bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the relationship between physical damage and fungal infection in Colophospermum mopane
Authors: Smith P. P. , Shah‐Smith D. A.
Published: March 2003

Colophospermum mopane
trees in Zambia's North Luangwa National Park and an adjacent Game Management Area, were examined for evidence of physical damage caused by browsers, humans, weather, fire, etc. The same trees were assessed for visual signs of fungal colonization, with the aim of investigating any possible relationship between physical damage and attack by fungi. The results of this study suggest that the severity of physical damage had a relatively small influence on the activity of fungi colonizing and utilizing mopane heartwood. The majority of fungi isolated from infected trees were saprophytes, and the common occurrence of these agents in healthy trees suggests that heartwood degradation is not detrimental to the health of the tree. ‘Internal roots’ produced from the cambium inside the hollow trunk, which apparently utilize the detritus accumulated there, is probably an adaptation through which
C. mopane can recycle minerals and nutrients.
Oral budesonide as maintenance therapy in Crohn’s disease—results of a 12‐month study
Authors: Ferguson  , Campieri  , Doe  , Persson  , Nygård  ,   THE GLOBAL BUDESONIDE STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background:

Budesonide is a corticosteroid with high topical anti‐inflammatory activity and low systemic activity due to rapid inactivation. We have assessed the efficacy and safety of an oral controlled ileal release (CIR) preparation of budesonide for maintenance of remission in patients with ileal or ileocaecal Crohn’s disease.

Methods:

In a double‐blind, multicentre trial, 75 patients in clinical remission (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index, CDAI, ≤ 150) were randomly assigned to receive placebo, budesonide 3 mg or budesonide 6 mg daily for 12 months. Trial drugs were given at a fixed dose and without concomitant medication. The primary outcome measure was relapse, defined as a CDAI > 150 together with an increase of at least 60 units from entry. A patient was also considered to have a relapse if withdrawn from the study due to clinical deterioration, whether or not a CDAI value could be calculated at that time.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in the relapse rate at any time‐point throughout the study. By 12 months the proportion of patients having relapsed were 48, 46 and 60% in those patients treated with budesonide 6 mg, 3 mg and placebo, respectively (N.S.). Treatments were well tolerated, and the proportion of patients with suppressed adrenal function (according to predetermined criteria) were 50% (6 mg), 26% (3 mg) and 17% (placebo) (P = 0.096).

Conclusions:

In the present study, relapse rate and time to relapse were similar in the patients treated with budesonide CIR, 6 mg daily or 3 mg daily or with placebo, throughout 12 months. This is in contrast to the two previous trials with identical design, where a significant effect of budesonide CIR in prolonging the median time to relapse was found. Possible reasons for the negative results of the present study include small sample size, and the fact that there was a high placebo response.
Incidence of duodenal ulcer healing after 1 week of proton pump inhibitor triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Harris  , Misiewicz  , Bardhan  , Levi  , O’morain  , Cooper  , Kerr  , Dixon  , Langworthy  , Piper  ,   THE LANSOPRAZOLE HELICOBACTER STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background:

A number of clinical studies have assessed the efficacy of short‐term twice‐daily Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens but few have investigated the proportion of patients in whom duodenal ulcer disease was healed with these regimens.

Aim:

To compare the safety and efficacy of four 1‐week H. pylori eradication regimens in the healing of H. pylori associated duodenal ulcer disease.

Methods:

Following endoscopic confirmation of duodenal ulcer disease and a positive CLO test, patients underwent a 13C‐urea breath test to confirm H. pylori status. Treatment with one of four regimens: LAC, LAM, LCM or OAM, where L is lansoprazole 30 mg b.d., A is amoxycillin 1 g b.d., M is metronidazole 400 mg b.d., C is clarithromycin 250 mg b.d., and O is omeprazole 20 mg b.d., was assigned randomly to those patients who were H. pylori positive, with 62 (LAC), 64 (LAM), 61 (LCM) and 75 (OAM) patients in each treatment group. Follow‐up breath tests and endoscopies were performed at least 28 days after the end of treatment.

Results:

Duodenal ulcer disease was healed 28 days after treatment in 53/62 (85.5%) patients who were treated with LAC, 52/64 (81.3%) of patients treated with LAM, 49/61 (80.3%) of patients treated with LCM and 60/75 (80.0%) of patients treated with OAM (intention‐to‐treat analysis, n=262, assumed unhealed if no follow‐up endoscopy was performed). All the treatments were of similar efficacy (P=0.85, chi‐squared test) with regard to the healing of duodenal ulcer disease.

Conclusions:

The four 1‐week treatment regimens were equally effective in healing H. pylori associated duodenal ulcer disease.
Comparison of rabeprazole 20 mg vs. omeprazole 20 mg in the treatment of active gastric ulcer—a European multicentre study
Authors: Dekkers  , Beker  , Thjodleifsson  , Gabryelewicz  , Bell  , Humphries  ,   THE EUROPEAN RABEPRAZOLE STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background:

Rabeprazole sodium is the newest member of a class of substituted benzimidazole molecules known as proton pump inhibitors. Other proton pump inhibitors have been shown to be effective in healing active, benign gastric ulcers.

Methods:

In this randomized, double‐blind, multicentre study, conducted at 25 European sites, rabeprazole and omeprazole were compared in patients with active gastric ulcers. Two hundred and twenty‐seven patients with active benign gastric ulcer were randomized to receive either rabeprazole 20 mg (n = 113) or omeprazole 20 mg (n = 114) once daily for 3 or 6 weeks, with healing monitored by endoscopy.

Results:

After 3 weeks, complete healing (ITT analysis) was documented in 58% of patients given rabeprazole and 61% in patients given omeprazole (N.S.). After 6 weeks the healing rates were identical in both groups at 91%. Rabeprazole‐treated patients had numerically greater symptom relief at all 12 points of comparison. The differences significantly favoured rabeprazole at week 3 for daytime pain improvement (P = 0.023) and at week 6 for pain frequency (P = 0.006) and complete resolution of night pain (P = 0.022). Both drugs were well‐tolerated over the 6‐week treatment course. Mean changes from baseline to end‐point in fasting serum gastrin were comparable. No significant differences in laboratory parameters were seen.

Conclusion:

In this study, rabeprazole produced healing rates comparable to omeprazole at weeks 3 and 6, but provided more consistent and occasionally significantly superior symptom improvement. Both treatments were well‐tolerated.
Cisapride 20 mg b.d. for preventing symptoms of GERD induced by a provocative meal
Authors: Castell D. , Silvers D. , Littlejohn T. , Orr W. , Napolitano J. , Oleka N. , Jokubaitis L. ,   The CIS‐USA‐89 Study Group
Published: March 2003

Background

: Cisapride is a substituted piperidinyl benzamide indicated for the symptomatic treatment of patients with nocturnal heartburn due to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The currently recommended dosing regimen for cisapride is 10 mg q.d.s., but the elimination half‐life of 8–10 h supports b.d. dosing with 20 mg.

Methods

: This multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of cisapride 20 mg b.d. dosing in reducing or preventing heartburn and other meal‐related symptoms after challenge with a provocative fatty meal. In phase 1 of the study, 137 patients with at least a 3‐month history of symptoms suggestive of GERD and at least five episodes of GERD on 7‐day diary were eligible to receive single‐blind treatment with placebo for 7 (range ± 3) days and then ingested a provocative meal. One hundred and twenty‐two patients (45 men and 77 women, 22–65 years of age) who experienced heartburn during the 3 h after ingestion of the meal qualified for the double‐blind phase of the study and were randomly assigned to either cisapride 20 mg or matching placebo b.d. for 7 (±3) days. At the end of this period, 118 patients again ate a fatty meal and were assessed for symptoms of GERD.

Results

: Heartburn was prevented in a significantly higher percentage of cisapride‐treated patients (40%; 24 out of 60) than placebo‐treated patients (21%; 12 out of 58) after the repeat provocative meal at the end of the double‐blind phase (P = 0.017). Cisapride was also significantly more effective in reducing the severity of postprandial heartburn, belching, and regurgitation (P < 0.05). Twice‐daily dosing with cisapride 20 mg was well tolerated; the number of cisapride‐ and placebo‐treated patients who experienced at least one adverse event was similar (31% and 22%, respectively). The most common adverse events were diarrhoea (cisapride, 18%; placebo, 0%) and rhinitis (cisapride, 2%; placebo, 5%).

Conclusions

: These results demonstrate that cisapride 20 mg b.d. is effective in preventing or reducing symptoms of heartburn in patients who developed heartburn after ingesting a provocative fatty meal. Cisapride was also effective in reducing the severity of heartburn‐related symptoms such as belching and regurgitation.
Lansoprazole is superior to ranitidine as maintenance treatment for the prevention of duodenal ulcer relapse
Authors: Bardhan K. D. , Crowe J. , Thompson R. P. H. , Trewby P. N. , Keeling P. N. , Weir D. , Crouch S. L. ,   On behalf of the UK‐Eire Lansoprazole Group
Published: March 2003

Aim

: To compare lansoprazole 30 mg once daily, lansoprazole 15 mg once daily and ranitidine 150 mg once nightly in the prevention of duodenal ulcer relapse in patients whose duodenal ulcers had been previously healed with lansoprazole 30 mg once daily or ranitidine 300 mg nightly.

Methods

: A double‐blind, parallel group, randomized multicentre study conducted in 33 centres in the UK, Eire, Sweden and Australia. Two hundred and nineteen patients with a duodenal ulcer were randomized to receive lansoprazole 30 mg and 217 to receive ranitidine 300 mg for 8 weeks. Patients were then re‐randomized to receive lansoprazole 30 mg (122 patients), lansoprazole 15 mg (121 patients) or ranitidine 150 mg (116 patients) for 12 months. All patients had an endoscopically‐proven duodenal ulcer at baseline and were considered suitable for long‐term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

Results

: Significantly more patients were healed on lansoprazole (98%) compared to ranitidine (89%) (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). Lansoprazole provided more rapid symptom relief than ranitidine. Lansoprazole 30 mg and lansoprazole 15 mg increased the probability of not relapsing in comparison to ranitidine (P = 0.001 and 0.06, respectively, life‐table analysis). Relapse rates over the 12 months were lower in the lansoprazole treatment groups (lansoprazole 30 mg, 5%; lansoprazole 15 mg, 12%; and ranitidine, 21%; lansoprazole 30 mg vs. ranitidine 150 mg, P = 0.002). Symptoms were well controlled in both groups during the maintenance phase. All treatments were well tolerated with no major differences seen in adverse event profiles between treatment groups.

Conclusions

: Both doses of lansoprazole (30 mg and 15 mg) were superior to ranitidine 150 mg in the prevention of duodenal ulcer relapse. Lansoprazole was superior to ranitidine in terms of symptom control and duodenal ulcer healing. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Double vs. single dose of pantoprazole in combination with clarithromycin and amoxycillin for 7 days, in eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia
Authors: Lamouliatte  ,   THE AQUITAINE GASTRO ASSOCIATION, Samoyeau  , De Mascarel  , Megraud
Published: March 2003

Background

: The necessity of increasing intragastric pH during eradication treatment in Helicobacter pylori infected patients is well established. However, the optimal dose of the proton pump inhibitors used in eradication regimen is still a subject of debate.

Aims

: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a double vs. a single daily dose of pantoprazole in a 7‐day triple therapy in eradicating H. pylori.

Methods

: In this regional, multicentre, comparative, randomized and double‐blind study, H. pylori‐positive patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia were treated for 7 days with clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and amoxycillin 1000 mg b.d. and either a double (2 × 40 mg, Group 2PCA) or a single (40 mg, Group 1PCA) daily dose of pantoprazole. H. pylori infection was assessed at entry and at the end (day 38) of the study by histology and culture, or in some cases by 13C‐urea breath test.

Results

: From 203 patients recruited, 192 patients (96 in Group 2PCA and 96 in Group 1PCA) formed the intention‐to‐treat population. Twenty‐six of them judged as major protocol violators were excluded from the per protocol analysis. H. pylori eradication rate was 75% in Group 2PCA and 56% in Group 1PCA in intention‐to‐treat analysis, and 80% in Group 2PCA and 59% in Group 1PCA in per protocol analysis (P < 0.05). The primary resistance to clarithromycin was 10.5%. The eradication rates for the clarithromycin susceptible strains were 86% for Group 2PCA and 71% for Group 1PCA in per protocol analysis (P < 0.05). Both regimens led to similar improvement of clinical symptoms and were equally well tolerated.

Conclusion

: A double (2 × 40 mg) daily dose of pantoprazole in a 7‐day triple therapy is more effective than a single (40 mg) dose of this drug in eradication of H. pylori.
Maintenance therapy with pantoprazole 20 mg prevents relapse of reflux oesophagitis
Authors: Escourrou  , Deprez  , Saggioro  , Geldof  , Fischer  , Maier  ,   THE EUROPEAN PANTOPRAZOLE STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background

: Proton pump inhibitors can be effective as maintenance therapy in reducing the relapse rate of reflux oesophagitis at a dose lower than that used for acute healing.

Patients and methods

: Patients (n=396, 18–88 years old) with healed reflux oesophagitis (grade II or III before healing) were included in this multinational, prospective, parallel‐group, randomized double‐blind study. They took oral pantoprazole 20 mg (n=203) or 40 mg (n=193), once daily for up to 12 months. Scheduled endoscopies were performed at entry, after 6 and 12 months, or when symptoms of at least moderate intensity were perceived on 3 consecutive days; symptoms were assessed every 3 months. The primary efficacy parameter was the time until endoscopically proven relapse of reflux oesophagitis occurred; the secondary parameters included tolerability, safety and time until symptomatic relapse occurred.

Results

: Analysis was performed using the ‘all‐patients‐treated’ approach. Endoscopic relapse rates in the 20 mg group after 6 and 12 months were 16 and 29%, respectively; in the 40 mg group, they were 7 and 19%, respectively. Symptomatic relapse rates after 6 and 12 months were 14 and 21% in the 20 mg group and 10 and 17% in the 40 mg group, respectively. Pantoprazole 20 mg and 40 mg were well tolerated throughout the study; the type and frequency of adverse events reported were similar for both treatment groups.

Conclusion

: The 20 mg dose was proven to be ‘at least equivalent’ to the 40 mg dose with respect to endoscopic and symptomatic relapse. The 20 mg once daily dose represents an effective and safe maintenance regimen for the majority of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis.
Long‐term lansoprazole treatment for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: clinical efficacy and influence on gastric mucosa
Authors: Geboes K. , Dekker W. , Mulder C. J. J. , Nusteling K. ,   (ON BEHALF OF THE DUTCH STUDY GROUP)
Published: March 2003

Background:

Long‐term acid suppression is believed to accelerate atrophic gastritis in Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients. The influence of long‐term therapy with lansoprazole has not been examined.

Aim:

To study the clinical and endoscopic efficacy and histological evolution of gastric mucosa during 5 years of maintenance treatment with lansoprazole, 30 mg.

Methods:

Seventy‐eight patients with endoscopically proven oesophagitis were followed for 5 years. Biopsies taken at the start of the study, during follow‐up and after 5 years were available for 73 patients.

Results:

The total endoscopic relapse rate was 14.1%. At the start of the study, 34 patients were Helicobacter pylori negative and 39 were Helicobacter pylori positive (two atrophy, 25 antral gastritis, 12 pangastritis). At 5 years, no histological changes had occurred in Helicobacter pylori‐negative patients. In the Helicobacter pylori‐positive group, 20 patients developed pangastritis, six had normal histology and one had antral gastritis. Ten of the 12 patients with pangastritis had reduced antral activity. There was no increase in intestinal metaplasia, but there was a tendency towards regression of atrophy in the antrum and towards increased atrophy in the body of the stomach.

Conclusions:

Maintenance treatment with lansoprazole, 30 mg, is efficacious. The development of glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia was not accelerated in Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients. Helicobacter pylori eradication must be considered only because of the higher cancer risk associated with chronic Helicobacter pylori‐related gastritis.
A new mesalazine foam enema (Claversal Foam) compared with a standard liquid enema in patients with active distal ulcerative colitis
Authors: Malchow H. , Gertz B. ,   THE CLAFOAM STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2003

Background:

Rectally administered mesalazine (5‐aminosalicylic acid) is a recognized therapy for distal ulcerative colitis. It is frequently applied as a liquid enema. However, there are reasons (acceptability to the patient, more uniform topical dispersion and effective adhesion) to prefer a foam‐based enema.

Aim:

This study compared a foam enema (2 g mesalazine per day, Claversal Foam) with a standard liquid enema (4 g mesalazine per day, Salofalk enema).

Methods:

Patients with active distal ulcerative colitis, diagnosed according to standardized criteria, were treated for 4 weeks. The primary goal was clinical remission; endoscopic remission, histological changes, global assessment and standard safety measures were also analysed. A major subset of the patients also provided quality‐of‐life data.

Results:

Both foam and liquid enema gave good rates of clinical and endoscopic remission. The foam enema was shown to be as efficacious as the reference, even though the daily dose in the foam treatment contained only half as much active drug as in the reference treatment. Minor regional differences in efficacy were seen. The tolerabilities of the two formulations were comparable.

Conclusions:

The foam enema offers a safe, efficacious and acceptable treatment for distal ulcerative colitis.
All that wheezes is not asthma
Authors: Murray D. M. , Lawler P. G.
Published: March 2003

A 23‐year‐old female presented with an acute exacerbation of her asthma, for which she required ventilatory support. Her wheeze disappeared immediately following tracheal intubation and ventilatory support was achieved with low airway pressures. We believe that the diagnosis of status asthmaticus was incorrect and that the patient was suffering from vocal cord dysfunction. We review reports of this condition and suggest that, in asthma, the expiratory flow limitation due to paradoxical vocal cord movement may be an appropriate physiological response to improve overall airflow. However, this glottic narrowing may cause respiratory distress of its own accord. Our observations suggest a simple approach to the diagnosis and management of patients whose respiratory distress may be caused by paradoxical vocal cord movement. Immediate relief of ‘bronchospasm’ in an asthmatic following tracheal intubation may establish the correct diagnosis. This has important implications for the management of these patients in the intensive care unit.
Magnesium as first line therapy in the management of tetanus: a prospective study of 40 patients*
Authors: Attygalle D. , Rodrigo N.
Published: March 2003

Summary A prospective observational study was conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of magnesium sulphate for control of spasms and autonomic dysfunction in 40 patients with tetanus. Magnesium was infused intravenously, aiming to control spasms despite suppression of patellar reflex or respiratory insufficiency. Spasms were controlled in 38 of the 40 patients within a serum Mg2+ range of 2–4 mmol.l−1 with only two patients needing additional neuromuscular blocking drugs. Seventeen of 24 patients (< 60 years) and six of 16 patients (≥ 60 years) did not require ventilatory support. Thirty‐six patients were conscious and co‐operative throughout their management. Sympathetic over‐activity was controlled without supplementary sedation. Overall mortality was 12%; all five deaths were in patients ≥ 60 years and no deaths were due to autonomic dysfunction. We recommend magnesium as possible first line therapy in the routine management of tetanus.
Linkage and physical mapping of prolactin to porcine chromosome 7
Authors: Vincent A. , Wang L. , Tuggle C. K. , Rothschild M. F.
Published: March 2003

Comparative mapping studies between human and pig have shown that there is conserved synteny between human chromosome 6 and pig chromosomes 1 and 7, but some gene locations are not well established. Prolactin (PRL), an anterior pituitary hormone, has been mapped to human chromosome 6, and has tentatively mapped to pig chromosome 7 using Southern‐RFLP analysis with a limited number of meioses. To confirm the assignment of prolactin to porcine chromosome 7 by physical and linkage analysis, pig cDNA and human genomic DNA sequences were used to design pig‐specific PCR primers. The primers amplified a fragment of ≈2·8 kb. Two polymorphic restriction sites were identified within this fragment with the restriction endonuclease BstUI. Prolactin was significantly linked to six markers on the published PiGMaP map of pig chromosome 7. Prolactin was physically mapped using a pig × rodent somatic cell hybrid panel. An analysis of these data placed PRL on pig 7p1·1–p1·2 with 100% concordance and was in complete agreement with the linkage data. Both mapping techniques placed PRL in a conserved order with the loci in the syntenic region of human chromosome 6.
Myostatin maps to porcine chromosome 15 by linkage and physical analyses
Authors: Sonstegard T. S. , Rohrer G. A. , Smith T. P. L.
Published: March 2003

Myostatin belongs to the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, and is expressed specifically in developing and mature skeletal muscle. Myostatin appears to act as a negative regulator of muscle development, since mice with targeted disruption of this gene display a large increase in muscle mass. In this study, the porcine myostatin gene was mapped to chromosome 15q2·3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Myostatin was also positioned within the chromosome 15 linkage group using both a polymorphism located in the second intron and an associated microsatellite. The development of highly polymorphic markers associated with myostatin will support population studies to identify alleles of this gene that affects muscle mass and/or fat deposition in swine.
Frequency of the SCID gene among Arabian horses in the USA
Authors: Bernoco D. , Bailey E.
Published: March 2003

Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) of horses is an autosomal, recessive hereditary disease occurring among Arabian horses. The genetic defect responsible for this disease was recently identified as a 5‐basepair deletion in the gene encoding DNA‐protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA‐PKcs). Horses with one copy of the gene appear normal, while horses with two copies of the gene manifest the disease. The present report describes a PCR‐based test for detection of the gene defect and the results from testing 250 randomly selected Arabian horses. The frequency of SCID gene carriers was 8·4% (21/250). Based on the gene frequency reported here, the authors would expect 0·18% (1 out of 567) of Arabian foals to be affected with SCID based on a random breeding population.
Physical assignment of six type I anchor loci to bovine chromosome 19 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Gallagher D. S. , Yang Y.‐P. , Burzlaff J. D. , Womack J. E. , Stelly D. M. , Davis S. K. , Taylor J. F.
Published: March 2003

A bovine bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was screened for the presence of eight type I anchor loci previously used within hybrid somatic cells and an interspecies hybrid backcross to construct a genome map of bovine chromosome 19 (BTA19). Six out of eight loci were identified in the BAC library (NF1, CRYB1, CHRNB1, TP53, GH1 and P4HB). The BACs were then used in single‐colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assign these genes to BTA19 band locations. Gene order was determined by single‐colour FISH, and was confirmed by dual‐colour FISH to mitotic and meiotic chromosomes. The order, centromere‐NF1‐CRYB1‐CHRNB1‐TP53‐GH1‐P4HB, was in agreement with the order determined by linkage analyses. In addition, the order of CHRNB1 and TP53, previously unresolved by linkage analyses, was established. These data provide high‐resolution cytogenetic anchorage of the BTA19 genome map from chromosome bands 14–22.
Genomic structure of the bovine PrP gene and complete nucleotide sequence of bovine PrP cDNA
Authors: Horiuchi M. , Ishiguro N. , Nagasawa H. , Toyoda Y. , Shinagawa M.
Published: March 2003

The present authors previously reported the nucleotide sequence of the 5′ half of a cDNA encoding bovine prion protein (PrP) and the genomic structure of the bovine PrP gene encoding the 5′‐untranslated region. Here they report the extent of intron 2 of the bovine PrP gene and the nucleotide sequence of the 3′ half of bovine PrP cDNA that had not been determined before. This newly sequenced 3′ half of the bovine PrP cDNA consisted of 2149 bp. The entire 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) was found to be encoded by a single exon, exon 3. One nucleotide polymorphism was found in the 3′‐UTR. The length of intron 2 was estimated to be about 14 kbp. The structure of bovine PrP gene can be defined by combining the present results and previous reports on the bovine PrP gene.
Polymorphism within the 3′ flanking region of the bovine growth hormone receptor gene
Authors: Moisio S. , Elo K. , Kantanen J. , Vilkki J.
Published: March 2003

Growth hormone receptor (GHR) has a major role in the regulation of growth hormone action, and thus, is an obvious candidate gene associated with milk production traits in mammals. The present authors have sequenced 273 bp of the 3′ flanking region of the bovine GHR, and found three length variants and one base substitution polymorphism in this region. Allele frequencies of the length variants differ between Finnish native and commercial dairy cattle breeds. The chromosomal localization of GHR was confirmed to bovine chromosome 20 by synteny mapping and linkage analysis.
Genetic polymorphism of properdin factor B (BF) in domestic rabbit
Authors: Branco M. , Lopes G. , Ferrand N.
Published: March 2003

Genetic polymorphism of plasma properdin factor B (BF) was detected in domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, by means of isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The analysis of 298 individuals, corresponding to one French and two Portuguese populations, revealed the existence of six alleles, of which BF*A, B and C were common alleles, and D, F and G were rare ones.
Isolation and mapping of two porcine skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms
Authors: Davoli R. , Zambonelli P. , Bigi D. , Fontanesi L. , Russo V.
Published: March 2003

The present paper describes the isolation and linkage mapping of two isoforms of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain in pig. Two partial cDNAs (pAZMY4 and pAZMY7), coding for the porcine myosin heavy chain‐2B and ‐β respectively, have been isolated from a pig skeletal muscle cDNA library. Four RFLPs were detected with the putative porcine skeletal myosin heavy chain‐2B probe (pAZMY4) and one RFLP was identified with the putative myosin heavy chain‐β probe (pAZMY7). Two myosin heavy chain loci were mapped by linkage analysis performed with the five RFLPs against the PiGMaP linkage consortium ResPig database: the MYH1 locus, which identifies the fast skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain gene cluster, was located at the end of the map of porcine chromosome 12, while the MYH7 locus, which identifies the myosin heavy chain‐α/‐β gene cluster, was assigned to the long arm of porcine chromosome 7.
Chromosomal assignment of two putative canine keratin gene clusters
Authors: Keller R. C. , Switonski M. , Jörg H. , Ladon D. , Arnold S. , Schelling C.
Published: March 2003

Mutations in keratin genes account for a number of inherited keratodermas in humans. The groups of basic and acidic keratin genes are clustered on human chromosomes 12 and 17, respectively. The present authors have assigned the two putative keratin gene clusters to canine chromosomes using canine cosmid clones. Successful fluorescence in situ hybridization mapped the putative cluster of canine acidic genes to dog chromosome 20 and the putative cluster of basic keratin genes to a small autosome not yet included in the partial canine standard karyotype.
Inheritance of RAPD markers in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (I. furcatus), and their F1, F2 and backcross hybrids
Authors: Liu Z. , Li P. , Argue B. J. , Dunham R. A.
Published: March 2003

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) has become the most important aquaculture species in the USA. A genetic linkage map in catfish is needed to improve efficiency of breeding by marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and for identification of economically important genes such as disease resistance genes. To identify DNA‐based genetic polymorphism, the present authors tested 42 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers for their utility in identifying genetic polymorphism in catfish. Out of these primers, 22 generated 171 highly reproducible RAPD markers, producing almost eight polymorphic bands per primer. The remaining 20 primers produced an additional 20 polymorphic bands. The RAPD markers were highly reproducible, transmitted to F1 hybrids, and segregated in F2 or backcross progeny in ratios that did not differ from Mendelian expectations. Because the interspecific hybrids of channel catfish and blue catfish are fertile, RAPD markers using the interspecific hybrid system will be useful for rapid construction of genetic linkage maps of catfish and for analysis of important quantitative trait loci.
Genetic diversity of Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): mitochondrial DNA D‐loop and cytochrome b sequence variation
Authors: Lau C. H. , Drinkwater R. D. , Yusoff K. , Tan S. G. , Hetzel D. J. S. , Barker J. S. F.
Published: March 2003

Swamp and river buffalo mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was sequenced for 303 bp of the cytochrome b gene for 54 animals from 14 populations, and for 158 bp of the D‐loop region for 80 animals from 11 populations. Only one cytochrome b haplotype was found in river buffalo. Of the four haplotypes identified in swamp buffalo, one found in all populations is apparently ancestral both to the other swamp haplotypes and to the river haplotype. The phylogenetic relationships among the 33 D‐loop haplotypes, with a cluster of 11 found in swamp buffalo only, also support the evolution of domesticated swamp and river buffalo from an ancestral swamp‐like animal, most likely represented today by the wild Asian buffalo (Bubalus arnee). The time of divergence of the swamp and river types, estimated from the D‐loop data, is 28 000 to 87 000 years ago. We hypothesise that the species originated in mainland south‐east Asia, and that it spread north to China and west to the Indian subcontinent, where the rive type evolved and was domesticated. Following domestication in China, the domesticated swamp buffalo spread through two separate routes, through Taiwan and the Philippines to the eastern islands of Borneo and Sulawesi, and south through mainland southeast Asia and then to the western islands of Indonesia.
Comparative mapping of bovine chromosome 13 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Schläpfer J. , Gallagher D. S. , Burzlaff J. D. , Womack J. E. , Stelly D. M. , Taylor J. F. , Davis S. K.
Published: March 2003

We present chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results that both extend the HSA20/BTA13 comparative map as well as cytogenetically anchor two microsatellite markers. A bovine bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was screened for conserved genes (type I loci) previously assigned to HSA10 or HSA20 and BTA13, and for microsatellites selected from two published BTA13 linkage maps. Clones from six out of nine comparative loci and both microsatellites were found represented in the BAC library. These BAC clones were used as probes in single colour FISH to determine the chromosome band position of each locus. As predicted by the human/bovine comparative map, all type I loci mapped to BTA13. Because single colour FISH analysis revealed that the loci were clustered within the distal half of BTA13, dual colour FISH was used to confirm the locus order. Established order was centromere‐PRNP‐(SODIL/AVP/OXT)‐(BL42/GNAS1)‐HCK‐CSSM30. The findings confirm the presence of a conserved HSA20 homologous synteny group on BTA13 distal of a HSA10 homologous segment.
Genetic relationships among European cattle breeds
Authors: Blott S. C. , Williams J. L. , Haley C. S.
Published: March 2003

Genetic relationships among 37 European cattle breeds were investigated using blood group and serum protein polymorphisms. The 18 859 animals included in the study represented a random sample from pedigree populations in the UK. Within‐breed variation was estimated by average heterozygosity and number of alleles observed, and breed relationships were evaluated by genetic distance. Standard errors of the heterozygosity, number of alleles and genetic distance were obtained by bootstrapping. The significance of breed differences was tested using an exact test of differentiation. French, Italian and Channel Island breeds were found to have generally higher heterozygosities and a greater number of alleles than breeds from mainland Britain and North Europe. Genetic distances ranged between 0·011 (±0·005) and 0·309 (±0·071). Two major breed groups were identified; a group of French, Italian and Channel Island breeds together with the Simmental and Gelbvieh, and a second group consisting of the mainland British and North European breeds. The exact test of breed differentiation showed all breeds to be significantly different from one another (P < 0·0001). Overall relationships among breeds reflected their geographical origin and common ancestry rather than the agricultural use for which the breeds have been selected.
Construction and characterisation of a gridded chicken cosmid library with four‐fold genomic coverage
Authors: Buitkamp J. , Ewald D. , Schalkwyk L. , Weiher M. , Masabanda J. , Sazanov A. , Lehrach H. , Fries R.
Published: March 2003

Gridded genomic libraries are crucial for the positional candidate gene approach. For this purpose we constructed a gridded genomic library from a female chicken using the vector sCos 1. About 110 000 cosmid clones were grown and replicated in 384‐well plates. An average insert size of 39 kb was calculated from the analysis of 68 randomly selected clones. No chimerism could be observed from 31 in situ hybridisations. One replica of the library (number 125) has been transferred to the Resource Centre/Primary Database (RZPD) of the German Human Genome Project (DHGP). The whole library was gridded onto four nylon filters at high density for efficient identification of cosmid clones by colony hybridisation. Twenty‐two probes were used for screening the library and each of them gave at least one positive signal. This result is in good agreement with a four‐fold coverage of the genome as estimated from the insert length and number of recombinant clones. This library provides a powerful tool for rapid physical mapping and complex analysis of the chicken genome.
Characterization of β‐defensin prepropeptide mRNA from chicken and turkey bone marrow
Authors: Brockus C. W. , Jackwood M. W. , Harmon B. G.
Published: March 2003

Four avian β‐defensin prepropeptide cDNA sequences [gallinacins: Gal 1 (synonym CHP 1, chicken heterophil peptide 1), and Gal 2; turkey heterophil peptides: THP 1 and THP 2] were amplified from chicken or turkey bone marrow mRNA samples, respectively. Partial chicken β‐defensin cDNA sequences were obtained using degenerate primers based on chicken peptide sequences (Gal 1/CHP 1 and Gal 2). The complete cDNA sequences of the chicken β‐defensins were then determined by designing specific intrapeptidal primers, from the newly acquired sequence, and pairing one primer with a specific poly A primer tail sequence (3′ end) and the other primer with an adapter primer in a 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) reaction. The two, turkey β‐defensins were amplified from turkey marrow using primers designed from chicken β‐defensin preproregions. The complete amino acid sequences for the prepropeptides were deduced for all four avian β‐defensins. Previously, only partial mature peptide sequences for the turkey β‐defensins and complete mature peptide sequences for the chicken β‐defensins were known. All sequences obtained translated accurately to complete and partial amino acid sequences reported for β‐defensins purified from chicken and turkey heterophil granules except for one additional amino acid for Gal 1/CHP 1. The four deduced β‐defensin proregions lack the long, negatively charged propiece reported in classical defensin proregions. These regions are thought to stabilize and inactivate the positively charged mature peptide and target the propeptide to the storage granule. Instead, these β‐defensin proregions are shorter and similar to storage granule‐free β‐defensins proregions reported for bovine tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) and lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP). These are the first prepropeptide β‐defensins from leukocyte granules to be completely characterized.
Bovine microsatellite loci are highly conserved in red deer (Cervus elaphus), sika deer (Cervus nippon) and Soay sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Slate J. , Coltman D. W. , Goodman S. J. , MacLean I. , Pemberton J. M. , Williams J. L.
Published: March 2003

We tested 174 bovine microsatellite primer pairs for use in a primitive breed of sheep and two species of deer. Of 173 markers, 127 (73·4%) gave a product in Soay sheep (Ovis aries) of which 54 (42·5%) were polymorphic. One hundred and twenty‐nine of 174 (74·1%) markers gave a product in red deer (Cervus elaphus) of which 72 (55·8%) were polymorphic. In sika deer (Cervus nippon) 126 of 171 (73·7%) microsatellite primers gave a product with 47 (37·3%) polymorphic. The proportion of bovine microsatellite loci conserved across artiodactyl species was significantly greater in this study than previously reported. Reasons for this high degree of microsatellite conservation are discussed. We suggest that a high resolution comparative map of the artiodactyls can be constructed using microsatellites.
Integration of chicken cytogenetic and genetic maps: 18 new polymorphic markers isolated from BAC and PAC clones
Authors: Morisson M. , Pitel F. , Fillon V. , Pouzadoux A. , Bergé R. , Vit J. P. , Zoorob R. , Auffray C. , Gellin J. , Vignal A.
Published: March 2003

As an approach to integrate the chicken genetic and cytogenetic maps, bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and P1‐derived artificial chromosome (PAC) clones were localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on chromosomes and by genetic mapping on the East Lansing and Compton reference families. Some of the clones used in this study were previously selected for the presence of potentially polymorphic (CA)n repeats and a microsatellite marker was developed when possible for genetic mapping. For other clones, a single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) was developed and used for this purpose. Between the two approaches, 18 markers linking the cytogenetic and genetic maps, seven on macrochromosomes and 11 on microchromosomes, were generated. Our results enabled the assignment and orientation of a linkage group to chromosome 3, together with the assignment of linkage groups to eight different microchromosomes, a fraction of the genome lacking mapping data and for which the degree of coverage by the genetic map was not well estimated previously.
Analysis of parentage determination in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) using microsatellites
Authors: O’reilly P. T. , Herbinger C. , Wright J. M.
Published: March 2003

Microsatellite genetic markers are becoming increasing important tools in the investigation of alternate reproductive strategies in wild plants and animals, and in the implementation of optimal breeding programs for endangered species, and managed cultured populations. Overall, little attention is paid to the frequency and impact of scoring errors and mutations on the resolution and accuracy of such analyses. Here, parentage of 792 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared communally were determined using di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellites. Over 99·5% of the offspring could be unambiguously matched to one set of parents in the original 12 (1 × 1) experimental cross (each of 12 males uniquely crossed to one of 12 females) and in a simulated 36 (1 × 1) cross (involving additional parents), and over 80% in a 12 × 12 cross (all 12 males crossed to all 12 females). Mutations were rare (≈3·4 × 10−−4), though scoring errors were relatively common (2–3% per allele scored), with the rate of error varying among loci. Approximately 90% of scoring errors (or mutations) are expected to be detected in this analysis, and of those that are not, fewer than 0·5% should lead to a false or incorrect determinations of parentage. Based on several indices, we expect that greater than 99·7% of offspring assayed were matched to their true parents.
Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: a rapid method for differentiating BoLA‐DRB3 alleles
Authors: Aldridge B. M. , McGuirk S. M. , Clark R. J. , Knapp L. A. , Watkins D. I. , Lunn D. P.
Published: March 2003

The products of the BoLA‐DRB3 locus are important molecules in the bovine immune response. Several techniques have been used to study and define this locus but they are generally time consuming and limited in their ability to detect novel alleles. In this study we used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), and direct sequencing, for BoLA‐DRB3‐typing. First, modified locus‐specific primers were used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a 240 bp fragment of exon 2 of BoLA‐DRB3 from the genomic DNA of 22 cattle and one pair of twin calves. The reverse primer included a GC‐rich clamp to improve the physical separation of the BoLA‐DRB3 alleles by DGGE. The denaturing gradient needed to produce separation of alleles was determined using perpendicular DGGE, and this gradient was then applied to parallel denaturing gels. The optimal time for producing allele separation was determined using a time‐series analysis. The bands representing individual BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were excised from the gels, reamplified, and the nucleotide sequence determined using fluorescent‐based automated cycle sequencing. The nucleotide sequences of the separated bands were then compared to published BoLA‐DRB3 alleles. A gradient of 10–15% acrylamide combined with a 15–50% urea‐formamide gradient was successfully used to separate BoLA‐DRB3 alleles in all individuals examined. Nucleotide sequencing showed that the 24 animals possessed 13 BoLA‐DRB3 alleles, all of which have been previously described. The BoLA‐DRB3 genotypes included 20 heterozygotes and two homozygotes. Three BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were seen in each of the twin calves, possibly due to leukochimerism. The technique is reliable and rapid, and avoids cloning alleles prior to nucleotide sequencing and therefore offers distinct advantages over previous techniques for BoLA‐DRB3‐typing.
Physical mapping of three minisatellite sequences in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) genome
Authors: Pérez J , Morán P , García‐Vázquez E
Published: March 2003

We have determined the localization of three minisatellite loci SsBglIIL.6, SsBglIIU.20 and SsPstL.26 in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) genome by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH analysis of the SsBglIIL.6 and SsBglIIU.20 minisatellites revealed that they are both located in single chromosome pairs allowing their direct identification; in contrast, the SsPstIL.26 probe hybridizes to four different chromosomal pairs. The analysis of chromosomal location of minisatellite sequences could be very useful for studying structural changes that have taken place during chromosome evolution in the karyotype of Salmo salar.
A linkage map of 243 DNA markers in an intercross of Göttingen miniature and Meishan pigs
Authors: Mikawa S , Akita T , Hisamatsu N , Inage Y , Ito Y , Kobayashi E , Kusumoto H , Matsumoto T , Mikami H , Minezawa M , Miyake M , Shimanuki S , Sugiyama C , Uchida Y , Wada Y , Yanai S , Yasue H
Published: March 2003

A resource family of pigs has been constructed by using a boar of Göttingen miniature pig and two sows of Meishan pig as parents. In the construction of the family, two F1 males and 18 F1 females were intercrossed to generate 143 F2 offspring. The members of the family were genotyped using 243 genetic markers including 26 markers developed in our laboratory in order to generate a linkage map of markers for use in detecting quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the family. The markers consisted of 237 microsatellites, five PRE‐1 markers, and one RFLP marker. The linkage map was revealed to cover all 18 autosomes and the X chromosome; and the total length of the sex‐averaged linkage map was calculated to be 2561 ·9 c m. Four out of the 26 markers developed in our laboratory ex‐ended the current linkage map at the termini of chromosomes 1p, 5p, 11p, and Xq. The linkage maps of all the chromosomes except for chromosome 1 were found to be longer in females than in males. Concerning chromosome 1, the length of the linkage map showed no difference between females and males, which was attributed to low recombination rates between markers localized in the centromeric region in females. The average ratio of female‐to‐male recombination was calculated to be 1 ·55.
Equine dinucleotide repeat loci cor061‐cor080
Authors: Tallmadge R L , Hopman T J , Schug M D , Aquadro C F , Bowling A T , Murray J D , Caetano A R , Antczak D F
Published: March 2003

This paper describes a fourth set of 20 characterized horse dinucleotide repeat markers developed at Cornell University.
Five new linkage groups in the canine linkage map
Authors: Jónasdóttir T J , Dolf G , Sletten M , Aarskaug T , Schelling C , Schläpfer J , Jouquand S , Priat C , Holmes N G , Lingaas F
Published: March 2003

Nineteen further polymorphic loci were typed on the DogMap reference panel. Five new linkage groups were identified. Additionally, five markers were added to earlier defined linkage groups. Three of the new linkage groups contain markers mapped earlier to specific dog chromosomes by physical mapping. These results make a further contribution to the canine genome map and provides more linkage groups physically assigned to known chromosomes.