bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Germination behaviour of dormant oilseed rape seeds in relation to temperature
Authors: PEKRUN C. , LUTMAN P. J. W. , BAEUMER K. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySeeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L., cv. Liglandor) were induced into secondary dormancy by imbibing them for 2‐4 weeks in an osmotic solution at ‐1500 kPa in darkness. Treated seeds were then transferred into pots or Petri dishes, where they were given adequate water for germinatton. These pots and Petri dishes were exposed to various temperature regimes during the course of the following 6–14 months. During that time, seed samples were taken at 2‐ to 6‐ weekly intervals to monitor survival of seeds and to study their dormancy. The ntimber of seeds that had not germinated in pots or Petri dishes remained constant in the majority of treatments. but it declined when seeds were exposed to pronounced daily temperature alternations. This decline was due to germination and not to death of seeds from other causes. Germination tests on subsamples of seeds showed that they were light sensitive, more seeds germinating in the light than in the dark. The seeds’germination behaviour differed between samphng dates. This variation in germination behaviour appeared not to display the classical dormancy:non‐dormancy cycle. Part of the variation seemed to be due to the changes in temperature that the seeds experienced when taken from pots and set up in the germination tests. Seeds exposed to a constant temperature for 1 year appeared lo become more dormant with time. The relevance of this work in relation to the persistence of volunteer oilseed rape is discussed.
Effects of nitrogen supply on competition between wheat and three annual weed species
Authors: IQBAL J. , WRIGHT D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThree pot experiments have investigated the effects of nitrogen (N) supply on interspecific competition between three weed species (Phalaris minor Retz., Chenopodium album L, and Sinapis arvensis L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv, Alexandria. The treatments tested included monocultures of each species and a mix‐ture containing them in equal proportions that were combined factorially with two levels of N supply (20, 120 kg N ha‐1). Low N supply decreased net photosynthetic rate (Pn), leaf N percentage, plant dry weight and N uptake of both wheat and weed species and gram dry weight of wheat. The effects of low N on Pn and dry weight of weeds were greater than the effects on wheat. In most cases the decrease in Pn at low N was due to non‐stomatal factors. The relative competitive abilities of wheat and weeds were influenced by N supply. At high N, S.arvensis was more competitive than wheat, whereas P. minor was less competitive than wheat. C. album was more competitive than wheat at both N levels. The rank order of competitive ability of the weed species was C. album > P. minor > S. arvensis. The effects of interspecific competition on Pn were smaller than the effects of N supply and were not associated with corresponding effects on leaf N percentage and plant dry weight of both wheat and weed species and grain dry weight of wheat.
Use of the extended BBCH scale—general for the descriptions of the growth stages of mono; and dicotyledonous weed species
Authors: HESS M. , BARRALIS G. , BLEIHOLDER H. , BUHR L. , EGGERS TH. , HACK H. , STAUSS R. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe extended BBCH scale is a system for a uniform coding of phenologicaliy similar growth stages of all mono‐ and dicotyledonous plant species, based on the well known cereal code of Zadoks et al. (1974). The BBCH key is it decimal system, with 10 principal growth stages and up to 10 secondary ones, starting with seed germination, sprouting of perennials, progressing through leaf production and extension growth to flowering and senescence. Therefore, it can also be a suitable tool to define the growth stages of different weed species. To encourage further use of the BBCH scale in weed research, definitions of the codes have been more closely adapted to weeds. Possible problems are discussed and guidelines for correct use are given.
Serological characteristics of peanut allergy in children
Authors: Bernard H. , Paty E. , Mondoulet L. , Burks A. W. , Bannon G. A. , Wal J. M. , Scheinmann P. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Food challenge is considered an excellent clinical tool for the diagnosis of specific food allergy. However in the case of peanut allergy it may be difficult to perform because of the severity of the reactions. The quantitation of a specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to different peanut allergens could also contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis. We characterized the IgE response to a whole peanut protein extract and to Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in different groups of patients classified according to the severity of their allergic reactions.Methods:  Specific serum IgE were analyzed in 96 children by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests using a whole protein extract or purified peanut proteins and anti‐human IgE monoclonal antibodies labeled with acetylcholinesterase.Results:  A parallel was observed between levels of peanut‐specific IgE and the classification in five groups and subgroups of patients upon increasing severity of symptoms, especially within the group of highest severity. Moreover, the highest frequency of positive response and the highest levels of specific IgE were observed with whole peanut protein extract.Conclusion:  In a retrospective evaluation of peanut allergy in children, we have shown that quantitation of peanut‐specific IgE could be used to avoid a food challenge particularly in the case of severe reactions. When compared to Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, whole peanut protein extract appeared to be the most appropriate allergen to perform the test.
Allergenicity of varieties of soybean
Authors: Codina R. , Ardusso L. , Lockey R. F. , Crisci C. , Medina I. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Soybean hulls (SHs) cause respiratory allergies. This study investigates the allergenicity of soybean varieties (SVs) by in vivo and in vitro tests.Methods:  Ten SVs were studied: (a) five with a proved clinical relevance (SVs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), the last four with a ‘dull’ phenotype; (b) five of undetermined relevance, three of them (SVs 6, 7, 8) with a ‘shiny’ phenotype, and two (SVs 9 and 10) with a ‘dull’ phenotype. Extracts from all 10 SVs were used to skin prick test (SPT) 21 subjects sensitized to SHs. Positive and negative sera pools prepared from sera of subjects sensitized or not to SHs, respectively, were utilized to perform in vitro experiments (specific IgE and IgG4 determinations, SDS‐PAGE/IgE‐Western blot, and IgE‐inhibition).Results:  In this study, it was found that 52.4, 52.4, 57.1, 71.4, 80.9, 42.9, 57.1, 71.4, 52.4, and 38.1% subjects had a positive SPT with SVs 1–10, respectively (P NS). Specific IgE values to SVs 1–10 obtained with the positive pool are 28.3, 26.4, 29.9, 28.3, 26.8, 4.8, 13.4, 6.7, 24.7, and 17.5% total counts bound, respectively; and specific IgG4 values 0.851, 0.818, 0.721, 1.609, 0.789, 0.617, 0.662, 0.0, 1.127, and 0.934 OD units, respectively; the microgram of protein required to produce 50% inhibition are 2.5, 3.7, 4.5, 2.4, 5, 39.8, 25.2, 25.1, 4.5, and 8.9, respectively. A 7‐kDa band is present in all SVs except in those with a ‘shiny’ phenotype.Conclusions:  The SVs with a ‘shiny’ phenotype contain less allergens than the other SVs studied, as determined by in vitro tests. However, SPT results with the SVs do not differ. Genetic screens should be devised to select plants with reduced, preferably absent, allergenicity, but with a high nutritional value, and this allergenicity should be studied utilizing in vivo and in vitro tests.
Prediction of buckwheat allergy using specific IgE concentrations in children
Authors: Sohn M. H. , Lee S. Y. , Kim K.‐E. 
Published: November 2003

Introduction:  Buckwheat (BW) is considered to be one of the most important food allergens, and positive skin tests are found in about 5% of Koreans. We investigated the positive and negative predictive values of BW‐specific IgE in subjects with a BW allergy in order to reduce the need for buckwheat challenge, which can be more riskier than other causes of food allergies.Methods:  Twenty‐eight BW allergic subjects with symptoms after BW Open food challenge and 16 asymptomatic control subjects with positive skin test to BW were recruited. Serum samples from all patients were analyzed for BW‐specific IgE antibodies using the Pharmacia CAP System.Results:  According to the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimal cutoff level of BW‐specific IgE, as the definitions of serum BW‐specific IgE positive, was 1.26 kUA/l. With this selected cutoff level, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 93.10, 93.33, 79.75 and 97.96%, respectively.Conclusion:  The use of the optimal cutoff level, 1.26 kUA/l, that simultaneously maximizes sensitivity and specificity, would be helpful for avoiding unnecessary risky challenge in children with a strong clinical history and skin test responses.
Clinical and immunological effects of low‐dose IFN‐α treatment in patients with corticosteroid‐resistant asthma
Authors: Simon H.‐U. , Seelbach H. , Ehmann R. , Schmitz M. 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Interferon (IFN)‐α is a cytokine that possesses potent anti‐viral and immunoregulatory activities. We aimed to assess clinical and immunological effects of low‐dose IFN‐α in patients with severe corticosteroid‐resistant asthma with and without Churg–Strauss syndrome. There is currently no efficient pharmacological treatment available for this group of patients.Methods:  We studied 10 patients with corticosteroid‐resistant asthma, in which 3×106 IU/day IFN‐α were administrated in addition to the prednisone dose given already before introduction of the cytokine therapy. The prednisone dose was gradually reduced dependent on the clinical situation and used as a clinical readout to evaluate the efficacy of the cytokine therapy. To distinguish between IFN‐α‐ and prednisone‐mediated immunological changes, the corticosteroid dose was kept constant for at least 2 weeks upon introduction of the cytokine therapy in seven patients. The effects of treatment on clinical and immunological parameters were measured at 2–4 weeks and 5–10 months depending on the availability of the patient.Results:  Interferon‐α treatment rapidly improved the clinical situation as assessed by lung function parameters and required prednisone dose. Important immunological changes included: decreased leukocyte numbers, increased relative numbers of CD4+ T cells, increased differentiation of T helper (Th)1 cells, and increased expression of interleukin (IL)‐10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Conclusion:  Interferon‐α treatment was associated with dramatic improvements in the condition of patients with corticosteroid‐resistant asthma with and without Churg–Strauss syndrome. Potential mechanisms of action include the establishment of a correct Th1/Th2 balance and the induction of the anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 gene.
Mutations in the C‐terminal domain of ALSV (Avian Leukemia and Sarcoma Viruses) integrase alter the concerted DNA integration process in vitro
Authors: Moreau Karen , Faure Claudine , Violot Sébastien , Verdier Gérard , Ronfort Corinne 
Published: November 2003

Integrase (IN) is the retroviral enzyme responsible for the integration of the DNA copy of the retroviral genome into the host cell DNA. The C‐terminal domain of IN is involved in DNA binding and enzyme multimerization. We previously performed single amino acid substitutions in the C‐terminal domain of the avian leukemia and sarcoma viruses (ALSV) IN [Moreau et al. (2002). Arch. Virol.147, 1761–1778]. Here, we modelled these IN mutants and analysed their ability to mediate concerted DNA integration (in an in vitro assay) as well as to form dimers (by size exclusion chromatography and protein–protein cross‐linking). Mutations of residues located at the dimer interface (V239, L240, Y246, V257 and K266) have the greatest effects on the activity of the IN. Among them: (a) the L240A mutation resulted in a decrease of integration efficiency that was concomitant with a decrease of IN dimerization; (b) the V239A, V249A and K266A mutants preferentially mediated non‐concerted DNA integration rather than concerted DNA integration although they were found as dimers. Other mutations (V260E and Y246W/ΔC25) highlight the role of the C‐terminal domain in the general folding of the enzyme and, hence, on its activity. This study points to the important role of residues at the IN C‐terminal domain in the folding and dimerization of the enzyme as well as in the concerted DNA integration of viral DNA ends.
Mechanisms of motor vehicle accidents that predict major injury
Authors: Palanca Sylvia , Taylor David McD , Bailey Michael , Cameron Peter A 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective: To assess whether prehospital triage guidelines, based on mechanistic criteria alone, accurately identify victims of motor vehicle accidents (MVA) with major injury.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the Royal Melbourne Hospital trauma database. Mechanisms analysed were those outlined by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and Advanced Trauma Life Support/Early Management of Severe Trauma prehospital triage guidelines.Results: There were 621 MVA analysed, 253 with major injury (40.7%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated prolonged extrication time (P < 0.0001), cabin intrusion (P = 0.047), high speed (P = 0.003) and ejection from vehicle (P = 0.04) were statistically associated with major injury. Vehicle rollover and fatality in the same vehicle were not statistically associated with major injury.Conclusions: These data suggest that existing guidelines for the prehospital triage of MVA victims, based on mechanistic criteria alone may need revision.
How secure are Australian emergency departments?
Authors: Merfield Eve 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective: To ascertain the level of security arrangements in Australian EDs.Methods: A postal survey to the directors of all Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) accredited EDs in Australia. A score based on the ACEM design guidelines for EDs was given. A maximum score of 12 correlated with compliance with the 12 specific ACEM recommendations. Questions regarding satisfaction with security and occurrence of a major incident within the prior five years were included.Results: There was an 88% response rate to the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 63% were unhappy with the level of security in their ED and 81% reported the occurrence of a major incident within five years. The average score out of 12 was 8.39 (SD 2.4). A total of 7% scored 12/12 and 21% scored 6 or less. There was no difference in scores when the ED were grouped by age, locality or annual attendances.Conclusions: The vast majority of Australian EDs do not comply with all ACEM recommendations on security and most department directors are unhappy with the existing level of security in their departments. This is of concern in light of the negative impact of violence on the well‐being of ED staff.
AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTION LARYNGOPLASTY FOR UNILATERAL VOCAL FOLD PARALYSIS
Authors: Havas Thomas E. , Priestley K. Jocelyn 
Published: November 2003

Background:  Fat injection laryngoplasty has been used at the Sydney Voice Clinic for selected cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis since 1989.Methods:  Forty‐five consecutive cases deemed suitable for treatment by this technique are presented in this paper.Results:  Mean follow up for this group of patients was 33 months. Over the period of follow up, 39 of the 45 patients achieved normal or near normal voice, with four patients requiring additional surgical intervention.Conclusion:  Fat injection laryngoplasty is a quick, simple, inexpensive and reliable procedure, with few complications and good long‐term results in suitable selected cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.
Cumulative strain theory for simulation and development of wire drawing
Authors: BITKOV V. V. , ZALAZINSKY A. G. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTThe problem of deformability of metal without fracture is of great importance. In drawing practice it is required that the wire of the finished size should have specific mechanical and technological properties. In choosing the diameter of the initial rolled wire it is necessary to know not only initial parameters of plasticity and strength but also the character of their change in drawing. In the absence of a generalized parameter of metal plasticity it is not possible to make a critical examination of wire‐drawing routes in terms of parameters of plasticity. In the present work an attempt is made to provide a mathematical apparatus based on a phenomenological model of fracture in order to compute the plasticity reserve of hot‐rolled rod when it is subjected to both drawing and to control tests.
Performance of the tobacco aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Oriental and Virginia tobacco varieties
Authors: Goundoudaki Stavroula , Tsitsipis John A. , Margaritopoulos John T. , Zarpas Konstandinos D. , Divanidis Savas 
Published: November 2003

Abstract  1 The life parameters of one red and one green clone of Myzus persicae reared on 11 Oriental tobacco type varieties (KP7, K63, KZ10/z, MA13/b, BX2/a, N34/4, KP14/a, Kolindros, S79, TA21 and BX81) and on five Virginia ones (VE9, VE3, SPG28‐VE2, Kleio‐KN1 and Niki‐NK3) at 20 °C and LD 16 : 8 h were examined.2 In general, the clones, performed better on Oriental than on Virginia type varieties. The varieties TA21 and Kolindros could be considered as the most resistant among the Oriental ones. Aphids on Virginia varieties showed longer developmental time (9.1–9.6 days), a lower intrinsic rate of increase (0.2347–0.2647) and higher nymphal mortality (27.9–52.5%) than on Oriental varieties. The corresponding values in the latter were 7.3–9.0 days, 0.2784–0.3302 and 10.0–47.9%.3 The leaves of Virginia type varieties (188–471 hairs/cm2) and one Oriental (K63) 273 hairs/cm2 were more hairy than the other Oriental type varieties (61–150 hairs/cm2). The Virginia type varieties showed also a lower level of reducing sugars (3.5–7.2%) than the Oriental ones (7.0–9.8%). Trichome density and level of reducing sugars were significantly negatively correlated with developmental time and intrinsic rate of increase.4 An interclonal variation in performance, possibly related to the colour of aphids, was observed. The red clone performed better than the green one. The same trend was observed when the results of the previous clones on the variety KP14/a were analysed with the data obtained on the same variety from two other clones (one red and one green).
Anal fistulotomy between Skylla and Charybdis
Authors: Westerterp M. , Volkers N. A. , Poolman R. W. , Van Tets W. F. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective  This study was undertaken to assess the results of anal fistulotomy on faecal continence, recurrence and satisfaction.Methods  We reviewed the records of 60 patients who underwent anal fistulotomy between 1997 and 2000. Follow‐up was by a questionnaire with 46 (77%) patients responding. Mean follow‐up was 1–4 years. Fistulas were intersphincteric in 12 patients and transsphincteric in 34 patients. Operative procedure consisted of fistulotomy.Results  Of 11 patients with high fistula, 9 (82%) had impaired continence; Of 17 patients with midanal fistula, 4 (24%) suffered impaired continence. Eighteen patients had a low fistula and 8 (44%) developed impaired continence. In the whole group 50% had suffered faecal incontinence. There were no recurrences and there was satisfaction with the situation in 87% of patients.Conclusions  Fistulotomy for primary fistula in ano in this retrospective study with a follow‐up up to 4 years was associated with no recurrences. Eighty‐two percent of patients with a high anal opening have impaired faecal continence, nevertheless patients' satisfaction is high.
Anal sphincter tears in patients with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence
Authors: Woods R. , Voyvodic F. , Schloithe A. C. , Sage M. R. , Wattchow D. A. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective  Faecal incontinence often persists after surgery for rectal prolapse. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed as responsible, however, anal sphincter integrity has only been studied in a handful of cases. This study assesses the incidence of ultrasound detected anal sphincter tears in patients with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence.Methods  Retrospective search of medical records at Flinders Medical Centre over a 7‐year period to identify patients with full thickness rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence who had undergone endosonographical imaging of the anal sphincter complex. Anal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency studies were also included.Results  Twenty‐one patients were identified (1 male, 20 female) of median age 67.5 years. Fifteen (71%) subjects had an abnormality in the anal sphincter complex on endoanal ultrasound. Of these, the defects in 4 (19%) patients were isolated to the internal sphincter, 3 (14%) to the external sphincter and in the remaining 8 (38%) subjects, defects were found in both internal and external sphincters. The degree of sphincteric defect was variable but at least 6 (29%) of the study group had full‐length external sphincter tears. In the 19 patients studied, anal manometry revealed reduced basal and squeeze pressures in the majority. Delayed pudendal nerve terminal motor latency was evident in 9 of 18 patients studied.Conclusion  Anal sphincter tears are common in patients presenting with rectal prolapse and faecal incontinence. The faecal incontinence associated with prolapse appears to be multifactorial in aetiology. Anal sphincter defects are likely to contribute to persistent faecal incontinence or recurrence following rectal prolapse. Endoanal ultrasound derived knowledge of anal sphincter injury may guide surgical management in problematic cases.
Botulinum toxin injection inhibits myogenic tone and sympathetic nerve function in the porcine internal anal sphincter
Authors: Jones O. M. , Moore J. A. , Brading A. F. , Mortensen N. J. Mc. C. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractObjective  Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for anal fissure, though there is a lack of agreement over the optimal site for its injection. This reflects our current ignorance of its mechanism, and whether it has any action on the nerves of the internal anal sphincter (IAS). This study set out to resolve this issue through use of a pig model.Materials and methods  Eight pigs were studied in pairs: one of each pair received a botulinum toxin injection into the anal sphincter, whilst the other acted as its control. Manometry was performed every two weeks under anaesthesia. Pigs were slaughtered at between four and six weeks after injection and the properties of the IAS compared in vitro.Results  Whilst maximum anal resting pressure (MARP) increased slowly in control pigs during the experimental period, reflecting weight gain, a fall was observed in treated pigs. In vitro, IAS strips from control pigs generated 400 mg of spontaneous tone per gram of tissue (± 45; standard error), compared to 250 (± 25) mg/g tissue from treated pigs (P < 0.01). Electric Field Stimulation at 50Hz produced 150 (± 22) mg contraction/gram tissue in IAS strips from control pigs compared to 53 (± 13) mg/g tissue in treated pigs (P < 0.0005). This contractile response was blocked by guanethidine.Conclusion  Botulinum toxin has a significant action on the IAS. It reduces myogenic tone and contractile responses of this tissue to sympathetic nerve stimulation. Further studies are required to clarify its mechanism of action more precisely.