bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in human term and preterm neonatal blood
Authors: Li Karen , Wan Yau Fung , Fai Fok Tai , Woon So King , Kong Li Chi , Man Pan Yuen Patrick
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

Whilst cord blood (CB) contains a significant number of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells suitable for bone marrow transplantation, levels of these cells are very low in the adult circulation. In previous studies, we demonstrated that stem and progenitor cells are present in neonatal blood (NB) and reported the first sibling transplant using a combination of CB and NB for a patient with β‐thalassaemia major. However, our preliminary data showed that the number of CD34+ cells decreased rapidly in the peripheral blood of neonates soon after birth. To further investigate the mechanism of the change of stem and progenitor cells in NB, we measured the steady‐state levels of CD34+ cells, early progenitor subsets and the expression of adhesion molecules, in term and preterm neonates.

Materials and Methods

NB was collected serially from infants at 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 h after birth and was analysed by three‐colour flow cytometry.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the number of CD34+ cells rapidly decreased in term NB, particularly during the first 2–6 h of life, by 29·2 ± 5·55% (P = 0·0003) in absolute counts/ml. A decrease was observed in all subsets of CD34+ cells studied, including the CD33+, CD71+, CD62L+ and CD49d+ populations. In contrast, the CD34+ cell number increased in preterm infants in the first 8 h of life, before starting to decrease. Significant inverse correlations were observed between gestational age and levels of CD34+ cells (P = 0·0065, 4‐h collection time‐point).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that changes in the levels of CD34+ stem and progenitor cells in NB might be triggered by parturition and affected by the gestational age. Our findings confirmed that if targeted as a supplementary source of stem and progenitor cells to CB for transplantation, NB should be collected as soon as possible after birth.
An anti‐idiotopic antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of the monoclonal anti‐D BRAD‐5
Authors: Austin E. B. , Smith L. C. , Walker R. Y.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

We aimed to develop an anti‐idiotopic antibody‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify human monoclonal anti‐D using BRAD‐5 as a model system.

Materials and Methods

One of the anti‐idiotopic antibodies 2E6 was used to capture BRAD‐5 with the other anti‐idiotopic antibody 3B1 biotinylated for detection.

Results

The assay developed can detect BRAD‐5 at < 2 ng/ml. Assay interference caused by heterophilic antibodies in some human sera was removed by preincubation with bovine serum. The assay is reproducible with intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficient of variation (CV) <10%.

Conclusion

This ELISA should prove of benefit in developing a monoclonal anti‐D for prophylactic use.
Severe haemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti‐Jsb
Authors: Stanworth S. , Fleetwood P. , De Silva M.
Published: March 2003

A case of anti‐Jsb in pregnancy was associated with unexpectedly severe haemolytic disease of the newborn, requiring urgent exchange transfusion. Clinical signs of fetal distress were evident at 35 weeks of gestation in a sixth pregnancy. A Jsb+ baby from a previous pregnancy had been unaffected. This case report illustrates the difficulties of predicting severity on the basis of anti‐Jsb titre, and highlights issues relating to the problems of using reconstituted frozen red cells from the rare red cell bank for exchange transfusion.
Point mutations in KEL exon 8 determine a high‐incidence (RAZ) and a low‐incidence (KEL25, VLAN) antigen of the Kell blood group system
Authors: Lee S. , Reid M. E. , Redman C. M.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives

The molecular basis of two Kell blood group antigens, RAZ (provisionally KEL27) and VLAN (KEL25), were determined.

Materials and Methods

The DNA sequences of the open reading frames and the flanking intron regions of the 19 KEL exons from RAZ and VLAN probands were compared with that of common KEL. Genotyping assays were designed to confirm and detect RAZ and VLAN phenotypes.

Results

A homozygous G865A mutation, encoding lysine instead of glutamic acid at amino acid position 249 of Kell protein, defines the RAZ phenotype, while a heterozygous G863A mutation in KEL, encoding an arginine to glutamine substitution at amino acid 248, characterizes the VLAN phenotype.

Conclusion

Point mutations G865A and G863A, in adjacent codons of KEL exon 8, which cause amino acid substitutions, characterize the RAZ and VLAN Kell blood group phenotypes.
Genotyping for platelet‐specific antigens: techniques for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Hurd C. M. , Cavanagh G. , Schuh A. , Ouwehand W. H. , Metcalfe P.
Published: March 2003

Accurate typing of patients for platelet‐specific (human platelet) antigens (HPA) is required in several different clinical situations, and blood services need to maintain panels of HPA‐typed apheresis platelet donors and whole‐blood donors to support HPA alloimmunized patients. Six clinically relevant HPA alloantigen systems have been described and, in addition, a significant number of HPA alloantigens with a highly skewed allele frequency or of very low immunogenicity have been reported. Certain well‐characterized biallelic systems such as Gov have not as yet been included in the HPA nomenclature but are included in this review. Biochemical studies have identified the platelet membrane proteins on which the HPA antigens are localized. Cloning of the genes encoding these proteins and the realization that there is adequate mRNA in fresh platelets has led to identification of the molecular basis of HPA antigens over the last decade. All but one of the biallelic platelet‐specific alloantigen systems are based on a single nucleotide polymorphism in the DNA sequence, corresponding to a single amino acid substitution in the encoded primary protein sequence. The discovery of the genetic basis of the alloantigens has allowed the development of polymerase chain reaction‐based techniques for HPA genotyping using genomic DNA. The genetic basis of the HPA alloantigens, the most commonly used genome typing techniques and their pitfalls, and future developments, are discussed in this review.
Studies on the removal of a bovine spongiform encephalopathy‐derived agent by processes used in the manufacture of human immunoglobulin
Authors: Reichl H. E. , Foster P. R. , Welch A. G. , Li Q. , MacGregor I. R. , Somerville R. A. , Fernie K. , Steele P. J. , Taylor D. M.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives There is still uncertainty over how the agent of variant Creutzfeld‐Jakob disease (vCJD) would partition during the manufacture of plasma derivatives. In this study, a BSE‐derived agent was used as a vCJD model to determine the extent to which infectivity could be removed by selected steps used in the manufacture of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Materials and Methods Murine‐passaged BSE (strain 301V), in the form of a microsomal fraction prepared from infected brain, was used to ‘spike’ the starting material in three experiments. The partitioning of BSE infectivity was measured over Fraction I+III precipitation, borosilicate microfibre depth filtration and Seitz depth filtration, with these steps being examined individually and in series.

Results Most 301V infectivity partitioned into Fraction I+III (log reduction 2·1). Infectivity remaining in Supernatant I+III was reduced by AP20 glass‐fibre depth filtration (log reduction 0·6) and subsequently removed to below the limit of detection by Seitz KS80 depth filtration, giving an overall log reduction of ≥ 2·9 for the three steps in series. By contrast, glass‐fibre depth filtration gave a log reduction of 2·4 when challenged directly with ‘spiked’ feedstock. Seitz KS80 depth filtration gave a log reduction of ≥ 3·1 when challenged directly with ‘spiked’ feedstock and also removed residual infectivity to below the limit of detection when applied as the final step in series.

Conclusions Results using a BSE‐derived agent suggest that vCJD infectivity should be substantially removed from immunoglobulin G (IgG) solutions by Fraction I+III precipitation and Seitz KS80 depth filtration. The three different process steps examined acted in a complementary manner to one another when operated in series. However, the data demonstrated that it would be inappropriate to add together the reduction factors that had been derived for each step in isolation.
False‐reactive test for hepatitis B surface antigen following administration of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Warren K. , Eastlund T.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objective High‐dose granulocyte transfusions are being administered to severely granulocytopenic patients. A single dose of G–CSF is given to donors for mobilization of granulocytes prior to donation.

Materials and Methods Infectious disease tests were performed on a donor before and after G–CSF was given.

Results Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing was transiently reactive following administration of G–CSF when examined using a test kit from one manufacturer, but not another. No other cause was found.

Conclusion A false‐reactive test for HBsAg using one manufacturer's test kit can occur following a single dose of G–CSF.
Storage of platelets in additive solutions: a pilot in vitro study of the effects of potassium and magnesium
Authors: Gulliksson H. , AuBuchon J. P. , Vesterinen M. , Sandgren P. , Larsson S. , Pickard C. A. , Herschel I. , Roger J. , Tracy J. E. , Langweiler M.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Platelet additive solutions (PAS) have been shown to be suitable for extended platelet storage but have required the carryover of substantial (30%) amounts of plasma for success. Improving platelet quality by optimizing the composition of PAS may allow a reduction to be made in the amount of plasma carried over. Reducing the proportion of plasma carried over would facilitate some methods of viral inactivation and make available greater amounts of plasma for other needs.

Materials and Methods Platelets from six pools of 25 buffy coat platelet units and five apheresis platelet units were aliquoted for storage in plasma, or converted to PAS units in either a specific additive solution (PAS‐III), with 30% or 20% plasma, or a modification of PAS‐III containing 5·0 mm potassium and 1·5 mm magnesium (PAS‐IIIM), with 30% or 20% plasma. Units were stored at room temperature with agitation for 7 days with in vitro testing for biochemical, haematological and functional parameters.

Results Storage of platelets in PAS‐IIIM resulted in a reduced rate of glycolysis and better retention of pH, morphology score and ATP levels. Platelets initially showed less evidence of activation when stored in PAS‐IIIM, with reduced P‐selectin expression. Storage in PAS‐IIIM with 20% (rather than the standard 30%) plasma appeared to result in the retention of in vitro properties, similarly to storage in standard PAS‐III with 30% plasma.

Conclusions Storing platelets in an additive solution containing magnesium and potassium improves the functionality of the platelets, as measured by in vitro testing, and may allow a reduction of the amount of plasma required to be carried over to the final unit.
Endogenous serum insulin concentration in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Parsons Shannon E. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Lamb Stephen V. , Ward Cynthia R. , Hess Rebecka S.
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine endogenous serum insulin concentration in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and to compare it to endogenous serum insulin concentration in diabetic dogs with ketonuria but no acidosis (KDM), diabetic dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM) that did not have ketonuria or acidosis, and dogs with non‐pancreatic disease (NP).

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Animals: Forty‐four client‐owned dogs; 20 dogs with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (7 dogs with DKA, 6 dogs with KDM, and 7 dogs with DM) and 24 dogs with non‐pancreatic disease.

Interventions: Blood and urine samples were obtained at the time of admission to the hospital.

Measurements and main results: Signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, and concurrent disease were recorded for all dogs. Blood glucose concentration, venous blood pH, venous blood HCO3− concentration, urinalysis, and endogenous serum insulin concentration were determined in all dogs. Dogs with DKA have significantly decreased endogenous serum insulin concentrations compared to dogs with DM (P = 0.03) and dogs with non‐pancreatic disease (P = 0.0002), but not compared to dogs with KDM (P = 0.2). Five of 7 dogs with DKA had detectable endogenous serum insulin concentrations, and 2 of these dogs had endogenous serum insulin concentration within the normal range.

Conclusions: Diabetic dogs with ketoacidosis have significantly decreased endogenous serum insulin concentration compared to dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. However, most dogs with DKA have detectable endogenous serum insulin concentrations, and some dogs with DKA have endogenous serum insulin concentrations within the normal range.
Descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters during emergent surgery in anesthetized critically ill dogs
Authors: Mills Richard J. , Lichtenberger Marla K. , Wall Piper L. , Kirby Rebecca
Published: March 2003

Objective: To explore the potential value of transesophageally‐determined descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters in critically ill dogs undergoing surgery.

Design: Observational case series.

Setting: Private small animal referral hospital.

Animals: Ten anesthetized critically ill dogs that underwent emergent surgery.

Interventions: Placement of the ultrasonic transesophageal probe.

Measurements and main results: Transesophageally‐determined descending thoracic aortic blood flow, stroke volume, blood velocity, blood acceleration, left ventricular ejection time interval, and heart rate parameters were recorded every minute. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were non‐invasively determined and recorded at 1–5 minute intervals. The anesthetist and surgeon were blinded to the descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters. All dogs received fluid challenges as part of their management, and 2 dogs received dopamine. The variability of the descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters within each dog was greater than has been reported in non‐critically ill anesthetized dogs. Consistent trends in descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters after fluid challenges were not found. An escalating dopamine infusion was, however, accompanied by increasing aortic blood flow, stroke volume, acceleration, and peak velocity.

Conclusions: Descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters may eventually be useful for evaluating the responses to and suggesting the need for cardiovascular interventions during emergent surgeries in anesthetized critically ill canine patients. For this to occur, more experience with this technology will be required.
Untersuchung der Kompatibilität verschiedener dermatologischer Rezepturen mit Kompressionsgestricken
Authors: Scherdin U. , Schölermann A. , Dallmann H.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Für viele Träger von Kompressionsstrümpfen ist eine konsequente Hautpflege unerlässlich. Unglücklicherweise ist nicht auszuschließen, dass viele Hautpflegemittel die elastischen Eigenschaften von Kompressionsgestricken beeinträchtigen, so dass die Strümpfe letztendlich ihre medizinische Wirksamkeit verlieren. Um Patienten eine Empfehlung zu geben, welche Pflegemittel sie unbedenklich verwenden können, wurde eine Testmethode entwickelt, um den Einfluss von Hautpflegeprodukten auf Kompressionsgestricke zu untersuchen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen zeigen, dass Kompressionsgestricke aus synthetischen Garnen weitest‐gehend resistent gegenüber den von uns getesteten Hautpflege‐mitteln sind. Mustergestricke mit einem Naturgummi‐Anteil reagieren dagegen außerordentlich empfindlich auf dermatologische Präparate. Neben Paraffinum liquidum beeinträchtigen auch andere Inhaltsstoffe die elastischen Eigenschaften von Naturgummi. Mit Hilfe der hier beschriebenen Testmethode lassen sich dermatologische Rezepturen identifizieren, die unbedenklich zusammen mit Kompressions‐gestricken verwendet werden können.
Ungewöhnlich schwerer Verlauf eines Herpes gestationis mit Übergang in ein bullöses Pemphigoid.
Authors: König C. , Sacher C. , Hunzelmann N.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Herpes gestationis (Pemphigoid gestationis) ist eine seltene Autoimmundermatose in der Schwangerschaft, die durch eine subepidermale Blasenbildung charakterisiert ist. Die Blasen entstehen durch Bindung von Autoantikörpern, die bei der Mehrzahl der Patienten gegen das Bullöse Pemphigoid Antigen 2 (180 kD) und dessen Domäne NC16A gerichtet sind. Herpes gestationis ist nach der Geburt gewöhnlich eine selbstlimitierte Erkrankung. Die durchschnittliche Dauer beträgt 12 Wochen nach Entbindung bei Erstmanifestation und 31 Wochen bei wiederholter Erkrankung. Wir berichten über eine Patientin mit ungewöhnlich schwerem Verlauf hinsichtlich Symptomatik und Dauer sowie fehlendem Ansprechen auf verschiedene immunsuppressive Therapieregime.
Zur Prophylaxe und Therapie der Radiodermatitis und Radiomucositis
Authors: Wollina U. , Christen N. , Köstler E. , Schorcht J.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Die strahleninduzierte Dermatitis und Mucositis stellen wichtige unerwünschte, nicht immer vermeidbare Nebenwirkungen der onkologischen Strahlentherapie dar. Sie können therapielimitierend sein und haben einen negativen Effekt auf die Lebensqualität der Patienten. Etablierte und evaluierte Verfahren zur Prävention und Therapie werden diskutiert. Grundlegende Behandlungs‐ansätze werden in der frühzeitig gestörten Barrierefunktion der Haut sowie in der immunologisch‐vermittelten Entzündungskaskade gesehen. Dabei ist die Hautreinigung und Pflege mit Wasser und Moisturizern sinnvoll solange keine exsudative Dermatitis besteht. Topische Anwendung von Dexpanthenol hat zumindest bei der Mucositis und beim Sicca‐Syndrom durch Studien gesicherte therapeutische Wirkungen. Neue Ansätze bestehen im Einsatz von Zytokinen und Wachstumsfaktoren.
Unverträglichkeit von Implantaten – Herausforderung für die Allergologie
Authors: Renn C. N. , Dorfmueller A. , Merk H. F.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Bei zunehmender Verbreitung und Einsatzmöglichkeit von Metallimplantaten in den letzten Jahrzehnten mehren sich Berichte über Implantat‐Unverträglichkeitsreaktionen.

 Im Zusammenhang mit prothetischer Versorgung wird von lokalisierten oder generalisierten Ekzemen, Urtikaria, Wundheilungstörungen, Vaskulitiden, bullösen Hautveränderungen und Erythema exsudativum multiforme‐ähnlichen Effloreszenzen berichtet. Eine besondere pathogenetische Bedeutung der Metallionen (Nickel, Kobalt, Chrom) wird durch ihre häufige Auslösung von Kontaktallergien sowie als Bestandteil vieler Implantate deutlich. Beim Menschen können jedoch auch individuelle Faktoren Einfluss auf eine Sensibilisierung haben. Periimplantäre Infiltrate mit Charakteristika allergischer Reaktionen vom Spättyp werden auch bei Prothesenlockerungen gefunden. Allerdings erschwert die Komplexität der zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen einer Implantatunverträglichkeit ihren Nachweis sowie die weitere Charakterisierung. Da ein routinemäßig präoperativ durchgeführter Epikutantest auf Protheseninhaltsstoffe nur mäßig prädiktiv aussagekräftig ist, werden zunehmend weitere in vitro‐Testmethoden zur Diagnostik einer Sensibilisierung auf Protheseninhaltsstoffe herangezogen.
Allergisches Kontaktekzem
Authors: Merk H. F.
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Durch eine breite Kenntnis proinflammatorischer und Entzündungsreaktionen modulierender Zytokine und anderer Faktoren verbesserte sich unser Wissen über die Pathophysiologie der allergischen Kontaktdermatitis. Diese Kenntnisse führten nicht nur zu neuen In‐vitro‐Modellen, um das Risiko einer Kontaktsensibilisierung durch neue Chemikalien besser bewerten zu können, sondern auch zu neuen Strategien, um durch Intoleranzinduktion immuntherapeutische Optionen  zu eröffnen. Beispielhaft werden Befunde zur Sensibilisierung durch Nickelsulfat, Duftstoffe und  p‐Phenylendiamin aufgeführt. Dabei wird u. a. auf mögliche individuelle Risikofaktoren eingegangen, die in Zukunft durch Methoden der Toxicogenomic erfasst werden könnten.
Interleukin‐ und Interferontherapie in der Dermatologie
Authors: Asadullah K. , Sterry Wolfram , Trefzer* Uwe
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Zytokine sind hoch potente biologisch aktive Proteine, die eine wesentliche Rolle in der interzellulären Kommunikation spielen. Sie sind sowohl lebenswichtig für die Übermittlung und Regelung von entzündlichen und spezifischen Immunreaktionen als auch für nicht immunologische Vorgänge. Mehrere Zytokine werden bereits zur Therapie maligner, entzündlicher und infektiöser Hauterkrankungen verwendet. Insbesondere sind hier Interleukine (ILs) und Interferone (IFNs) zu nennen. Während einige Zytokin‐Therapien bereits zugelassen und etabliert sind, wie beispielsweise IFN‐α und IL‐2 (in den USA zugelassen) beim Melanom, befinden sich andere in frühen Entwicklungsstadien und werden in Forschungsstudien angewendet (z. B. IL‐4 und IL‐10 zur Therapie der Psoriasis). Es ist wahrscheinlich, dass einige der gegenwärtig untersuchten neuen Ansätze sowohl zur Zulassung neuer Medikamente zur dermatologischen Therapie führen als auch künftig als Ersatz für bereits existierende Therapiemöglichkeiten dienen werden. Ziel dieses Übersichtsartikels ist es, einen Überblick über den gegenwärtigen Stand der Zytokin‐Therapie in der Dermatologie zu geben.
The Nutritive Value and Yield of Alfalfa Cultivated on Sulphur Postmining Lands
Authors: Pucek T. R. , Pyś J. B.
Published: March 2003

The study was carried out on the reclaimed lands of a bore‐hole sulphur mine. The cropping of two succeeding cuts of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was determined and its chemical composition was analyzed. Alfalfa was cultivated on waste lime (flotation tailings), enriched with a humus layer. The levels of basic nutrients, total S, total F, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe and Mn were determined in alfalfa. The biomass of an average crop was 6830 kg  ha–1 in the first cut and 14300 kg  ha–1 in the second one. The yields of dry matter as well as of crude and true proteins were positively correlated with the phosphorus level in the dry matter of alfalfa (P < 0.01). The level of total sulphur was positively linearly correlated with the phosphorus content (P < 0.01). No harmful accumulation of sulphur or fluoride was observed. A deficiency of phosphorus in alfalfa and an abnormal Ca:P weight ratio was found. The S total level was positively correlated with N total concentration. (P < 0.01). The percentage of true protein in crude protein was negatively correlated with total sulphur (P < 0.01). The level of nonprotein nitrogen compounds was positively correlated with S total level (P < 0.01).
Evaluation of Mustard (Brassica compestris Var. Toria) and Legume Intercropping under 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 Row‐Replacement Series Systems
Authors: Banik P. , Sasmal T. , Ghosal P. K. , Bagchi D. K.
Published: March 2003

Field experiments were conducted at Agricultural Experimental Farm, Giridih, Bihar during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 to compare 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 row‐replacement series intercropping of mustard (Brassica campestris Var. Toria) with pea (Pisum sativum), with lentil (Lens culinaris) and with gram (Cicer areitinum L.). Intercropping systems were assessed on the basis of new indices termed ‘actual yield loss’ (AYL) and ‘intercropping advantage’ (IA), as well as several existing intercropping indices such as LER, RCC and aggressivity. Intercropping reduced the yield of component crops, compared with respective pure stands. Mustard + pea in 1 : 1 row‐replacement series gave the highest mustard yield equivalent value (1.00 t/ha). When the actual sown proportion was considered, mustard + lentil (1 : 1) resulted in maximum AYL (+0.438) and IA (+2.889) values. We conclude that AYL and IA are more appropriate, particularly when per plant yield is considered.
Effects of Temperature and Photoperiod on Days to Flowering, Yield and Yield Components of Lupinus albus (L.) under Field Conditions
Authors: Keeve R. , L. Loubser H. , Krüger G. H. J.
Published: March 2003

A better understanding of the agronomic importance of planting date and the influence of cold temperatures and photoperiod during germination and plant growth may lead to better management strategies for cultivation of the sweet white lupin (Lupinus albus). The effects of planting date (temperature and photoperiod) were determined on the number of days to flowering, yield and yield components of four early to medium and one late sweet white lupin genotype in a field trial at Potchefstroom, South Africa, planted during February 1996 to January 1997. Moisture stress was avoided through regular irrigation. Duration of the developmental phases planting date to emergence, emergence to floral initiation, initiation to first flower, duration of flower and days to physiological and harvest maturity was related to field measurements of temperature and photoperiod. Differences in the main determinants of yield, i.e. seeds per pod, pods per plant, single seed mass (SSM), plant and pod height and yield, were measured. Results showed that both temperature and photoperiod influence the growth and development of the Lupinus albus genotypes ‘Esta’, ‘Hantie’, ‘Tifwhite’, ‘Kiev’ and ‘LAL 186’. Temperature influences include the effect of vernalization at seedling emergence. Minimum grass temperatures under 5 °C at emergence are effective for vernalization. However, after grass temperatures at emergence increased again from June to December, to gether with an increase in the photoperiod length, ‘Tifwhite’ as well as the other genotypes still flowered earlier, confirming that these cultivars are long‐day plants, which is in accordance with controlled‐environment data. Cool vernalizing temperatures thus not only influence obligate vernalization requiring genotypes such as ‘Tifwhite’, but also influence the non‐obligate genotypes studied. Plan‐ting date had a significant influence on pods per plant, single seed mass (SSM) and seed yield. In all trials laterplanting, from June to November, decreased SSM and seed yield. The highest seed yield of 1.5 t ha−1 was obtained for the 10 June planting date and the lowest average yield of 0.450 t ha−1 for the 5 November planting date.
Effect of Salts on Germination of Seeds and Growth of Young Plants of Hordeum vulgare, Triticum aestivum, Cicer arietinum and Brassica juncea
Authors: Mer R. K. , Prajith P. K. , H. Pandya D. , Pandey A. N.
Published: March 2003

A greenhouse experiment was conducted on four crop plants in the western region of Gujarat State, India to assess their responses to increasing levels of soil salinity. Of the four crop plants tested (Hordeum vulgare, barley; Triticum aestivum, wheat; Cicer arietinum, gram and Brassica juncea, mustard), barley appeared to be the most tolerant to salinity with regard to seed germination and early growth of the plants. Wheat, gram and mustard were tolerant only to low soil salinity. However, high salt concentrations in the soil reduced the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus by the young plants. The imbalance of mineral nutrients resulted in a reduction or an inhibition of plant growth. High salinity also caused burning symptoms on the leaves and shoot apices of barley.
The Effects of Sowing Date on the Growth and Nutritive Value of Lablab purpureus
Authors: Shehu Y. , Alhassan W. S. , Pal U. R. , Phillips C. J. C.
Published: March 2003

In two similar experiments, Lablab purpureus was sown at different dates in July and August to evaluate the effects of sowing date on the yield and nutritive value of the plant and shed leaves. On each occasion, an interim harvest was performed on half of the plants sown at each date and the regrowth recorded. The interim harvest reduced the total yield, and in particular that of shed leaves. In one of the two experiments, late sowing resulted in a considerable reduction in yield, increased crude protein and reduced modified acid‐detergent fibre concentrations. Ash concentrations were higher in plants sown later and their shed leaves. Sodium concentrations were inadequate for ruminants and, like phosphorus concentrations, tended to decrease with later sowing. However, both calcium and magnesium concentrations increased with later sowing and were sufficient for ruminant production. Potassium concentrations were high and were little affected by sowing date. It is concluded that both an interim harvest and late sowing are disadvantageous when lablab is grown for ruminant livestock, the former because of yield reduction and the latter because of yield reduction, increases in ash concentration and reductions in sodium and phosphorus concentrations.
Expression of Dwarfing Genes under Nitrogen and Moisture Stress in Wheat (Triticumspp): Dry Matter Partitioning, Root Growth and Leaf Nitrogen
Authors: Arora A. , Mohan J.
Published: March 2003

The balance between root and shoot growth is one of the mechanisms used by plants to adapt to a particular environment. This balance is affected by nutrient supply and water availability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) levels on root and shoot growth and to determine whether there is any correlation between root growth and leaf N in 10 wheat cultivars differing in the presence of the dwarfing genes derived from Norin 10. The study was carried out with two levels of N and water availability in the pots. Before stem elongation, shoot growth was less sensitive to high soil N levels than root growth. Root growth was inhibited by higher soil N concentrations. Leaf N and production of root biomass correlated well in non‐stressed plants with low N. Tall types produced higher root biomass and maintained higher leaf N content than dwarf types under different N and water supply levels. The results suggest that shoot and root growth were affected differently by N availability.
Effects of Salinity and Mixed Ammonium and Nitrate Nutrition on the Growth and Nitrogen Utilization of Barley
Authors: Ali A. , Tucker T. C. , Thompson T. L. , Salim M.
Published: March 2003

The absorption and utilization of nitrogen (N) by plants are affected by salinity and the form of N in the root medium. A hydroponic study was conducted under controlled conditions to investigate growth and N uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) supplied with five different NH4+‐N/NO3−‐N ratios at electrical conductivity of 0 and 8 dS m−1. The five NH4+‐N/NO3‐N ratios were 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0, each giving a total N supply of 100 mg N l−1 in the root medium. A mixed N supply of NH4+ and NO3− resulted in greater accumulation of N in plants than either NO3− or NH4+ as the sole N source. Plants produced a significantly higher dry matter yield when grown with mixed N nutrition than with NH4+ or NO3− alone. Total dry matter production and root and shoot N contents decreased with increasing salinity in the root medium. The interaction between salinity and N nutrition was found to be significant for all the variables. A significant positive correlation (r=0.97) was found between nitrogen level in the plant shoot and its dry matter yield.
Responses of Root Nodule Formation and Nitrogen Fixation Activity to Nitrate in a Split‐Root System in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Daimon H. , Yoshioka M.
Published: March 2003

Peanut is an important constituent of crop rotation systems with various vegetable crops, which need large amounts of inorganic nitrogen. Nitrate inhibits nodule formation and nitrogen fixation of the peanut plants in these cropping systems. To elucidate this nitrate‐induced inhibition, an experimental method using a split‐root system was designed and the inhibitory level of nitrate (14 mM) was applied to half of the roots for 5 or 30 days in pot experiments. In the application of nitrate for 5 days, the dry weight, the nitrogen content, and both the number and the fresh weight of nodules for each half of the roots were unaffected by the nitrate applied to the other half. However, the nitrate induced significantly lower nitrogenase activity in the applied half. In the application for 30 days, nitrate induced a significantly higher nitrogen content in the applied half of the roots, and the inhibitory effect on nodulation and nodule development was observed not only in the applied half but also in the other half. Thus, the inhibitory effect of long‐term nitrate application on the nodulation and nitrogenase activity of peanut may be systemic, but that of short‐term nitrate application, in which external nitrate may regulate nitrogen fixation, may not be systemic.
Leguminous Cover Crop Effects on Nitrogen Mineralization Rates and Kinetics in Soils
Authors: Dinesh R. , Suryanarayana M. A. , Nair A. K. , Ghoshal Chaudhuri S.
Published: March 2003

Soils were collected from an experimental site (initiated in 1991) at which leguminous crops were grown as natural soil cover in the interspaces of a 19‐year‐old coconut plantation. Atylosia scarabaeoides, Centrosema pubescens, Calopogonium mucunoides and Pueraria phaseoloides were grown in separate plots during the rainy season and ploughed into the soil towards the end of the monsoon (in December every year). Soil samples were collected from this site at the end of the 7th year and incubated in PVC columns at 35 ± 1°C and 0.01 MPa moisture content for 36 weeks. The soils were then leached at periodic intervals for up to 36 weeks and nitrogen (N) mineralization rates and kinetics were determined by the double exponential model. The N mineralization rates were highest during the first week and decreased with time in all soils. Soils amended (in situ ploughing) with cover crops leached 191 mg kg–1 more NO3– + NO2–‐N than the unamended control. The per cent organic N mineralized (total and net) and the cumulative inorganic N mineralized (NO3– + NO2–‐N) varied with the amount (biomass) and type of cover crop incorporated into the soil. In general, soils amended with cover crops had greater N mineralization potentials and rate constants than the unamended control. The kinetic parameters NoS and No(1 – S) and their respective rate constants h and k also varied with the amount and type of cover crops incorporated into the soil. The results further indicated that the lignin + polyphenol : N ratio of the cover crops is extremely important in predicting the rate of decomposition and N mineralization in soils.
Microbial Biomass and Activity in a Laterite Soil Amended with Municipal Solid Waste Compost
Authors: Bhattacharyya P. , Pal R. , Chakraborty A. , Chakrabarti K.
Published: March 2003

The dynamics of soil quality indicators, such as microbial biomass‐C, soil respiration, and urease and acid phosphatase activities, in a laterite soil (Typic Haplustalf ) amended with different doses of Calcutta municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) were studied over 120 days of incubation at 30 °C under 60 % soil water holding capacity. The parameters were found to increase with the increase in doses of MSWC. Soil microbial biomass‐C (MBC) and soil respiration activity reached peak values at 30 days of incubation and then gradually decreased up to 120 days of incubation. Urease and acid phosphatase activities showed peak values at 60 and 90 days of incubation, respectively. The increase in soil enzyme activities with the fall in MBC suggested that the release of enzymes was associated with lysis of microbial cells at the end of their life cycle. There was no indication of any detrimental effect on soil quality indicators of application of MSWC to soil.
Genetic parameters for individual birth and weaning weight and for litter size of Large White pigs
Authors: Kaufmann D. , Hofer A. , Bidanel J. P. , Künzi N.
Published: March 2003

Data from a French experimental herd recorded between 1990 and 1997 were used to estimate genetic parameters for individual birth and weaning weight, as well as litter size of Large White pigs using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology applied to a multivariate animal model. In addition to fixed effects the model included random common environment of litter, direct and maternal additive genetic effects. The data consisted of 1928 litters including individual weight observations from 18151 animals for birth weight and from 15360 animals for weaning weight with 5% of animals transferred to a nurse. Estimates of direct and maternal heritability and proportion of the common environmental variance for birth weight were 0.02, 0.21 and 0.11, respectively. The corresponding values for weaning weight were 0.08, 0.16 and 0.23 and for litter size 0.22, 0.02 and 0.06, respectively. The direct and the maternal genetic correlations between birth and weaning weight were positive (0.59 and 0.76). Weak positive (negative) genetic correlations between direct effects on weight traits and maternal effects on birth weight (weaning weight) were found. Negative correlations were found between direct genetic effect for litter size and maternal genetic effects on all three traits. The negative relationship between litter size and individual weight requires a combined selection for litter size and weight.
Bayesian inference for genetic parameter estimation on growth traits for Nelore cattle in Brazil, using the Gibbs sampler
Authors: Magnabosco C. De U. , Lôbo R.b , Famula T. R.
Published: March 2003

This data set consisted of over 29 245 field records from 24 herds of registered Nelore cattle born between 1980 and 1993, with calves sires by 657 sires and 12 151 dams. The records were collected in south‐eastern and midwestern Brazil and animals were raised on pasture in a tropical climate. Three growth traits were included in these analyses: 205‐ (W205), 365‐ (W365) and 550‐day (W550) weight. The linear model included fixed effects for contemporary groups (herd‐year‐season‐sex) and age of dam at calving. The model also included random effects for direct genetic, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental (MPE) contributions to observations. The analyses were conducted using single‐trait and multiple‐trait animal models. Variance and covariance components were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) using a derivative‐free algorithm (DFREML) for multiple traits (MTDFREML). Bayesian inference was obtained by a multiple trait Gibbs sampling algorithm (GS) for (co)variance component inference in animal models (MTGSAM). Three different sets of prior distributions for the (co)variance components were used: flat, symmetric, and sharp. The shape parameters (ν) were 0, 5 and 9, respectively. The results suggested that the shape of the prior distributions did not affect the estimates of (co)variance components. From the REML analyses, for all traits, direct heritabilities obtained from single trait analyses were smaller than those obtained from bivariate analyses and by the GS method. Estimates of genetic correlations between direct and maternal effects obtained using REML were positive but very low, indicating that genetic selection programs should consider both components jointly. GS produced similar but slightly higher estimates of genetic parameters than REML, however, the greater robustness of GS makes it the method of choice for many applications.
Stability of genetic parameter estimates for production traits in pigs
Authors: Wolf J. , Peškovičová D. , Groeneveld E.
Published: March 2003

Changes in variance component estimates in growing sets of performance data in two pig breeds were investigated. Data was used from the field and station test of Czech Landrace (LA: 75 099 observations) and the Slovakian breed, White Meaty swine (WM: 32 203 observations). In LA the traits analysed were estimated lean meat content (LM) and average daily gain (ADGF) on field test and average daily gain (ADGS) and weight of valuable cuts (VCW) on station test. In WM the traits analysed were backfat thickness on field and station test (BFF, BFS, respectively), proportion of valuable cuts (VCP) on station test, ADGF and ADGS. Covariance components were estimated from four‐ and five‐trait animal models using the VCE software. Omitting data from factor levels with a low number of records led to 4.2% of LA records and 21.7% of WM records being deleted. Changes in genetic and residual variance estimates were less than 5% for all traits in LA and less than 12% for all traits except ADGS in WM. The changes in estimated genetic variances caused by 18 months (LA) or 24 months (WM) of new data were 2–25% and the changes in estimated residual variances were less than 5% in LA and less than 20% in WM. In both breeds, changes in heritability estimates did not exceed 0.06 in absolute value. In LA, it is reasonable to use genetic parameter estimates for 3 years before re‐estimation. In WM the time interval should be shorter because of changes in the estimates caused by their lower accuracy arising from the smaller size of the data‐set and smaller frequency of station testing.
A surface regression approach for estimation of genetic and environmental trends under widely varying meteorological conditions between years
Authors: MAYER M. , MUSANI S. K.
Published: March 2003

Under tropical conditions meteorological variations may be a major source of nuisance in the estimation of genetic and environmental progress achieved. In this paper an approach is presented to incorporate polynomial functions of rainfall in the statistical model for estimating genetic and environmental trends. The idea behind is to separate the year‐season effect into causal components, i.e. influence of rainfall pattern, temporary management effect and environmental trend. Records on milk yield from a large commercial Jersey herd in Kenya covering a period of 14 years (1980–93) were used to illustrate this approach. The farm is located in upper midland agro‐ecological zone of Rift Valley. It became evident that the rainfall pattern beginning one year prior to calving influenced the later milk performance in a complex way. The proposed model proved to be successful in separating the year‐season effect into its causal components and thus gave better estimates of environmental and genetic trends.
Lifetime performances in Carora and Holstein cows in Venezuela
Authors: RIZZI RITA , BAGNATO ALESSANDRO , CERUTTI FRANCO , ALVAREZ JULIO CESAR
Published: March 2003

A study was conducted in the Central‐western region of Venezuela to investigate the lifetime performances of 7918 Carora and 3501 Holstein cows under two different levels of management (low and high) and covering a period from 1961 to 1995. Traits analysed were: herd life, productive life, number of calvings, lifetime milk yield, days in lactation over all lactations and daily milk yield. In Carora cows born from 1961 to 1986 a decrease in herd life, productive life and number of calvings was observed, whereas cows born between 1971 and 1972 showed the lowest lifetime productive traits. Performances of Holstein cows born in the 1981–1986 period were analysed and all traits decreased during this time period. In low level herds, Holsteins remained longer (98.5 months vs. 83.3 in herd life; 69.5 vs. 54.3 months in productive life) and had higher lifetime yield (20 925 vs. 18 589 kg) than those in high level herds, but daily milk yield was lower (8.4 vs. 11.0 kg/day). All lifetime performances were higher for Carora cows under the high level management: 116.8 vs. 112.1 months of herd life, 81.8 vs. 77.1 months of productive life, 5.8 vs. 5.2 calvings, 1616 vs. 1299 days of lactation, 16 194 vs. 11 912 kg of milk over all lactations and 6.5 vs. 4.6 kg milk/day. Survival estimates for year of birth were more variable in Holsteins than in Carora cows. Management influenced survival in Holsteins only, the low level showing higher values.
Simple preconditioners for the conjugate gradient method: experience with test day models
Authors: STRANDÉN I. , TSURUTA S. , MISZTAL I.
Published: March 2003

Preconditioned conjugate gradient method can be used to solve large mixed model equations quickly. Convergence of the method depends on the quality of the preconditioner. Here, the effect of simple preconditioners on the number of iterations until convergence was studied by solving breeding values for several test day models. The test day records were from a field data set, and several simulated data sets with low and high correlations among regression coefficients. The preconditioner matrices had diagonal or block diagonal parts. Transformation of the mixed model equations by diagonalization of the genetic covariance matrix was studied as well. Preconditioner having the whole block of the fixed effects was found to be advantageous. A block diagonal preconditioner for the animal effects reduced the number of iterations the higher the correlations among animal effects, but increased memory usage of the preconditioner. Diagonalization of the animal genetic covariance matrix often reduced the number of iterations considerably without increased memory usage.
Genetic variability of three Italian cattle breeds determined by parameters based on probabilities of gene origin
Authors: Pérez Torrecillas C. , Bozzi R. , Negrini R. , Filippini F. , Giorgetti A.
Published: March 2003

In this study, we have investigated the genetic variability of three Italian cattle breeds, autochthonous of the Tuscany region (Chianina, Maremmana and Mucca Pisana), using the parameters based on probabilities of gene origin: f e, f a and N g. Compared with Chianina (N g=53.9) and Maremmana (N g=79.6), Mucca Pisana was found to be the genetically smaller (N g=10.1) and less diverse population. The genetic variability in Chianina population was lower than in Maremmana probably because of bottlenecks in its pedigree and genetic drift. However, the values found in these breeds were higher than those found in dairy cattle breeds, but lower than those found in beef cattle breeds.
Molecular analysis of the length polymorphic MUC1 gene in cattle
Authors: Rasero R. , Sacchi P. , Rosati S. , Cauvin E. , Maione S.
Published: March 2003

A study was undertaken to sequence the overall repetitive region of the bovine MUC1 gene, to elucidate its structure in terms of number of repetitions, and to examine its relationship to the polymorphic epithelial mucin expressed on the milk fat globule membrane. A polymerase chain reaction protocol was developed to detect MUC1 polymorphism. Four different alleles were found in samples from Italian Friesian and Piedmontese cattle breeds. The alleles ranged from 778 bp to nearly 1600 bp, and size differences between alleles were due to variable numbers of 60 bp imperfect repeats. MUC1 gene polymorphism was closely related to milk fat globule mucin variation. Moreover, on the basis of the complete gene sequence, it was possible to predict an overall core protein that may be a highly O‐glycosylated molecule, in accordance with the size of the milk fat globule mucin fractions.