bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of postoperative respiratory function by serial blood gas analysis in dogs treated with transdermal fentanyl
Authors: Welch Janet A. , Wohl James S. , Wright James C.
Published: March 2003

Objective:To perform blood gas analysis of the respiratory response to transdermal fentanyl in dogs which have experienced an open‐chest surgical procedure.

Design:Prospective trial.

Setting:Veterinary Teaching Hospital Surgical Research and Student Laboratory.

Intervention:Dogs were purchased for a surgical laboratory. Students performed a cranial abdominal exploratory and diaphragmatic hernia repair. Sixteen dogs were divided into 2 groups. Dogs received transdermal fentanyl (group F), using an average dose of 4.8 µg/kg/hr, applied to the caudal‐lateral abdomen 22 hours before surgery, or intravenous buprenorphine (group B; 0.02 mg/kg) given 1 hour prior to anesthetic induction and every 6 hours postoperatively. All dogs received intravenous acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) preoperatively and every 6 hours postoperatively. Dogs were instrumented with carotid artery catheters.

Measurements and main results:Arterial blood gas values were analyzed every 2 hours postoperatively. Plasma fentanyl levels were analyzed every 4 hours postoperatively. The mean carbon dioxide tension (PCO2) did not exceed 45 mmHg in either group. The range in mean PCO2levels was 32.9 (± 3.4)−38.1 (± 3.9) in group B and 34.7 (± 3.25)−43.6 (± 5.5) in group F. At 2 time points, the mean PCO2was significantly lower in group B compared with normal levels in group F. Hypoxemia occurred in both the groups. The range in mean oxygen tension (PO2) was 76.5 (± 18.3)−91.1 (± 16.3) in group B and 76.0 (± 10.8)−96.6 (± 7.6) in group F. There was no significant difference in PO2between groups. Levels of fentanyl considered to be analgesic were maintained for the postoperative period.

Conclusions:The use of a relatively high dose of transdermal fentanyl did not induce postoperative hypoventilation as evidenced by serial arterial blood gas analysis in this model.
Relationship between hydration estimate and body weight change after fluid therapy in critically ill dogs and cats
Authors: Hansen Bernie , DeFrancesco Teresa
Published: March 2003

Objective: To characterize the relationship between clinical estimates of hydration in dogs and cats admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and changes in their body weight following 24–48 hours of fluid therapy.

Design: Outcome study.

Setting: ICU at a veterinary teaching hospital (VTH).

Animals: A total of 151 dogs and 42 cats with various medical disorders that had not had surgery within 48 hours of admission into the ICU were consecutively admitted into the study. Animals with any condition predisposing to excess fluid loss or retention were excluded: heart disease, sepsis, trauma, pancreatitis, pleural or pericardial effusion, ascites, and pathologic oliguria. Animals that acquired any of the following during the observation period were excluded: gastrointestinal fluid loss, edema or diseases predisposing to edema, oliguria, diuretic therapy, and body fluid drainage or hemorrhage. Fluid therapy was ordered based on estimate of hydration at admission. Other treatments were not modified or withheld.

Interventions: Physiologic data were collected at the time of admission and 24–48 hours later.

Measurements and main results: Hydration was estimated on admission to the ICU using clinical judgement with no supporting laboratory data. Each admitting clinician used this estimate to plan fluid therapy. Fluid therapy was defined as the administration of any enteral or parenteral fluids as well as any decision to withhold fluids. Paired measurements taken on admission and at 24–48 hours included packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma solids (TS), and body weight. Amount and type of fluids or blood products administered were noted. Neither clinician estimates of dehydration nor baseline PCV or TS predicted clinically significant changes in body weight following fluid therapy, and there was no relationship between weight change and changes in PCV or TS.

Conclusions: A clinical diagnosis of dehydration in our ICU does not predict weight gain following fluid therapy. Neither baseline PCV/TS nor changes in these measurements following 24–48 hours of fluid therapy predicted changes in body weight.
Latexallergie beim Personal einer Kinderklinik
Authors: Barker M. , Böhle M. , Heimann G.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Prävalenz und klinische Relevanz einer Latex‐Sensibilisierung wurden mittels Fragebogen‐Interview und IgE‐Bestimmung bei 136 Mitarbeitern einer universitären Kinderklinik untersucht. Ein erhöhtes Gesamt‐IgE zeigten 34 Mitarbeiter, acht wiesen Latex‐spezifische IgE‐Antikörper auf. Hiervon berichteten drei Personen über eine Unverträglichkeit exotischer Früchte, zwei über eine Zunahme atopischer Beschwerden im vollklimatisierten Großklinikum. Bei allen war eine Allergie vordiagnostiziert worden. 17 Mitarbeiter klagten über Hautreaktionen auf Einmal‐Handschuhe, bei zweien fanden sich Latex‐spezifische IgE‐Antikörper. Nur ein geringer Teil der subjektiven Beschwerden am Arbeitsplatz ließ sich somit auf eine Typ‐I‐Allergie gegen Latex zurückführen.
Genitale Lymphödeme*
Authors: Fischer M. , Wohlrab J. , Fiedler E. , Marsch W. Ch.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Während isolierte genitale Lymphödeme sehr selten auftreten, sind sie als Begleitsymptom von Lymphödemen der Beine in bis zu 10 % der Fälle anzutreffen. Die häufigsten Ursachen sind vorausgehende Operationen im Urogenitaltrakt oder rezidivierende Erysipele. Anhand fünf klinischer Beispiele werden verschiedene Ursachen genitaler Lymphödeme vorgestellt. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist, dass ein genitales Lymphödem ein Hinweis auf ein zugrunde liegendes Malignom sein kann (sog. malignes Lymphödem). Eine umfassende Diagnostik ist daher in jedem Einzelfall notwendig. In der Therapie stehen sowohl chirurgische Verfahren als auch eine manuelle Lymphdrainage mit nachfolgender Kompression (Komplexe physikalische Entstauung) zur Verfügung.
Köbner‐Phänomen  bei Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Authors: Brauns T. , Franckson T. , Hillen U. , Goos M. , Hengge U. R.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Wir berichten über einen 76‐jährigen Patienten, der sich bei uns wegen einer Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PrP) vorstellte. Nebenbefundlich litt der Patient an einem vor 2 Jahren exstirpierten Adenokarzinom des Kolons, in dessen Folge es zu einem Adhäsionsileus gekommen war. Nach Adhäsiolyse mit anschließender Duodenalperforation und intensivmedizinischer Behandlung kam es erstmalig an der Einstichstelle eines zentralen Venenkatheters und an den Klebestellen der EKG‐Elektroden zum Auftreten der PrP. Aus diesem Grund diskutieren wir, ob im vorliegenden Fall ein isomorpher Reizeffekt der PrP auslösbar war.
Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit von Methylprednisolonaceponat (Advantan®) in der Behandlung ekzematöser Erkrankungen im Gesicht
Authors: Ruzicka T. , Zaumseil R.‐P.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Obwohl sich durch die topischen Kortikoide der 4. Generation das Risiko von Nebenwirkungen bei sehr guter Wirksamkeit minimiert hat, herrscht bei der Anwendung im Gesicht immer noch Verunsicherung und Ablehnung.  In einer Anwendungsbeobachtung (AWB) bei 575 Patienten mit ekzematösen Dermatosen der Gesichtshaut (vor allem Neurodermitis oder Kontaktekzem) konnte – bei exzellenten Therapieerfolgen – gezeigt werden, dass keine Nebenwirkungen auftreten. Beim bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch (keine Anwendung über die – durchschnittlich nach 14 Tagen erreichte – klinische Abheilung hinaus) ist nicht mit dem Auftreten einer perioralen Dermatitis zu rechnen.
Betreuung HIV‐infizierter Patienten in der Dermato‐Venerologischen Praxis.
Authors: Rasokat H. , Brockmeyer N. H.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung:Die dermato‐venerologisch ausgerichtete Praxis ist einer der Hauptanlaufpunkte  für Personen, die sich eine HIV‐Infektion zugezogen haben oder dieses befürchten. Verbesserte Behandlungsmöglichkeiten haben dazu geführt, daß mehr und mehr HIV‐Infizierte ärztlichen Rat und medizinische Betreuung im ambulanten Bereich suchen, weit bevor AIDS‐manifestierende internistische Erkrankungen aufgetreten sind. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt den Untersuchungsgang bei der ersten Begegnung und legt die Prinzipien der derzeitigen Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und Behandlungsstrategien im ambulanten Bereich dar.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Effects on Faba Bean Yield and Some Yield Components
Authors: Ghizaw A. , Mamo T. , Yilma Z. , Molla A. , Ashagre Y.
Published: March 2003

The faba bean is among the major grain legumes cultivated in Ethiopia and is used extensively as a break crop in the highlands. Although a blanket application of DAP (diammonium phosphate) at the rate of 100 kg · ha−1 has been practised in faba bean production in the country, this was not based on research results. In addition, little information is available on the response of the crop to N and P fertilizers under diverse environmental conditions. Hence, field experiments were carried out at three locations in 1991, seven locations during 1992 and 1993 and at one location in both 1993 and 1995 to determine faba bean response to N and P fertilization. Five levels of N (0, 9, 18, 27 and 36 kg N · ha−1 as urea) in factorial combinations with four levels of P (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg P2O5 · ha−1 as TSP [triple super phosphate]) were studied in a randomized complete block design with four replications in the first year. In the remaining years four levels of N (0, 18, 27 and 36 kg N · ha−1 as urea) in factorial combinations with four levels of P (0, 23, 46 and 92 kg P2O5 · ha−1 as TSP) were used in a randomized complete block design with three and four replications at one and seven locations, respectively. Results indicated that a positive linear response of faba bean seed yield was noted at all locations (except Debre Zeit and Burkitu) to P fertilization, while a significant quadratic response was also found at Holetta. In addition, plant height, above ground biomass and number of pods per plant were positively influenced by P application while the effect of N on these was mostly nonsignificant. Faba bean seed yield response to N was noted at only two out of eight locations; in most cases, nonsignificant and inconsistent seed yield responses to N fertilization were obtained. There was nonsignificant N × P rate interaction. In conclusion, we do not recommend supplemental N application to faba bean at six out of eight locations but we recommend the application of P fertilizer to faba bean at almost all locations (with the exception of Debre Zeit) and for other soils deficient in available P. Further work is recommended on the determination of critical levels for soil‐available P, below which P fertilization should be practised for optimum faba bean seed yield.
Irrigation Water Management for Efficient Water Use in Mulched Onion
Authors: Abu‐Awwad A. M.
Published: March 2003

The effects of mulch and five levels of irrigation on soil evaporation, transpiration, evapotranspiration, and yield of onion were studied in a glasshouse pot experiment during 1996/1997 (December 1, 1996 to May 14, 1997). Five different levels of irrigation were imposed on covered and open clay loam soil surfaces in four replicates. Water losses by evaporation and/or transpiration were measured daily by weighing. Irrigation water was applied once weekly. The amount of irrigation water added to each treatment was determined from weight differences. Increasing applied irrigation water significantly increased evapotranspiration and/or transpiration. With mulch treatments, evapotranspiration was significantly reduced, while transpiration was significantly increased compared with open soil surface treatments. Covering the soil surface reduced the amount of irrigation required water by the onion crop by about 70 % for all irrigation treatments compared with the amount of irrigation water added in the open soil surface treatments, because wet soil surface evaporation was eliminated. Increasing the amount of water applied increased the evaporation–transpiration ratio as a result of an increase in water available for evaporation. In the onion crop, most of the irrigation water (about 1.7 times transpiration) was lost in evaporation. For both covered and open soil surface treatments, the actual measured potential transpiration depth was about 150 mm compared to about 400 mm evapotranspiration depth in the open soil surface treatment. In covered soil surface treatments, onion yields were significantly higher than in open surface treatments at low water levels because of the significant soil evaporation associated with open soil surface treatments. However, onion yields for open and covered soil surfaces became comparable as the total water applied increased. Water use efficiency in the covered soil surface treatment was maximum for the highest water level (W4 = 197 mm irrigation), while in the open soil surface treatment, water use efficiency was maximum for the intermediate water level (W2 = 209 mm irrigation).
The Effect of Short Warm Breaks during Chilling on Photosynthesis and the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Plants Sensitive to Chilling
Authors: Skrudlik G. , Bączek‐Kwinta R. , Kościelniak J.
Published: March 2003

The effect of short warm breaks (from 15 min to 5 h) during chilling of three chilling‐sensitive species (tomato, maize and soybean) was investigated. Injuries, intensity of net photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity were measured. Throughout chilling treatment, plants were warmed by transferring them during the last few hours of the light phase from chilling temperature (5 °C for tomato and maize, 2 °C for soybean) to 20 °C. After warming, seedlings were moved back to chilling conditions. Warm breaks of 5 h almost entirely prevented the appearance of injuries, as measured by changes in leakage of electrolytes and tissue water content, during 12 days of chilling. Even a 15‐min warm break ensured a significant decrease in injuries in chilled maize seedlings compared to continuously chilled seedlings. Inhibition of gas exchange and fluorescence in seedlings of two maize genotypes differing in chilling resistance was, to a small extent, prevented by 1‐h warm breaks, while 4‐h warm breaks reduced inhibition significantly. The length of the warm break (1 or 4 h) had no influence on changes in SOD activity compared to continuously chilled plants, but warm breaks of 4 h produced a significant increase in CAT activity. The possible influence of an alternative pathway in preventing injuries is discussed.
Differential Competitive Ability and Growth Habit of Pearl Millet and Clusterbean Cultivars in a Mixed Cropping System in the Arid Zone of India
Authors: Yadav R. S. , Yadav O. P.
Published: March 2003

Dryland sustainable agriculture in the arid zone of India depends upon the choice of suitable cultivars for pure and mixed crop stands. Field experiments were conducted for two years to examine the response of two contrasting cultivars each of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in pure stands and in mixed pearl millet‐clusterbean stands. The differential response of cultivars of both crops to pure and mixed stands resulted in a significant genotype × cropping system interaction. Reduction in seed yield of both clusterbean cultivars was greater in mixed stands with tall and long duration pearl millet MH 179 than with medium statured and early maturing HHB 67. The degree of reduction was greater in Naveen, the branched clusterbean cultivar, than in RGC 197, the single stemmed cultivar. Mixing of pearl millet HHB 67 with medium duration clusterbean cultivar Naveen produced maximum pearl millet equivalent total yield. Higher land equivalent ratios (LERs) were also observed when clusterbean cultivars were mixed with early maturing and short statured pearl millet HHB 67.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Hexaploid and Tetraploid Wheat to Drought Stress
Authors: Chandrasekar V. , K. Sairam R. , Srivastava G. C.
Published: March 2003

An experiment was conducted to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses of two hexaploids viz., C 306 (water stress tolerant) and Hira (water stress susceptible), and two tetraploids, HW 24 (Triticum dicoccum) and A 9‐30‐1 (Triticum durum) wheat genotypes to water stress under pot culture condition. Water stress was imposed for a uniform period of 10 days at 50, 60 and 70 days after sowing (DAS) and observations were recorded at 60, 70 and 80 DAS. Total dry matter and plant height were recorded at harvest. Water stress caused a decline in relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll and carotenoid content, membrane stability and nitrate reductase activity and increased accumulation of proline at all stages and abscisic acid (ABA) at 80 DAS in all the genotypes. Both the tetraploids showed a lower reduction in RWC and highest ABA accumulation under water stress. Among the hexaploids Hira showed the most decline in RWC and the lowest ABA accumulation. The tetraploids also showed comparatively higher carotenoid content and membrane stability, closely followed by C 306, while Hira showed the minimum response under water stress. Nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll content under irrigated conditions were highest in Hira but under water stress the lowest per cent decline was observed in C 306, followed by HW 24, A 9‐30‐1, and Hira. Proline accumulation under water stress conditions was highest in hexaploids C 306 and Hira and lowest in tetraploids HW 24 and A 9‐30‐1. Tetraploids HW 24, followed by A 9‐30‐1 maintained higher plant height and total dry matter (TDM) under water stress and also showed a lower per cent decline under stress than hexaploids C 306 and Hira. From the results it is clear that proline accumulation did not contribute to better drought tolerance of tetraploids than hexaploids. It is also apparent that water stress tolerance is the result of the cumulative action of various physiological processes, and all the parameters/processes may not be positively associated with the drought tolerance of a particular tolerant genotype.
Long‐Term Effects of Fertilizers on the Soil Fertility and Productivity of a Rice–Wheat System
Authors: Kumar A. , Yadav D. S.
Published: March 2003

Rice–wheat cropping system to which graded levels of NPK fertilizers had been applied for 20 years were compared for yield trends, and changes in response function, soil organic‐C and available N, P, K and S status. This study of system in which only chemical fertilizers had been used over a long period enabled long‐term yield declines of rice and wheat at different levels and combinations of NPK fertilizers to be evaluated. The highest rate of yield decline in both rice and wheat was found when 120 kg ha−1 N was applied alone. The lowest rate of decline was observed when all three nutrients (N, P and K) were applied, at 40, 35 and 33 kg ha−1 for N, P and K, respectively, followed by 120, 35 and 33 kg ha−1 (currently recommended levels). The yield response of rice and wheat to N fertilizer declined over the 20 years, with a higher rate of decline in wheat. In contrast, the response to applied P and K increased with time in both crops, with a higher response rate in wheat. With continuous application of N and P fertilizers, there was a marginal change in available N and K in the soil over time, but an approximately 3‐fold increase in available P and an approximately 2‐fold increase in available S were obtained by regular dressing of P fertilizer (SSP: 7 % P, 12 % S) over 20 years. The results revealed that balanced, high doses of NPK fertilizers are required to maintain soil fertility and raise grain yields.
Effect of Climatic Variation on Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) at Different Dates of Sowing
Authors: Nath R. , Chakraborty P. K. , Chakraborty A.
Published: March 2003

Although experiments have previously been carried out to determine the optimum sowing time of sesame, very few attempts have been made to determine the effects of macro and micro climatic variation on yield. Thus a field experiment was conducted at the University Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, India on an Entisol (alluvial, sandy loam) in the summer seasons of 1996 and 1997 to assess the effects of macro and micro climatic variations on yield of sesame for various dates of sowing. The number of seeds per capsule of sesame was highest in the crop sown on 19 February, although up to the 18 April sowing there was no significant variation. There was no appreciable variation in thousand‐seed weight with date of sowing. Crops sown on 19 February and 1 March produced statistically similar yields. The average reduction in yield of sesame was 78.5 and 213 %, respectively, for crops sown on 10 February and 28 April, compared with the crop sown on 19 February. The cultivar Rama produced higher yields than B‐67 and Kanke‐1. Ambient temperature above 30 °C up to 100 % flowering had a direct positive effect on sesame yield. Crop exposure to 60–70, 70–80 and  80 % relative humidity up to 100 % flowering had a direct negative effect. Temperature profile at 50 days after emergence (DAE), relative humidity at 60 DAE, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 30 and 40 DAE within the crop canopy had direct positive effects on yield. Regression models suggested that temperature profile and PAR within the crop canopy produced 72 and 35 % variation in yield, respectively.
The Phytotoxicity of Various Graminicides in Durum Wheat in Greece
Authors: Bilalis D. , Efthimiadis P. , Karagiannis G.
Published: March 2003

The effect of three herbicides, diclofop‐methyl (DM), imazamethabenz‐methyl (IM) and fenoxaprop‐ethyl (FE), was investigated at the recommended rate (×) and double the recommended rate (2×) in a durum wheat crop. FE had the smallest effect on root system characteristics, while IM had the greatest effect. For all herbicides, the double rate treatment gave a greater statistical reduction than the single rate for root system characteristics. FE had the smallest effect on the activity of aerobic microorganisms, while DM gave the greatest reduction, 10 days after application, and all three herbicides reduced earthworm abundance. DM gave the smallest reduction in the number of tillers and in plant height, while the double rate of IM gave the greatest reduction. For all three herbicides, double the recommended rate resulted in a significant reduction in the weight of 1000 seeds, while no statistically significant deviations were noted at the recommended rate. Finally, the use of all three herbicides resulted in significantly lower statistical yields compared to the sample (control plot), although there were no significant statistical differences among them, for either recommended or double recommended rates.
Intraspecific Variation in Nitrogen Uptake and Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Singh V. P. , Arora A.
Published: March 2003

Twenty wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties differing in plant height were grown in soil culture and evaluated for differences in nitrogen uptake and nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) at limited (40 kg N ha−1) and normal (120 kg N ha−1) nitrogen supply. Nitrogen uptake showed 1.4‐ and 1.5‐fold varietal variation at harvest for limited and normal N supply, respectively. NUE for dry matter production (NE1) exhibited 1.28‐ and 1.38‐fold genotypic variation while NUE for grain production (NE2) varied by 1.25‐ and 1.21‐fold at limited and normal N supply, respectively. Tall varieties were found to have higher N uptake and NUE for dry matter production, while dwarf cultivars had greater NUE for grain production. Nitrogen uptake was found to be strongly positively associated with dry matter production (r=0.85 and r=0.77 at limited and normal N supply, respectively), indicating an important effect of growth rate on N uptake. NUE for biomass production, as well as for grain production, was reduced as the supply of nitrogen was increased.
Introgression as a Route to Improved Drought Tolerance in White Clover (Trifolium repens L.)
Authors: Marshall A. H. , Rascle C. , Abberton M. T. , Michaelson‐Yeates T. P. T. , Rhodes I.
Published: March 2003

Backcross hybrids between the important forage legume white clover Trifolium repens, which is stoloniferous, and the related rhizomatous species T. ambiguum have been produced using T. repens as the recurrent parent. The drought tolerance of parents and two generations of backcross plants, possessing both stolons and rhizomes, was studied in deep soil bins in a glasshouse both as monocultures and in mixtures with perennial ryegrass. Soil moisture content, leaf relative water content, and leaf water potential were measured on plants subjected to drought cycles of 4 weeks duration and those watered normally and maintained at field capacity. Six cycles of drought, carried out over 2 years, showed that T. ambiguum and the first and second generation backcross hybrids maintained a greater leaf relative water content and higher leaf water potential than T. repens at comparable levels of soil moisture. The dry matter yield of T. repens was significantly reduced over each drought cycle compared to the watered treatments, while the yield of T. ambiguum increased over the 4‐week cycle in both treatments. The yield of the backcross generations was intermediate between those of the two parental species. The implications of these results for white clover germplasm improvement programmes are discussed.
Effect of Salinity Stress on Growth and Nutrient Composition of Three Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Cultivars
Authors: Essa T. A.
Published: March 2003

Soil salinity is a major limitation to legume production in many areas of the world. The salinity sensitivity of soybean was studied to determine the effect of salinity on seed germination, shoot and root dry weights, and leaf mineral contents. Three soybean cultivars, Lee, Coquitt, and Clark 63, were planted in soils of different salinity levels. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the soils used in this experiment was 0.5 dS m−1. The soil salinity treatments were 0.5, 2.5 4.5, 6.5 and 8.5 dS m−1. Saline drainage water from a drainage canal with an EC of 15 dS m−1 was used to treat the soil samples in order to obtain the desired salinity levels. Germination percentages were recorded 10 days after planting. Shoot and root dry weights of 45‐day‐old plants were measured. Nutrient concentrations for Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl− were determined. Germination percentages were significantly reduced with increasing salinity levels. The cultivar Lee was less affected by salinity stress than Coquitt and Clark 63. At 8.5 dS m−1 a significant reduction in plant height was found in all three cultivars. However, Lee plants were taller than plants of the other two cultivars. Salinity stress induced a significant increase in leaf sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) in all cultivars. However, the cultivar Lee maintained lower Na+ and Cl+ concentrations, a higher potassium (K+) concentration and a higher K+/Na+ ratio at higher salinity levels than Coquitt and Clark 63. Saline stress reduced the accumulation of K+, calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in the leaves of the cultivars studied. This study suggests that Lee is the most tolerant cultivar, and that there is a relationship between the salt tolerance of the cultivar and macronutrient accumulation in the leaves.
Grain Yields of Perennial Grain Crops in Pure and Mixed Stands
Authors: Weik L. , Kaul H.‐P. , Kübler E. , Aufhammer W.
Published: March 2003

Perennial grain crops were examined in pure stands and in various mixtures for their grain yield potential in, and suitability for, low‐input systems on marginal land. The investigation was based on field experiments conducted at two sites characterized by marginal environmental conditions in south‐west Germany in 1999 and 2000. The experiments included perennial species of rye (Secale cereale × Secale montanum), intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) and linseed (Linum perenne). In some stands, white clover (Trifolium repens) was included as an undersown intercrop for improved N supply. It was found that maturation of the species differed by up to almost 6 weeks, and consequently the threshability of most mixed stands was not satisfactory. Nevertheless, mixtures of either of the grasses (rye or wheatgrass) with lupin or undersown clover proved to be more suitable than pure stands in most cases, for measures such as grain yield, weed suppression and stability of grain yield over years. The grain yield harvested in the experiments in 1999 was low, reaching about 2.7 t ha−1 with rye, and decreased for most species in 2000. If improved genotypes were available, perennial grain crops could provide an alternative for arable cropping and set‐aside areas under marginal conditions.
Genetic structure of Norwegian horse breeds
Authors: Bjørnstad G. , Gunby E. , Røed K. H.
Published: March 2003

The evaluation of the genetic structure of four native Norwegian horse breeds was investigated using 35 genetic markers including nine biochemical loci and 26 microsatellites. The proportion of genetic variation measured as heterozygosity and the number of alleles indicated high variation in Fjord Horse and Coldblooded Trotter, but somewhat reduced variation in Døle Horse. No clear signs of bottleneck effects were found in either of the breeds, but significant inbreeding estimates in Nordland/Lyngen Horse may indicate subdivision of this breed. Significant population differentiation was detected between all breeds, also between the recently diverged Døle Horse and Coldblooded Trotter. The principal component analysis supports the close genetic relationship between these two breeds.
Multiple trait selection for maternal productivity in beef cattle
Authors: Mwansa P. B. , Crews D. H. , Wilton J. W. , Kemp R. A.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to develop a multiple trait genetic evaluation and selection tool for maternal productivity in beef cattle, particularly in the Hereford breed. Component traits of the maternal productivity index (MPI) were chosen on the basis of their potential to contribute to consistently weaning heavy calves over a sustained herd life, while controlling cow maintenance costs. (Co)variance components were estimated with a multiple trait model including direct and maternal birth weight, direct and maternal weaning weight, weight of the cow at the time her calf is weaned and survival, defined as the ability of a female to produce at least three calves given she became a dam. Although direct and maternal birth weight were included in the (co)variance parameters model, these traits were not included in the index. Estimates of heritability were 0.19, 0.18, 0.50 and 0.07 for direct and maternal weaning weight, cow weight, and survival, respectively. The correlation between direct and maternal components of weaning weight was −0.42. The genetic correlation estimated between direct weaning weight and cow weight was 0.85, while a low genetic correlation of −0.17 was estimated between maternal weaning weight and cow weight. Survival had a near zero (−0.01) genetic correlation with maternal weaning weight, but negative genetic correlations with direct weaning weight (−0.52) and cow weight (−0.48). The MPI was constructed as a linear function of derived economic weights multiplied by estimated breeding values for the four component traits from the model. Estimated economic values were $3.00, $2.70, $−0.49 and $2.39 for direct and maternal weaning weight, cow weight, and survival (expressed as a percentage), respectively. Relative economic weights were 0.30, 0.26, 0.17 and 0.27 for direct and maternal weaning weight, cow weight, and survival, respectively. A simulation study indicated that positive genetic trend would be expected in all component traits although increases in cow weight would be moderate.
Studies on nutrient digestibilities (pre‐caecal and total) in pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs and the effects of enzyme substitution
Authors: Tabeling R. , Gregory P. , Kamphues J.
Published: March 2003

Introduction  Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency causes digestive disturbances in humans and animals. However, although clinical symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency, e.g. steatorrhoea, only occurs after loss of 80–90% normal pancreatic secretory capacity (D
iM
agno et al. 1973), pancreatic enzyme supplementation does not always result in normalization of digestion (especially of fat), even with high doses of enzymes (L&
ouml;
ser and F&
ouml;
lsch 1995). In order to better understand the physiological and the pathological consequences of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in humans as well as its therapy with enzyme substitution, studies have been made using an animal model of induced pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Hither to, studies concerning pancreatic duct ligation and/or the influence of enzyme substitution have mainly been focused on estimation of enzyme activities in chyme (e.g. A
bello et al. 1989) and/or on faecal analyses of total digestibility (e.g. I
mmondi et al. 1972). To get more information on effects of enzymes (natural or substituted) it seems necessary to investigate the site and extent of digestion more intensively (S
udendey 1995). Therefore a pig model of induced pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, via pancreatic duct ligation, was chosen and pre‐caecal digestibility was measured by means of an ileo‐caecal re‐entrant fistula. Studies on the digestibility of a high fat diet were made, since cystic fibrosis patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are recommended to take in high amounts of energy to avoid catabolic metabolism and nowadays these high energy diets comprise increasing proportions of fat (D
urie and P
encharz 1989; S
hepherd et al. 1991).

The following aspects were investigated in controls and pancreatic duct‐ligated pigs that were fed a high fat diet: changes in the composition of ileal chyme and faeces; effects on nutrient digestibility (pre‐caecal and total); efficacy of enzyme substitution in total exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Hepatic activity of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase in rats with alimentary zinc deficiency
Authors: Eder K. , Waldhauser K. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: March 2003

Recent studies demonstrated that zinc deficiency lowers hepatic cholesterol concentrations in rats fed on diets that were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); in contrast, in rats fed on diets that were rich in saturated fatty acids, zinc deficiency did not influence hepatic cholesterol concentrations (Eder and Kirchgessner 1993, 1994a,b, 1995). To date the mechanism underlying those effects is unclear. Based on 14C‐incorporation into tissue lipids, a study by Patel et al. (1975) suggested that zinc deficiency impairs the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol. However, their investigation did not include studies on enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis. The present study therefore was focused on the effects of zinc deficiency on the activity of hepatic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) which is the key enzyme in the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis. Therefore, rats were fed zinc‐deficient diets containing either linseed oil or olive oil as sources of fat, and the activity of HMG‐CoA reductase was assayed in hepatic microsomes.
Urinary energy losses in dogs fed commercial extruded foods
Authors: Castrillo C. , Vicente F. , Guada J. A.
Published: March 2003

Energy and nitrogen losses in the urine were recorded in 134 individual balances with adult (1‐ to 2‐year‐old) female Beagles that were fed 23 dry extruded dog foods ranging in crude protein (CP) content from 242 to 360 g/kg dry matter. The energy equivalent of urinary nitrogen was estimated as 33.9 kJ/g N. Both energy losses in the urine corrected for the nitrogen balance, and the metabolizable energy (MEn): digestible energy (DE) ratio were found to be closely related to diet CP content (r : 0.851 and 0.820). The MEn content of extruded dog foods can be accurately calculated from the DE content, either by subtracting 4.59 MJ/kg CP or estimating the MEn/DE ratio from the food CP content by the following equation: MEn/DE=0.98 – 3.44 ± 0.517 × CP (kg/MJ DE).
Effect of plant oils and aspartate on rumen fermentation in vitro
Authors: Jalč D. , Čerešňáková Z.
Published: March 2003

The effect of plant oils and aspartate (ASP) on rumen fermentation in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant oils (rapeseed – RO, sunflower – SO; linseed – LO; 10% wt/wt) and 8 mmol sodium aspartate on rumen fermentation of a diet (250 mg) consisting of hay, barley and sugar beet molasses (60 : 30 : 10). Rumen fluid was collected from two Slovak Merino sheep fed the same diet twice daily. Mixed ruminal micro‐organisms were incubated in fermentation fluid (40 ml) containing rumen fluid and McDougall’s buffer (1 : 4). Incubations were carried out in batch cultures for 72 h at 39 °C two times in a 3‐week intervals. When compared to the control, all supplemented diets (RO, SO, LO, ASP) significantly increased the pH, the mol% of propionate (LO + 8.7%; SO + 10.12%; RO + 8.65%; ASP + 5.86%) and the acetate : propionate ratio and numerically decreased methane production (SO –32.8%; LO, RO –30.08%; ASP –21.56%). Lactate production was also significantly decreased. Addition of plant oils to aspartate‐treated incubations partly inhibited the decrease of n‐butyrate, lactate and the increase of pH and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) caused by ASP treatment. The effect of combined additives (RO + ASP, SO + ASP, LO + ASP) on methane production SO + ASP (–19.23%) and mol% propionate SO + ASP (+2.66%), LO + ASP (+4.28%) was less effective. All combined additives caused a significant decrease in digestibility of the given feeds. No effect of plant oils and ASP could be observed on the parameters of rumen fermentation (mainly methane and propionate).
Influence of dietary phosphorus deficiency with or without addition of fumaric acid to a diet in pigs on bone parameters
Authors: LIESEGANG A. , URSPRUNG R. , GASSER J. , SASSI M.‐L. , RISTELI J. , RIOND J.‐L. , WANNER M.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study was to examine if substantial bone loss occurs in weaned pigs by feeding a phosphorus‐deficient diet with or without fumaric acid. Eighteen weaned pigs were used. The animals were assigned to three groups: group C (control; 0.65% P on DM basis), group LP (low phosphorus; 0.37% P on DM basis) and group LPF (low phosphorus plus fumaric acid; 0.35% P on DM basis plus 2% fumaric acid). These three diets were fed to the groups for a period of four weeks after a two‐week adaptation period. Blood samples were collected once a week. Carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) in serum was used as a bone resorption marker. Osteocalcin (OC) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (bAP) were used as bone formation markers. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) were determined by peripheral quantitative computer tomography. BAP activities significantly increased (24%) in group LPF, and at the last sampling day group LPF had significantly increased activities in comparison to group C. In contrast, ICTP concentrations significantly increased with time in group LP and LPF, and at the last sampling day group LPF had significantly increased activities in comparison to group C. BMD and BMC in femur and tibia significantly decreased in group LP and LPF. The results show that P‐deficient diets induce a bone loss. Fumaric acid did not influence the degree of bone loss. With a better understanding of its effect on bone, dietary phosphorus requirements in pigs could be more precisely defined.
Infectivity ofPandora neoaphidis(Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) toAcyrthosiphon pisum(Hom., Aphididae) in response to varying temperature and photoperiod regimes
Authors: Feng M. ‐G. , Poprawski T. J. , Nowierski R. M. , Zeng Z.
Published: March 2003

The infectivity of the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum, by the aphid‐specific entomophthoralean fungus,Pandora neoaphidis, was studied in environmental chambers using computer simulated late‐season temperature and photoperiod patterns and an excised fava bean leaf system. A complementary log‐log (CLL) time–dose–mortality model was used to model time–dose trends in infectivity ofA. pisumbyP. neoaphidisas a function of time and dose, and calculate the LC50. The likelihood ratio test based on the CLL model was used to test for differences in levels of aphid infectivity byP. neoaphidisover different photoperiod regimes. Differences in the LC50values from CLL modelling over different time periods were found among the two regimes of 11‐ and 16‐h photophases at a constant temperature of 20°C, and two regimes at daily fluctuating temperatures from 5.4 to 18.9°C (with half‐hourly changes of 0.56°C the mean temperature was 12.12°C). The LC50for the same time period was lower under the higher temperature conditions than under lower fluctuating temperature conditions. The likelihood test ratio statistics showed no significant difference in the slope parameter for three out of four treatments (two from the constant temperature of 20°C, and one from 5.4 to 18.9°C, irrespective of photophase conditions). This suggests that different temperatures and photophases may change the temporal characteristics ofP. neoaphidis, and result in higher or lower infectivity to the pea aphid at certain dosage levels. However, changes in the photoperiod appear to be less important for the infectivity ofP. neoaphidisto pea aphid than changes in temperature.
Effect of gamma‐irradiation on some biological activities of the larval stage of the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Col., Dermestidae)
Authors: Abdel‐Kawy F. K.
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The present study was carried out on the larval stage of the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts to determine some biological effects of gamma irradiation at levels between 20 to 100 Gy on various aspects of larval behaviour such as number of moults, developmental time, larval growth, starvation and mortality, pupal promptness in addition to larval density. Larval mortality of 92.5% was obtained by treating with 80 Gy and no larva lived after an exposure of 100 Gy or more. With increasing doses from 40 Gy or more, half of the male and female larvae had six moults as compared with three to five moults in the control. The larval duration increased gradually and reached 40.2 days for male larvae and 44.2 days for female ones at a dose of 80 Gy as compared to 25.2 and 28.3 days, respectively, for the control. Larvae irradiated with 60 and 80 Gy did not feed as much as those irradiated at 20 and 40 Gy or the control group. A negative correlation was observed between increasing dosage levels and reduction in the fresh body weight of larvae. The highest larval starvation of 79.8% occurred at 80 Gy and the least (23.8%) at 20 Gy. Pupal promptness seems to be lower at the higher radiation doses. With 40, 60 and 80 Gy, approximately 69.5, 19.6 and 7.5%, respectively, of the larvae succeeded in pupation compared with 94.6% in the control. High doses of radiation seem to enhance the production of males. An increase of larval density enhances the effects of radiation doses to retard the developmental time, to increase larval and pupal mortality and to reduce adult eclosion.
Effect of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, ornithine and γγ‐aminobutyric acid on winter wheat resistance to grain aphid
Authors: Ciepiela A. P. , Sempruch C.
Published: March 2003

The association between the concentrations of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), ornithine, and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in winter wheat cultivars with their antibiotic resistance to the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) (Hom., Aphididae) was studied. The antibiosis was measured under field conditions using the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm). The content of the studied non‐protein amino acids was estimated in flag leaf at the beginning of anthesis growth stage. Highly significant negative correlations were found between the rm values and concentrations of L‐DOPA (r = −0.937) and ornithine (r = −0.907), but not with GABA (r = −0.363). The contribution of these allelochemicals to the resistance of the plants to insects is discussed.
Long‐term developments in the carabid and staphylinid (Col., CArabidae and Staphylinidae) fauna during conversion from conventional to bilogivcal farming
Authors: Andersen A. , Eltun R.
Published: March 2003

In two field experiments over periods of 6 and 8 years the activity density and diversity of carabids and staphylids were measured in pitfalls traps during the conversiion fron conventional to biological farming. Positive effects of the conversion were observed for many carabid species; among them Harpalus rufipes and several Amara, Bembidion and Pterostichus species, and the staphylinid fly parasitoid Aleochara bipistulata. The increased number of weed species present could at least partly explain the rise. Negative effects of the conversion were observed for several staphylinid species, among them Philonthus cognatus and Tachyporus species, and the carabid Trechus quadristriatus. It is hypothesized that the reduction in stapjylinids could partly be due to competition from the rising numbers of carabids.
Flight period and ecology of Trypodendron proximum (Niijima) (Col., Scolytidae) in Finland
Authors: Martikainen P.
Published: March 2003

The flight period of Trypodendron proximum was studied by pheromone‐baited window traps in three localities in Finland. Trypodendron proximum started to fly at +13°C, and swarming peaked at around +15°C, which was the threshold temperature for the flight of Trypodendron lineatum. There was only a little overlap in the flight periods of T. proximum and other Trypodendron species. Trypodendron proximum constituted 4.5–22.1% of the total number of Trypodendron individuals caught. Field observations indicated that T. proximum may overwinter in the bark of standing trees, which would enable the beetles to fly when there is still snow. Most of the field observations of T. proximum are from dead standing Norway spruces and Scots pines in Finland.
The effect of Metarhizium anisopliae var acridum on haemolymph energy reserves and flight capability in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Seyoum E. , Bateman R. P. , Charnley A. K.
Published: March 2003

Adult desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, 3 days after inoculation with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var acridum, had significantly less carbohydrate and lipid in the haemolymph than controls. This was not due to reduced food intake as 3 days of complete starvation had no effect on haemolymph titres of energy reserves in controls. Furthermore injection of an extract of the corpora cardiaca (the source of adipokinetic hormone, AKH) caused a large significant increase in haemolymph lipid in mycosed locusts, indicating the availability of significant quantities of lipid in the fat body, the target for AKH. Haemolymph carbohydrate declined significantly during tethered flight of control locusts but not in mycosed individuals. An injected supplement of trehalose significantly boosted flight performance of mycosed insects but not controls. The results are discussed in the light of the hypothesis that the poor flight capability of mycosed locusts is due in part to a fungus‐induced reduction in mobile energy reserves.
Unikaryon polygraphi sp.n. (Protista, Microspora): a new pathogen of the four‐eyed spruce bark beetle Polygraphus poligraphus (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Weiser J. , Händel U. , Wegensteiner R. , Zizka Z.
Published: March 2003

The microsporidium Unikaryon polygraphi sp.n., a pathogen of Polygraphus poligraphus in Austria is described based on light microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics. All life stages have isolated nuclei. Sporogony ends with uninucleate single sporoblasts and spores. Mature oval spores measure 2.5–3.0 μm × 1.0–1.5 μm. The larger spores (3 × 1.5 μm) belong to the `early spore type' with a polar filament coiled in five turns and the smaller spores (2.5 × 1 μm) with polar filament coiled in 6/7 turns belong to the `environmental spore type'. Columnar cells of the midgut, longitudinal and circular muscles and the secretory part of Malpighian tubules of adult beetles are infected. Mature spores are excreted together with the faeces.