bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐associated Changes in the Immune System of German Shepherd Dogs
Authors: Strasser A. , Teltscher A. , May B. , Sanders C. , Niedermüller H.
Published: March 2003

In order to look into the ageing of the canine immune system we investigated age‐related changes and associated gender‐related differences in parameters of innate and acquired immunity in German Shepherd dogs. We obtained the following findings: white blood cell counts, peripheral blood lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferative activity and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) serum concentrations were significantly lower in the group of old animals, whereas the concentrations of γ‐globulins and the functional activity of the complement system were significantly higher in the elderly. Phagocytic and bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear cells, as well as their ‘killing function’, the serum cytokine‐like activities of tumour necrosis factor‐α and the plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin G, as well as of α‐ and β‐globulins, were not significantly affected by age, whereas natural killer‐cell activity and the serum cytokine‐like activities of IL‐1 were significantly higher only in the group of female old animals. With regard to gender‐related differences, lymphocyte proliferative activities as well as plasma concentrations of α‐globulin were significantly higher in the group of female animals, whereas the absolute numbers of segmented neutrophils were significantly lower. Species analogies with regard to ageing as presumed to exist between man and laboratory rodents also seem to be applicable to the dog. The observed age‐related changes in the canine immune system are probably among the main causes for the multimorbidity of old age, affecting life expectancy and mortality in the dog and should be recognized and considered by the attending veterinarian.
Malignant Lymphoma in Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses of a Dog
Authors: Kaldrymidou E. , Papaioannou N. , Poutahidis TH. , Karayannopoulou M. , Gruys E. , Toliou TH. , Tsangaris TH.
Published: March 2003

A case of a canine large cell type T‐cell lymphoma, with features of high‐grade malignancy is described. The tumour was found confined in the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses of a crossbred German Shepherd dog. Histological examination revealed the features of a highly malignant large cell lymphoma. Ultrastructurally, the lymphoid tumour cells bore cytoplasmic protrusions that interdigitated tightly. From a panel of tumour markers used, the neoplastic cells were stained only for vimentin. Immunophenotyping of the tumour cells by means of CD3, CD79, κ‐light chains and λ‐light chains detection was undertaken. The tumour stained only for CD3 and was classified as T‐cell lymphoma.
Inheritance of Disc Calcification in the Dachshund
Authors: Jensen V. F. , Christensen K. A.
Published: March 2003

The occurrence of intervertebral disc calcification was investigated by conventional spinal radiography in eight families of wirehaired dachshunds, with each family comprising one sire, two dams and one litter from each dam. Each offspring was examined radiographically once at 24–35 months of age. The occurrence of disc calcification was rated according to four different scales. A strong correlation was found in the occurrence of disc calcification between offspring and mean parent (P < 0.001) and between offspring and dams (P < 0.005) on an either/or scale. Statistically significant estimates of heritability of 0.60 and 0.87 were found based on the offspring‐sire relationship using the total score and three‐class scale, respectively. Higher correlation estimates were found based on the dam‐offspring relationship than based on the sire‐offspring relationship, suggesting an effect of maternal environmental factors.
Inter‐Breed Differences in Equine Forelimb Kinematics at the Walk
Authors: Galisteo A. M. , Morales J. L. , Cano M. R. , Miró F. , Agüera E. , Vivo J.
Published: March 2003

Linear, temporal and angular biokinematic characteristics of the forelimb at the walk in different breeds were determined, highlighting inter‐breed differences. Twenty‐three healthy stallions were used: ten Andalusians (AN), seven Arabs (AR) and six Anglo‐Arabs (AA). Height at the withers was significantly different between groups (P < 0.001). Six trials per horse were recorded using a levelled video camera (sampling frame rate 25 frames/s), digitized and analysed using a semi‐automatic movement analysis system. No statistically significant differences in speeds were recorded between breeds (P > 0.05). The only temporal parameter which was similar in the three breeds was the moment at which the hoof reached the highest point in its trajectory. The variables presenting the most significant differences were the percentages of deceleration and propulsion within the stance phase. ANOVA for angular variables showed that the greatest difference was in the range of angular movement of the carpal joint, being higher in AN, due to a lower minimum value. In the fetlock joint, the greatest difference was observed in minimum values, which differed in all three breeds. Significant inter‐breed differences were also observed for maximum limb retraction, being lowest in the AN group, followed by the AA and AR groups. This finding was reflected in the angular range of motion, despite smaller differences in the degree of limb protraction; very similar values were reported in all three breeds. As regards the elbow joint, no inter‐breed differences were observed in terms of minimum values, whereas differences were recorded for maximum and angular range of motion, higher values being displayed by the AR and AN groups than by AA animals. In conclusion, inter‐breed differences may be determined in equine forelimb biokinematics at the walk. This study distinguished between AN, AR and AA horses.
Liver and Biliary System Pathology in Equine Dysautonomia (Grass Sickness)
Authors: Marrs J. , Small J. , Milne E. M. , John H. A.
Published: March 2003

Hepatocellular and hepatobiliary damage was assessed in equine acute, subacute and chronic grass sickness cases (AGS, SAGS, CGS). Histopathological analysis showed that even in some early AGS cases enlarged hepatocytes, hepatocyte vacuolation indicative of lipid accumulation (steatosis), intrahepatocyte, canalicular and periportal deposition of pigments, frequent leucocyte infiltration and cholangitis occurred. Analysis of serum indicated significantly increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin in all groups and conjugated bilirubin in AGS and SAGS groups, increased levels of bile acids in some individuals from each group and significantly increased levels of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) in AGS and SAGS cases. Conjugated bilirubin was significantly elevated in urine of AGS and SAGS cases. The evidence suggests that abnormal liver function involving moderate hepatocellular pathology in conjunction with steatosis and cholestasis may contribute to the pathogenesis of GS.
Study of the Distribution of Inflammatory Cells in the Sow Endometrium: Effect of Intravenous Administration of Adrenocorticotropin Hormone
Authors: KAEOKET K. , MWANZA A. M. , RAZDAN P. , EINARSSON S. , PERSSON E. , DALIN A.‐M.
Published: March 2003

Seventeen multiparous cross‐bred sows (Swedish Landrace × Swedish Yorkshire) were inseminated in their second oestrus after weaning and divided into two groups. One group (ACTH, n=9) was given an intravenous injection of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) every 6 h commencing 4–8 h after ovulation, whereas another group (control, n=8) was given saline solution at the same times. The sows were slaughtered 35–53 h after ovulation. Uterine samples, taken from the mesometrial side of the uterine horns immediately after slaughter, were fixed, embedded in plastic resin and stained with toluidine blue. The endometrium was then examined by light microscopy. There was no significant effect of the ACTH treatment on the distribution of lymphocytes and macrophages, but there was a tendency of an effect on the distribution of neutrophils (P=0.1) in the sow endometrium.
Flow Cytometric Testing of Immunological Effects of a Phytomedicinal Combination (EquiMun) and its Compounds on Bovine Leucocytes
Authors: Schuberth H.‐J. , Riedel‐Caspari G. , LEIBOLD W.
Published: March 2003

One of the major goals of this study was to establish fast, reliable and sensitive assays for the quality control of immunomodulating phytopreparations and to determine whether pharmacological compounds or phytopreparations have effects on bovine immune cells. Flow cytometric methods were chosen because they are very sensitive in the detection of even subtle effects on cells. In this study, we addressed the question of whether these methods are useful in monitoring the effects of EquiMun and its compounds on bovine leucocytes in vitro. EquiMun is a fixed combination of Echinacea purpurea (Ec), Thuja occidentalis (Th) and elemental phosphorus (Ph) in different starting concentrations. Separated blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN, mainly neutrophils) were cultured for up to 44 h in vitro in the presence or absence of the tested substances. Whereas MNC were not affected by any of the compounds, EquiMun, Ec, Th and Ph significantly reduced the forward scatter (size) of cultured PMN without affecting their side scatter (granularity). The size effects were paralleled by a significantly enhanced viability of PMN after 20 h in culture. The observed effects were constant over wide concentration ranges and indicate a very similar reaction of leucocytes from individual cows. Whereas spontaneous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils was up‐regulated by Ph and EquiMun, EquiMun down‐regulated the phorbol ester‐stimulated ROS production. However, ROS generation by neutrophils displayed a large inter‐individual variation with less apparent, down‐regulatory effects of EquiMun. The ability of PMN to kill target cells via antibody‐independent cellular cytotoxicity showed small inter‐individual variations and was enhanced by Ec and Th but not by Ph and EquiMun, probably due to dose‐dependent effects. In summary, the flow cytometric characterization of cellular viability and shape changes of neutrophils seem to be a suitable and reliable approach for the quality test of immunomodulating phytomedicines based on bioassays.
Insulin Sensitivity and Muscle Characteristics in Calves at Different Levels of Physical Activity
Authors: Sternbauer K. , Essén‐Gustavsson B.
Published: March 2003

This study was undertaken to investigate insulin sensitivity and muscle characteristics in calves at different levels of physical activity. Ten male calves of the Swedish Holstein breed were allocated to either an exercise or a non‐exercise group. The exercise group performed light work on a treadmill, 5–15 min at 10–12 occasions during 4–5 weeks. The treadmill speed varied from 0.6 to 1.5 m/s. At the beginning and end of the experimental period, the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique was used to assess insulin sensitivity and gluteus medius muscle biopsies specimens were obtained for histochemical and biochemical analyses. There were no significant differences in insulin sensitivity, muscle fibre types, enzyme activities or glycogen content between the groups before or after the experimental period. The areas of type I, IIA, IIB fibres and mean muscle fibre area increased significantly in both groups during the experimental period. Muscle fibre characteristics and insulin sensitivity varied among the calves. Insulin sensitivity correlated positively to the percentage of type I fibres at the start of the experiment, and negatively to the mean muscle fibre area at the end of the experimental period. The results indicate that insulin sensitivity in young calves is associated with the change seen in muscle fibre areas with growth, but not by a short period of light physical activity.
Dog Bite Wounds in Dogs and Cats: a Retrospective Study of 196 Cases
Authors: SHAMIR M. H. , LEISNER S. , KLEMENT E. , GONEN E. , JOHNSTON D. E.
Published: March 2003

The age, type, etc., time of injury, body areas injured, treatment modalities and mortality rates were reviewed in 185 dogs and 11 cats that were bitten by dogs. Male dogs were more frequently bitten than females, and small dogs (≤ 10 kg) were not only the most common victims but also were more likely to suffer multiple injuries. Mortality occurred only in cases with thoracic or abdominal injuries. Exploratory thoracotomy, performed in some of the cases presented with penetrating thoracic injury, did not prove to alter prognosis. Cats are not as frequently bitten as dogs, and are often younger than the mean age of cats in the overall hospital population.
Antibody against Testudo Herpesvirus is not Common in Chinese Soft‐shelled Turtles
Authors: Nie Y. C. , Lu C. P.
Published: March 2003

Seventy‐six serum samples of Chinese soft‐shelled turtles (Trionyx sinensis) were collected at Jiangsu Province, China. The neutralization test (NT) was performed with the sera, Testudo herpesvirus (THV) and turtle heart cells (THC). Neutralizing antibodies were detected in five of 76 samples and the titres were 1:10–1:20. Having optimized the conditions, the dot‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Dot‐ELISA) was developed and eight serum samples exhibited positive results. Five samples were positive by both NT and Dot‐ELISA. The percentage of positive samples was only 6.6 % (NT) and 11 % (ELISA). It is suggested that THV infection is not a serious problem for the Chinese soft‐shelled turtle culture in this region.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Mammary Parenchymas of Slaughtered Dairy Cows
Authors: Costa E. O. , Benites N. R. , Guerra J. L. , Melville P. A.
Published: March 2003

The high prevalence of the great resistance to antimicrobials shown by the aetiological agents of infectious bovine mastitis, often leads to chronic recurrent mastitis, one of the main causes of early culling of dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from mammary parenchymas of slaughtered dairy cows, to different anti‐microbials. A total of 45 Staphylococcus spp. strains [33 coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (CNS) and 12 Staphylococcus aureus (SA)] were used. These strains were tested with 12 different antimicrobials by the Kirby and Bauer standardized disc diffusion method; 84.44 % and 86.66 % of the 45 strains were resistant to ampicillin and penicillin, respectively. The highest sensitivity was to cephalothin (84.44 %), gentamicin (80 %) and to sulphazotrin (77.77 %). CNS showed higher resistance (P < 0.05) than SA. The in vitro susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from mammary parenchymas studied in the present investigation was similar to that observed in recent studies of in vitro and in vivo susceptibility patterns of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from cases of bovine mastitis.
Serological Investigations of Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) for Determination of the Spread of Tick‐borne Encephalitis in Northrhine‐Westphalia
Authors: Wurm R. , Dobler G. , Peters M. , Kiessig S. T.
Published: March 2003

Serum samples from 786 red foxes shot between January 1995 and August 1996 in the southern half of Northrhine‐Westphalia, located in western Germany, were tested for the presence of antibodies against tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) virus using the Immunozym FSME IgG All Species‐ELISA® (Immuno, Heidelberg, Germany) as a screening test: 759 sera were negative, 23 (2.9 %) were borderline, and four (0.5 %) were positive. Nine of the 27 ELISA reactive sera were confirmed by the TBE Western‐Blot (Immuno, Heidelberg, Germany). Furthermore these 27 sera were tested for neutralizing antibodies by means of a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) against TBE and West Nile viruses. Only one single serum was found to have a neutralization titre (+ 1 : 800 PRNT80) against TBE virus. All other 26 sera were negative for neutralizing antibodies against TBE or West Nile virus. Since the titre of the single serum is low, it can be interpreted that if TBE virus is present, its prevalence is extremely low. Northrhine‐Westphalia is not classified as a TBE‐endemic area. Further calculated serological testing of game and virological investigation of collected ticks in the affected area seem to be meaningful and necessary.
Benefit of the Control of Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection in Goats in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: FAIZAL A. C. M. , RAJAPAKSHA W. R. A. K. J. S. , RAJAPAKSE R. P. V. J.
Published: March 2003

The benefit of gastrointestinal nematode control in cross‐bred goats in the dry area of Sri Lanka was studied throughout 1 year by comparing the performances of three groups: group 1 animals (n=11) were left untreated against gastrointestinal nematodes; group 2 animals (n=11) were given monthly anthelmintic treatment, doramectin, at the dose rate of 300 μg/kg bodyweight during the entire study period; group 3 animals (n=11) were also given monthly doramectin treatment at the dose rate of 300 μg/kg bodyweight but only during the rainy months, October to January and again once in April. All three groups were turned out together on to communal pasture. Tracers were used for the monthly estimation of gastrointestinal nematode burdens. Four untreated animals and a group 3 animal suffered from parasitic gastroenteritis during the study period. When compared with the controls, the treated groups had significantly lower gastrointestinal nematode infection as indicated by faecal egg counts (P<0.01). Faecal egg counts in group 3 were significantly higher than those in group 2 (P<0.01). When compared with the controls, the treated groups had significantly greater weight gains (P<0.05). Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the predominant gastrointestinal nematodes identified from tracers. The worm burden varied according to the rainfall pattern, with very minimal transmission during the dry period which extends from May to August. Under the conditions of this study, the monthly anthelmintic treatments increased weight gains and prevented parasitic gastroenteritis of goats in the dry zone of Sri Lanka.
Characterization of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae Strains by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis, Pulsed‐Field Gel Electrophoresis and 16S Ribosomal DNA Sequencing
Authors: KOKOTOVIC B. , FRIIS N. F. , AHRENS P.
Published: March 2003

Mycoplasma hyosynoviae strains from Denmark, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK were examined for variations in the genomic DNA and within the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Variations in the chromosomal DNA among 57 isolates recovered from the respiratory tract and joints of pigs, were investigated by analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphisms of the BglII and MfeI restriction sites and by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis of a BssHII digest of chromosomal DNA. Both methods allowed unambiguous differentiation of the analysed strains and showed similar discriminatory potential for the differentiation of M. hyosynoviae isolates. Concordant results obtained with the two whole‐genome fingerprinting techniques evidence the considerable intraspecies genetic heterogeneity of M. hyosynoviae. Sixteen field strains of M. hyosynoviae and the type strain S16T were further examined for variation within the 16S rRNA gene. Ten field strains possessed the 16S rDNA sequences identical to the type strain, while the remaining six strains had sequences that differed by one to two nucleotides from that obtained from the type strain.
Detection and Isolation of Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4 from Horses in Normandy: an Autopsy Study of Tissue Distribution in Relation to Vaccination Status
Authors: Taouji S. , Collobert C. , Gicquel B. , Sailleau C. , Brisseau N. , Moussu C. , Breuil M.‐F. , Pronost S. , Borchers K. , Zientara S.
Published: March 2003

Equine herpesviruses type 1 and 4 (EHV‐1 and EHV‐4) are ubiquitous in the equine population. One of their main properties is their ability to establish life‐long latent infections in their hosts even in those with natural or vaccine‐induced immunity. However, effect of vaccination status on prevalence and tissue tropism was not established. In this study, EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and by classical virus isolation from neural, epithelial and lymphoid tissues collected from unvaccinated (33) or vaccinated (23) horses. The percentage of EHV‐1‐ and EHV‐4‐positive horses between vaccinates and unvaccinates was similar. Both viruses were detected in all tissues of both groups; in particular, lymph nodes draining the respiratory tract, nasal epithelium and nervous ganglia [i.e. trigeminal ganglia (TG)], which represent the main positive sites for EHV‐1 and EHV‐4. In vaccinated animals, the nervous ganglia (i.e. TG) were less frequently positive than in unvaccinated animals. Detection of positive TG was strongly correlated to the presence of EHV‐1 in nasal epithelium.
Intra‐uterine Infection with Babesia bovis in a 2‐day‐old Calf
Authors: Yeruham I. , Avidar Y. , Aroch I. , Hadani A.
Published: March 2003

Infection with Babesia bovis was diagnosed in a 2‐day‐old female calf apparently transmitted in utero. The calf was born as the second calving to a cross‐bred beef cow permanently on pasture.

Diagnosis was based upon identification of B. bovis in peripheral blood smears and clinical signs which included fever, jaundice, pale mucous membranes and convulsions. Anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytosis were noted at the febrile acute stage of the disease. The blood smears revealed evidence of regeneration of toxic neutrophils with a left shift, severe spherocytosis and high degree of basophilic stippling. Elevated concentration of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase were also noted, and were probably the result of haemolysis, dehydration and muscle damage because of recumbancy. Elevated total bilirubin concentration following haemolysis resulted in jaundice. The neurological symptoms observed were probably caused by sludging of parasitized erythrocytes in the brain capillaries. The calf recovered following treatment with diminazene aceturate and the recovery was followed up clinically, haematologically and biochemically.
Polychaete Associations in a Subtropical  Environment (São Sebastião Channel,  Brazil): A Structural Analysis
Authors: Muniz Pablo , Pires Ana Maria S.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Analysis of polychaetes from 60 quantitative soft bottom samples (November 1993 – August 1994) from the São Sebastião Channel at 10 to 45 m yielded 126 species from a total of 12,003 individuals. The distribution of both the bottom sediment type and species was patchy. Abundance data were analysed with multivariate techniques and revealed a strong correlation between species and sediment variables. Polychaetes were more diverse, abundant and richer in species number in those sites with higher sandy fractions. On the other hand, sites where silt, clay and organic carbon predominated showed a poor annelid fauna. Here, pollution by the sewage discharge of a submarine pipe, the oil terminal activities and the clandestine oil tank washing have an important impact on the bottom fauna. Only little temporal variation in the composition of the polychaete associations was found during the study period.
Seasonality of Competition in  Early Development of  Subtidal Encrusting Communities
Authors: Maughan Ben C. , Barnes David K. A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Settlement panels immersed at Lough Hyne, County Cork, Ireland, at six stations with widely different flow regimes were retrieved at monthly intervals. Between 40 and 62 taxa were identified at each station during the study period. Percentage cover, number of interactions and number of recruits were recorded. Space occupied was found to vary more than 2.5 orders of magnitude between stations and seasons (0.3 – 82 %). Competition for space was most intense during summer, when recruitment was highest. More than 3600 interactions between pairs of species were recorded and competitive matrices are presented for the two stations with the most interactions. Both number of interactions and % cover were significantly higher at sites with greater water flow. The nature and the degree of competition varied between sites, with the most intense competition occurring in the very high flow sites with a large proportion of intra­specific encounters. Colonial species were more evident at the sites with high flow. Certain solitary species (notablyAnomia ephippiumandPomatocerosspp.) were successful competitors in encounters with cheilostomatid bryozoans. Solitary species may prevent space monopolisation by the faster‐growing bryozoans. ‘Typical’ early successional species, notably bryozoans such asCelleporella hyalinaandMicroporella ciliata,were more abundant at the more disturbed sites, implying either a larger adult population and/or preferential settlement of these species at such sites.
Fish Biodiversity in the Vermetid Reef  Of Shiqmona (Israel)
Authors: Goren Menachem , Galil Bella S.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. A study of the structure of the fish community associated with a vermetid reef at Shiqmona, Israel, revealed the highest fish biodiversity (36 species) of any habitat along the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Despite the prevalence of fish of Erythrean origin in the Levantine littoral, the benthic fish community at the site is entirely autochthonous. The families richest in members were the Blenniidae and the Gobiidae. Eighteen species are benthic, sixteen supra‐benthic and two pelagic.
Pathogenesis and treatment of hyperkeratotic tinea pedis in Japan
Authors: Tanuma H.
Published: March 2003

In this paper, we describe the major characteristics of hyperkeratotic tinea pedis and review therapeutic results obtained in the Department of Dermatology of Kitasato University Hospital and those reported in the literature in Japan and abroad.
Tinea pedis and onychomycosis in Danish soldiers before and after service in ex‐Yugoslavia
Authors: Brocks K. M. , Johansen U. B. , Jorgensen H. O. , Ravnborg Lisbeth Reymann , Svejgaard Else Lyngsøe
Published: March 2003

Seventy‐three 1‐year‐experienced Danish soldiers were examined for tinea pedis as well as onychomycoses before and after a duty period of 6 months in ex‐Yugoslavia. The incidence of fungal infections was 16.4% before and 32.3% after their duty period abroad. At first investigation Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were dominant but onychomycosis and tinea pedis were found as well. In contrast, Candida albicans was the predominant pathogen in the second investigation. We explain this by means of the more aggressive nature that yeasts can show when host–parasite relations are disturbed or compromised. Twelve soldiers with positive mycology were offered treatment and the final investigation showed a cure rate of 50%. This result is satisfactory in view of the difficult sanitary conditions.
Colorimetric method for susceptibility testing of voriconazole and other triazoles against Candida species
Authors: Kauffman Carol A. , Zarins Lidija T.
Published: March 2003

A microdilution assay using Alamar Blue, a colorimetric indicator, was compared with the NCCLS macrodilution broth assay for voriconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei. Concordance (±2 dilutions) between the two methods was highest for voriconazole (98.3%), and for fluconazole and itraconazole it was 94.3 and 95.4%, respectively. Twenty‐six of 32 (81.2%) discordant readings (≥3 dilutions different) were noted in C. glabrata isolates, and all but two isolates showing discordance had higher minimum inhibitory concentration readings with the colorimetric method.
Isolation of total RNA from dermatophytes
Authors: Rezaie S. , Pourmojib M. , Tschachler E.
Published: March 2003

We report a method for the preparation of total RNA from the anthropophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. To generate large quantities of mycelia, the fungus was grown in liquid culture medium. The harvested mycelial mass was ground to a fine powder in liquid nitrogen and homogenized in guanidine isothiocyanate buffer followed by ultracentrifugation of the obtained suspension through a caesium chloride gradient. Analysis of the prepared RNA showed two prominent ribosomal RNA (rRNA) bands of about 3.36 and 1.82 kb. Northern blot hybridization with a β‐actin cDNA confirmed the high quality of the fungal mRNA. Successful isolation of RNA from two other dermatophyte species, namely Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis, demonstrated the general applicability of the described procedure.
Case Report. Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladosporium cladosporioides
Authors: Gugnani  , Sood Neelam , Singh  , Makkar Rati
Published: March 2003

A case of subcutaneous phaeohyphoymycosis caused by Cladosporium cladosporioides in a 25‐year‐old male is described. The clinical presentation was an elevated scaly suppurating lesion with sinuses on the right leg. The lesion healed completely with oral fluconazole therapy. The present report constitutes the first record of cutaneous or subcutaneous infection due to Cl. cladosporioides from India.
Bifonazole (Mycospor® cream) in the treatment of moccasin‐type tinea pedis. Comparison between combination therapy of bifonazole cream +10% urea ointment (Urepearl®) and occlusive dressing therapy with the same agents
Authors: Tanuma H. , Doi M. , Sato N. , Nishiyama S. , Abe M. , Kume H. , Katsuoka K.
Published: March 2003

Moccasin‐type tinea pedis(MTTP) is a hardly curable superficial dermatomycosis primarily characterized by hyperkeratosis of the sole. In this study, we compared the usefulness of combination therapy of bifonazole (Mycospor® cream)+10% urea ointment (Urepearl®) (overlapping application group=group I) with occlusive dressing therapy with the same agents (group II) in the treatment of MTTP, and obtained the following results.
Chlamydospore formation on Staib agar. Observations made before Candida dubliniensis was described
Authors: Staib F. , Arastéh K.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  When routinely using Staib agar to detect Cryptococcus neoformans in AIDS patients by the brown colour effect of its colonies, rough‐looking colonies of a questionable variety of Candida albicans were also found. Microscopically, these colonies consisted of pseudohyphae with abundant masses of chlamydospores. However, the colonies of C. albicans were smooth‐edged and formed by round‐oval blastospores only. Such observations were made during the mycological supervision of 36 cryptococcosis cases during the 1987–94 period. All these questionable cultures of Candida spp. were discarded. However, because the corresponding photographs of and records on such strains were found to be identical with those recently published by molecular biologists under the title ‘Chlamydospore formation on Staib agar as a species‐specific characteristic of Candida dubliniensis’[Staib, P. & Morschhäuser, J. (1999) Mycoses 42, 521–524], the present communication presents a report on such observations in a representative and exemplary case of an AIDS patient.
Age as limiting factor of the efficacy of itraconazole for treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Fiallo P. , Cardo P. P.
Published: March 2003

Summary. A clinical study was carried out involving 24 patients between 18 and 64 years of age with disto‐lateral onychomycosis of finger and/or toenail in whom intermittent therapy with itraconazole was orally administered for 4 months. A follow‐up period of 9 months was instituted to monitor the efficacy of the treatment. Clinical and mycological outcome at the end of the study was correlated with a checklist that included age and sex of the patient, site of infection and species of the causative agent. Nails that were free of disease in both gross and mycological examinations were achieved in 58% of our patients. Age was shown to be the only parameter, among those taken into consideration, that was correlated with the cure rate. The association was found to be statistically significant.
Tinea capitis in adults during 1981–95 in Northern Greece
Authors: Devliotou‐Panagliotidou D. , Koussidou‐Eremondi T. , Chaidemenos G. C. , Theodoridou M. , Minas A.
Published: March 2003

Summary.The mycological laboratory of our Hospital examined 31 073 patients between 1981 and 1995. Sex, age, the residence of patients, the clinical type of tinea and contacts with other persons and animals were investigated. All the patients were also examined under Wood's light. Tinea capitis was diagnosed in 35 adults.Trichophyton violaceumwas the commonest aetiological agent (54.5%), especially in elderly women. The other anthropophilic fungi wereT. rubrum(8.5%),T. schoenleinii(5.7%) andT. tonsurans(2.8%). The zoophilic fungiMicrosporum canis(14.3%),T. verrucosum(8.5%) andT. mentagrophytes(5.7%) were also isolated.
Clinical study on liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome®) in deep fungal infections in China
Authors: Wei H. , Hai W. , Wanqing L.
Published: March 2003

Summary  Ambisome® (L‐Amb) was used to treat nine cases of meningitis or menigoencephalitis by Cryptococcus neoformans and 28 cases of other deep fungal infections. A retrospective study on conventional amphotericin B (C‐Amb) was performed as the control. A series of indices was observed including curative effect, fungal clearance rate, course of treatment, daily dose, cumulative dose and adverse effects. Nine cases of cryptococcal meningitis or menigoencephalitis treated with Ambisome® were clinically cured with an effective rate of 100%, within a mean course of 50 days, which was shorter than that of C‐Amb, by a mean cumulative dose of 1807.2 mg, which was not statistically significant in comparison with C‐Amb. Fungal clearance rate on the second month of treatment was 89% with Ambisome®, which was higher than that of C‐Amb. Twenty‐eight cases of other deep fungal infections treated with Ambisome® were clinically cured with an effective rate of 92%, within a mean course of 19.3 days, by a mean cumulative dose of 907.5 mg, and fungal clearance rate on the second and third month was 75 and 92%, respectively. The adverse effects by Ambisome® decreased evidently compared with those by C‐Amb.
Chromosome location of genes affecting polyphenol oxidase activity in seeds of common and durum wheat
Authors: Jimenez M. , Dubcovsky J.
Published: March 2003

This study used cytogenetic stocks to investigate the chromosomal location of genes responsible for polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in common and durum wheat seeds. Substitution lines of chromosome 2A of hexaploid varieties ‘Cheyenne’, ‘Thatcher’ and ‘Timstein’ in ‘Chinese Spring’ showed significantly higher PPO activity than all other substitution lines of the same variety, with the exception of substitutions of ‘Cheyenne’ chromosome 3A and ‘Thatcher’ chromosome 4B. Substitution lines of chromosome 2A of Triticum turgidum var. dicoccoides and of chromosome 2D of ‘Chinese Spring’ into the tetraploid variety ‘Langdon’ showed a significant increase in PPO activity relative to all other substitution lines in Langdon. The gene(s) responsible for high PPO activity in chromosome 2D from ‘Chinese Spring’ was mapped on the long arm within a deletion that represents 24% of the distal part of the arm. This study shows that genes located in homoeologous group 2 play a major role in the activity of PPO in wheat.
Linkage between three morphological markers in lentil
Authors: Emami M. K. , Sharma B.
Published: March 2003

Thirteen monogenic morphological marker traits of lentil were analysed for their joint inheritance in 25 crosses. Only three traits showed linkage: Ert (for spreading‐erect growth habit), Gs (for brown‐green stem) and Bl (for brown‐green leaf). The recombination frequency between Bl and Gs was 14%, between Bl and Ert 34%, and between Gs and Ert 38%. Thus, the gene Bl is located between Ert and Gs.
Computer simulation of a selection strategy to accommodate genotype environment interactions in a wheat recurrent selection programme
Authors: Podlich D. W. , Cooper M. , Basford K. E. , Geiger H. H.
Published: March 2003

Multi‐environment trials (METs) are used in plant breeding programmes to evaluate genotypes (lines/families) as a basis for selection on expected performance (yield and/or quality) in a target population of environments (TPE). When a large component of the genotype environment (G × E) interactions results from crossover interactions, samples of environments in METs that deviate from the TPE provide a suboptimal basis for selection of genotypes on performance expected in the TPE. To adjust for the negative effects of these deviations, a selection strategy that weights the data from the MET according to their expected frequency of occurrence in the TPE (i.e. a weighted selection strategy) was investigated. Computer simulation methodology was used to obtain preliminary information on the weighted selection strategy and compare it to the traditional unweighted selection strategy for a range of MET scenarios and G × E interaction models. The evaluation of the weighted selection strategy was conducted in context with the germplasm enhancement programme (GEP) of the Northern Wheat Improvement Programme in Australia. The results indicated that when the environments sampled in the MET matched those expected in the TPE, the unweighted and weighted selection strategies achieved a similar response to selection in the TPE. However, when the environments sampled in the MET did not match the expectations in the TPE and a large component of the G × E interactions resulted from crossover interactions, the weighted selection strategy achieved a greater response to selection in the TPE. The advantage of the weighted strategy increased as the amount of crossover G × E interaction increased or fewer environments were sampled in the METs.
Development of two new cytoplasmic male‐sterile lines in Brassica juncea through wide hybridization
Authors: Malik M. , Vyas P. , Rangaswamy N. S. , Shivanna K. R.
Published: March 2003

Two new cytoplasmic male‐sterile (CMS) lines have been developed in Brassica juncea using the bridgecross hybrids (Diplotaxis erucoides×Brassica campestris)×B. juncea and (Diplotaxis berthautii×B. campestris)×B. juncea. These were backcrossed ×ve times with pollen of B. juncea. The CMS line (D. erucoides) B. juncea segregated into tall and short true breeding types; both resembled the cultivar B. juncea in vegetative and floral morphology and in cytology, except for a greater number of secondary branches and smaller anthers with empty sterile pollen in the CMS line. Female fertility was as good in the CMS line as in the cultivar. The other CMS line (D. berthautii) B. juncea resembled the cultivar in vegetative morphology and cytology. Four true breeding floral types were isolated as follows: (1) smaller and indehiscent anthers containing empty, sterile pollen, (2) all six stamens petaloid, (3) one petaloid stamen and five stamens antherless, and (4) apetalous flowers with all six stamens antherless.
Genomic variation and genetic relationships in Ipomoea spp.
Authors: Dhillon N. P. S. , Ishiki K.
Published: March 2003

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to develop genetic fingerprints and analyse genetic relationships among 29 Ipomoea accessions from different geographical locations around the world, including unique wild species, and reproducible profiles were obtained for all accessions using random decamer primers. The primers generated 46 polymorphic markers, one primer alone having 10 products, enabling the discrimination of all 29 accessions. A high level of genetic variability in sweet potato collections was suggested by the degree of polymorphism. Half of the Japanese land races were closely related while accessions from Papua New Guinea and The Philippines were distinct and exhibited the greatest genetic diversity. The wild species Ipomoea gracilis and Ipomoea tiliacea formed a group distinct from the cultivated sweet potato. The wild tetraploid accession K233 and the species Ipomoea trifida were progressively more related genetically to the cultivated sweet potato and are the probable progenitors of Ipomoea batatas, and may be suitable as germplasm for genetic enhancement. RAPDs proved to be useful for sweet potato systematics and should be valuable for germplasm management, gene tagging and efficient choice of parents in breeding programmes.
Comparative genome mapping of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench using an RFLP map constructed in a population of recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Peng Y. , Schertz K. F. , Cartinhour S. , HART G. E.
Published: March 2003

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage map of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench was constructed in a population of 137 F6‐8 recombinant inbred lines using sorghum, maize, oat, barley and rice DNA clones. The map consists of 10 linkage groups (LGs) and 323 markers, 247 of which (76.5%) were ordered at a LOD score ≥ 3.0. The LGs comprise from 61 (LG A) to 13 markers (J), which range in length from 205 (A) to 55 cM (J) and have a combined total length of 1347 cM. Highly significant distorted segregation was detected at all of the 38 loci in a 103‐cM segment of LG A, the allelic ratios in the segment ranging from approximately 3:1 (one end) to 19:1 (middle) to 2:1 (other end). Duplicated loci located in different LGs have been mapped with 55 of the 295 DNA probes used in the study (18.6%). The distribution of these loci does not provide support for the hypothesis that Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is of tetraploid origin. Comparison of the map with RFLP maps of maize, rice, and oat produced evidence for sorghum‐maize LG rearrangements and homoeologies not reported previously, including evidence that: (1) a segment of maize 5L and a segment of 5S may be homoeologous to sorghum LGA; (2) maize LGs 4 and 6 are partly homoeologous to sorghum LGE; (3) the short arm of maize LG 2 is partly homoeologous to sorghum LGF; (4) maize LG 4 may be partly homoeologous to sorghum LG G; (5) maize LG 5 and sorghum LG G contain a larger amount of homoeologous genetic material than previously indicated; and (6) a short segment of maize LG 1 may be homoeologous to a short segment of sorghum LG I.
A rapid technique for determining common root rot reaction in barley
Authors: Arabi M. I. , Jawhar M.
Published: March 2003

The reaction of two barley cultivars (‘Thibaut’ and ‘Arizona’) and three lines (AECS 76,‘Tadmor’ and WI 2291) to infection by Cochliobolus sativus was evaluated by three methods. Deep seeding of inoculated seeds was performed in pots and field. Gibberellin (GA3) was applied to inoculated seeds in vitro. Susceptibility assessments were made in vitro at 2 weeks, and in pots at 7 weeks after inoculation, using a scale of 1 (very resistant) to 5 (very susceptible) according to the percentage infected area of the subcrown internodes. There were no differences between the results using the three methods.‘Arizona’ was the most susceptible, whereas ‘Thibaut’ and AECS 76 were partially resistant genotypes. The WI 2291 line and ‘Tadmor’ were moderately susceptible and moderately resistant, respectively. In vitro tests yielded the same order as tests from pot and field experiments.
Incompatibility and resistance to woolly apple aphid in apple
Authors: Tobutt K. R. , Boškovic R. , Roche P.
Published: March 2003

The study investigated the reported linkage of the locus for resistance to woolly apple aphid with the locus for incompatibility. Apple seedlings from the cross ‘Northern Spy’(heterozygous for resistance) ×‘Totem’(susceptible) were scored for resistance, and for incompatibility genotype, by analysis of stylar ribonucleases, and for Got‐1, the isoenzyme marker for incompatibility. Cosegregation analysis provided no evidence that the loci for resistance and incompatibility are linked. Two rootstock cultivars,‘M9’and ‘Merton 789′, which in early work had been reported to give poor set in crosses with ‘Northern Spy’, were found to have the same incompatibility genotype as ‘Northern Spy’, namely S1S3.‘M4’and ‘Irish Peach’, two other cultivars that had given poor set when crossed on to ‘Northern Spy’, appeared to be homozygous at the incompatibility locus and to have the genotypes S3S3 and S1S1, respectively.
Cytogenetical studies in wheat. XVIII. Gene Yr24 for resistance to stripe rust
Authors: McIntosh R. A. , Lagudah E. S.
Published: March 2003

A new gene, Yr24, for resistance to stripe rust was transferred from a durum accession to common wheat via an amphiploid (synthetic wheat) with Aegilops tauschii. Yr24 was located in chromosome 1B by monosomic analysis. Its genetic linkage of 4 cM with Yr15 indicated its localization to the short arm.
Male and female genetic linkage map of hops, Humulus lupulus
Authors: Seefelder S. , Ehrmaier H. , Schweizer G. , Seigner E.
Published: March 2003

A male and female linkage map of hop has been constructed using 224 DNA polymorphisms (106 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), three random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), one RAPD‐sequence‐tagged‐site (STS), and three microsatellite (STSs) segregating in an F1 population of the English cultivar ‘Wye Target’‐the German male breeding line ‘85/54/15’. Linkage between these loci was estimated using JOINMAP Version 2.0. The final map for the female parent consisted of 110 loci assigned to eight linkage groups covering a distance of 346.7 cM. For the male map, 57 loci could be mapped on nine linkage groups spanning over 227.4 cM. One of these male linkage groups (Gr09‐M) presumably represents the Y chromosome, since all markers assigned (10 AFLPs, three RAPDs and one STS) were closely linked to the male sex (M). Because of their sex‐specific segregation, 10 doubly heterozygous AFLPs spanning a distance of 18.7 cM could be identified as markers describing the X chromosome, which is part of the male and female map. Three STMSs, which had already proved useful in hop genotyping, could be integrated as codominant locus‐specific markers and thus allowed to produce reliable allelic bridges between the female and male counterparts.
Powdery mildew resistance in Czech and Slovak barley cultivars
Authors: Dreiseitl A. , Jørgensen J. Helms
Published: March 2003

Fifteen powdery mildew resistance genes and the gene MlaN81 derived from ‘Nepal 81’were found in 76 Czech and Slovak spring and winter barley cultivars when tested for reaction to a set of powdery mildew isolates. Nine cultivars (‘Donum’, ‘Expres’, ‘Jubilant’, ‘Orbit’, ‘Primus’, ‘Progres’, ‘Stabil’, ‘Vladan’ and ‘Zlatan’) are composed of lines with different resistance genes. The Mlat gene is present in nine cultivars and was transferred from the Anatolian landrace ‘A‐516′. The resistances derived from ‘KM‐1192’and ‘CI 7672’were identical and designated Ml(Kr). Five winter barley cultivars possess the Ml(Bw) resistance. The winter barley line ‘KM‐2099’carries the mlo gene. The parental cultivar ‘Palestine 10’was also tested in which the genes Mlk1, MlLa were identified. The German cultivar ‘Salome’, a parent of seven cultivars tested, probably carries the gene MlLa in addition to mlo and Mla7. The gene mlo6 may be present in the cultivar ‘Heris’. Most of the results were confirmed by the pedigrees of the cultivars.