bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Within- and among-population variation in infectivity, latency and spore production in a host–pathogen system
Authors: Kaltz O. , Shykoff J. A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
In spatially structured populations, host–parasite coevolutionary potential depends on the distribution of genetic variation within and among populations. Inoculation experiments using the plant, Silene latifolia, and its fungal pathogen, Microbotryum violaceum, revealed little overall differentiation in infectivity/resistance, latency or spore production among host or pathogen populations. Within populations, fungal strains had similar means, but varied in performance across plant populations. Variation in resistance among seed families indicates the potential for parasite-mediated selection, whereas there was little evidence for local pathogen genotype × plant genotype interactions assumed by most theoretical coevolution models. Lower spore production on sympatric than allopatric hosts confirmed local fungal maladaptation already observed for infectivity. Correlations between infectivity and latency or spore production suggest a common mechanism for variation in these traits. Our results suggest low variation available to this pathogen for tracking its coevolving host. This may be caused by random drift, breeding system or migration characteristic of metapopulation dynamics.
Early maternal effects and antibacterial immune factors in the eggs, nestlings and adults of the barn swallow
Authors: Saino N. , Dall'ara P. , Martinelli R. , Møller A. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTransfer of immune factors via the egg may represent a maternal adaptation enhancing offspring survival. Lysozyme is a major component of maternal antibacterial immunity which is transferred to the eggs in birds. In a population of barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), lysozyme activity declined during the prelaying and laying periods in females but not in males. Egg hatching failure decreased with maternal lysozyme activity. The first eggs in a clutch contained more lysozyme and produced nestlings with larger lysozyme activity when 5 days old than last-laid ones. In a cross-fostering experiment where brood size was manipulated, nestling origin but not post-manipulation brood size affected lysozyme activity. Hence, maternal lysozyme varies during the breeding season and may differentially enhance antibacterial immune defence of the eggs and nestlings in relation to laying order. These findings suggest that offspring innate immunity is influenced by early maternal effects.
Latitudinal population differentiation in phenology, life history and flower morphology in the perennial herb Lythrum salicaria
Authors: Olsson K. , Ågren J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
In plants with a wide distribution, phenological characters can be expected to vary clinally along climatic gradients, whereas other characters important for adaptation to local biotic and abiotic factors may vary in a more mosaic fashion. We used common-garden experiments and controlled crosses to examine population differentiation in phenology, life history and morphology in the perennial herb Lythrum salicaria along a latitudinal transect through Sweden (57°N to 66°N). Northern populations initiated growth and flowering earlier, flowered for a shorter period, were shorter, produced more and larger winter buds, and were older at first reproduction than southern populations. Flower morphology varied significantly among populations, but was, with the exception of calyx length, not significantly related to latitude of origin. Survival in the common garden (at 63°49′N) was positively correlated with latitude of origin and the size and number of winter buds produced in the preceding year. The results suggest that the among-population differences in phenology and life history have evolved in response to latitudinal variation in length of the growing season. Further studies are required to determine whether population differentiation in flower morphology is maintained by selection.
Screening for viral markers in volunteer and replacement blood donors in West Africa
Authors: Sarkodie F. , Adarkwa M. , Adu‐Sarkodie Y. , Candotti D. , Acheampong J. W. , Allain J. P. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesWest Africa is a highly endemic area for viral infections. The prevalence of five viral markers was determined in Ghanaian blood donors.Materials and MethodsReplacement and volunteer blood donors were screened using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (anti‐HIV), HIV p24 antigen, human T‐cell lymphocytotrophic virus‐I and ‐II antibodies (anti‐HTLV‐I/II) and hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti‐HCV).ResultsHBsAg was present at an equally high frequency (15%) in young volunteer (median age 18 years) and older replacement (median age 33 years) blood donors. In contrast, the prevalence of anti‐HIV and anti‐HCV was significantly higher in replacement blood donors (2·4 and 0·3%, respectively, P < 0·001). HCV RNA was detected in 74 or 55% of seropositive donors, depending on the confirmatory criteria used. No p24 antigen‐positive/anti‐HIV‐negative donations were found. The prevalence of HTLV‐I/II was generally low (0·5%).ConclusionAll blood donations should be screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV and HCV markers.
Species differences in the blood content of the normal cellular isoform of prion protein, PrPc, measured by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay
Authors: MacGregor I. R. , Drummond O. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives  The concern that variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease could be transmitted via blood transfusion has prompted studies of blood infectivity in animal models. As normal prion protein acts as a substrate for conversion to the abnormal form associated with infectivity, we have quantified its distribution in mice and hamsters, the most commonly used animal models.Materials and Methods  A time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay was used to measure normal prion protein in hamster and mouse tissues, including blood.Results  Levels of prion protein in hamster blood were remarkably low compared with human blood. In contrast, levels in mouse blood were quite similar to human blood; however, there were differences in the distribution of normal prion between cellular and cell‐free fractions.Conclusion  Differences between levels of normal prion in blood of animal models and humans should be considered as a possible contributor to infectivity study outcomes in these models.
The development of a national standardized approach for the enumeration of residual leucocytes in blood components
Authors: Cardigan R. , Phipps A. , Seghatchian J. , Bashir S. , Aynsley S. , Beckman N. , Barnett D. , Reilly J. T. , Williamson L. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesThe UK Blood Transfusion Services implemented universal leucocyte depletion of the blood supply in November 1999. To provide statistical process monitoring of these processes, automated methods were introduced to count residual leucocytes (white blood cells) in blood components.Materials and MethodsInitially in the National Blood Service (NBS) England, protocols were standardized on the use of LeucoCount reagents with either Becton‐Dickinson or Beckman Coulter flow cytometers.ResultsStandardization of protocols resulted in a decreased intersite variability of red cell samples (from 36% to 9% at a level of 11 and 10 cells/µl, respectively), and 100% of sites (n = 11) fulfilled the validation criteria. However, we also evaluated the use of alternative reagents with the result that reagents from either Becton‐Dickinson or Beckman Coulter, used on either a Becton‐Dickinson or Beckman Coulter flow cytometer, passed our validation criteria.ConclusionsIt is critical to include samples from filtered products containing white blood cells in validations of leucocyte enumeration methodology, as results may differ between methods using these samples but not using spiked or fixed material. Standardized gating strategies and optimization methods for flow cytometers are critical for obtaining equivalent results with different reagents and instruments.
Acute staphylococcal peritonitis following cystocentesis in a dog
Authors: Specht Andrew , Chan Daniel , O'Toole Therese , Kent Marc , Benson John , A. Rozanski Elizabeth , E. Rush John 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:Description of a case of acute gram‐positive peritonitis following cystocentesis and leakage of contaminated urine into the peritoneal cavity.Case summary:A 6‐year‐old male Standard Poodle was presented for stranguria and was identified to have a urethral obstruction. Attempts at retrograde urethral catheterization failed and a decompressive cystocentesis was performed. Within several hours, the dog became dull, tachycardic, tachypneic, pyrexic and profoundly hypovolemic. Septic peritonitis resulting from the introduction of a staphylococcal organism from a urinary tract infection into the peritoneal cavity was identified. The dog responded well to surgical therapy and medical management.New or unique information provided:To the authors' knowledge, this is the first detailed report of gram‐positive septic peritonitis resulting from a therapeutic cystocentesis. This is contrary to most other reports of septic peritonitis in dogs, where the causative agent is a gram‐negative organism. The characteristics of sepsis caused by a gram‐positive organism are different and in humans the relative importance of gram‐positive sepsis is increasing.
Supportive Immunglobulingabe beim metastasierten Melanom unter Polychemoimmuntherapie nach dem „Legha‐Protokoll”
Authors: Fischer B. , Knop J. , Enk A. H. 
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Das metastasierte maligne Melanom im Stadium IV hat als einer der aggressivsten Tumoren mit der Polychemoimmuntherapie nach dem sogenannten „Legha‐Protokoll” (5 – 7) eine vielversprechende Therapieoption erhalten. Angesichts der relativ hohen Toxizität dieses Therapieregimes, insbesondere der hohen Infektionsrate von 49 % (8), entschlossen wir uns zur begleitenden intravenösen Gabe von IgM‐angereicherten Immunglobulinen zur Infektionsprophylaxe.

Patienten/Methoden: Von 1998 bis Anfang 2002 wurden insgesamt 34 Patienten mit einem metastasierten Melanom mittels Polychemoimmuntherapie nach dem Legha‐Protokoll behandelt und nachbeobachtet. Etwa vier Tage nach Abschluss des zweiten Zyklus der Polychemoimmuntherapie sowie nach jedem weiteren Zyklus erhielten die Patienten jeweils IgM‐angereicherte Immunglobuline intravenös verabreicht (5 ml/kg KG entsprechend 250 mg/kg KG).

Ergebnisse: Von 34 behandelten Patienten erlitten drei Patienten Infektionen verschiedener Art:

Ein Patient zeigte nach jedem Zyklus einen Herpes labialis, eine Patientin entwickelte nach dem dritten Zyklus einen Abszess im Bereich des rechten Unterarms und ein weiterer Patient hatte bereits nach dem ersten Zyklus, d. h. vor Anwendung der Pentaglobin‐Infusionen, einen glutealen Abszess. Mit nur 8,8 % ist damit die Rate der infektiösen Nebenwirkungen der Legha‐Therapie in Kombination mit einer begleitenden Immunglobulingabe deutlich geringer als die in der Literatur beschriebene Infektionsrate von 49 %.

Schlussfolgerungen: Die begleitende Gabe von IgM‐angereicherten Immunglobulin während der Durchführung einer Polychemoimmuntherapie nach Legha kann die Rate von opportunistischen Infektionen in diesem sekundär immunsupprimierten Krankheitsklientel deutlich verringern.
Strahlungsnutzung durch Bestände ölreicher Körnerfruchtarten — Winterraps, Öllein und Sonnenblume im Vergleich
Authors: Aufhammer W. , Wägner W. , Kaul H.‐P. , Kübler E. 
Published: March 2003

Radiation use by oil seed crops — a comparison of winter rape, linseed and sunflowerFor the production of grain crops rich in oil, winter rape, linseed and sunflower are similarly suitable at many arable locations. We wanted to compare the extent to which radiation (PAR) is intercepted and utilized by the individual species for dry matter and yield production. For this purpose, a 2‐year field experiment comprising the factors genotype, N fertilization and soil tillage was conducted. For five phases of crop development, growth rates (CGR, RGR and NAR) and PAR utilization were calculated. At full ripeness, total dry matter, grain, oil and energy yields, the crop‐ and year‐specific PAR supply, its interception and utilization for dry matter production and the resulting energy binding were determined. Due to the different individual vegetation periods, the PAR supply of the crops differed. The crop assimilation areas also differed, with values for winter rape and sunflower higher than those for linseed. The yield productivity of winter rape and sunflower was also higher than that of linseed. N fertilization increased yield to different extents for the different crops. On average, winter rape and sunflower produced the same amounts of dry matter and energy yield. Due to a higher harvest index, sunflower had the highest grain yield, and because the oil concentration in grain was comparatively high sunflower produced the highest oil yield, too. Under cool and wet climate conditions, however, the productivity of sunflower is offset by a relatively high yield risk because of uncertain ripening. The highest PAR utilization by linseed did not compensate for its very short vegetation period in combination with the lowest PAR interception.
Effects of Water Deficit on the Dynamics of Flowering and Fruit Production in Capsicum chinense Jacq in a Tropical Semiarid Region of Venezuela
Authors: Jaimez R. E. , Vielma O. , Rada F. , García‐Núñez C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe degree of crop sensitivity to water deficit, during the different developmental stages of a plant, is an important aspect to consider in tropical semiarid regions. The effect of water deficit on flowering dynamics and fruit production of sweet pepper (Capsicum chinense) was evaluated under several water regimes, during three consecutive years. A complete randomized block design with three replicates was employed. Flowering dynamics and fruit production were measured weekly, and water potentials were obtained twice during the experiments. For all years, flowering began at approximately 70 days after transplanting. In the most favourable year (trial 1996), there were no differences in total flower and fruit production in terms of irrigation frequency. For the other less favourable years, flowering and fruit production were significantly different between irrigation frequencies. Our results show that low water availability, prior to flowering, reduces the number of flowers produced and retards the occurrence of maximum flowering. On the other hand, a water deficit during the period between flowering and fruit development reduces final fruit production. This suggests that a water deficit during this last stage affects final yield to a greater extent.
Effect of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Fertilization on Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) Nitrogen Uptake and Yield
Authors: Zubillaga M. M. , Aristi J. P. , Lavado R. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractLittle is known about the effect of combined phosphorus and nitrogen (P‐N) fertilization on the N requirement of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.). This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of varying levels of P and N, as well as the interaction P × N, on the N uptake, yield and N apparent utilization efficiency under field conditions. Split‐plot design experiments were conducted in the mid‐western Pampas in Argentina. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha−1) and three levels of P (0, 12 and 40 kg P ha−1) were applied to two Typic Hapludolls over two growing seasons (1997–98 and 1998–99). N uptake and soil N‐NO3 contents were determined at the V7, R5 and R9 growth stages. The sunflower yield ranged from 2.5 to 5.0 Mg ha−1. The total N requirement was around 45 kg N Mg−1 grain, and this result suggests that it is not necessary to use different N requirements (parameter b) for fertilized crops when a yield response is expected. To achieve a 100 % yield maximum a N supply (soil plus fertilizer) of 181 kg N ha−1 at P40 was needed. However, at P0, the highest yield was about 80 % of the maximum yield with a N supply (soil plus fertilizer) of 164 kg N ha−1. P application increased the apparent use efficiency of the supplied N.
Changes in Seed Yield and Quality with Maturity in Onion (Allium cepa L., cv. ‘Early Cream Gold’)
Authors: Spurr C. J. , Fulton D. A. , Brown P. H. , Clark R. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDevelopment of onion (Allium cepa L., cv. ‘Early Cream Gold’) seed under cool climate conditions in Tasmania, Australia occurred over a longer duration than previously reported, but similar patterns of change in yield components were recorded. In contrast to previous studies, umbel moisture content declined from 85 to 67 % over 57 days while seed moisture content decreased from 85 to 31 %. Seed yield continued to increase over the duration of crop development, with increasing seed weight compensating for seed loss resulting from capsule dehiscence in the later stages of maturation. Germination percentage was high and did not vary significantly from 53 to 77 days after full bloom (DAF), but mean germination time declined and uniformity of germination increased significantly over the same time period. The percentage abnormal seedlings declined with later harvest date, resulting in highest seed quality at 77 DAF. The results of this study suggest that the decision to harvest cool climate onion seed crops before capsule dehiscence will result in a loss of potential seed yield and quality.
Correlated responses to selection for large body size in oMt1a‐oGH mice: growth, feed efficiency and body composition
Authors: Parks K. R. , Eisen E. J. , Murray J. D. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCorrelated responses were determined for growth, feed consumption, feed efficiency and body composition following short‐term selection for large 8‐week body weight in transgenic and nontransgenic mice. Replicate lines which either carried or did not carry the sheep metallothionein 1a‐sheep growth hormone transgene (oMt1a‐oGH) were established. The lines carrying the transgene at an initial frequency of 0.5 came from a high‐growth (TM) and a randomly selected (TC) background. The respective nontransgenic lines were identified as NM and NC. Control replicates (CC) came from the randomly selected background. During the selection process the transgene was activated by adding 25 mm ZnSO4 to the drinking water of all mice. Correlated responses were measured with (Z) and without (C) the addition of zinc. After seven and eight generations of selection, the frequency of transgenic mice in line TM had fallen sharply, whereas transgene frequency had risen moderately in TC. The reduced frequency of oMt1a‐oGH in the high‐growth genetic background may have been caused by a lower additive effect compared with the randomly selected background combined with a fitness disadvantage of the transgene. Therefore, the utility of a transgene in improving a quantitative trait may depend in part on genetic background. Correlated responses for most traits in NC were similar for Z and C. In contrast, correlated responses in TC showed marked differences in C compared with Z. For example, daily gain and feed efficiency showed no significantly correlated responses under C and positive responses (p < 0.001) under Z, and the reverse was found for indicators of body fat percentage. These line by environment (Z versus C) interactions may represent a genetic correlation of less than one between a trait expressed in two distinct environments. Thus, in developing lines with a transgene that can be regulated, a critical question is whether selection for quantitative trait(s) should be conducted when the transgene is activated or not activated.
GENCHECK: A program for consistency checking and derivation of genotypes at co‐dominant and dominant loci
Authors: Bennewitz J. , Reinsch N. , Kalm E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe program GENCHECK was developed to examine genotyping results of diploid organisms for consistency with the Mendelian laws of inheritance. It can be used to analyse data from co‐dominant and dominant loci and large scale pedigrees with many overlapping generations as they are common in animal breeding. The pedigree data and genotyping results are read either from a suitable database or from an ASCII file. The data from individuals, whose genotyping results show a Mendelian segregation error, are written to an output file. Possible error sources can be a result from genotyping errors, false parentage and erroneous data transfer. Additionally, the program derives, if possible, the genotypes of untyped individuals or of individuals, whose genotyping results were assumed to cause a Mendelian segregation error, using information from the parents and/or the offspring. Error checking and derivation of genotypes are combined in a single computation step. Important technical solutions for example, the examination of genotyping results from dominant loci, the representation of possible genotypes on the bit‐level and the dependency of the results on ordering individuals in different ways are discussed. The program is written in Fortran 90 and available from the authors.
Comparative study on the regulation of body fluids and mammary circulation at different stages of lactation in crossbred Holstein cattle feeding on different types of roughage
Authors: Chaiyabutr N. , Preuksagorn S. , Komolvanich S. , Chanpongsang S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of prolonged feeding of urea‐treated rice straw, compared with feeding of hay, on the regulation of body fluids, milk yield and mammary circulation at early lactation (30 days postpartum), mid‐lactation (120 days postpartum) and late lactation (210 days postpartum) in crossbred Holstein Friesians. Sixteen first lactating crossbred Holstein Friesians (HF), consisting of eight animals of two breed types, 87.5%HF and 50%HF, were selected and each breed was randomly allocated into two groups. Each group, consisting of four animals from the same breed, was fed either 5% urea‐treated rice straw or pangola hay (Digitaria decumbens) as the source of roughage in combination with a similar concentrate throughout the experiments. During the course of lactation there were no significant differences in body weight, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, plasma osmolality, plasma volume and blood volume among groups of 87.5%HF animals and 50%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. Water turnover rate, total body water space and total body water as a percentage of body weight of 50%HF animals were significantly higher than those of 87.5%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. The packed cell volume was significantly higher in all lactating periods of both groups of 50%HF animals in comparison with 87.5%HF animals. The ratio of DM intake to milk production for 87.5%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw was significantly lower than that of 50%HF animals in early lactation. The udder blood flow and milk secretion of 87.5%HF were significantly higher in early lactation and markedly declined when lactation advanced in comparison with those of 50%HF animals fed either hay or urea‐treated rice straw. The ratio of mammary blood flow to milk yield for all groups was in a similar range during early lactation although it significantly increased in mid‐ and late lactation for both groups of 87.5%HF animals. From these results it can be concluded that both 50%HF and 87.5%HF animals feeding on urea‐treated rice straw as a roughage source do not show any undernutritional effects in comparison with those fed with hay during the course of lactation. The physiological response differences between breeds are that 87.5%HF animals, which have a genetic makeup closer to the exotic bos taurus breed and a high milk yield, show a poor adjustment to the tropical environment and poorer lactation persistency in comparison with 50%HF animals.