bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAPD PCR for Diagnosis of Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae Isolates which Cause Black Shank on Tobacco
Authors: Zhang X. G. , Zheng G. S. , Han H. Y. , Han W. , Shi C. K. , Chang C. J.
Published: March 2003

Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae is the fungal pathotype of tobacco black shank (TBS, Disease severity ≥ 2.0). Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to differentiate isolates which cause TBS from those which do not. Greenhouse assays combined with zoospore inoculation were performed to assess the virulence of the fungal isolates, and the results were compared with the RAPD pattern analysis. The RAPD results exhibited total correlation with the virulence assay results. Amplification patterns generated by RAPD reactions were used to generate a phenogram depicting the genetically distinct nature of the cluster defined by the TBS isolates. This cluster was exclusive and distinct from P. parasitica var. nicotianae isolates which do not cause TBS. Thus, RAPD proved to be a sensitive and highly reliable method for quickly identifying fungal pathotypes which cause TBS.
Relationship of Common Scab Incidence of Potatoes Grown in Tasmanian Ferrosol Soils with pH, Exchangeable Cations and other Chemical Properties of those Soils
Authors: Lacey M. J. , Wilson C. R.
Published: March 2003

Scab conduciveness of 35 Tasmanian ferrosol soils, used for potato cropping, was compared in a glasshouse trial. Linear regressions showed no association between scab incidence and any of 12 individual soil chemical properties. However, using contingency tables, threshold levels were found for pH and exchangeable cations below which scab disease was less likely. The observed pH threshold in the range 5.0–5.2 was in accordance with similar findings from elsewhere and indicates the robustness of this threshold over a range of soil types and pathogen species. Scab was not observed on potatoes grown in soil with combined exchangeable Ca, Mg and K at 12 cmolc/kg or less. A strong correlation between soil pH and these exchangeable cations, particularly calcium, was found.
Survival of Ralstonia solanacearum in Soil under Irrigated Rice Culture and Aquatic Weeds
Authors: Pradhanang P. M. , Momol M. T.
Published: March 2003

The survival of Ralstonia solanacearum in naturally infested sandy loam soil under irrigated rice culture was investigated in Sankhu village (1400 m above sea level) in central Nepal. The experimental plot had a previous history of bacterial wilt and a range of 1.5 × 104–3 × 104 colony‐forming units (CFU) per g soil was present. The survival of R. solanacearum was monitored in roots of naturally growing aquatic weeds in the rice plot and in soil before and after rice harvest. The incidence of the bacterial infection in the weeds, Dopatrium sp. and Monochoria vaginalis, were 57.5 and 10%, respectively. The bacterial population detected in soil before rice harvest was 1.5 × 104 CFU per g soil whereas a range of 7.5 × 102–1.5 × 103 CFU per g was detected after the rice harvest. Biovar typing of R. solanacearum isolated from potato plants, potato tubers, aquatic weeds, and the soil from the experimental plot yielded the diverse biovars 2 A, 3 and 4. This is the first report of the survival of these biovars in soil, which was under continuous flow of irrigation water for 3 months during rice culture.
Phenotypic and Genetic Diversity of Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora Strains from Asia
Authors: SEO S. T. , FURUYA N. , LIM C. K. , TAKANAMI Y. , TSUCHIYA K.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 87 strains of the soft rot pathogen Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora (Ecc) isolated from various host plants in Japan, Korea and Thailand was characterized by bacteriological, pathological and genetic properties. On the basis of pathogenicity on the potato, tomato, onion and cucumber, strains were divided into four groups. They were also characterized by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), 16S‐23S rDNA intergenic spacer regions (ISRs) and a pel gene encoding pectate lyase. By analysis of 16S rDNA RFLP generated by Hinf I, Ecc strains were differentiated into two groups where it was discovered that most strains from Korea and Japan belonged to the same group. In the analysis of ISRs RFLP with MboI, two patterns were found. All Thai strains showed the same pattern. In the analysis of the pel gene RFLP with Sau3AI, all strains were separated into two independent patterns except for one strain. The strain (MAFF 301937) isolated from the mulberry showed a unique RFLP pattern of the pel gene. In cluster analysis based on 26 phenotypic characters, Ecc strains were composed of two groups, A and B. Group A contained typical Ecc strains which provided negative reactions in testing the production of reducing substances from sucrose and acids from α‐methyl glucoside. All Thai strains and most of the Korean strains belonged to group A, whereas group B contained atypical Ecc strains, which were isolated in Japan and Korea; the properties of this group were similar to those of E. carotovora ssp. atroseptica. The research reported here was undertaken to provide information on the strains of E. carotovora ssp. carotovora in Asia.
Expression of cgmpg2, an Endopolygalacturonase Gene of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp. malvae, in Culture and during Infection of Malva pusilla
Authors: LI J. , GOODWIN P. H.
Published: March 2003

A novel polygalacturonase gene was found in the plant pathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f. sp.  malvae, which causes anthracnose disease of round‐leaved mallow (Malva pusilla). Sequence comparisons showed that this gene, cgmpg2, is highly similar to clgpg2, which was previously described from C. lindemuthianum. In culture, expression of cgmpg2 was observed by reverse transcriptase (RT)‐polymeraase chain reaction (PCR) with mallow cell wall extract as a sole carbon source and a starting pH of 3.5, but not with this substrate at a starting pH of 7.5 or in media with pectin or glucose as sole carbon sources. The expression of cgmpg2 during infection of mallow leaves was compared with the constitutively expressed actin gene, actA, of C. gloeosporioides f. sp. malvae by co‐amplification in RT‐PCR. Expression of cgmpg2 was detected in both the biotrophic and necrotrophic phases of infection with the highest expression levels at the early part of the necrotrophic phase.
Efficacy of Ricinus communis Fruit Meal with and without Bacillus Species on Suppression of Meloidogyne incognita and Growth of Tomato
Authors: Mashela P. W. , Nthangeni M. E.
Published: March 2003

The efficacy of ground Ricinus communis fruit, with and without Bacillus species, was tested on suppression of Meloidogyne incognita, growth of tomato, soil electrical conductivity (EC) and soil pH. At harvest, 85 days after applying Ricinus organic amendment, Ricinus and initial population nematode density (Pi), accounted for 64–74% of the total treatment variation (TTV) in final population nematode density (Pf) and 53–89% of the TTV in dry shoot weight. Ricinus, Pi and electrical conductivity accounted for 49–69% of the TTV in fresh fruit weight, whereas Ricinus, Pi and Bacillus accounted for 65–82% of the TTV in plant height. Because Bacillus×Ricinus interaction was not significant (P > 0.05) for any variable measured, the efficacy of Ricinus fruit meal was independent of microbial activities.
Changes in Microfungal Communities in Roots of Quercus robur Stumps and their Possible Effect on Colonization by Armillaria
Authors: Kwaśna H.
Published: March 2003

Sixteen fungal communities were sampled by isolating from 0.5–1 cm diameter roots of living trees and stumps of common oak (Quercus robur). The density of fungi was 1.5–2 times greater in roots from stumps than from living trees. The diversity of fungi was similar in living tree roots and stumps. Some of the fungal species with increased densities in stump roots (e.g. Aspergillus kanagawaensis, Chrysosporium pannorum, Cylindrocarpon destructans, C. didymum, Hormiactis candida, Monodictys lepraria, Mycelium radicis atrovirens, Penicillium daleae, P. janczewskii, and Trichocladium opacum) usually stimulated the growth of rhizomorphs of either Armillaria ostoyae or A. gallica in oak‐wood segments in vitro. Eight of 27 isolates that were studied stimulated the rhizomorph growth in both Armillaria spp. It is presumed that the increase in density of `stimulants' may predispose oak stumps to infection by A. ostoyae and A. gallica.
Spatial and Temporal Spread of Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease in Cassava Grown Alone and when Intercropped with Maize and/or Cowpea
Authors: Fondong V. N. , Thresh J. M. , Zok S.
Published: March 2003

The spread of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and populations of the whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci) were recorded in cassava when grown alone and when intercropped with maize and/or cowpea. The trials were planted under conditions of high inoculum pressure in 1995 and 1996 at a site in the lowland rainforest zone of southern Cameroon. In the 1995 experiment, the maize and cowpea intercrops reduced the final incidence of CMD in the cassava cvs. Dschang White and Dschang Violet, but not in the more resistant cv. Improved. In the 1996 experiment with cv. Dschang Violet, the maize and cowpea intercrops grown alone or together decreased adult whitefly populations on cassava by 50% and CMD incidence by 20%. The monomolecular population growth model generally provided the best fit for disease progress. Areas under the disease progress curves (AUDPCs) and incidences expressed as multiple infection units were significantly (P<0.05) less for cassava intercropped with maize and/or cowpea than in cassava alone; times to 50% CMD incidence were significantly (P<0.05) longer in all intercrop systems. In 1995 the basic infection rates (r) were similarly low (0.010 per month) in the moderately resistant cv. Dschang Violet intercropped with maize and in all treatments in the more resistant cv. Improved. By contrast, rates were significantly higherfor cv. Dschang Violet alone or with cowpea and in all treatments for the less resistant cv. Dschang White (0.030–0.060). In 1996, r values in cassava grown alone (0.077) were significantly larger (P<0.05) than in the other cropping systems (0.042–0.052). There were no significant differences in the symptom severity in the different cropping systems. Disease foci were isodametric and more compact in plots containing cowpea than in other cropping systems.
Ca2+ is Required by Clubroot Resistant Turnip Cells for Transient Increases in PAL Activity that Follow Inoculation with Plasmodiophora brassicae
Authors: Takahashi H. , Takita K. , Kishimoto T. , Mitsui T. , Hori H.
Published: March 2003

Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) activity in clubroot disease‐resistant turnip calli was transiently increased by 20 h after the inoculation with Plasmodiophora brassicae spores. The magnitude of the increase in PAL activity was four to six times higher than constitutive PAL activity. There was no transient increase in PAL activity in susceptible calli. Preincubation of calli in Ca2+‐free medium or the removal of Ca2+ from cell surfaces by ethylene glycol bis(2‐aminoethyl ether)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid‐chelation, completely inhibited induced PAL activity. The influx of exogenous Ca2+ into cells appears necessary for this pathogen induced PAL activity. Verapamil and the calmodulin inhibitor W7 almost completely inhibited induced PAL activity at 1 and 0.1 mm, respectively. Neomycin, ruthenium red and (1‐(6‐[(17β‐3‐Methoxyestra‐1,3,5‐(10)‐trien‐17‐yl)amino]hexyl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione) did not inhibit induced PAL activity. Thus, verapamil and N‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐5‐chloro‐1‐naphthalenesulphonamide hydrochloride‐sensitive Ca2+‐mediated signalling process appear necessary for P. brassicae induced PAL activity. As the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) blocked the induced increasing PAL activity, de novo synthesis of PAL appears to be required for turnip cell defence reactions against P. brassicae.
Formulation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B190 for Control of Lily Grey Mould (Botrytis elliptica)
Authors: Chiou A. L. , Wu W. S.
Published: March 2003

Calcium hydroxide (0.1%) significantly increased the growth of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B190, inhibited completely the germination of Botrytis elliptica, and decreased the disease severity caused by B. elliptica on lily. Spraying B. amyloliquefaciens B190 mixed with either 0.025% calcium hydroxide, 0.05% sodium carbonate or 0.025% ammonium nitrate decreased the grey mould disease on lily leaves. B. amyloliquefaciens B190 mixed with 0.025% calcium hydroxide and 0.05% sodium carbonate, or mixed with 0.025% calcium hydroxide and 0.025% ammonium nitrate controlled lily grey mould completely. When the concentration of tested adjuvants was below 0.1% (v/v), adhesive adjuvant, i.e. carboxymethyl cellulose and spreader, i.e. Tween 80 were equally effective to assist B. amyloliquefaciens B190 to control lily grey mould. Calcium hydroxide (0.025%) and 0.05% sodium carbonate mixed with 0.1% Tween 80 significantly controlled lily grey mould. B. amyloliquefaciens B190 mixed with 0.025% calcium hydroxide and 0.05% sodium carbonate, and these two chemicals plus or without 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.05% mineral oil (i.e. emulsion and wettable powder, respectively) was consistently able to control grey mould on lily as well as 100 p.p.m. flusilazole in greenhouse and field trials, respectively.
Catenarin Production by Isolates of Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechsler and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Wakuliński W. , Kachlicki P. , Sobiczewski P. , Schollenberger M. , Zamorski Cz. , Łotocka B. , S̆arova J.
Published: March 2003

A total of 88 Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechsler isolates from different hosts and localities were screened for catenarin production using thin layer chromatography. Catenarin was detected in 29% of the tested strains. The level of this compound ranged from 2 to 400 ppm and was especially high in case of fungus variants unable to biosynthesize melanins. The extracted pigment exhibited antibiotic properties against Gram‐positive bacteria (Aureobacterium liquefaciens, Arthrobacter globiformis, Bacillus brevis, B. circulans, B. subtilis and Curtobacterium plantarum). Catenarin also inhibited the growth of fungi accompanying P. tritici‐repentis during the saprophytic phase of development. The most sensitive species was Epicoccum nigrum, whose growth was inhibited up to 90%.
Evaluation of a Transportable [Ca++] and pH Analyser and of the Impact of Different Anticoagulants and Sampling Sites in Cattle
Authors: Hansen S. S. , Jensen A. L. , Jørgensen R. J.
Published: March 2003

A mobile, hand‐held ionized calcium and pH analyser, the IRMA® (Immediate Response Mobile Analyser) SL (Diametrics Medical Inc. St. Paul, MN, USA), was evaluated and results interpreted with help from data derived on biological variation in five dry cows. The maximum allowable analytical imprecision (CMAX) was estimated as 1.33 % for [Ca++] and 0.12 % for pH; the maximal allowable analytical inaccuracy (BMAX) was estimated to be 1.82 % ([Ca++]) and 0.09 % (pH), and the maximum allowable difference between two methods (MAXDIFF) was calculated as 0.89 % ([Ca++]) and 0.08 % (pH). These values were compared with the coefficient of variation obtained by calculation from analysis results in blood samples obtained from 51 cows, heifers and calves. The between‐cow coefficient of variation (CV), within‐cow CV, critical difference (two‐sided) and index of individuality were estimated as 4.77, 2.66 and 14.29 %, and 1.08 for Ca++]analysis. For pH measurements, values of 0.12, 0.24 and 0.96 % and 2.95 were estimated. The number of samples required to determine the true value of either [Ca++] or pH in an individual cow was 5 and 1, respectively. Further, it was observed that, in investigations of blood Ca++ and blood pH in cattle, neither the use of electrolyte‐balanced syringes interchangeable with sodium‐heparin vacutainer nor the use of different blood sampling sites was to be recommended. IRMA® SL did not correlate significantly with the chosen reference analyser (Stat Profile® 5 Analyser; Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA) with regard to plasma [Ca++] analyses (correlation coefficient r = −0.24, P = 0.22). However, a significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.63, P < 0.01) was found between analyses of pH performed on IRMA® SL and Stat Profile® 5 Analyser. Analysis on IRMA® SL was very easy to perform. It could be a very useful aid in veterinary clinical practice, when determination of plasma pH in cattle is needed. The analyser should not yet be applied uncritically with respect to [Ca++] analyses in cattle.
Evaluation of Haloperidol–Ketamine Mixture (1:1) Anaesthesia in Dogs
Authors: Kumar A. , Sobti V. K. , Singh K. I.
Published: March 2003

Four clinically healthy dogs of either sex, aged 3–5 years, weighing between 9 and 18 kg and maintained under uniform management conditions, were administered haloperidol (5 mg/ml) and ketamine (50 mg/ml) intravenously in 1:1 ratio until the pedal reflex was lost. The calculated doses of haloperidol and ketamine were 1.71 and 17.05 mg/kg body weight intravenously, respectively. Corneal and palpebral reflexes were maintained although pain reflexes were absent up to 20 min of the cocktail administration. The induction of anaesthesia was quick and smooth. There was moderate to good muscle relaxation and analgesia. Mean arterial and central venous pressures and tidal volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline values. Significant tachycardia and hyperglycemia were observed.
Investigation of Biochemical and Haematological Side‐effects of Enrofloxacin in Dogs
Authors: Traş B. , Maden M. , Baş A. L. , Elmas M. , Yazar E. , Civelek T.
Published: March 2003

In the present study, effects of enrofloxacin on biochemical, haematological and blood gas parameters were investigated. Changes in laboratory parameters were monitored during the treatment period. Enrofloxacin was administered (5 mg/kg intramuscularly, once daily) to 10 healthy dogs for 14 days. Acidosis and temporary increases in aspartate aminotransferase, indirect bilirubin, sodium, partial pressure of CO2 and mean corpuscular volume levels as well as decreased levels of inorganic phosphorus, ionized calcium, potassium, partial pressure of O2 and standard bicarbonate were observed. The results of this study suggest that these observed effects of enrofloxacin on blood gas parameters should be taken into consideration in long‐term use of the drug.
Disposition Kinetics of Florfenicol in Goats by Using Two Analytical Methods
Authors: Atef M. , El‐Gendi A. Y. , Amer A. A. M. , El‐Aty Abd
Published: March 2003

Florfenicol, a monofluorinated analogue of thiamphenicol, has antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains, including enteric bacteria that are resistant to chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol. The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol was studied following a single intravenous bolus or intramuscular injections at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, in five healthy goats. Serum florfenicol concentrations were determined using two analytical methods: microbiological assay and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using redundant routine equations and the results derived from each method were compared. While florfenicol was detected for up to 4 and 8 h after administration by the bioassay, the drug was recovered in serum after 12 and 24 h by HPLC following intravenous and intramuscular injections, respectively. Comparison of the concentration profiles obtained by the two methods revealed substantial differences in the resultant kinetic data. Values for the initial serum concentration, elimination half‐life, the area under the serum concentration–time curve, the mean residence time, and the systemic bioavailability were significantly (P < 0.01) higher when florfenicol concentrations were determined using HPLC. In conclusion, differences between analytical methodologies should be considered when interpreting the kinetic data for clinical use. However, both the hepatic biotransformations and the interchangeability of enantiomers need further investigation.
Vitamin C Plasma Concentrations and Leg Weakness in the Forelegs of Growing Pigs
Authors: Armocida A. , Beskow P. , Amcoff P. , Kallner A. , Ekman S.
Published: March 2003

Four litters (41 pigs) of cross‐bred pigs were studied from 6 to 26 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected at 6, 13, 21 and 26 weeks of age and analysed for contents of vitamin C, calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The pigs were examined clinically for foreleg weakness at the ages of 21 and 26 weeks. At the age of 26 weeks the pigs were slaughtered and the right forelegs were examined macroscopically and selected samples were collected for radiological, histological and ultrastructural examination. The prevalence of foreleg lesions was high, with lesions of dyschondroplasia of the distal growth plate of the ulna in 30 pigs, synovitis of the elbow joint in 24 pigs and osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow joint in 25 pigs. At the ages of 21 and 26 weeks, five pigs had evidently crooked forelegs and 14 pigs (age 21 weeks) and 25 pigs (age 26 weeks) had mildly deformed forelegs. The serum levels of Ca, P and ALP were within normal values for growing–finishing pigs. The range of vitamin C concentrations in plasma showed a wide difference (7.1–49.8 μmol/l) but was not associated with deformed forelegs. The serum concentrations of Ca, P and ALP and the plasma concentration of vitamin C differed significantly (P=0.05) between age groups and there was a significant (P=0.001) positive correlation between the levels of vitamin C in plasma and the serum levels of ALP at 6 weeks of age. The aim of the present study was to determine if there was any association between the plasma levels of vitamin C and the extent of crooked or deviated forelegs in growing–finishing pigs. We could not find a vitamin C deficiency during the study and no association between low levels of vitamin C in plasma and the presence of deformed forelegs of these 40 pigs.
Lack of Sequence Variation in Sporadic Bovine Leucosis in Regions of Tumour Suppressor Genes p53 and p16
Authors: Mayr B. , Grüneis C. , Brem G. , Reifinger M. , Schaffner G. , Hochsteiner W.
Published: March 2003

Regions of the promoter and exons 5–8 of the tumour suppressor gene p53 were analysed in 25 cases of sporadic bovine leucosis. The study included 17 cases of juvenile leucosis, five cases of adult leucosis and three cases of skin leucosis. Exon 2 of tumour suppressor gene p16 was also investigated in the same samples. No sequence variations were present in the analysed areas of the genes. In p53, this fact represents a clear difference in comparison with enzootic bovine leucosis. In p16, no comparative data are available.
The Influence of Parenterally Administered α‐Tocopheryl Acetate to Sows on the Vitamin E Status of the Sows and Suckling Piglets and Piglets After Weaning
Authors: Pehrson B. , Holmgren N. , Trafikowska U.
Published: March 2003

The main aim of the study was to test if parenteral administration of α‐tocopheryl acetate twice before farrowing and weaning could increase the vitamin E status of the newborn piglets and piglets after weaning. In Trial I eight sows were given 1.5 g α‐tocopheryl acetate intramuscularly 7 and 2 days before farrowing. Eight sows were untreated controls. The experimental sows had a higher vitamin E concentration in colostrum than the controls. No significant difference between the groups existed in milk at weaning. The serum vitamin E concentration in the experimental piglets 2 and 5 days after farrowing was higher than in the controls. Fifteen days after farrowing the difference between the groups had nearly disappeared. The serum vitamin E concentration in the piglets in the control group was higher during the first days after farrowing than later, and was gradually reduced until at least 2 weeks after weaning. In Trial II, eight sows were given 1.5 g of α‐tocopheryl acetate 7 and 2 days before weaning of their piglets. They had higher vitamin E concentrations in milk and serum than untreated control sows at weaning. The increase did not, however, influence the serum vitamin E concentration of the piglets. The lowest concentration of vitamin E in serum of the piglets was reached at 45 days after farrowing. The activity of the selenium‐dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase in the serum of piglets was very low during the first week of life in both groups despite the fact that the sows’ feed had been supplemented with 0.35 mg selenium/kg. This indicates that the selenium status of newborn piglets might be more critical for their health than their vitamin E status.
Rats with a Glucocorticoid‐Induced Catabolic State Show Symptoms of Oxidative Stress and Spleen Atrophy: The Effects of Age and Recovery
Authors: ORZECHOWSKI A. , OSTASZEWSKI P. , WILCZAK J. , JANK M. , BAŁASIŃSKA B. , WARSKI P. , FULLER JR J.
Published: March 2003

In this study we wanted to determine whether changes in antioxidant profile could follow the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids. We also wanted to compare resistance to glucocorticoid overload in young and old rats. To address these questions, whole body catabolism was induced by the administration of dexamethasone (Dex) at either 2 mg/kg bodyweight/day to young (6 weeks old) or 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight/day to old (94 weeks old) rats. Bodyweight loss of pair‐fed rats not given Dex was only 2% in the young rats and 8% in the old rats, whereas in Dex‐treated rats the decrease in bodyweight was 22% in the young rats and 13% in the old rats after 5 days of treatment. Spleen weight decreased by 65% in the young rats and by 52% in the old rats. Additionally, in the young rats there was a 46% reduction in glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes as well as a 36% reduction in GSH/tissue wet weight in the soleus muscle. The corresponding figures for the old rats were 35 and 26%, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that Dex directly and/or indirectly impaired the antioxidant reactions. This was further confirmed by a significant (50%) decline in Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1) activity in erythrocytes isolated from the young rats treated with Dex but not the old rats as they showed a significant elevation in SOD‐1 activity (by 101%). Thiobarbituric acid reactant substances were significantly higher in both young and old rats. Activity of blood plasma creatine kinase increased by 73% in the young rats and by 307% in the old rats treated with Dex. Although both the young and the old rats could recover from oxidative stress, the old rats in contrast to the young rats remained catabolic until the end of the experiment. In conclusion, we suggest that old rats are more vulnerable to the catabolic action of Dex, whereas young rats are more susceptible to the oxidative stress induced by Dex.
Body Condition Scores in Dairy Cows: Associations with Metabolic and Endocrine Changes in Healthy Dairy Cows
Authors: Busato A. , Faissler D. , Küpfer U. , Blum J. W.
Published: March 2003

Relationships between body condition scores (BCS), metabolic profiles and endocrine traits were investigated in 53 healthy Red Holstein cows. Cows were categorized into groups based on BCS ante‐partum (a.p.; >3.25 or ≤ 3.25) and on BCS losses during the first 8 weeks after calving (ΔBCS8 >0.75 or ≤ 0.75). Blood samples were collected 1 week before calving and every 2 weeks post‐partum (p.p.). Cows with BCS a.p. >3.25 and ΔBCS ≤ 0.75 were oldest and cows with BCS a.p. ≤ 3.25 and ΔBCS ≤ 0.75 were youngest. Cows with BCS >3.25 a.p. and that lost >0.75 BCS in the first 2 months of lactation exhibited signs of subclinical ketosis. If statistically adjusted for the effect of lactation number, average milk yield within the first 8 weeks p.p. and milk fat concentrations were similar between BCS groups, whereas milk protein concentrations differed significantly between BCS groups. Significant differences between groups were observed for blood plasma glucose, bilirubin, β‐hydroxybutyrate, non‐esterified fatty acids and insulin concentrations. No differences were seen for albumin, urea, insulin‐like growth factor‐I, and 3.5.3′‐triiodothyronine concentrations and for plasma activities of glutamate‐oxalacetate transaminase, γ‐glutamyltransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase. There was a good agreement between BCS and profiles of metabolites and hormones related to energy metabolism in clinically healthy cows. Cows in good body condition a.p. had greater risks of metabolic problems because of excessive mobilization of body reserves. However, the metabolic status was best in cows with a BCS >3.25 a.p., if they did not lose much body condition p.p.
Peripheral Neuroblastoma in a Newborn Piglet
Authors: DIESSLER M. E. , IDIART J. R. , MASSONE A. R. , MACHUCA M. A. , PERFUMO C. J.
Published: March 2003

Peripheral neuroblastoma (PNB) is a rare neoplasia derived from neuroepithelial cells. PNB typically presents as a greyish mass, composed of round cells with features of neuronal differentiation. Necropsy, performed on a 1‐day‐old piglet, revealed a mass craniodorsally located in the abdominal cavity. Histologically, the predominant population consisted of small round to ovoid cells with scanty cytoplasm and dark round nuclei, besides, there were larger neurone‐like cells. Neurone‐specific enolase and S‐100 protein were immunohistochemically detected, while glial fibrillary acidic protein was negative. Histological and immunohistochemical findings substantiated the diagnosis of a grade II peripheral neuroblastoma. This seems to be the first description of a PNB in a newborn piglet.
Ultrasonographic Observations of the Uterine Regression in the Ewe under Different Obstetrical Conditions
Authors: Hauser B. , Bostedt H.
Published: March 2003

Involution of the ovine uterus after parturition was studied using real‐time B‐mode ultrasonography. The diameter of the uterus, the uterine lumen and the caruncles were investigated during the first 30 days post‐parturition (p.p.) by transrectal and transabdominal application of the ultrasound probe. Ewes that spontaneously delivered showed a physiological regression of the uterus with a transversal diameter of 4.9 (±0.86) cm on day 1 p.p. which decreased to 1.84 (±0.14) cm until day 30. The course of uterine regression was established on these data and was described by the exponential equation:

image

‘ E
’ means the final value on day 30 p.p. and ‘A’ the difference between the initial transversal diameter on day 1 p.p. minus the final value on day 30 p.p. The exponents ‘b’ and ‘t’ indicate the downward gradient of the regression curve and also the factor time in days. Furthermore, we found that the uterine regression in ewes finishes approximately on day 17 p.p. The uterine involution was delayed in ewes after manual obstetrics and caesarean section, in addition the incidence for retention of foetal membranes was increased. The present study demonstrates that the ultrasonographic technique is a suitable method for the control of the uterine involution and for the diagnosis of pathological aberrations in sheep.
BSE Surveillance in Italy: Neuropathological Findings in Cattle in the Frame of the Passive Surveillance Programme
Authors: Bozzetta E. , Caramelli M. , Casalone C. , Acutis P. L. , Ru G.
Published: March 2003

The aim of the study was to review the neuropathological diagnoses obtained during 1999 in cattle meeting the criteria set by the 272/98/EC Decision, in the frame of the Italian Encefalopatia Spongiforme Bovina/Bovine Spongiform Encefalopathy (BSE) surveillance programme. Fifty‐two animals displaying clinical signs compatible with BSE were recruited: the Central nervous system (CNS) of each animal was examined by means of histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) or Western blot (WB) for PrPsc.

None of the specimen was positive for BSE. Neuropathological findings were observed in 18 of the animals and the most frequent lesions were consistent with listeriosis, non‐suppurative encephalitis, toxic encephalopathy.

Our results regarding the most important differential TSE diagnosis are close to the ones obtained in previous neuropathological surveys. Moreover, diagnosis of BSE in Italy in regularly slaughtered animals, achieved by means of active surveillance starting on 1 January 2001, shows that improvement in passive surveillance is needed.
Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against Bovine Leukaemia Virus using Various Crude Antigen Preparations: a Comparative Study
Authors: Llames L. , Gomez‐Lucia E. , Domenech A. , De Avila A. , Suarez G. , Goyache J.
Published: March 2003

A total of 59 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific against the bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) using different antigen preparations was produced. The five antigen preparations for immunizing BALB/c mice were: live cells (CEL), sonicated and ultracentrifuged cells (SOC), cell lysates (LYS), semi‐purified BLV (PV), and formalin‐treated cells (FOR) from two cell lines permanently infected with BLV (FLK‐BLV and BLV‐bat2). These viral component presentations were selected to obtain mAbs against specific BLV proteins: located on the cell surface (FOR and CEL), in free virus particles (PV) and intracellular viral proteins (SOC and LYS). Two antigen preparations (SOC and LYS) were lethal to the mice following the intravenous and intrasplenic routes. Six fusions were performed in this study that rendered specific antibodies against BLV. The highest number of hybridomas was produced with SOC; however, the majority of the hybridomas produced (> 90 %) were against cellular proteins. Even though immunization with PV gave the lowest number of hybridomas, the majority of them were specific against BLV. Based on the reactivity of the mAbs in Western blot (WB), we classified the mAbs into five groups, namely anti‐gp51SU (39 mAbs), anti‐gp30TM (six mAbs), anti‐Pr72env (nine mAbs), anti‐Pr66gag‐pro (one mAb) and anti‐Prgag (four mAbs). A very high percentage of the mAbs produced (48 of 59) reacted with gp51SU, suggesting that this is the most immunogenic and accessible BLV protein presented in the different antigen preparations. The majority of our mAbs recognized more than one band in WB, suggesting that, aside from reacting with mature proteins, the mAbs also recognized viral precursors.
Isolation of Candida rugosa from Turkeys
Authors: Moretti A. , Piergili Fioretti D. , Boncio L. , Pasquali P. , Del Rossi E.
Published: March 2003

The present study describes the isolation of Candida rugosa from young turkeys that died 10 days after the end of a therapeutic treatment for a recent outbreak of coccidiosis. Candida rugosa was isolated from the digestive tract of all the birds examined. This isolation is the first in turkeys and corroborates the fact that C. rugosa is an opportunistic yeast which circumvents host defences when other predisposing factors are present.
Putative Peripheral Neuropathy in Suckling Piglets
Authors: Sályi G. , Glávits R. , Molnár T.
Published: March 2003

Over a period of almost 2 years, a progressive motor disturbance was found to occur in 20–50 % of the litters of both primiparous and multiparous sows in a large pig herd of 1000 sows. The motor disturbance sometimes affected the entire litter; however, in most cases only a few piglets per litter were affected. The clinical signs appeared at 3–5 days of age and consisted of difficult movement followed by anteflexion or retroflexion of the tarsal joints or ‘rabbit‐like posture’. Subsequently, primarily after weaning, inflammatory and necrotic lesions developed on the paralysed limbs as a result of secondary infections of injuries. The tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve of recently affected (5‐ to 6‐day‐old) piglets showed degeneration, demyelination and necrosis of some of the nerve fibres, accompanied by restorative changes in more chronic cases. The central nervous system, bones, skeletal muscles, tendons and joints showed no lesions that could have accounted for the symptoms of motor disturbance. Aetiological investigations excluded the possibility of lead, copper and cadmium toxicity. Vitamin B2administered orally at 1 day old proved to be ineffective. The disease did not develop in piglets of sows kept at another farm under the same management and fed a diet prepared according to an identical formula from the same ingredients as those used on the affected farm, but with no milk whey added. This raised the suspicion of triaryl phosphate (TAP) poisoning, but this was found not to be the cause of the disease. New boars had not been brought to the farm in the year preceding the onset of disease, and the disease could not be linked to a specific boar or boar line. The aetiology of the disease has remained unclear.
Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Associated withStaphylococcusspp. Bacteraemia Responsive to Thiacetarsamide Sodium in Eight Birds of Prey
Authors: Tarello W.
Published: March 2003

Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) is a recognized human illness with zoonotic implications that is rarely described in animals. Eight birds of prey examined between 1992 and 1995 and sharing common symptoms (asthenia, inability to fly, poor appetite and emaciation) underwent laboratory tests revealing immunodeficiency, anaemia, high creatine kinase levels and low serum magnesium levels. Diagnosis of CFIDS was based upon these features. The effectiveness of an arsenic‐based medication, thiacetarsamide sodium, administered intravenously for 2–3 days at low dosages (0.1 ml/kg/day) has been demonstrated by checks carried out 10, 20 and 30 days after therapy. The symptoms and the immune and haematological dysfunctions disappeared within 2–4 weeks of treatment. In all patients, micrococcus‐like organisms found adhering to the outer surface of many red blood cells, had disappeared at post‐treatment controls. Two of five blood cultures were positive forStaphylococcusspp. (S. intermediusandS. xilosus). Consideration is given to the pharmacological activity of an arsenic‐based drug in animal illnesses resembling CFIDS.
Isolation of Pathogenic Yersiniae from Wild Animals in Bulgaria
Authors: Nikolova S. , Tzvetkov Y. , Najdenski H. , Vesselinova A.
Published: March 2003

PathogenicYersiniastrains were isolated between December 1998 and April 1999 from 37 wild animals: rabbit (Lepus europeus), boar (Sus scrofa scrofa), asiatic jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), mouflon (Ovis musimon), european river otter (Lutra lutra), beech marten (Martes foina), polecat (Mustela putorius) and wild cat (Felis silvestris). It was established that among the wild animalsY. enterocoliticastrains of serotype 0:3 predominated, accompanied byY. pseudotuberculosisstrains of serotype 0:3. In one sample from asiatic jackal and one sample from rabbit,Y. enterocoliticaserotype 0:8 was isolated.Yersinia enterocoliticaandY. pseudotuberculosisstrains were isolated from tonsils and tongues as well as from the viscera – lung, liver, heart, spleen, kidney and lymph nodes, mainly in young animals (1–2 years of age). The results showed that wild animals are a possible natural reservoir for pathogenicY. enterocoliticaandY. pseudotuberculosisand are included in the epidemiological chain of yersinioses.
Drug Efficacy of Terbinafine Hydrochloride (Lamisil®) During Oral Treatment of Cats, Experimentally Infected with Microsporum canis
Authors: KOTNIK T.
Published: March 2003

Cats represent a primary source of Microsporum canis infections in humans. Terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil®) is commonly used in the treatment of microsporosis in humans as its fungicidal action permits short periods of treatment. The aim of the present study was to estimate the efficacy of the drug in cats. Nine cats were experimentally infected with M. canis and treated with terbinafine hydrochloride at a dose of 10–20 mg/kg (once daily, SID; low‐dose group, LDG). Another nine cats were similarly infected and treated with 30–40 mg/kg SID (high‐dose group, HDG) and a further nine cats were also infected and left untreated (control group, CG). The general condition of the cats was observed daily and their clinical symptoms evaluated weekly. The cats recovery was monitored using the Wood's lamp illumination test and microscopic and fungal culture examinations. The general condition of the cats during the study was good. The cure rates of the LDG were not significantly different from the CG at any period during the treatment. However, the HDG cure rates differed significantly from the other two groups. After 109 days of treatment, when all nine cats of the HDG were healed, seven cats of the LDG and all the cats in the CG were still M. canis‐positive. This study shows that dosages of 10–20 mg/kg SID of terbinafine hydrochloride are not sufficient to terminate an experimental M. canis infection in cats within an acceptable period of time. Terbinafine hydrochloride can be used to treat dermatophytosis in cats, but a higher dosage, 30–40 mg/kg SID, should be used to achieve a cure.
Hepatitis Associated with Herpes Viral Infection in the Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)
Authors: HERVÁS J. , SÁNCHEZ‐CORDÓN P. J. , DE LARA F. CHACÓN , CARRASCO L. , GÓMEZ‐VILLAMANDOS J. C.
Published: March 2003

Herpesvirus infection in tortoises is largely characterized by the development of respiratory clinical signs. Usually lesions develop in the respiratory, oral pharyngeal, intestinal tract and are accompanied by cutaneous and ocular lesions. In chelonids affected by herpesvirus, systemic‐type lesions in organs such as the liver and spleen are commonly observed. In this paper we describe a case of multifocal necrotic hepatitis associated with herpesviruses in an adult female land tortoise of the species Testudo horsfieldii. This article is the first description of a viral hepatitis in Testudo spp. with lesions compatible with herpesvirus infection, with no clinical signs or lesions in the respiratory system, oral cavity or other organs.
Recent Developments in the Epidemiology of Virus Diseases
Authors: KAADEN O.‐R. , EICHHORN W. , ESSBAUER S.
Published: March 2003

There is continual variation in viral epidemics regarding clinical symptoms, duration and disappearance, and the emergence of new diseases. This can be observed in both human and animal diseases. This evolution of virus diseases is mainly related to three factors: aetiological agent, host and environment. As far as genetic alterations of the virus are concerned, two major mechanisms are involved: mutations such as recombination and reassortment; and selection for resistance or susceptibility. This review focuses on the epidemiology of newly emerged virus diseases in man and animals, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, haemorraghic fevers, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, canine haemorraghic disease and respiratory syndrome in horses.
Humoral Immune Response and Assessment of Vaccine Virus Shedding in Calves Receiving Modified Live Virus Vaccines Containing Bovine Herpesvirus‐1 and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus 1a
Authors: Fulton R. W. , Saliki J. T. , Burge L. J. , Payton M. E.
Published: March 2003

Susceptible calves were administered modified live virus (MLV) vaccines containing bovine herpesvirus‐1 (BHV1) and bovine viral diarrhoea type 1 (BVDV1a) strains intramuscularly, with one vaccine containing both MLV and inactivated BHV‐1 and inactivated BVDV1a. There was no evidence of transmission of vaccine (BHV‐1 and BVDV1a) strains to susceptible non‐vaccinated controls commingled with vaccinates. No vaccinates had detectable BHV‐1 in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) after vaccination. Each of three vaccines containing an MLV BVDV1a strain caused a transient BVDV vaccine induced viremia in PBL after vaccination, which was cleared as the calves developed serum BVDV1 antibodies. The vaccine containing both MLV and inactivated BHV‐1 induced serum BHV‐1 antibodies more rapid than MLV BHV‐1 vaccine. Two doses of MLV BHV‐1 (days 0 and 28) in some cases induced serum BHV‐1 antibodies to higher levels and greater duration than one dose.
Bivalves, Tributyltin and Green Tides: Ecosystem‐Level Impact?
Authors: Ruiz Jose M.
Published: March 2003

Filter feeders such as bivalves are increasingly being shown to control phytoplankton blooms in eutrophic estuaries. The possibility of such a top‐down effect on macroalgae, however, has not been considered previously even though most green tide algal species reproduce by pelagic swarmers that are equivalent to phytoplankton. This work presents circumstantial evidence from an oyster‐culturing French embayment where, despite eutrophication since the mid‐1970s, macroalgae did not proliferate until 1982. This was also the year when tributyltin pollution from antifouling paints dropped substantially following a world‐wide prime ban that was implemented to save the shellfish industry. From the recorded evolution of the oyster stock, it is shown how tributyltin reduced the bivalve filter capacity within those years and resulted in Enteromorpha swarmers being much more likely to germinate and bloom. This suggests that the green tides had been successively contained by the biological activity and the chemical pressure. The effects of the latter on the former would thus have cascaded to ecosystem‐level changes, and so the functional role of bivalves should be evaluated and preserved wherever relevant.
Indirect Effects of Epibiosis on Host Mortality: Seastar Predation on Differently Fouled Mussels
Authors: Laudien Jürgen , Wahl Martin
Published: March 2003

In situ experiments were run with the seastar Asterias rubens to investigate the influence of epibiosis on predation preferences. Mussels (Mytilus edulis) monospecifically fouled by different epibiont species (the barnacle Balanus improvisus, the red filamentous alga Ceramium strictum, the sponge Halichondria panicea and the hydrozoan Laomedea flexuosa) and macroscopically clean mussels were exposed and seastar predation was monitored by SCUBA. Asterias rubens preferred macroscopical unfouled mussels as prey. Fouling generally reduced predation pressure on the mussel hosts (associational resistance). Barnacles protected mussels less efficiently than hydrozoans or algae.

We hypothesize that in top‐down controlled communities this influence of epibiosis on predation pressure should affect mussel community patterns. A survey of natural mussel‐epibiont distribution in the presence or absence of A. rubens showed that the prevalence of differently fouled mussels differed between predation‐exposed and predation‐protected habitats. Natural mussel‐epibiont associations reflected the preferential predation of the major local predators. Additionally, higher epibiotic diversity and evenness could be observed at locations accessible to benthic predators as compared with habitats protected from predation.

As blue mussels and seastars are important structuring and controlling elements in the shallow water community of Kiel Fjord, major consequences of epibiosis on the entire system are discussed.