside of the early wet season, although most of the favourable sward characteristics were present in other landscape units. Food quantity, rather than quality appeared to attract roan to foraging sites in the late wet and early dry seasons. Food quality appeared more important in the early wet and late dry seasons. The higher degree of clustering of leafy material within foraging swards seemed to be an additional discriminating factor. The factors governing the selection of foraging sites by roan did not seem notably different from those influencing other species of grazing ruminant, but roan nevertheless seemed tolerant of stemmy grasslands growing on nutrient richer substrates.
Weed invasion in East Africa: insights from herbarium records
Authors: STADLER J. , MUNGAI G. , BRANDL R.
Published: March 2003

The invasion process was documented from data on the labels of specimens stored in the East African Herbarium at the National Museums of Kenya. We analysed data from seven abundant alien plant species: Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae), Capsella bursa‐pastoris (L.) Med. (Brassicaceae), Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae), Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Asteraceae), Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae), Spergula arvensis L. (Caryophyllaceae) and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (Caryophyllaceae) and compared these data with the spread of two native weeds: Cynoglossum coeruleum A.DC. (Boraginaceae) and Senecio discifolius Oliv. (Asteraceae). Although all investigated species had been already recorded before the Second World War, most specimens were collected between 1960 and 1980. This regional spread is correlated with a change in the agricultural systems of Kenya. The early records of alien weeds were restricted to higher altitudes. With the increasing human population and the associated increase of agricultural activities (e.g. irrigation in arid areas) the weed species from South America were able to spread to lower altitudes.
Sexual segregation by Masai giraffes at two spatial scales
Authors: Ginnett Tim F. , Demment Montague W.
Published: March 2003

In this paper alternative explanations for observed patterns of sexual segregation by giraffes are examined at two spatial scales: within‐habitats and within‐landscape. Habitats are defined as recognizable plant associations and the landscape as the collection of all available habitat types. The study was conducted in Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. At the within‐landscape level, all sex and age classes of giraffes exhibited high degrees of preference for riverine habitats. Sex differences in habitat selection were mostly due to females with young, who tended to select open floodplain habitats in which their vigilance time was lowest. Males, and females without young, preferred more heavily‐wooded habitat. Habitat preferences were not related to observed habitat‐specific forage intake rates for either males or females. Within habitats, male and female giraffes selected different feeding heights, males feeding higher in the canopy than females. Females showed a strong tendency to generalize with respect to feeding height. It is suggested that a sexual dimorphism–body size hypothesis provides a parsimonious explanation for the observed feeding height selection patterns, whereas a reproductive strategy hypothesis can explain sex‐differences in habitat selection patterns within the landscape.
The abundance of large wild herbivores in a semi‐arid savanna in relation to seasons, pans and livestock
Authors: Bergström Roger , Skarpe Christina
Published: March 2003

Large herbivores, including livestock and ostrich, were counted along a 200‐km long track in south‐western Kalahari, Botswana. Altogether, 37 counts were made during different seasons. The number of animals seen and group size were recorded. These variables were compared with monthly and accumulated rainfall (number of animals and group size) and distance to pans (number of animals). Observations of game and livestock were also related to distance to villages. In four of the seven studied species, most animals were seen during the wet season. Group size also varied between seasons apart from the non‐gregarious steenbok and duiker. Number of animals and group size were in some cases correlated with rainfall during the month of observation or with accumulated rainfall during the preceding months. The various species were more often observed close to pans than further away from the pans. Compared to livestock, game was on average observed >10 km further away from the villages. Few observations of game were made between village centres and the livestock observations most distant from the village.
Sensitivity of biopsy site in evaluating regression of gastric atrophy after Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment
Authors: Sugiyama T. , Sakaki N. , Kozawa H. , Sato R. , Fujioka T. , Satoh K. , Sugano K. , Sekine H. , Takagi A. , Ajioka Y. , Takizawa T. ,   For The H. Pylori Forum Gastritis Study Group
Published: March 2003

Background:

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of the progress of gastric glandular atrophy, a high‐risk background factor in the development of gastric cancer. Regression of gastric atrophy is critical to prevention of cancer by H. pylori eradication treatment. However, it is controversial whether gastric atrophy regresses after H. pylori eradication.

Aim:

To determine the most sensitive and appropriate biopsy site for evaluation of regression of atrophy after treatment.

Subjects and methods:

Thirty‐eight patients who showed regression of gastric atrophy in histology after treatment were investigated. Four biopsy specimens from the lesser and greater curvatures in the antrum and corpus were evaluated before and after treatment according to the Updated Sydney System.

Results:

Regression of atrophy after treatment was seen in 30 of 38 biopsy specimens from the lesser curvature of the corpus (79%), and this site was most sensitive. Odds ratio of this site to the others was 8.28. Regression of atrophy in this site was observed at 12.2 months in the younger patients and 15.9 months in the elder patients.

Conclusion:

Biopsy sampling from the lesser curvature of the corpus is the most sensitive and appropriate for evaluation of regression of gastric atrophy after H. pylori eradication treatment.
Triple therapy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer disease: results of a multicentre study in South‐East Asia
Authors: Fock  , Chelvam  , Lim  ,   THE SOUTH‐EAST ASIA MULTICENTRE STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background

: The efficacy of proton pump inhibitor based triple therapy in patients from South‐East Asia, where metronidazole resistance is reportedly high, has not been formally assessed in randomized, multicentre trials.

Aim

: To compare the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori, ulcer healing rates and side‐effects of three regimens of omeprazole triple therapy in patients with duodenal ulcer from South‐East Asia and to study the impact of metronidazole resistance.

Methods

: A single blind, randomized parallel group, comparative multicentre study. A total of 246 patients from 15 centres in four South‐East Asian countries were randomized to receive OAC (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d.), OAM (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., amoxycillin 1 g b.d., metronidazole 400 mg b.d.) or OMC (omeprazole 20 mg b.d., metronidazole 400 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d.) for 7 days. After triple therapy, the patients were further randomized to receive either omeprazole or placebo for 7 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Biopsies for culture and for histopathological examination for H. pylori were taken from corpus and antrum before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment.

Results

: The eradication rates were intention‐to‐treat/per protocol (95% CI): OAC 87% (79–94%)/94% (89–100%); OAM 80% (70–89%)/91% (83–98%); OMC 85% (77–93%)/94% (88–100%). The difference in eradication rates between the three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.419). Pre‐treatment metronidazole resistance, was found in 34% of isolates and was a significant prognostic factor in patients receiving OAM (odds ratio 5.26) but not in patients receiving OAC or OMC.

Conclusions

: All three treatment regimens were safe, well tolerated and highly effective for eradication of H. pylori and ulcer healing. Pre‐treatment metronidazole resistance reduced the efficacy of OAM but did not affect the efficacy of OMC.
Onset of symptom relief with rabeprazole: a community‐based, open‐label assessment of patients with erosive oesophagitis
Authors: Robinson M. , Fitzgerald S. , Hegedus R. , Murthy A. , Jokubaitis L. ,   (ON BEHALF OF THE FAST TRIAL INVESTIGATORS)
Published: March 2003

Background:

In numerous clinical trials, proton pump inhibitors have demonstrated potent acid suppression and healing of erosive oesophagitis, as well as successful symptom relief for the entire spectrum of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.

Aim:

The `Future of Acid Suppression Therapy' (FAST) trial evaluated, in actual clinical practice, the timing of symptom relief, changes in symptom severity, health‐related quality of life and safety in endoscopically confirmed erosive gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease treated with rabeprazole.

Methods:

This open‐label, multicentre study enrolled 2579 patients to receive rabeprazole treatment using 20 mg once daily for 8 weeks. Between two clinical visits (at enrolment and week 8), patients used an interactive voice response system to rate gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Subgroup analyses of efficacy were conducted for gender, age, Hetzel–Dent grade, presence of Barrett's oesophagus and for patients reporting previously ineffective symptom relief with omeprazole or lansoprazole.

Results:

On day 1, rabeprazole significantly decreased daytime and night‐time heartburn severity, regurgitation and belching. Complete relief of daytime and night‐time heartburn was achieved in 64.0% and 69.2% of symptomatic patients, respectively, on day 1, and in 81.1% and 85.7% of patients, respectively, on day 7. Patients with moderate or severe heartburn symptoms at baseline achieved an even greater degree of satisfactory symptom relief (none or mild) from day 1 onwards. The median time to satisfactory heartburn relief was 2 days. Subgroup analyses showed no consistent differences in efficacy compared to the overall population treated. Health‐related quality of life in patients was significantly lower than that of the US general population and improved significantly after 8 weeks of rabeprazole therapy. Rabeprazole was well tolerated, with headache as the most common adverse event, reported by less than 2% of the study population.

Conclusions:

In this large, open‐label trial, rabeprazole rapidly and effectively relieved gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease symptoms in most patients with erosive oesophagitis. Substantial symptom relief was noted on day 1; improvement continued over the first week and at week 4. By week 8, the health‐related quality of life had also improved vs. baseline.
Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis with a tryptase inhibitor (APC 2059): an open‐label pilot study
Authors: Tremaine W. J. , Brzezinski A. , Katz J. A. , Wolf D. C. , Fleming T. J. , Mordenti J. , Strenkoski‐Nix L. C. , Kurth M. C. ,   THE AXYS ULCERATIVE COLITIS STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background:

Mast cells isolated from the colonic mucosa in active ulcerative colitis appear to be partially degranulated, suggesting the release of tryptase.

Aim:

To investigate the safety and activity of APC 2059, a highly specific tryptase inhibitor, in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Methods:

This was an open‐label, Phase 2, multicentre pilot study in patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, with a disease activity index of 6–9 on a 12‐point scale. Fifty‐six adults received 20 mg APC 2059 subcutaneously twice daily and 53 completed 28 days of treatment. The primary end‐point was response, defined as a final disease activity index of ≤ 3. Supplementary analyses were also performed.

Results:

Sixteen (29%) of 56 patients responded. Five (9%) showed complete remission (disease activity index=0). Twenty‐seven (49%) improved, with a final disease activity index of ≤ 3 or a four‐point reduction. Improvement or normalization in each category of the disease activity index was as follows: stool frequency, 64%; bleeding, 64%; endoscopy, 50%; physicians' rating, 63%. There were no significant relationships between outcome and pharmacokinetics. The most common adverse events were related to the injection site (32.1%).

Conclusions:

In this pilot study, the tryptase inhibitor APC 2059 was safe and there was evidence of activity in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Pantoprazole maintenance therapy prevents relapse of erosive oesophagitis
Authors: Metz D. C. , Bochenek W. J. ,   The pantoprazole us gerd study group
Published: March 2003

Objectives : To compare the safety and efficacy of pantoprazole with ranitidine for the maintenance of endoscopically documented healed (grade 0 or 1) erosive oesophagitis.

Methods : Patients (371) were randomly assigned to receive pantoprazole 10, 20 or 40 mg or ranitidine 150 mg. Endoscopies were performed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months or when symptoms suggesting relapse (grade = 2) developed. Gastric biopsies were obtained at baseline and on at least one postbaseline visit. Symptom‐free days and Gelusil use were assessed.

Results : Pantoprazole was significantly (P < 0.001) more effective in maintaining erosive oesophagitis healing. After 12 months, 33%, 40%, 68% and 82% of patients remained healed for the ranitidine and pantoprazole 10, 20 and 40 mg groups, respectively. Daytime and night‐time heartburn were eliminated in > 90% of days for the pantoprazole 40 mg group. Gelusil use was significantly lower with pantoprazole 20 and 40 mg than with ranitidine (P < 0.02) during the first 9 months.

Conclusions : Twelve months of maintenance therapy with pantoprazole (10–40 mg once daily) was superior to ranitidine (150 mg twice daily) in maintaining erosive oesophagitis healing. Pantoprazole 40 mg provided the most consistent efficacy and was well tolerated.
Regional localisations of VIM, HSD3b, ACTA1 and PGM1 in pigs
Authors: Tosser‐Klopp G. , Mulsant P. , Yerle M.
Published: March 2003

The comparative map between human and pig has progressed rapidly over the past 2 years. Nevertheless, some points still need to be clarified, particularly the correspondences between human chromosome 10 (HSA10) and porcine chromosome 10 (SSC10) and between human chromosome 1 (HSA1) and porcine chromosomes. The gene codings for vimentin (VIM) carried by HSA10 and three genes carried by HSA1 (hydroxy delta 5 steroid dehydrogenase 3 beta: HSD3B; alpha actin 1: ACTA1; and phosphoglucomutase 1: PGM1) were selected and the regional localisations on pig chromosomes were determined using a well‐characterised somatic cell hybrid panel.
Moving from QTL experimental results to the utilization of QTL in breeding programmes
Authors: Spelman R. J. , Bovenhuis H.
Published: March 2003

Results from quantitative trait loci studies cannot be readily implemented into breeding schemes through marker assisted selection because of uncertainty about whether the quantitative trait loci identified are real and whether the identified quantitative trait loci are segregating in the breeding population. The present paper outlines and discusses strategies to reduce uncertainty in the results from quantitative trait loci studies. One strategy to confirm results from quantitative trait loci studies is to combine P‐values from many quantitative trait loci experiments, while another is to establish a confirmation study. The power of a confirmation study must be high to ensure that the postulated quantitative trait loci can be verified. In the calculation of the experimental power, there are many issues that have to be addressed: size of the quantitative trait loci to be detected, significance level required, experimental design and expected heterozygosity for the design. To ensure marker assisted selection can be quickly implemented once quantitative trait loci are confirmed, DNA samples should be retained from daughters, and the sires and dams of elite sires.
New gene assignments using a complete, characterized sheep‐hamster somatic cell hybrid panel
Authors: Burkin D. J. , Broad T. E. , Lambeth M. R. , Burkin H. R. , Jones C.
Published: March 2003

The generation and characterization of new sheep‐hamster cell hybrids is reported from the fusion of sheep white blood cells with six different hamster auxotrophs. Selection from these and previously generated cell hybrids has led to the production of a panel of 30 hybrids covering the complete sheep genome of 28 chromosomes. Over half of the cell hybrids in this panel contain single sheep chromosomes. By complementation, the following new assignments have been made using the panel: phosphoribosyl N‐formylglycinamide amidotransferase (PRFGA) to sheep chromosome (chr) 11; adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS) to sheep chr 12; adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) to sheep chr 3q; 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase (HMGCS) to sheep chr 16; dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) to sheep chr 5; and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) to sheep chr 14. The gene phosphoribosylaminoinidazole‐carboxamide formyltransferase/Inosinicase (PRACFT) has now been regionally assigned to chr 2q. By isozyme analysis, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) was assigned to sheep chr 12, anchoring the sheep syntenic group U1 to this chromosome, and mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) was assigned to sheep chr 18. Furthermore, the chromosomal assignment of 110 microsatellites was confirmed using this cell panel.
Isolation and genetic characterization of the porcine apolipoprotein E gene
Authors: Ramsoondar J. J. , Rucker E. B. , Vasquez J. C. , Gallagher D. S. , Grimm D. R. , Lunney J. K. , Schook L. B. , Piedrahita J. A.
Published: March 2003

The present report describes the isolation and genetic characterization of the porcine apolipoprotein E (ape‐E) gene. A single positive recombinant phage clone containing a 10·7‐kb insert was isolated from a porcine genomic library, and a 4·2‐kb fragment was subcloned and sequenced. The 4·2‐kb fragment contained the entire apo‐E gene in addition to upstream and downstream sequences (GenBank accession no. 470240). The porcine apo‐E gene is made up of four exons and three introns, and encodes a preapo‐E protein comprised of a signal peptide of 18 amino acids and a mature protein of 299 amino acids. The porcine apo‐E gene contains a (CG)13 microsatellite marker within intron three. This microsatellite is moderately polymorphic, and at least four alleles were evident at this locus among 10 animals from each of the Yorkshire, Hampshire, Landrace and Duroc breeds. Finally, localization of the porcine apo‐E gene to chromosome 6 band q2·1 was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization and confirmed by genetic linkage analysis.
Characterization of FSH‐regulated genes isolated by mRNA differential display from pig ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Clouscard‐Martinato C. , Mulsant P. , Robic A. , Bonnet A. , Gasser F. , Hatey F.
Published: March 2003

The present authors have isolated FSH‐regulated genes from primary granulosa cell cultures with or without Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) treatment using mRNA differential display. mRNA differential display consists of amplification of partial sequences of cDNAs (150–400 bp) corresponding to 3′ ends of cellular messenger RNAs, and thus, generates 3′ expressed sequence tags (3′ ESTs). Five thousand cDNA bands were examined, among which the present authors have isolated and sequenced 16 different FSH‐regulated products. These sequences were compared with those available in databases. Three of the sequences showed similarity to identified genes from other species (bovine NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, Xenopus chromosome sequence‐associated polypeptide E and transformation‐sensitive protein IEF SSP) and four others with human ESTs. Regulation of the corresponding genes has been checked by RT‐PCR since most of these are expressed at a low level. FSH‐regulation was confirmed for 12 mRNAs (four down‐ and eight up‐regulated). The present authors have also mapped 12 of these ESTs on porcine chromosomes regions using a somatic cell hybrid panel.
Cytogenetic localization of genetic markers on porcine chromosome 7q
Authors: Tammen I. , Hameister H. , Thomsen P. D. , Leeb T. , Brenig B.
Published: March 2003

Four microsatellite markers (S0078, SWR1210, SW732, and SW304) taken from the linkage map of porcine chromosome 7 were assigned to the cytogenetic map of pig chromosome 7 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of selected yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). These four new polymorphic cytogenetic markers provide additional anchor points for integrating the linkage and cytogenetic maps of chromosomal region 7q.
Identification of diverse BoLA DQA3 genes consistent with non‐allelic sequences
Authors: Ballingall K. T. , Marasa B. S. , Luyai A. , McKeever D. J.
Published: March 2003

Genetic diversity within the DQA genes of the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) of cattle is characterised by multiple polymorphic loci that can vary in number between haplotypes. Previous analysis of the second exon sequences derived from genomic BoLA DQA3 genes identified two distinct families, DQA3*01 and DQA3*02. In this report, we describe the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of the entire coding region of three transcribed BoLA DQA3 genes representing each of these families. These data provide additional evidence that the BoLA DQA3 locus is distinct from BoLA DQA1 and BoLA DQA2. In addition, the amino acid sequence of DQA3 genes from the two families is shown to differ by 35 out of the 254 amino acids. Putative locus‐specific amino acid sequence motifs within the transmembrane and intracytoplasmic domains of DQA genes are shown to differ between the DQA3*01 and DQA3*02 genes. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a genetic distance that is considerably larger than that seen between orthologous Mhc allelic families. These data are consistent with either an extremely divergent family of DQA3 genes or an allele at an additional BoLA DQA4 locus.
Two DNA sequences specific for the canine Y chromosome
Authors: Olivier M. , Lust G.
Published: March 2003

Data are presented on the characterization of two nucleotide sequences found exclusively in the DNA of male dogs. In polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) of canine genomic DNA with a decanucleotide primer of arbitrary sequence (OP‐W17), two nucleotide segments (650 and 990 bp) were amplified only from male samples, whereas a number of other fragments between 400 and 2500 bp in size were amplified from both male and female samples. The two male‐specific segments were cloned and sequenced, and terminal 24mer oligonucleotide primer pairs were synthesized. PCR with these specific primer pairs resulted in amplification of the two male‐specific sequences only from DNA samples of 34 male dogs; no product was amplified from 42 samples of females. A segment of the SRY gene previously localized on the Y chromosome could be amplified in DNA samples that had the two new sequences. EcoRI digested genomic male DNA when hybridized with the 650 bp or the 990 bp sequences, resulted in a single band for each on Southern analysis; DNA from females did not yield any bands. Comparisons between the two new sequences and the SRY gene segment revealed no homologies. We concluded that the two new sequences are specific for the canine Y chromosome and do not contain the short characterized segment of the SRY gene.
Developing microsatellite markers from cDNA: a tool for adding expressed sequence tags to the genetic linkage map of the chicken
Authors: Ruyter‐Spira C. P. , De Koning D. J. , Van Der Poel J. J. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. , Dijkhof R. J. M. , Groenen M. A. M.
Published: March 2003

A chicken embryonic cDNA library was screened with a (TG)13 probe in order to develop polymorphic microsatellite markers. The redundancy of the embryonic cDNA library with a chicken brain cDNA library, which was used for microsatellite development in a previous study, was extremely high. Of the 300 (TG)13 positive clones, only 80 were unique for the embryonic cDNA library. Still, nine expressed sequences derived from the embryonic cDNA library were mapped in the Wageningen (WAU) resource population. In addition seven microsatellite markers from the chicken brain cDNA library, which were monomorphic or unlinked in the two international reference families in the previous study, were also mapped in the WAU population. Three of the 16 mapped chicken expressed sequence tags (ESTs) showed relatively high percentages of sequence similarity to sequences found in other species. As two of these genes, RAB6 and ZFX/ZFY, have been mapped in humans, they contribute to the comparative map of the chicken.
A QTL affecting milk yield and composition maps to bovine chromosome 20: a confirmation
Authors: Arranz J.‐J. , Coppieters W. , Berzi P. , Cambisano N. , Grisart B. , Karim L. , Marcq F. , Moreau L. , Mezer C. , Riquet J. , Simon P. , Vanmanshoven P. , Wagenaar D. , Georges M.
Published: March 2003

As part of a whole genome scan undertaken to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting milk yield and composition, we have genotyped a granddaughter design comprising 1152 sons for six microsatellite markers spanning bovine chromosome 20. An analysis performed across families provided strong evidence (experiment‐wise P‐values < 0·01) for the presence of a QTL affecting primarily protein percentage towards the telomeric end of the chromosome. A founder sire, shown in a previous study to segregate for a similar QTL in the corresponding chromosome region, was characterized by 29 and 57 sons and maternal grandsons, respectively, in the present design. Sorting corresponding sons and grandsons by paternal or grandpaternal allele provided significant evidence for the segregation of a QTL on chromosome 20. Altogether these results confirm the location of a QTL affecting milk production on bovine chromosome 20.
Parameters of the chicken genome (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Smith J. , Burt D. W.
Published: March 2003

As more information on the chicken genome is gathered, it is becoming increasingly more important to be able to correlate genetic and physical maps. Quantitation of the chicken karyotype is important in establishing parameters which define the genome. Here we report on the physical lengths of the chicken macrochromosomes and establish the DNA content of each, thus identifying implicitly how much of the genome is represented by the microchromosomal component. For the first time, genetic and physical data on the chicken karyotype are presented in relation to one another.
Characterisation of a bovine/murine hybrid cell panel informative for all bovine autosomes
Authors: Konfortov B. A. , Jørgensen C. B. , Miller J. R. , Tucker E. M.
Published: March 2003

A bovine/murine hybrid cell panel consisting of 57 cell lines was typed with 124 markers by PCR, Southern hybridisation and isozyme analysis in order to establish its utility as a resource for genome mapping. All bovine chromosomes, including the sex chromosomes were represented in the panel. Computerised analysis of syntenies indicated that there are no cell lines containing only a single bovine chromosome. The panel was used to map 10 new bovine microsatellite markers, and the MYL6 and CPE genes. This panel is informative for all bovine chromosomes other than the sex‐specific region of the X chromosome and can be used in synteny mapping studies. At present, due to the relatively small number of markers typed, the resolution of the panel does not go beyond the chromosomal level.
Evaluation of ROM1 as a candidate gene in generalised progressive retinal atrophy in dogs
Authors: Klein W. , Dekomien G. , Holmes N. , Epplen J. T.
Published: March 2003

Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (gPRA) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases causing degeneration of the retina in dogs and other animals. The genetic origin is unknown in most cases. We have screened the coding sequence of the ROM1 gene for disease causing mutations in Tibetan Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP). Two polymorphisms have been identified by sequencing, one in exon 1 in all examined breeds (position 210: G→A; Gly40Arg and position 252: G→T; Ala53Ser). Another polymorphism was present in exon 2 (position 1150: C→T and position 1195: C→T) segregating in Miniature Poodles. None of these polymorphisms were cosegregating with gPRA rendering a disease causing mutation in the ROM1 gene unlikely.
Physical ordering of six YACs from the RN region in pigs
Authors: Törnsten A. , Jeon J.‐T. , Alexander L. J. , Andersson L. , Chowdhary B. P.
Published: March 2003

Six YAC clones representing five microsatellite markers from the RN region were mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on pig metaphase chromosomes and their relative order was determined by pairwise multicolour FISH. Two of the microsatellites viz., Sw120 and Sw936 flank RN as well as the remaining three microsatellites Sw1683, Sw2083 and Sw1309. The results assigned the RN locus to the distal part of the 15q25 band. The linear order of the microsatellites was compared with the available linkage mapping data.
Characterization, chromosomal localization, and genetic variation of the α subunit of porcine eighth component of complement
Authors: Nakajima E. , Itoh T. , Suzuki K. , Kawakami K. , Takeda K. , Onishi A. , Komatsu M.
Published: March 2003

The complete amino acid sequence of the porcine a subunit of the eighth component of complement (C8A) was determined by characterizing the full length cDNA clone isolated from a porcine liver cDNA library. Porcine C8A was found to be similar to human and rabbit C8A in length, leader sequence, conserved cysteine residues, cysteine‐rich modules, and overall sequence. Differences in the amino acid sequence among the three species were detected in the proposed candidate site for CD59 recognition (amino acids 352±389). The porcine C8A gene was physically mapped to chromosome 6q33±35 by in situ hybridization using the porcine bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone as a hybridization probe. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of C8A was performed using the restriction enzyme Hha I. Distribution of the alleles was determined in pigs (n = 173) of several different breeds. Estimates of allele frequency of the 201 bp fragment were 0.22, . 0.43, . 0.04, . 0.50, . 0.58, . 0.50, . 0.98, and 0.91 in Landrace, Large White, Duroc, Berkshire, Jinhua, Crown Miniature Pig, wild boar, and Meishan, respectively.
The porcine proteasome subunit A4 (PSMA4) gene: isolation of a partial cDNA, linkage and physical mapping
Authors: Davoli R. , Fontanesi L. , Russo V. , Čepica S. , Musilová P. , Stratil A. , Rubeì J.
Published: March 2003

A partial cDNA clone encoding the porcine proteasome subunit A4 (PSMA4 or proteasome subunit C9) has been isolated from a porcine muscle cDNA library and sequenced. A biallelic TaqI RFLP was identified in Large White, Landrace and Duroc breeds. Moreover, the 3′‐untranslated region of the gene showed a triallelic SSCP. By linkage analysis the PSMA4 locus was assigned to pig chromosome 7 and by radioactive in situ hybridization this locus was mapped to the region 7q13–q14.
Cloning and characterization of the equine F18 gene, which has a novel exon
Authors: Tozaki T. , Hirota K. , Mashima S. , Tomita M. , Mukoyama H.
Published: March 2003

A genomic clone isolated from an equine genomic library probed with an oligonucleotide (CAG)10 showed high sequence similarity to the human F18 gene and was tentatively named equine F18 gene. Because the human F18 gene is expressed in many tissues, we examined whether this equine clone was also expressed in equine tissues. The cDNA encoding equine F18 was obtained by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) from equine thymus. The nucleotide sequence of the equine F18 cDNA (1940 bp) was determined and contained both the ATG initiation codon and a poly(A) sequence. The cDNA sequence contained sequence homologous to exon 3 of human F18 gene and a new exon that is not found in the human F18 gene. The equine F18 gene contains a CAG repetitive sequence (CRS) that is translated into a polyglutamine tract. The CRS was analyzed for polymorphism by PCR: four and two different alleles were observed with unrelated east‐Asian and thoroughbred horses, respectively. The equine F18 gene was mapped to Xq29·1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The human F18 gene is also X‐linked. These data strongly supported the conclusion that the clone contains the equine homologue of the human F18 gene.
Refinement of bovine chromosome 2 linkage map near the mh locus reveals rearrangements between the bovine and human genomes
Authors: Sonstegard T. S. , Kappes S. M. , Keele J. W. , Smith T. P. L.
Published: March 2003

The locus responsible for the appearance of muscular hypertrophy (mh) in double muscled cattle breeds has recently been shown to encode a secreted growth factor designated myostatin (MSTN). This conclusion was based in part on the placement of MSTN in the interval to which mh had been mapped on bovine chromosome 2 (BTA2). During the mapping phase of the study, numerous yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) clones were isolated that contained genetic markers closely linked to mh. Other YACs and cosmids were identified that contained genes selected from human chromosome 2q (HSA2q), with the goal of defining the position of breakpoints in conserved synteny between the bovine and human comparative maps, thereby permitting accurate selection of positional candidate genes. An efficient subcloning procedure was developed to obtain microsatellites (ms) from YAC clones, to increase the number of informative meioses in herds segregating for mh. The same procedure was used to place the human orthologues of engrailed‐1 (EN1), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and paired‐box‐containing 8 (PAX8) genes on the cattle map to further define the positions of breakpoints in conserved synteny and gene order. Twenty‐three of 28 ms identified from YAC subclone libraries were informative in the mapping families. Seven mapped to the centromeric end of BTA2, which contains the mh locus, improving marker density and informativeness. The two MSTN and four EN1 gene‐associated ms markers developed from YACs, map to positions 1·5 and 61·6 cm in the BTA2 linkage group, respectively. In addition, ms markers developed from cosmids containing either IL1B or PAX8, map to positions 56·6 and 56·9 cm in the BTA11 linkage group, respectively. These linkage data confirm the location and orientation of orthologous segments of HSA2q that were previously indistinguishable on the bovine map, and demonstrates the presence of microrearrangements of gene order (segments <10 cm) and conserved synteny between the human and bovine genomes.
Genetic markers linked to neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in English setter dogs
Authors: Lingaas F. , Aarskaug T. , Sletten M. , Bjerkås I. , Grimholt U. , Moe L. , Juneja R. K. , Wilton A. N. , Galibert F. , Holmes N. G. , Dolf G.
Published: March 2003

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are a group of fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative diseases occurring in human and some domesticated animal species. A canine form of the disease (CNCL) has been extensively studied in a Norwegian colony of inbred English setters since 1960. A resource family developed for genetic mapping and comprising 170 individuals was typed for 103 genetic markers. Linkage analysis showed three genetic markers to be linked to the disease locus with the closest marker at a distance of about 3 cm. Two other loci were linked with these markers making a linkage group of five genetic markers. The linkage group spanned a distance of 54 cm. Two genes for human forms of the disease, CLN2 and CLN3, have been identified and mapped to human chromosome 11p15 and 16p12, respectively. The present study did not indicate any linkage between CNCL and the canine CLN3 homologue or to homologues of markers for genes that map close to human CLN2.
Mitochondrial PEPCK: a highly polymorphic gene with alleles co‐selected with Marek’s disease resistance in chickens
Authors: Li S. , Zadworny D. , Aggrey S. E. , Kuhnlein U.
Published: March 2003

The gene coding for the mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK‐M), a pivotal component in gluconeogenesis from lactate via the Cori cycle, was highly polymorphic in strains of egg‐type chickens (White Leghorn) of different origins. Based on MspI restriction fragment polymorphisms a total of seven alleles could be distinguished. The allele frequencies were determined in six pairs of strains derived from different genetic base populations. Each pair consisted of two strains which differed in their susceptibility to Marek’s disease (MD), a virus‐induced neoplastic disease. The frequency of the most common haplotype (M2) was consistently higher in the susceptible strains than in the corresponding resistant strains (P < 0·05, Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test), indicating that the observed differences were not due to random genetic drift. This result suggests that PEPCK‐M may be a candidate gene which contains genetic variants affecting MD susceptibility. Variations in gluconeogenesis may affect the interplay between proliferation of neoplasia and host metabolism.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci on porcine chromosome 4
Authors: Walling G. A. , Archibald A. L. , Cattermole J. A. , Downing A. C. , Finlayson H. A. , Nicholson D. , Walker C. A. , Haley C. S. , Visscher P. M.
Published: March 2003

A F2 population derived from a cross between European Large White and Chinese Meishan pigs was established in order to study the genetic basis of breed differences for growth and fat traits. Chromosome 4 was chosen for initial study as previous work had revealed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on this chromosome affected growth and fat traits in a Wild Boar × Large White cross. Individuals in the F2 population were typed for nine markers spanning a region of approximately 124 cm. We found evidence for QTLs affecting growth between weaning and the end of test (additive effect: 43·4 g/day) and fat depth measured in the mid‐back position (additive effect: 1·82 mm). There was no evidence of interactions between the QTLs and sex, grandparents or F1 sires, suggesting that the detected QTLs were fixed for alternative alleles in the Meishan and Large White breeds. Comparison of locations suggests that these QTLs could be the same as those found in the Wild Boar × Large White cross.
Co‐segregation of alleles at a microsatellite locus within the macrophage expressed lysozyme gene and levels of serum lysozyme activity in two half‐sib families of Polish Black and White Lowland cattle
Authors: Pareek C. S. , Walawski K. , Czarnik U. , Seyfert H‐M , Guiard V. , Grupe S. , Schwerin M.
Published: March 2003

Alleles at a microsatellite locus within the macrophage expressed lysozyme gene were shown to co‐segregate with lysozyme activity in two half‐sib families of Polish Black and White Lowland cattle. The bimodal distribution of lysozyme activities in both progeny groups is concordant with the occurrence of the alternative paternal alleles. The microsatellite is linked to a locus for high lysozyme activity that accounts for 70–95% of the phenotypic variation of both offspring groups considering the lysozyme activities of animals being older than 1 month.
Applicability of SSCP analysis for MHC genotyping: fingerprinting of Ovar‐DRB1 exon 2 alleles from Finnish and Russian breeds
Authors: Kostia S. , Kantanen J. , Kolkkala M. , Varvio S‐L.
Published: March 2003

The applicability of single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genotyping in sheep was studied. A panel of Ovar‐DRB1 exon 2 ‘allele fingerprints’ was defined. The panel could accelerate DRB1 genotyping of new breeds when already existing sequences are used as references in SSCP analysis. In this study, seven new exon 2 sequences and 19 different alleles in total were detected from 31 animals of Finnish and Russian sheep breeds. Ovar‐DRB1*0201 was detected in all the six grey Finnsheep animals included in this study, suggesting reduced MHC diversity within these animals.