bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of incompatibility genotypes in almond (Prunus dulcis Mill.) using specific primers based on the introns of the S‐alleles
Authors: Channuntapipat C. , Wirthensohn M. , Ramesh S.A. , Batlle I. , Arús P. , Sedgley M. , Collins G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIdentification of the incompatibility genotypes of almond cultivars is important in breeding programmes for designing crosses and for selecting progeny. This paper describes a novel molecular technique for the identification of S‐alleles in almond based on the use of PCR primers designed from the sequences of the introns without the need for restriction enzyme digestion. Nine specific pairs of primers have been designed for the S1, S2, S5, S7, S8, S9, S10 (putative), S23 and Sf alleles, and these confirmed the S‐allele specificities for 22 of the 23 accessions for which published information is available. This technique provides a precise method for identifying S‐alleles from the genomic DNAs of almond cultivars, and will be useful for confirming the segregation of alleles in breeding progeny.
Genetic variability in melon based on microsatellite variation
Authors: Monforte A. J. , Garcia‐Mas J. , Arus P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA set of 18 simple‐sequence repeat (SSR or microsatellite) markers was used to study genetic diversity in a collection of 27 melon (Cucumis melo L.) accessions, representing a broad range of wild and cultivated melons. The materials studied were highly polymorphic for SSRs and a total of 114 alleles were detected (average of 6.3 alleles per locus). Cluster analysis suggests the division of these accessions into two major groups, largely corresponding to the division of C. melo in the two subspecies agrestis and melo. The assignment of the accession to the subspecies was generally in agreement with published reports, except for those corresponding to the ‘dudaim’ and ‘chito’ cultivar groups, which, according to the observed SSR variability, should be included in subspecies agrestis. Based on cluster analysis, five groups of accessions were defined. The two most divergent groups include mainly accessions from the Mediterranean which form one group, and accessions from China, Japan, Korea and India forming the other. Both groups shared a low level of intra‐accession variation compared with the other groups, which suggests an erosion of their genetic variability because of drift and/or inbreeding. The remaining accessions, mainly from Central Africa and India, were more variable and may be an important source of genetic variation for melon breeding.
Somaclonal variation for some morphological traits, herb yield, essential oil content and essential oil composition in an Indian cultivar of rose‐scented geranium
Authors: Ravindra N. S. , Kulkarni R. N. , Gayathri M. C. , Ramesh S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSomaclonal variation for plant height, plant spread, leaf shape, leaf size, leaf form, herb yield, essential oil content and 10 important constituents of the essential oil was studied in an Indian cultivar, ‘Bourbon’ of rose‐scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Significantly larger variance was observed among in vitro‐regenerated plants of the SC1 generation (first generation following an in vitro phase) than among parental plants raised from stem cuttings for herb yield, plant height, leaf size, essential oil content, and for the contents of cis‐rose oxide, trans‐rose oxide, isomenthone and 10‐epi‐γ‐eudesmol in the essential oil. Plants of the SC1 generation showing values beyond the higher or lower limit (depending on the trait) of the range observed among parental plants for different traits were developed into clones by their multiplication through stem cuttings, and evaluated again in the SC2 generation (second generation following the in vitro phase). Somaclones selected for plant spread, and for the contents of linalool and trans‐rose oxide in their essential oils did not breed true in the SC2 generation. However, for the remaining traits studied, 13–100% of the selected clones retained their selected traits in the SC2 generation, suggesting that the changes in these somaclones were due to genetic causes.
Determination of the frequencies of restorer‐ and maintainer‐alleles involved in CMS1and CMS2in German chive varieties
Authors: Engelke T. , Gera D. , Tatlioglu T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThere are two cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)‐systems in chives(Allium schoenoprasumL.), which can be employed in hybrid breeding. However, the probability for selection of maintainer genotypes from German open pollinated varieties is not known. Therefore, the allelic frequencies of the restorer genesXandTinvolved in CMS1were determined in 12 German commercial chive varieties by test crossing single plants to male sterile, temperature‐insensitive genotypes [(S1)xxT] for segregation analyses of offspring. Temperature sensitive genotypes [(S1)xxT_] are able to produce pollen at higher temperatures, and should therefore be excluded from hybrid breeding to avoid self‐pollination of the maternal parent. The mean value of the frequency of the non‐restoring allelexin the populations examined was 0.62. The mean value of the allelet, which is responsible for the temperature insensitivity, was 0.9. As a consequence of these allelic frequencies about one‐third of all plants of the chive varieties examined were designated CMS1maintainer genotypes, leading to the production of temperature insensitive male sterile lines. The incidence of CMS2maintainers in the German varieties examined was nearly four times lower than CMS1maintainers. The mean value of the frequency of the non‐restoring allelest2involved in the CMS2‐system was 0.29.
Reflections upon Sperm–Endosalpingeal and Sperm–Zona Pellucida Interactions In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Hunter RHF 
Published: December 2004

ContentsIn terms of experimental studies of the process of fertilization in mammals, this essay attempts to give a balanced assessment of current interpretations and to raise questions of direct relevance to two fields of research. First, the nature of pre‐ovulatory sperm–endosalpingeal binding is set in a physiological perspective, and examination of this dynamic process in vitro is shown to suffer from serious shortcomings. In particular, sperm–epithelial binding reactions demonstrated in cultures of endosalpingeal cells may represent only a portion of the binding reaction in vivo or, as revealed by sperm binding to the tracheal epithelium, could be largely non‐specific. Second, concerning the subsequent phase of binding of a fertilizing spermatozoon to the zona pellucida, the nature of the initial contact arrest of the sperm head is evaluated, especially in the light of the highly uneven or ‘pitted’ surface of this outer coating of the oocyte. Bearing in mind the active phase of oviduct macromolecular secretion that continues after ovulation, the question is posed as to how functional sperm binding sites are preserved on the surface of the zona pellucida rather than masked by epithelial and cumulus cell secretions. Finally, it is recalled that initial sperm : egg ratios at the site of fertilization in the ampullary–isthmic region of the oviduct are close to unity in diverse species of mammal, such fertilizing spermatozoa being released from prominent reserves in the caudal isthmus shortly before the time of ovulation. On strictly quantitative grounds, therefore, the extent to which biochemical or molecular studies portray changes in the vanguard of fertilizing spermatozoa needs to be questioned. Such studies are more likely to be descriptive of overall changes in very large numbers of sperm cells at diverse stages of maturation.
Resorption of the Element Zinc from Spermatozoa by the Epididymal Epithelium
Authors: Henkel R , Baldauf C , Schill W‐B 
Published: December 2004

ContentsIn this study, elimination of the element zinc from spermatozoa during epididymal maturation was investigated. Testes and epididymides from 40 bulls were collected; epididymal fluid was flushed, pooled, labelled with 0.5 MBq 65Zn2+ per sample and proteins were separated on a Sephacryl S‐200 HR and zinc chelate column chromatography. To follow the resorption of zinc in the epididymal epithelial lining, an autometallographic technique (AMG) was performed in tissue from caput, corpus, cauda and vas deferens. The results showed a zinc‐binding protein fraction with an apparent molecular weight of 150–160 kDa, which was enriched after chelate column chromatography. Specific labelling of 65Zn was about five times higher in the caput than in the cauda epididymidis. AMG revealed no detectable zinc in the caput, but a significant increase of zinc resorption from the corpus to the cauda and vas deferens. Controls showed that the detectable zinc was located within the principal cells. In conclusion, our study proves that zinc present in the sperm flagellum starts to be mobilized in the caput epididymidis and is resorbed by the epididymal epithelium as from the corpus. This zinc elimination is a mandatory step in sperm maturation to obtain motility.
ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION OF CONDUIT AND RESISTANCE ARTERIES IN NEPHROTIC RANGE PROTEINURIA
Authors: Dogra G. , Herrmann S. , Playford D. , Irish A.B. , Watts G.F. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction occurs in nephrotic range proteinuria primarily as a consequence of dyslipidaemia.METHODS: Brachial artery and forearm microcirculatory endothelial function was compared among patients with nephrotic range proteinuria (NRP, n = 14 ), primary hyperlipidaemia (HL, n = 15) and normal controls (NC, n = 16). Endothelial function was studied by measuring post‐ischaemic flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery using high resolution ultrasonography. Endothelium‐independent, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) mediated brachial artery vasodilatation was also measured. Basal and post‐ischaemic blood flow of the forearm microcirculation was measured using venous‐occlusion strain gauge plethysmography.RESULTS: Serum creatinine was similar among groups. The proteinuric group had a mean albumin of 27.6g/L(1.8) and 24‐hour urinary protein excretion of 6.3g(1.3). Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were not statistically different between the NRP and HL groups. Brachial artery FMD was significantly lower in the NRP and HL groups compared with the controls (NRP 4.7%(1.3)*, HL 4.9%(0.7)* and NC 8.3%(0.6), *p = 0.012 vs. NC); GTN mediated dilatation and basal and post‐ischaemic forearm blood flow were not statistically different among the three groups.CONCLUSION: Patients with nephrotic range proteinuria have endothelial dysfunction of conduit arteries in the peripheral circulation, similar to that observed in patients with primary hyperlipidaemia. This suggests dyslipoproteinaemia is the principal cause of endothelial dysfunction of conduit arteries in nephrotic range proteinuria. Confirmation of this should be sought with an intervention trial of lipid‐regulating therapy.
Colonization with Group B streptococci in pregnancy and outcome of infected neonates in Trinidad
Authors: Orrett Fitzroy A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: The present study took place at the antenatal clinics of the San Fernando General Hospital located in the south and the Mount Hope Maternity Hospital located in the north‐west of the West Indies, respectively. Participants were from the lower socioeconomic group that included representatives from the two major ethnic groups, East Indians and people of African descent.
Methods
: We prospectively analyzed data on 201 third trimester pregnant women. All had singleton pregnancies. Culture specimens for group B streptococcus (GBS) were obtained from the rectum and anterior one‐third of the vagina, and inoculated directly onto selective media. Blood culture from neonates (born to GBS carrier mothers) suspected of sepsis was also screened for GBS. Group B streptococci were identified via colonial morphology, β‐hemolysis, and biochemical reactions, and confirmed via latex agglutination tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done. Data were computerized and statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Associations between age, ethnicity and gravidity were evaluated using Pearson's χ2 test.
Results
: The prevalence of vaginal and rectal GBS colonization was 32.9%. Group B streptococci were isolated more frequently from women >24 years (36.6%) than those younger than 24 years (26.9%), and more so, from women of East Indian descent (37.3%) than women of African descent (27.2%). Colonization rates were significantly greater among multigravid women than primigravid women (P < 0.001). Of the 13 infants admitted after delivery, five were confirmed cases of sepsis. Group B streptococci were isolated from the blood of three of these infants, and one case was fatal. Although all GBS were fully sensitive to ampicillin and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, 94% were resistant to tetracycline and approximately 88% to co‐trimoxazole. Only approximately 8% were resistant to erythromycin.
Conclusion
: The carriage rate of GBS among pregnant women in the present and a previous study, remain high. Attempts to establish and implement a program aimed at GBS disease prevention have met with repeated failure. Data on the prevalence of GBS neonatal disease, preventative measures and outcome of infected infants are greatly needed.
Piperacillin plus aztreonam for treatment of neutropenic fever
Authors: Takeuchi Motohiro , Tanizawa Akihiko , Mayumi Mitsufumi 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: A combination of beta‐lactam plus an aminoglycoside is the most frequently used regimen for febrile episodes in neutropenic cancer patients. However, aminoglycoside‐related toxicity occasionally makes this regimen difficult to use as the first‐line drug therapy. In the present study, we chose aztreonam as the alternative to aminoglycoside in combination with piperacillin for neutropenic fever in pediatric patients and we evaluated its effectiveness.
Methods
: A total of 31 febrile episodes in 16 patients with malignant neoplasms were evaluted. Piperacillin (200 mg/kg per day) plus aztreonam (150 mg/kg per day) were administered intravenously following a routine fever work‐up.
Results
: The overall response rate was 67%. The response rate when neutrophil count was less than 100/mm3 was 63%. The side effects were mild and rare. In three patients, all of the microbiologically documented infections were caused by alpha‐streptococcus, which required a change in the regimen.
Conclusions
: A combination of piperacillin and aztreonam provides an effective and non‐toxic regimen for first‐line therapy in febrile patients with neutropenia. In contrast, the results of the present study suggest the need for caution with regard to alpha‐streptococcus infections.
Effect of maternal NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine administration on fetal growth and hypoxia‐induced changes in newborn rats
Authors: KiliÇ İlknur , Güven Cengiz , KilinÇ Kamer 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) in the last trimester of pregnancy caused intrauterine growth retardation and hind‐limb disruptions in rats. In the present study, the effect of maternal NO inhibition with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA) on hypoxic newborn rats was investigated.
Methods
: Timed‐pregnant rats were obtained on gestational day 17. Four groups of rats were used: control, hypoxic, l‐NNA and l‐NNA + hypoxic groups. In the last two groups, l‐NNA (2 mg/kg bolus, i.p.) was administered to the mothers of pups antenatally on 3 consecutive days. Hypoxia was induced in newborn rats by breathing of a mixture of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 3 h. Pups were then allowed to inhale normal atmospheric air for 30 min. All newborn rats were decapitated on the first day of life after hypoxia and reoxygenation. Brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney and intestinal tissues were studied biochemically. Hypoxia‐induced biochemical changes were determined by measuring lipid peroxidation. Histopathologic examination of lung tissue was performed.
Results
: Nitric oxide synthase inhibition in pregnancy did not cause fetal growth retardation. Hypoxia increased lipid peroxidation in all tissues except the heart; this increase was decreased by maternal l‐NNA administration in brain, lung, liver and kidney tissues. However, lipid peroxidation was increased by NO synthase inhibition in the intestines. In the lungs, pulmonary hemorrhage was observed in the hypoxic group. Minimal pulmonary hemorrhage was detected in the l‐NNA and l‐NNA + hypoxic groups.
Conclusions
: These data suggest that antenatal administration of an NO synthase inhibitor acts as both a destructive and protective agent in hypoxic newborn rats.
Body mass index percentiles among adolescent girls living in Edirne, Turkey
Authors: KarasalİhoĞlu Serap , Öner Naci , Ekuklu Galip , Vatansever Ülfet , Pala Özer 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
:  Body mass index (BMI) is the simplest way to measure obesity; therefore, it is chosen by many authorities as a screening method for adolescent obesity. Body mass index is positively correlated with the complications of childhood and adolescent obesity, such as hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, hyper­tension and long‐term development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to produce percentile curves for bodyweight, height and BMI in a representative sample of adolescent girls living in urban and rural areas of Edirne, Turkey, and to compare these percentile curves with curves from other countries.
Methods
: The present study was a cross‐sectional study, including a representative sample of 1687 adolescent girls from rural and urban areas of Edirne, who were evaluated between May and July 2001. Bodyweight and height were measured using standard procedures. Body mass index (kg/m2) was calculated as the ratio of bodyweight to body height squared. Smoothed percentiles for these variables were calculated using polynominal regression models. Crude weight, height and BMI percentile values, as well as smoothed percentile curves are presented.
Results
: Body mass index, weight and height reference curves for adolescent girls were produced. When we compared the BMI values of subjects in the present study with those of other countries, 85th and 95th percentiles of BMI in the present study were found to be generally lower than those for other ethnicities.
Conclusion
: Our findings show ethnic differences in BMI among adolescent girls. It will be usefull for each country to produce its own BMI percentiles.
Long‐term outcome after sclerotherapy withor without a beta‐blocker for variceal bleeding in children
Authors: Sökücü Semra , SüoĞlu ÖzlemDurmaz , Elkabes Berna , Saner Günay 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Esophageal variceal bleedingis a life‐threatening complication of portal hypertension. Optimal treatmentfor the prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding in children has not yetbeen determined. In the present study, we aimed to compare the long‐termefficacy of endoscopic sclerotherapy with or without oral beta‐blockertherapy in the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding.
Methods
: Thirty‐eight children who hadundergone endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) sessions for variceal bleedingin the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Istanbul UniversityIstanbul School of Medicine, were entered into this retrospectivecohort study. Twenty patients (mean ± SD age 7.0 ± 2.7years) had undergone only sclerotherapy sessions (SG), whereas 18patients (mean age 6.8 ± 3.4 years) hadreceived oral propranolol (1−2 mg/kgper day) additionally for 2 years (SPG). The number of patientswith successful obliteration, the time required for obliterationand variceal recurrence rate were analyzed as primary indicators ofthe effectiveness of therapy.
Results
: Variceal obliteration was achievedin 16 of 20 patients (80%) in the SG group and in 16 of18 patients (88%) in the SPG group. Time required for varicealobliteration was significantly shorter in the SPG group comparedwith the SG group (4.1 ± 1.4 vs 3.2 ± 0.9months; P < 0.05). The variceal recurrencerate was 65 and 38.8% in the SG and SPG groups, respectively.Compared with the SG group, less variceal rebleeding was observedduring EST in the SPG group (25 vs 16.6%, respectively).However, these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
: Endoscopic sclerotherapycombined with oral propranolol treatment shortens the time required forvariceal obliteration. However, the other indicators of treatmenteffectiveness are not influenced statistically by the addition ofpropranolol to the treatment regimen. Randomized prospective clinicalstudies in larger pediatric series are needed before offering acombination of EST with oral propranolol as the most rational approachin the secondary treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding in children.
Echocardiographic evaluation of wheelchair‐bound basketball players
Authors: Karagoz Tevfik , Ozer Sema , Bayrakci Volga , Ergun Nevin 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Cardiopulmonary function in sedentary men whose lower limbs have been immobilized for years has been shown to be markedly lower than normal. However, the cardiopulmonary function of paraplegics who regularly activate their upper limps and trunk has been suggested to be almost normal in a few studies. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the left ventricular dimensions, left ventricular mass, systolic and diastolic function in adolescent wheelchair‐bound basketball players using echocardio­graphy, and to compare the results with those of sedentary adolescents unable to use their lower extremities and the results of able bodied controls.Methods: The study group consisted of 22 male adolescent high school students who were unable to use their lower extremities: 11 were members of a high school basketball team who had been regularly playing basketball for at least 2 years, and 11 were sedentary adolescents none of whom was engaged in any kind of routine training program. The control group consisted of 11 healthy able‐bodied male adolescents of similar age.Results: There were no significant differences in left ventricular dimensions and wall thickness, aortic root, left atrium diameters, or left ventricular filling characteristics between the three groups. Wheelchair‐bound basketball players had increased left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction compared with the sedentary unable‐bodied individuals. Although left ventricular ejection fractions were significantly lower than in normal adolescents, all ejection fraction values except one were within the normal limits in the unable‐bodied basketball players.Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that an upper extremity exercise program and sports such as basketball can improve the cardiac functions and additional echocardiographic functions of people unable to use their lower extremities, potentially to normal levels.