bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism of the TT virus and its frequency in Polish blood donors
Authors: Grabarczyk P. , Brojer E. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine, in Polish blood donors, the frequency of TT virus (TTV) using different primers and the sequence diversity of TTV genotypes.Materials and Methods Two‐hundred blood donors were studied. TTV DNA was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers for the coding (ORF1) and non‐coding (NC) regions. Twenty isolates were genotyped by sequencing the ORF1 fragment.Results TTV DNA was detected in 78% of donors using NC primers and in 10% using ORF1 primers. The frequency of TTV DNA detection by NC primers was observed to increase with donor age, whereas the frequency of detection by ORF primers did not differ between various age‐groups. The nucleotide sequence homology of Polish TTV isolates ranged from 59 to 99%. Three genotypes (1b, 2b and 2c) were identified.Conclusions The frequency of TTV detection depends on the primers used for the PCR. Using the NC primers the virus is detected in the majority of donors, whereas the ORF1 primers strongly underestimate the prevalence of TTV. The frequency of TTV DNA increases with age. Polish TTV isolates are highly polymorphic and are classified as 1b, 2b and 2c.
Value of central analysis of leucocyte depletion quality control data within the National Blood Service, England
Authors: Beckman N. , Cardigan R. , Wallington T. , Williamson L. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives The results of quality monitoring leucocyte counts were analysed nationally for the first 2 years of universal leucocyte depletion (LD), spanning the time‐period before and after standardization of the counting and LD methods. The objectives were twofold: first to determine whether the implementation strategy was effective in achieving the LD specification (< 5 × 106 leucocytes in 99% of components with 95% statistical confidence); and second, whether quality monitoring was able to detect potential non‐conformance.Materials and Methods Residual leucocytes were counted using Beckman Coulter or Becton Dickinson (BD) flow cytometers and reagents. Data were collected into standardized analysis software (NWA Quality Analyst) for local trend analysis and checks for conformance to process specification, and collated centrally. Analysis was performed for six time‐periods between January 1999 and March 2001. Specification failures were analysed to determine the likelihood of extreme failure. Statistical process monitoring was adjusted to suit LD processes.Results Data from red cells in optimal additive solution (OAS), filtered either as whole blood or red cell concentrates, and platelet pools improved significantly over the 2‐year period with specification failures falling from 0·35%, 0·48% and 0·56%, respectively, in January–June 1999 to 0·06%, 0·01% and 0·04% in January–March 2001. Specification failures in red cells in OAS LD for the period January–December 2000 showed only 0·02% with a leucocyte count of > 30 × 106/unit. Extreme failures are now very rare. Monitoring methods have been effective in detecting process change and drift.Conclusion LD performance varies between different LD systems, but monitoring has proved sufficiently robust to detect processes that perform poorly. The chosen specification has been both achievable and appropriate to the systems in use. Standardization of the counting method is central to the ability to monitor and analyse results effectively across the whole service.
A single window‐period donation detected by human immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen after 5 years of routine screening in a group of Brazilian blood banks
Authors: Wendel S. , Fachini R. M. , Levi J. E. , Ghaname J. N. , Mendonça M. C. , De Almeida Neto C. , De Carvalho Braga M. , Di Pietro & A. E. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives The purpose of this article was to describe the experience of screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen (p24Ag) in blood donors, in four Brazilian Blood Banks, and to report the detection of the first window‐period donation.Materials and Methods During 61 months (May 96 to June 01), 103 470 consecutive donations were screened for HIV p24Ag using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Testing was carried out in accordance with the instructions supplied with the kits.Results Fifty‐eight repeatedly reactive samples were identified [0.056% of the total; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0·042–0·070]. Ten of the 58 were confirmed as p24Ag positive after neutralization (0·010%; 95% CI: 0·004–0·016), nine of the 10 (0·009%; 95% CI: 0·003–0·014) were also HIV antibody positive and only one (0·001%; 95% CI: 0–0·003) was HIV antibody negative.Conclusions In this setting the rate of sole p24Ag‐positive donations was one in 103 740. This figure corresponds closely with the previously estimated yield of one in 87 796 donations. The yield of HIV p24Ag+ : Ab− has been previously estimated in our centres to be 1 : 87 796 donations, a value similar to that observed in actual practice.
Prevalence of illicit drug use in plasmapheresis donors
Authors: Peters F. T. , Maurer H. H. , Hellstern P. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives No data are presently available concerning the frequency of illicit drug use in plasmapheresis donors. We therefore examined source plasma units produced in the United States (US) and in Germany for evidence of illicit drug use among donors.Materials and Methods Seventy‐five US plasma units from 10 different US states and 75 German plasma units that had been analysed principally for their protein composition were screened for drugs. Determinations were made, using automated immunoassays, of the presence of cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE) and opiates. Positive results were confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results Eleven US plasma units were found to be positive for cocaine (14·6%), whereas all German samples were cocaine negative (P = 0·0007). Fifteen US plasma units (20%) and one German unit (1·3%) were confirmed as positive for cannabis (P = 0·0003). Three out of 75 US plasma units were positive for both cannabis and cocaine. In none of the 150 samples were amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDE or opiates detected.Conclusions Our results strongly suggest differences in cocaine and cannabis consumption between US and German plasmapheresis donors. If these results are confirmed by larger‐scale studies, random drug screening (including cocaine) of donors should be implemented in order to reduce the number of drug‐containing plasma units, especially in the USA.
Indirect oscillometric and direct blood pressure measurements in anesthetized and conscious neonatal foals
Authors: Nout Yvette S. , Corley Kevin T.T. , Donaldson Lydia L. , Furr Martin O. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective:To investigate the agreement between indirect oscillometric and direct blood pressure measurement in the equine neonate.Design:Prospective observational study.Setting:University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.Animals:Ten crossbred foals of 30–46 hours of age.Interventions:Six animals (Group 1) were anesthetized. Four animals (Group 2) were restrained on a mat. All animals were instrumented with a catheter in the greater metatarsal artery and an oscillometric blood pressure cuff over the coccygeal artery. Blood pressure was varied with dobutamine, phenylephrine, nitroprusside, and increased depth of anesthesia (Group 1) or dopamine (Group 2).Measurements and main results:Simultaneous direct and indirect blood pressure measurements were obtained from the greater metatarsal artery and the coccygeal artery, respectively. There was good agreement between the 2 methods for mean and diastolic blood pressures in both groups, but not for systolic pressure. The agreement was best in mean blood pressure of anesthetized foals (mean bias –1.07; limits of agreement – 9.39, 7.25 mmHg).Conclusions:Indirect oscillometry appears to be an acceptable method for measuring mean arterial blood pressure in both anesthetized and conscious neonatal foals, and may be a valid method of monitoring critically ill foals.
Genetic parameter estimates for birth weight, weaning weight and average daily gain in pure and crossbred sheep in Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Y. , Fuerst‐Waltl B. , Sölkner J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryData for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and pre‐weaning average daily body weight gain (ADG) of seven different genotypes of lambs (pure Awassi (A), n = 80, pure local (L), n = 3300, lambs with 10 to <50% A × L n = 137, 50% A × L n = 1142, >50 – <75% A × L n = 273, 75% A × L n = 800, and >75% A × L n = 904) were used to estimate genetic parameters. Fixed effects included in the model were genotype (with or without), type of birth, sex, season × year of birth combination. All fixed effects were significant. (Co)variance component estimates were obtained from bivariate animal model analysis including maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. Direct additive (co)variances and correlations among the traits were positive. Genetic antagonism existed between direct and maternal effects for all traits. Direct heritabilities (h) for BW, WW and ADG were 0.39, 0.33 and 0.25 (with genotype) and 0.28, 0.31 and 0.25 (without genotype). The corresponding maternal heritabilities (h) were 0.13, 0.18 and 0.19 and 0.19, 0.18 and 0.18, respectively. Both, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects were important.
Pathogénie comparée de 4 espèces d'Helminthosporium Obtenues à Partir des Plantes Malades du Riz au Maroc
Authors: Touhami A. Ouazzani , Ennaffah B. , Douira M. El Yachioui et A. 
Published: March 2003

RésuméL'étude du comportement de quatre espèces d'Helminthosporium sur neuf variétés de riz largement cultivées au Maroc, a permis de classer ces espèces selon leur virulence. L'Helminthosporium oryzae et l'Helminthosporium sativum sont les plus virulents et sont les mieux équipés à sporuler sur les lésions développées sur toutes les variétés de riz testées. Le niveau de pathogénie de l'H. spiciferum et de l'H. australiensis et leur aptitude à sporuler sur l'hôte dépend de la variété du riz étudiée. De même, chaque Helminthosporium induit sur les feuilles de riz des symptômes caractéristiques.
Heteropogon triticeus, a New Host of Claviceps sorghi in India
Authors: PAŽOUTOVÁ S. , JOHNSON N. , KOLAŘÍK M. , RAJASAB A. H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Claviceps sorghi occurred on Heteropogon triticeus in Gulbarga, Karnataka, India. Its external sphacelial morphology on this species differed from that on sorghum in having long white sphacelial tips that protruded from spikelets or wound around awns. The tips were formed by parallel synnema‐like hyphae and were covered by a phialide layer that produced elongated macroconidia (7–18 μm) and rounded to oval microconidia (3–5 μm). Unlike the macroconidia, the microconidia failed to germinate. Plated macroconidia underwent secondary sporulation. The white sclerotial stroma consisted of parallel hyphae with cylindrical cells that later became rounded due to accumulation of reserve metabolites. Some of these cells differentiated into a sclerotial rind that accumulated a terracotta‐coloured pigment. RAPD patterns and the rDNA nucleotide sequence confirmed the identity of the species.
Genetic Variation in Fusarium moniliforme Isolated from Seeds of Different Host Species from Burkina Faso Based on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis
Authors: KINI K. R. , LETH V. , MATHUR S. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRandom amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to assess genetic variation among 28 isolates of Fusarium moniliforme isolated from seed samples of six host species (rice, sorghum, maize, cotton, hibiscus and parkia) collected in Burkina Faso. Score‐able markers (128) were obtained with 20 random decamer primers. Cluster analysis with UPGMA using genetic distances showed that the isolates were of five main groups. In general, isolates from the same host species were found to group together in the same cluster. The isolates from cotton and hibiscus were more closely related to each other than to the isolates from sorghum, rice and maize. Results indicate that host preference is possibly a factor in the differentiation of isolates.
Effect of Integrating Planting Time, Fungicide Application and Host Resistance on Potato Late Blight Development in South‐western Uganda
Authors: KANKWATSA P. , ADIPALA E. , HAKIZA J. J. , OLANYA M. , KIDANEMARIAM H. M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe presence of inocula all year round poses a daunting challenge to the management of late blight [causal agent Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) De Bary] of Solanum potato in the highlands of eastern Africa. Commercial production depends heavily on use of fungicides and, to some extent, host resistance. In this study, integration of host resistance and fungicide application reduced late blight severity by more than 50% and resulted in yield gains of more than 30% when compared with the untreated control. The study demonstrated that susceptible varieties can be successfully grown in the region if well‐timed fungicide sprays are administered. Under high late blight pressure, fungicide application was necessary but integration of resistant cultivars in late blight management assisted in reducing the amount and frequency of fungicide applications. However, integration of timely planting (early planting) is difficult due to limitations in weather monitoring and the subsistence nature of the farming system in the eastern African highlands.
o‐Hydroxyethylorutin‐Mediated Enhancement of Tomato Resistance to Botrytis cinerea depends on a Burst of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Małolepsza U. , Urbanek H. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract o‐Hydroxyethylorutin, when applied exogenously to tomato plants was effective in enhancing resistance to Botrytis cinerea infection. Two tomato cultivars, high and low in susceptibility to B. cinerea, were analysed for superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide generation rates, for changes in lipid peroxidation and activities in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase. The reactions observed in uninfected tomato plants, in plants infected with B. cinerea, and in those treated with o‐hydroxyethylorutin and infected with the pathogen were compared. The most significant increase in superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide generation was observed in plants pretreated with o‐hydroxyethylorutin and then infected with the pathogen. It was greater and generally occurred earlier in pretreated, less susceptible plants as compared to more susceptible ones. Some decrease in ascorbate peroxidase activity resulting from inoculation with B. cinerea plants pretreated with o‐hydroxyethylorutin was observed in studied plants. The results indicate that o‐hydroxyethylorutin‐induced tomato resistance to B. cinerea infection depends on its stimulation of reactive oxygen species generation and they confirm the important role of enhanced production of ROS in induced plant resistance reactions.
Production of Perithecia of Various Ascomycotina on Water Agar Medium Emended with Leaf Pieces
Authors: Furukawa T. , Kishi K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA simple agar medium emended with leaf pieces of Hydrangea or Gardenia (ALP) was found to be effective for perithecia and ascospore formation of Glomerella singulata, Mycosphaerella allicina, Metasphaeria sp., Guignardia sp. and Pleospora herbarum which failed to form ascospores on potato dextrose agar (PDA). No perithecia of Gibberella formed on this medium, but sporodochial conidia of Fusarium formed on ALP but not on PDA.
Genetic Diversity of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae Strains and Comparison with some other X. arboricola Pathovars using Repetitive PCR Genomic Fingerprinting
Authors: Scortichini M. , Rossi M. P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe genetic relationship within 26 Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae strains and between this pathovar and 20 strains of X. arboricola pv. corylina, 22 strains of X. arboricola pv. juglandis and 16 strains of X. arboricola pv. pruni has been assessed by means of repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep‐PCR) using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus), BOX (BOXA subunit of the BOX element of Streptococcus pneumoniae) and repetitive extragenic palindromic primer sets. Cluster analysis was performed by means of unweighted paired group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA). Upon rep‐PCR and UPGMA cluster analysis, a relevant genetic diversity was found within the strains. The overall similarity, however, was high (i.e. 80%). The four X. arboricola pathovars showed similar but clearly different genomic patterns and clustered into four different groups, with X. arboricola pv. corylina and X. arboricola pv. juglandis more closely related to X. arboricola pv. fragariae. Representative strains of X. arboricola pv. fragariae and the putative xanthomonads isolated from strawberry leaves showing leaf blight symptoms underwent pathogenicity tests. After artificial inoculation, X. arboricola pv. fragariae induced necrotic spots accompanied, sometimes, by a chlorotic halo. The blackening of the leaf veins and peduncle was, sometimes, also observed. The four putative xanthomonads isolated from diseased strawberry leaves and not inducing symptoms after artificial inoculation, clustered apart from X. arboricola pathovars.
Effects of Sunflower Oil on Tomato Powdery Mildew Caused by Oidium neolycopersici
Authors: Ko W. H. , Wang S. Y. , Hsieh T. F. , Ann P. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWhen tomato leaves were sprayed with 0.1% emulsified canola oil, corn oil, grape seed oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, soya bean oil or sunflower oil, the severity of powdery mildew caused by Oidium neolycopersici was greatly reduced. Among these edible oils tested, sunflower oil was the most effective in the control of powdery mildew. When sprayed with 0.5% sunflower oil, powdery mildew on tomato leaves was reduced to a negligible level. Sunflower oil applied to halves of upper leaf surface did not induce resistance against the pathogen in the non‐treated halves. When applied to halves of lower leaf surface, it also failed to reduce the severity of powdery mildew on the upper leaf surface right above the treated area indicating that control of the powdery mildew by sunflower oil did not result from activation of host defence mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy showed that control of powdery mildew with sunflower oil resulted mainly from the inhibition of conidial germination and suppression of mycelial growth of the pathogen.
Effects of Plant‐Induced Hypervitaminosis D on Cutaneous Structure, Cell Differentiation and Cell Proliferation in Cattle
Authors: Gimeno E. J. , Costa E. F. , Gomar M. S. , Massone A. R. , Portiansky E. L. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) (synonym S. malacoxylon) is a plant toxic to cattle due to its high levels of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 as glycoside derivatives. Sg causes a disease characterized by wasting and calcification of soft tissues. The effects of vitamin D are not only important in calcium homeostasis, but also in immune regulation, cell growth and cell differentiation. Skin samples in Sg‐intoxicated and control heifers were studied histologically. Cellular differentiation and proliferation were analysed by immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratins, involucrin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results were obtained by image processing and analysis and were statistically evaluated. Sg‐intoxicated cattle showed atrophy of epidermis and severe involution of hair follicles and of sebaceous and sweat glands. As judged by PCNA expression, cellular proliferation was reduced, even though the reduction was not statistically significant. The analysed markers of differentiation, e.g. involucrin and cytokeratins 10 and 11, changed in relation to Sg‐poisoning. The possible pathogenesis of the skin lesions is discussed.
Haemangiosarcoma with a Metastasis of a Malignant Mixed Mammary Gland Tumour in a Dog
Authors: HILBE M. , HAUSER B. , ZLINSZKY K. , EHRENSPERGER F. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAn 11‐year‐old dog with a history of weight loss, anorexia, anaemia, epistaxis and a nodule in the mammary gland showed multifocal lung masses during radiography. At necropsy as well as in the histological examination two different tumours were identified in several organs including the right heart auricle. By immunohistochemistry, using a double‐staining DAKO® kit (DAKO Diagnostics, Zug, Switzerland), it was possible to identify the two components as haemangiosarcoma and metastasizing malignant mixed mammary gland tumour.
PrP Genotyping of Austrian Sheep Breeds
Authors: SIPOS W. , KRAUS M. , SCHMOLL F. , ACHMANN R. , BAUMGARTNER W. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryScrapie, an ovine and caprine transmissible spongiforme encephalopathy, is widely spread among sheep populations in many European countries. As it is known that susceptibility to scrapie is determined genetically, breeding programmes aiming at providing scrapie‐resistant flocks have been established. Selection is based on the prion protein (PrP) genotype, which is used to classify animals into risk groups of susceptibility (R1–R5) according to the amino acids encoded by codons at positions 136, 154 and 171, respectively. At position 136 (136V→136A) alanine and at position 154 (154H→154R) as well as 171 (171Q→171R) arginine are the favoured amino acids. Whereas PrP genotyping data are available for many of the European sheep breeds, comparable data for local Austrian sheep breeds are missing. The most known among these are Tyrolean mountain sheep, forest sheep, Tyrolean stone sheep and Carynthian sheep. The genotypes of 112 sheep from these four local breeds were determined. In terms of PrP genetics, Austrian breeds belong to the group of non‐valine‐breeds, with the exception of the Carynthian sheep, that exhibited a frequency of 136V of 4.2%. The most frequent allele was ARQ with 64.6–71.2% (depending on the breed), followed by ARR (14.8–25.8%). In contrast to the above‐mentioned findings, scrapie has never been diagnosed in any of the Austrian sheep breeds. Native Austrian sheep breeds exhibit a very robust constitution, a pronounced adaptation to harsh climates and good reproduction parameters as well as a marked mother‐instinct. Therefore, these breeds are often used in cross‐breeding programmes. Beside the above‐mentioned characteristics, our results indicate that the investigated breeds may be effectively used in crossing‐out breeding programmes for eliminating valine at position 136 of PrP.
Rumen‐Protected Choline Administration to Transition Cows: Effects on Milk Production and Vitamin E Status
Authors: Pinotti L. , Baldi A. , Politis I. , Rebucci R. , Sangalli L. , Dell'Orto V. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryWe investigated the influence of rumen‐protected choline (RPC) supplementation on milk production, lipid metabolism and vitamin E status in dairy cows receiving a silage‐based diet. Twenty‐six Italian Holstein multiparous cows were assigned by weight and average production in the previous lactation, to one of two groups: control (no RPC supplementation) and RPC (supplemented with 20 g/day rumen‐protected choline chloride). Treatment began 14 days before expected calving and continued for 30 days after parturition. Choline administration significantly increased milk production during the first month of lactation and also the concentration (and total secretion) of choline in milk, but did not affect fat or protein concentrations in milk, or plasma levels of glucose, β‐hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). However, around parturition, NEFA concentrations in plasma were lower in treated animals than in controls, suggesting improved lipid metabolism as a result of choline supplementation. Choline supplementation also increased α‐tocopherol plasma concentrations, suggesting a novel aspect in dairy cows.