bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature, relative humidity and duration of wetness period on germination and infection by conidia of the pear scab pathogen (Venturia nashicola)
Authors: Li B. , Zhao H. , Li B. , Xu X.‐M. 
Published: November 2003

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of temperature, relative humidity (RH) and duration of wetness period on in vitro germination of conidia and infection of detached pear leaves by Venturia nashicola, the causal agent of pear scab. Conidia germinated only in near‐saturation humidity (RH > 97%). The final percentage germination (24 h after inoculation) at 100% RH without free water was less than half that in free water. Conidia germinated over the range of temperatures tested (5–30°C); the optimum temperature for germination was ≈21°C. Changes in percentage germination of conidia over time were fitted by logistic models at each individual temperature. Polynomial models satisfactorily described the relationships between two (rate and time to 50% of maximum germination) of the three logistic model parameters and temperature. The minimum length of the wetness period for successful infection of detached pear leaves by conidia was observed at several temperatures. The shortest length of wetness period required for infection was 7 h at 22°C. Two polynomial models fitted well the relationship between the minimum wetness duration required for infection, and temperature.
Evaluating Verticillium dahliae for biological control of Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi in Ulmus minor
Authors: Solla A. , Gil L. 
Published: November 2003

The ability of isolate Vd‐48 of Verticillium dahliae to induce resistance against subsequent challenge with Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi was examined in Ulmus minor. In the first experiment, conditioning inoculation of 5‐year‐old elm trees (2–3 m in height) with Vd‐48 15 days prior to challenge inoculation with O. novo‐ulmi significantly reduced wilting (P ≤ 0·05) compared with trees not conditioned with Vd‐48. However, in another experiment on 6‐year‐old trees (2–3·5 m in height), no protection was achieved when the length of time between conditioning and challenge inoculations was 45 or 60 days. In a further experiment, inoculations with Vd‐48 alone resulted in severe wilting in 22 out of 118 trees (6–10 years old and 4–7 m in height). Across the 2 years of this last trial, nine trees showed massive feeding wounds made by Scolytus sp., while O. novo‐ulmi strains were isolated from six trees. Vd‐48 provided a variable prophylactic effect against O. novo‐ulmi in U. minor. Major difficulties with this approach to control Dutch elm disease are discussed.
Relative significance of nursery infections and orchard inoculum in the development and spread of apple canker (Nectria galligena) in young orchards
Authors: McCracken A. R. , Berrie A. , Barbara D. J. , Locke T. , Cooke L. R. , Phelps K. , Swinburne T. R. , Brown A. E. , Ellerker B. , Langrell S. R. H. 
Published: November 2003

Three nurseries produced apple rootstocks (M9) and budwood (cv. Royal Gala), which they exchanged at the end of the first year. Each nursery then budded its own budwood onto the rootstocks it had produced and that from the other two nurseries. Budded trees were grown on for a further year before being planted at HRI, East Malling in southern England; NIHPBS, Loughgall in Northern Ireland; and ADAS, Rosemaund in the West Midlands of England. Canker development was monitored twice a year. The position of the infected trees within the orchard was recorded, as was the position of the canker on each tree (main‐stem or peripheral). Nectria galligena was isolated from representative cankers and analysed using molecular techniques. At the sites in Northern Ireland and HRI there was a strong positional effect, especially of peripheral cankers, indicating that most of the inoculum was external and had been spread from neighbouring orchards. There was little or no positional effect on main‐stem cankers at any of the three sites. The proportions of different isolates taken from peripheral cankers was different in Northern Ireland from that in England, suggesting different populations associated with the geographic areas. In contrast, the populations of N. galligena obtained from main‐stem cankers were very similar in England and Northern Ireland. It was concluded that a small proportion of trees developing canker were infected during propagation, with no symptom development until after planting. In a second trial it was demonstrated that trees infected during the propagation phase, and particularly at budding and heading back, could develop canker up to 3 years later. While it is clear that some canker developing in the orchard can be associated with the nursery of production, in climatic conditions conducive to the formation and dissemination of conidia, inoculum from surrounding infected orchards is the primary source of the pathogen. Aerial spread is therefore an essential element of the epidemiology of N. galligena, and its control is a crucial part of any canker‐control programme.
Impact of the Cropping Systems of a Minor Dry Season on the Growth, Yields and Nitrogen Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L) Grown in the Humid Tropics during the Major Rainy Season
Authors: Sangakkara U. R. , Richner W. , Steinebrunner F. , Stamp P 
Published: November 2003

AbstractA field study evaluated the residual effect of a cropping system in two minor (dry) seasons on the productivity pattern and nitrogen utilization of a maize crop grown in the subsequent major (wet) seasons. The cropping systems established in the minor seasons, where evaporation exceeds rainfall, were either monocultures of maize (Zea mays L), or maize intercropped with either common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) or sunhemp (Crotolaria juncea L). In addition, monocultures of two green manures, namely sunhemp (Crotolaria juncea) or Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia), were established. The residues of maize and beans and the green manures were incorporated at the end of the minor season; at the onset of rains in the major season, maize crops were established on the same plots. Germination of maize was not affected by the previous cropping system. In contrast, crop growth and yields of maize and nitrogen utilization were affected by the previous cropping system. Optimum growth and highest yields were procured in maize that was grown after a green manure crop. Similarly, although the yields were high, the planting of a green manure crop reduced nitrogen utilization by maize in the major season, thereby indicating its potential contribution to sustainability, due to its lower mining of soil nitrogen. On the basis of the results of this two‐year study, the impact of cropping systems in minor seasons on the productivity of maize, a very important highland cereal in the tropics, grown under rain‐fed conditions in a major season, is presented.
Comparison of additional metformin or NPH insulin to mealtime insulin lispro therapy with mealtime human insulin therapy in secondary OAD failure
Authors: Altuntas Y. , Ozen B. , Ozturk B. , Sengul A. , Ucak S. , Ersoy O. , Karul S. 
Published: November 2003

Aim:  It has been found that non‐fasting plasma glucose is a better marker of diabetic control than fasting plasma glucose in type 2 diabetes. The main aim of treatment of type 2 diabetic patients is to control plasma glucose and HbA1c levels. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of three different insulin regimens (group I: lispro insulin + NPH insulin, group II: lispro insulin + metformin and group III: regular insulin + NPH insulin) on overall glycaemic control and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients with secondary oral anti‐diabetic drug failure.Methods:  Sixty type 2 diabetic patients with secondary OAD failure were randomly allocated into three different treatment groups equally. There were no significant differences between groups concerning age, body mass index, diabetes duration, HbA1c and serum lipid levels at the beginning of the study. During the 6‐month treatment period, blood glucose levels were determined 10 times during 24 h at pre‐meal, post‐prandial 1 and 2 h and at bedtime.Results:  Group I was found to be the most effective treatment regimen in controlling HbA1c levels (group I vs. group II, p = 0.013; group I vs. group III, p = 0.001; group II vs. group III, p > 0.05). When the comparison was made in each group, change in HbA1c was statistically significant for all groups (−3.18%, p = 0.001; −2.02%, p = 0.043 and −2.66%, p = 0.008 respectively). Group I was found to be more effective in controlling fasting and post‐prandial plasma glucose levels measured at all times during the day when compared with group II and group III. In group II triglyceride levels were found to be significantly reduced, whereas other groups had no effect on lipids. No serious hypoglycaemic episodes were observed in any of the cases, whereas in group I hypoglycaemic episode rates were increased (χ2 = 8.843, p = 0.012).Conclusions:  Lispro insulin plus NPH insulin regimen is more effective in controlling both pre‐ and post‐prandial glucose levels and HbA1c when compared to regular insulin plus NPH insulin combination. Mealtime lispro insulin plus metformin combination therapy should also be seriously considered as an effective and alternative treatment regimen. It is worthy of attention that insulin lispro plus metformin lowered triglyceride levels.
The neointimal response to endovascular injury is increased in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Shelton J. , Wang D. , Gupta H. , Wyss J. M. , Oparil S. , White C. R. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Restenosis after revascularization procedures is accelerated in persons with type 2 diabetes.Aim:  The current study tested the hypothesis that the neointimal response to endovascular injury is enhanced in female obese Zucker (OZ) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes.Methods:  Animals were randomized to receive either a standard diet (SD) or a diabetogenic diet (DD) for 6 weeks. Four weeks later, balloon injury of the right common carotid artery was induced. All rats were euthanized 2 weeks after injury. Lean Zucker (LZ) rats served as controls.Results:  At the time of death, plasma glucose was elevated in OZ rats fed a SD (208 ± 13 mg/dl) and a DD (288 ± 21 mg/dl) compared to corresponding LZ rats (SD: 153 ± 8; DD: 132 ± 7 mg/dl). The ratio of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) to total cholesterol (Totc), an index of atherogenicity, was reduced in OZ rats on both diets (SD: 0.77 ± 0.06; DD: 0.80 ± 0.09) compared to LZ controls (SD: 1.11 ± 0.02; DD: 1.20 ± 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis of injured arteries showed that the intima to media (I : M) ratio was significantly increased in OZ (1.37 ± 0.07) compared to LZ (0.79 ± 0.08) rats. Elevations in plasma glucose and triglycerides (Tg) correlated positively and decreases in HDLc negatively with an increased I : M ratio. Administration of the DD did not further enhance the I : M ratio in LZ (0.87 ± 0.06) or OZ (1.29 ± 0.09) rats.Conclusions:  These results suggest that neointima formation following endoluminal injury of the carotid artery is enhanced at an early stage in the development of diabetes mellitus.
Greater reductions in A1C in type 2 diabetic patients new to therapy with glyburide/metformin tablets as compared to glyburide co‐administered with metformin
Authors: Blonde L. , Wogen J. , Kreilick C. , Seymour A. A. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  A cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes, prescribed glyburide/metformin tablets, experienced significantly greater improvements in glycaemic control compared to patients receiving glyburide co‐administered with metformin.Aim:  To compare the change in A1C for type 2 diabetic patients new to combination therapy with fixed‐dose glyburide/metformin tablets vs. glyburide co‐administered with metformin in a usual‐care setting.Methods:  This retrospective cohort study analysed medication usage via an administrative pharmacy claims database and the patients' corresponding laboratory results. Patients were new to antidiabetic combination therapy with glyburide/metformin tablets or glyburide co‐administered with metformin between August 2000 and July 2001 and had A1C measurements at baseline and within 76–194 days of initiating combination therapy. The change from baseline in A1C was analysed using statistical regression to adjust for significant covariates (baseline A1C and dosage). Adherence with therapy was also compared.Results:  The cohort consisted of 950 patients who received glyburide/metformin tablets and 471 taking glyburide co‐administered with metformin. Glyburide/metformin patients were younger (mean age = 56 vs. 60 years, p < 0.0001) and received lower doses of each drug than patients taking glyburide co‐administered with metformin (glyburide mean final dose = 6 vs. 10 mg/day, p < 0.0001; metformin = 893 vs. 1297 mg/day, p < 0.0001). The mean decrease from baseline A1C, adjusted for baseline A1C and dosage, of 2.02% for glyburide/metformin tablets was significantly (p < 0.0001) greater than the decrease of 1.49% for glyburide co‐administered with metformin. Glyburide/metformin patients with baseline A1C ≥ 8 experienced a significantly (p < 0.0001) greater decrease in A1C of 2.93% compared to 1.92% for glyburide co‐administered with metformin. For patients with baseline A1C < 8%, the difference between the A1C responses remained significant, even though the reductions in A1C were smaller for both glyburide/metformin tablets and glyburide co‐administered with metformin (0.54% and 0.23%, p = 0.0017). Patients were more adherent with glyburide/metformin tablets (84% vs. 76%, p < 0.0001), though regression analysis indicated that adherence was not a significant predictor of change in A1C.Conclusions:  The lower medication doses delivered by glyburide/metformin tablets provided a significantly greater reduction in A1C than did glyburide co‐administered with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially when baseline A1C ≥ 8%.
Duration of obesity is not a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia
Authors: Hekimsoy Z. , Oktem I. K. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Obesity is known to be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension (HT) and hyperlipidaemia (HL), but the relationship between the duration of obesity and these outcomes is variable in the literature.Aims:  The aims of this study were 1) to evaluate whether the duration of obesity is a risk factor for type 2 DM, HT and HL, 2) to determine the incidence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 DM, HT and HL in the patients attending our clinic because of obesity and 3) to determine the correlation between DM, HT and HL and age, body mass index (BMI), duration of obesity and waist‐hip ratio (WHR).Methods:  Informed consent was obtained from 200 consecutive women presenting to our Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit for the first time because of obesity. The patient's history of the age at onset of obesity, HT and family history of DM were obtained. Anthropometric measurements and a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed.Results:  On OGTT, 15 (7.5%) had IFG, 36 (18%) had IGT and 18 (9%) had type 2 DM; in addition, 96 (48%) had HT and 76 (38%) had HL. Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis, age was a common risk factor for IGT, type 2 DM, HT and HL, and a family history of diabetes was an additional risk factor for type 2 DM.Conclusion:  The duration of obesity, as reported by women presenting for treatment of obesity, is not a risk factor for type 2 DM, HT and HL.
Comparison of thrice daily ‘high’ vs. ‘medium’ premixed insulin aspart with respect to evening and overnight glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ejskjaer N. , Rasmussen M. , Kamp N. , Lindholm A. , Christiansen J. S. 
Published: November 2003

Background: The glycaemic control of thrice daily treatment with premixed biphasic insulin aspart (BIAsp) without other antidiabetic therapy was tested in type 2 diabetic patients, in order to compare the glucose control of a ‘high’ mixture (BIAsp 70) or a ‘medium’ mixture (BIAsp 50) (70 or 50% soluble IAsp and 30 or 50% protamine‐crystallized IAsp, respectively) administered just before dinner.Aim: To compare these regimens to conventional 30 : 70 premixture on a twice a day basis.Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, two‐period crossover study included 16 patients with type 2 diabetes. Twenty four‐hour serum glucose and insulin profiles were obtained thrice: (1) after a one‐week run‐in period with biphasic human insulin (BHI) 30/70 twice daily (run‐in), (2) after 4 weeks of treatment with thrice daily BIAsp 70 before breakfast, lunch and dinner (Dinner70 regimen) and (3) after 4 weeks of BIAsp 70 before breakfast and lunch and BIAsp 50 before dinner (Dinner50).Results: Daytime average serum glucose was lower with Dinner70 compared to run‐in (9.6 ± 0.39 mmol/l vs. 11.2 ± 0.61 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Postprandial glucose excursions after breakfast and lunch were lower, but fasting morning glucose was higher during the treatment periods than in the run‐in period. Twenty four‐hour C‐peptide AUC was considerably lower during both treatment periods than in the run‐in period (run‐in/Dinner50 ratio 1.29 [1.08; 1.54] p < 0.01; run‐in/Dinner70 ratio 1.31 [1.08;1.58], p < 0.01).Conclusions: Switching the dinner dose to BIAsp 50 did not alter overall glucose control significantly from that provided with BIAsp 70. Exploratory analyses between the two active treatment regimens and run‐in/BHI indicate that thrice daily BIAsp 70 administration: (1) for optimization of the night‐time control, the dinner dose needs adjustment or replacement by a premixed insulin with a larger proportion of basal insulin than BIAsp 50 and (2) none of the premixtures adequately provide for both the evening meal and overnight requirements.
Insulin mimetic effects of macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complexes on streptozotocin‐induced experimental diabetes in rats
Authors: Ramachandran B. , Kandaswamy M. , Narayanan V. , Subramanian S. 
Published: November 2003

Aim:  The vanadium complexes so far tested for their insulin mimetic effects are either mono‐ or binuclear and contain only acyclic ligands. The leaching or hydrolysis of vanadyl ions from these complexes is much easier, and hence they elicit side effects. In the present study, a new binuclear macrocyclic oxovanadium complex was synthesized, and its efficacy was studied on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats over a period of 30 days.Methods:  The insulin mimetic effect of the complex was tested on the blood sugar level in the STZ‐diabetic rats and on the activities of the carbohydrate‐metabolizing enzymes present in the liver.Results:  Administration of vanadium complex to STZ‐induced diabetic rats decreased blood glucose levels from hyperglycaemic to normoglycaemic when compared to diabetic rats. The activity of carbohydrate‐metabolizing enzymes such as hexokinase, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, glycogen synthase and glycogen content were increased to near normal in vanadium complex‐administered diabetic rats. The biochemical studies such as assay of blood urea and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases revealed that the complex is not toxic to the system.Conclusion:  The nontoxic nature of this complex may be due to the presence of the vanadyl ions in an intact macrocyclic form. Further, the vanadyl ions present in the macrocyclic binuclear oxovanadium complex are very close to each other, and this may enhance the insulin mimetic activity by synergic effect.
HIV infection of women in African countries
Authors: Tabi M. M. , Frimpong S. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background: The increase in human immunodeficiency virus infection among women of childbearing age increases the potential risk for vertical transmission of infection to their newborns. Aim: This paper discusses literature reviewed on human immunodeficiency virus infection of women in Africa with reference to Ghana, West Africa. The paper provides an epidemiological overview of human immunodeficiency virus infection of women in Ghana and Africa and the potential risk for vertical transmission and associated contributing factors. Literature reviewed was retrieved from the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and United States National Library of Medicine databases. Conclusion and implications for practice: Findings from the review of literature suggest that human immunodeficiency virus infection of African women is a major public health problem which must be addressed and considered a priority in the next decade. Leadership in African countries including nurses and policy‐makers will have to do more to make a difference to the epidemic. Measures to reduce transmission of human immunodeficiency virus are discussed.
Two‐stage kinetic analysis of fragrance evaporation and absorption from skin
Authors: Saiyasombati P. , Kasting G. B. 
Published: November 2003

SynopsisHuman in vivo fragrance evaporation data from a previously published study are reanalysed in terms of compartmental pharmacokinetic models in which the microscopic rate constants are functions of the physicochemical properties of the fragrance components. According to the proposed analysis, which is restricted to low doses, absorption and evaporation of each component are first‐order processes occurring from either the skin (one‐compartment model) or the skin and a more rapidly depleted vehicle layer (two‐compartment models). Evaporation rates of ingredients from a 12‐component mixture containing a musk fixative followed single exponential decays that were well described by the one‐compartment model. An otherwise identical mixture without fixative yielded evaporation rates that could be characterized as biexponential decays associated with loss from two compartments. This result shows that ingredient interactions qualitatively and quantitatively change evaporation rate profiles of fragrance components; however, an attempt to account for these interactions explicitly by means of activity coefficients inserted as multipliers for the microscopic rate constants was unsuccessful. Re‐examination of this approach in the context of a diffusion/evaporation model is suggested. The developed models have potential utility for dermal risk assessment and for prediction of aroma evolution following topical application of complex fragrances.