bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of temperature and water potential on the germination of seven different dry‐stored seed lots of Stellaria media
Authors: GRUNDY A. C. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryExperiments were made on seven dry‐stored seed lots of Steliaria media (L.) Vill to assess the effect of water potential and temperature on germination. These seed lots were from different sources and their age ranged from freshly harvested to 5 years in dry storage. Germination was recorded at regular intervals at five constant temperatures (5‐25°C) in all combinations with eight water potential regimes (from 0 to ‐1.4 MPa). The results showed that seed lot had a significant effect on the percentage, rate and spread of germination Differences in germination behaviour in the seed lots appeared to be related to the durations of dry storage. Freshly harvested seed exhibited signs of dormancy, with the lowest percentage and longest mean germination time. Seed lots that had been in dry storage for more than 1 year took increasingly longer to germinate, particularly under less favourable conditions. In contrast, germination percentages were highest in the 3‐year‐old seed. The constant temperature and water potential achieving maximum germination was independent of seed lot as was the water potential achieving the highest germination rates. However, the temperature achieving the highest germination rate was dependent on seed lot. The spread in germination time was largest for the freshly harvested and oldest seed samples. Rates of germination against temperature over the range of water potentials studied were complex.
Behaviour of alkyl oleates following foliar application in relation to their influence on the penetration of phenmedipham and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl
Authors: MERCIER L. , SERRE I. , CABANNE F. , GAUVRIT C. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe foliar penetration of four alkyl oleates (methyl to butyl) and their influence on the penetration of phenmedipham and quizalofop‐P‐ethyl was studied in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cleavers (Galium aparine L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). Loss of alkyl oleates from glass and plant surfaces was inversely related to the length of the alkyl chains and was assumed to be due to volatilization. All four alkyl oleates after application alone, readily penetrated into pea and barley leaves but much less into G. aparine. Penetration of methyl oleate appeared to be faster than that of butyl oleate. Both alkyl oleates were completely metabolized in barley and pea in 27 h, but not in G. aparine. The penetration of herbicides was from 2% to 10% in the absence of alkyl oleates. The penetration of phenmedipham was increased in the presence of all four aikyl oleates: to the greatest extent into pea (55‐80% after 27 h), to the lowest into G. aparine (20‐45%). In all three species, the effect of butyl oleate was higher than that of methyl oleate. The penetration of quizalofop‐P‐ethyl was increased to 10%, 30‐35% and 50% on G. aparine, pea and barley respectively. The length of the alkyl chains did not influence the effects of the alkyl oleates on the foliar penetration of quizalofop‐P‐ethyl.
The influence of interspecific interference on the seed production of Stellaria media and Hordeum vulgare (volunteer barley)
Authors: VAN ACKER R. C. , LUTMAN P. J. W. , FROUD‐WlLLlAMS R. J. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe effects of the density and proportion of both volunteer barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (common chickweed) on the seed yield of both species was investigated in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and autumn‐sown field bean (Vicia faba L.). A model was created to estimate these effects. It was a combination of two models. The first was a simple linear model relating weed seed number m2 to weed dry weight m2. The second was an inverse linear model relating weed dry weight per plant to weed density. A very good relationship existed between barley dry weight and number of seeds m2 and between S. media dry weight and number of seed capsules m2. This relationship was relatively consistent between experiments. The inverse linear model provided a good estimation of the relationship between weed density and weed dry weight per plant for both barley and S. media. Model variables, however, differed between experiments. Using the combined model it was estimated that, in the absence of other weed species and at a density of 800 plants m2, S. media would produce between 4000 and 48 000 seeds m2, whereas volunteer barley, at a density of 400 plants m2, would produce between 2000 and 8000 seeds m2. The presence of barley always reduced S. media seed yield and a barley population of 100 plants m2 could reduce S. media seed yield by up to 79%. The presence of S. media reduced barley seed yield in only one of three experiments, in which a S. media density of 800 plants m2 reduced barley seed yield by up to 68%. It was concluded that interspecific weed competition should not be ignored as a factor in models of weed population dynamics
Biotransformation of [ring‐U‐14C]atrazine to dealkylated and hydroxylated metabolites in cell‐suspension cultures
Authors: SCHMIDT B. , SIEVER M. , THIEDE B. , BREUER J. , MALCHEREK K. , SCHUPHAN I. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe biconversion of [14C]atrazine to deaikyt‐ated and hydroxylated products was studied in heteroirophic cell‐suspension cultures of carrot (Daucus caroia L.), Agrostemma githago L. (corn cockle). Digitalis purpurea L. (purple foxglove), soyabean (Giycine max L. Merr; four different cultivars). Datura stramonium L. (thorn‐apple) and wheat (Tritician aestivum L.). During 48 h of incubation, the herbicide was biotransformed by all species; turnovers yields differed considerably and were between 10.1% and 88.0% of applied 14C. Differences were also observed among the soyabean cultivars (10.1‐73.5%). Hydroxy‐atrazine, de‐ethyl‐, deisopropyl‐ and de‐ethyt‐deisopropylatrazine formed in the cultures were identified by thin‐layer chromatography (tlc) (co‐chromatography with reference compounds); deaikyiated metabolites were also proved by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (gc–ms). In addition, highly polar transformation products emerged that were not identified. Portions of non‐extractable residues were below 5% (one soyabean cultivar: 8.9%). Atrazine was metabolized by the cells, mainly to its dealkylated derivatives and hydroxyatrazine (totals of 9.4‐54, 5%), whereas portions of highly polar products were lower (0.1‐26.1%). Exceptions were A. githago (26.0 and 33.6%, respectively) and D, purpurea (4.5 and 25.2% respectively). Thus, plants generally contribute to the environmental degradation of atrazine.
Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower) in south‐western Nigeria: occurrence and growth habit
Authors: AYENI A. O. , LORDBANJOU D. T. , MAJEK B. A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA reconnaissance survey of the occurrence of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A, Gray in south western Nigeria was carried out along the major highways linking Ibadan to major towns be‐tween April and August in 1991 and 1992. The survey revealed that T, diversifolia is prominent along the Ibadan—Oyo—Ogbomoshollorin, Iba‐dan—Abeokuta and Oyo—lseyin—Saki roads, and common along the Ibadan—lwo—Osogbo—Offa, Ibadan—Ife—Akure, Ife—Ondo and Ibadan—Ijebu Ode roads It is rare along Ibadan—Ikeja, Akure‐Ado Ekiti—Kabba, Ilorin—Jebba, and Ijebu Ode—Benin City—Asaba roads. T. diversifolia is a shallow‐rooted annual/perennial broad‐leaved plant that grows to a height of 5 m or more and varies from highly branched at low populations (< 5 plants m‐2) to practically unbranched at high populations (> 30 plants m‐2). Under natural conditions in the Ibadan area (7°25′N, 3°54′E), T. diversifolia is established from seed in March—April, flowers between September and November and produces mature seed by Decemher—January. Seed is disseminated between January and March by shedding. Under frequent slashing or in a valley bottom with a high water table, or on river banks T. diversifolia behaves as a perennial shrub and flowering under this condition occurs sporadically throughout the year.
Dissipation of imazapyr, flumetsulam and thifensulfuron in soil
Authors: MCDOWELL R. W. , CONDRON L. M. , MAIN B. E. , DASTGHEIB F. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe degradation of imazapyr, flumetsulam and thifensulfuron applied at 500.40 and 30 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha‐1, respectively, to silt loam soil was studied under laboratory and field conditions. Herbicide residues were analysed by a lentil (Lens culinarits L.) bioassay. Results showed that temperature had a significant effect on herbicide degradation, whereas the impact of soil organic matter ami pH were less well defined. Half‐lives for imazapyr, flumetsulam and thifensulfuron in soil samples from the 0‐5 cm layer (6.4% organic carbon) at 15 °C were 125, 88 and 5.4 days, respectively, and 69, 30 and 3.9 days at 30°C. In soil sampled from the 15‐20 cm layer (3.5% organic carbon) half‐lives were 155. 70 and 6.4 days, respectively, at 15 °C and 77, 24 and 4.8 days at 30 °C, A field experiment investigated the degradation and teaching of each herbicide under two precipitation regimes [natural precipitation (208 mm), and natural precipitation plus 75 mm irrigation (283 mm) over 4 months to a soil depth of 25 cm. Thifensulfuron degraded rapidly, whereas residues of flumetsulam and imazapyr leached below 25 cm in both the low‐and high‐precipitasion treatments after 4 months. Significant imazapyr residues were still present in the soil to 25 cm depth after 3 months, A multi‐component model for herbicide dissipation was developed and evaluated using data from the laboratory and field experiments.
Degradation of bensulfuron‐methyl on various minerals and humic acids
Authors: SABADIE J. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe chemical degradation of bensulfuron‐methyl on various dry minerals (kaolinite, silica gel, alumina, H+ bentonite, montmorillonite KIO) and on solid humic acid was investigated at 30°C. Kaolinite presented a very low activity in comparison with the systematically higher degradation rates obtained using other selected minerals. An acceptable correlation with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics was frequently observed, allowing degradation rate constants to be established. The influence of the herbicide deposition technique used, sample stirring and moisture content were studied. Most of the solids selected, which have an acidic surface, induced only the breakdown of the herbicide molecule's benzyl‐sulfonylurea bridge. In contrast, the basic surface of alumkia preferentially induced sapontfication of the carbonie‐thoxy subsiituent fixed to the aromatic ring. The degradation compounds obtained generally remained stable, with the exception of phcnyl‐sulfonamide, which cyclized rapidly on alumina. The suggested degradalion path is similar to that previously proposed for chemical hydrolysis.
Allergic sensitization to indoor and outdoor allergens and relevance to bronchial hyperresponsiveness in younger and older subjects
Authors: Kerkhof M. , Postma D. S. , Schouten J. P. , De Monchy J. G. R. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Most previous epidemiological studies on the relationship between allergy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) have made no distinction between sensitization to indoor and outdoor allergens. We studied the relationship between specific sensitization to allergen and BHR and further assessed whether this was different in young adults and older subjects.Methods:  Specific IgE to indoor allergens (house dust mite and cat) and outdoor allergens (timothy grass and birch) were measured using the CAP System. BHR was defined as PD20 ≤ 2 mg methacholine. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study independent relationships between BHR and specific IgE to indoor and outdoor allergens in 1018 young adults (20–44 years) and 909 older subjects (45–70 years).Results:  In the older age group specific IgE to indoor allergens was associated with BHR at a lower level (class 2) than in young adults (class ≥ 3). Young adults with multiple sensitization had the highest risk of BHR. Subjects who were exclusively sensitized to pollen did not show increased BHR in both age groups. Total IgE had, independently of sensitization, only a significant dose–response relationship with BHR in the oldest age group.Conclusions:  The association between sensitization and BHR is dependent on the nature of the allergen and the level of specific IgE. Furthermore, this study shows for the first time that total IgE is associated with BHR at older ages, independently of sensitization.
Montelukast improves symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis over a 4‐week treatment period
Authors: Van Adelsberg J. , Philip G. , Pedinoff A. J. , Meltzer E. O. , Ratner P. H. , Menten J. , Reiss T. F. ,   for the Montelukast Fall Rhinitis Study Group
Published: November 2003

Background:  Proinflammatory mediators such as the cysteinyl leukotrienes are important in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, given once daily in the morning for treatment of seasonal (fall) allergic rhinitis for 4 weeks.Methods:  This was a randomized, double‐blind trial with a placebo run‐in and a 4‐week treatment period. Patients (n = 1079) with a history of allergic rhinitis and a positive skin test to seasonal pollen allergens were assigned to placebo, montelukast 10 mg, or loratadine 10 mg. Symptoms were assessed with a daily diary.Results:  Montelukast was more effective than placebo in improving scores for the primary endpoint of daytime nasal symptoms (P = 0.003) and the secondary endpoints of night‐time, composite, and daytime eye symptoms, patient's and physician's global evaluations of allergic rhinitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis quality‐of‐life (P ≤ 0.006). The positive control loratadine also improved scores for the primary endpoint (P ≤ 0.001) and the majority of the secondary endpoints (P < 0.03). When analyzed by week, the treatment effect of montelukast was more persistent than loratadine over all 4 weeks of treatment.Conclusion:  Montelukast provided effective relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms when given once daily in the morning, showed significant and sustained improvement in symptoms of allergic rhinitis over 4 weeks of treatment, and was well‐tolerated.
The influence of the dietary intake of fatty acids and antioxidants on hay fever in adults
Authors: Nagel G. , Nieters A. , Becker N. , Linseisen J. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  The objective of the investigation was to explore in a prospective study the associations between dietary intake of fatty acids, antioxidants and hay fever manifestation in adulthood.Methods:  Three hundred and thirty‐four hay fever cases with adult onset of clinical symptoms from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)‐Heidelberg cohort were identified during follow‐up and matched with 1336 controls. Dietary intake data were obtained by means of validated food frequency questionnaires. The influence of dietary fatty acid and vitamin intake on hay fever risk was estimated by means of unconditional logistic regression.Results:  High intake of oleic acid was positively associated with hay fever [odds ratio (OR): 2.86, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.22–6.70], whereas high intake of eicosapentaenoic acid was inversely related to hay fever (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22–0.93). Furthermore, high β‐carotene intake increased the risk of hay fever (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.09–2.63) while increasing intake of vitamin E was a protective factor (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17–0.85). In grouped analyses, the effects of β‐carotene and vitamin E were mainly observed among women and ex‐/current‐smokers; in these subgroups, linoleic acid increased the risk of hay fever.Conclusions:  In conclusion, the present results provide further evidence that dietary factors might affect the risk of clinical manifestation of hay fever. However, the effects in smokers and women may suggest different biological mechanisms for the investigated nutrients, which need further research.
Comparison of FEV1 and specific airway conductance in assessing airway response to occupational agents
Authors: Larbanois A. , Delwiche J.‐P. , Jamart J. , Vandenplas O. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  There is theoretical evidence that specific airway conductance (SGaw) could be more reliable than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for assessing changes in airway calibre. We investigated the changes in FEV1 and SGaw when assessing bronchial responses to occupational agents.Methods:  SGaw and FEV1 were measured during inhalation challenges with various occupational agents in 174 consecutive subjects investigated for possible occupational asthma.Results:  A decline in SGaw of 50% or greater was documented in 77 of 90 subjects (86%) who showed a ≥20% fall in FEV1 and in 11 of 84 subjects (13%) who failed to demonstrate such a fall in FEV1. Among subjects who developed a ≥20% fall in FEV1, those who failed to develop a ≥50% decline in SGaw had a lower baseline SGaw than those who did. Among the group without a ≥20% fall in FEV1, a ≥50% decrease in SGaw was associated with either an ‘intermediate’ fall in FEV1 (between 15 and 17% from baseline value) (n = 4), a significant postchallenge increase in nonspecific bronchial hyper‐responsiveness to histamine (n = 2), or both features (n = 3).Conclusions:  A decline in SGaw of 50% or greater may provide useful complementary evidence of a bronchial response during challenges that produce equivocal results in FEV1.
Cashew allergy: observations of 42 children without associated peanut allergy
Authors: Rancé F. , Bidat E. , Bourrier T. , Sabouraud D. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Cashew allergy seems to be increasingly frequent. The goal of the present study was to analyse the clinical features and results of investigations of 42 children with cashew allergy.Methods:  The clinical features and results of skin prick tests, specific IgE assays, and food challenges were analysed.Results:  The mean age at first allergic reaction was 2 years and the mean age at diagnosis of cashew allergy was 2.7 years. One in five children (12%) had a prior history of exposure to cashew nuts. Fifty‐six per cent had skin symptoms, 25% had respiratory signs and 17% had digestive signs. Eighteen children had proven, associated food allergies (pistachio, seven; egg, five; mustard, three; shrimp, two; cow milk, one). The mean wheal diameter of the skin prick tests was 7 mm (3–16 mm) and the mean specific IgE level was 3.1 kUA/L (<0.35–>100 kUA/L). Eight children had positive food challenges.Conclusion:  The increase in cashew allergy is worrying because it affects young children who may have a reaction without ever having been exposed to cashews. Almost one‐third of children are allergic to pistachios, which belong to the same botanical family as cashews. Clinical history is generally and sufficiently suggestive to diagnose cashew allergy without recourse to food challenges.
Characterization of allergens of Anisakis simplex
Authors: Arlian L. G. , Morgan M. S. , Quirce S. , Marañón F. , Fernández‐Caldas E. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Anisakis simplex is an intestinal parasite of sea mammals. The larvae infect crustaceans, cephalopods and fish. Humans may consume A. simplex third stage larvae (L3) when eating infected raw or under‐cooked fish. Consumed larvae cause an inflammatory reaction when they penetrate the digestive mucosa. The larvae or their secretory/excretory products can sensitize humans and induce an immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergic reaction. This parasite is now being implicated in numerous cases of allergic reactions after eating fish. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the allergenicity of proteins present in an extract of the third stage larva.Methods:  Rabbit antiserum raised to A. simplex somatic extract (L3) was reacted by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) with the same somatic extract. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) was also performed by incubating CIE gels first in the sera of 13 individuals with positive immunoCAP to A. simplex and then in radiolabeled anti‐human IgE.Results:  Twelve to 16 antigen–antibody precipitin peaks were visualized on Coomassie blue stained CIE gels in which somatic extract was reacted with somatic‐antiserum. Autoradiography of CRIE gels showed that 18 different proteins bound IgE in patient sera. Individual patients had serum IgE directed at two to 10 different allergens. Five of these allergens were recognized by ≥50% of the patients. No allergen was recognized by every patient and no patient had serum IgE directed at all 18 allergens.Conclusion:  Somatic extracts of A. simplex L3 larva contain a large number of allergenic molecules and there is significant variability between patients in their sensitivity and reactivity to these allergens.
Results of standard series patch testing in patients with occupational allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Nettis E. , Marcandrea M. , Colanardi M. C. , Paradiso M. T. , Ferrannini A. , Tursi A. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  In the workplace, the skin is at high risk of exposure to chemicals and other contaminants, and occupational dermatitis is an important field of study.Methods:  We evaluated 230 patients referred to our clinic because they were affected by dermatitis suspected to be of occupational and allergic origin. They were tested with the allergens of the GIRDCA standard series, and with supplementary series when indicated.Results:  Among the 230 subjects, 49 were positive only to supplementary series (26.3% of all allergic contact dermatitis), while 130 (69.9% of all allergic contact dermatitis) were considered to have an occupational allergic contact dermatitis diagnosed by the standard series alone. The most frequent occupations of the patients were health care workers and hairdressers/beauticians. The most common agents responsible for occupational allergic contact dermatitis were metals and para‐phenylenediamine.Conclusions:  As the standard series detected a relatively low proportion of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, it is not adequate to recognize an occupational allergic contact dermatitis, certain supplementary series should also to be tested. However, even if such occupational series are used, we remain likely to continue to underestimate the frequency of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, because workers come into contact with a large number of substances that are often unknown.