bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Broad‐few‐leaflets and outwardly curved wings: two new mutants of chickpea
Authors: Gaur P. M. , Gour V. K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study was aimed at the induction of morphological mutations for increasing genetic variability and making available additional genetic markers for linkage studies in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). A wilt‐resistant, well‐adapted chickpea cultivar of central India,‘JG 315’(Jawahar gram 315), was used for the induction of mutations. Seeds presoaked in distilled water for 2 h were treated with ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) using six different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6%) and two different durations (6 and 8 h). Several morphological mutants were identified in M2. One of the mutants, isolated from a treatment of 0.3% EMS for 8 h, had five to nine large leaflets per leaf in comparison with 11‐17 normal‐sized leaflets per leaf observed in the parental cultivar ‘JG 315′. The mutant was designated broad‐few‐leaflets. Many leaves of this mutant showed a cluster of three to five overlapping leaflets at the terminal end. The other mutant, designated outwardly curved wings, was isolated from the 0.5% EMS treatment for 6 h. In this mutant, the wings were curved outwards, exposing the keel petal, while the wings in typical chickpea flowers are incurved and enclose the keel. The lines developed from the broad‐few‐leaflets and outwardly curved wings mutants were named JGM 4 (Jawahar gram mutant 4) and JGM 5, respectively. Inheritance studies indicated that each of these mutant traits is governed by a single recessive gene. The gene for broad‐few‐leaflets was designated bfl and the gene for outwardly curved wings was designated ocw. The locus bfl was found to be linked with the locus lg (light green foliage) with a map distance of 18.7 ± 6.3 cM.
Inheritance of resistance to Pythium dieback in the medicinal plant periwinkle
Authors: Kulkarni R. N. , Baskaran K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInheritance of resistance to dieback, caused by Pythium aphanider‐matum, in periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) was studied using a dieback‐resistant dwarf mutant, Dw, with a green stem, and a susceptible accession, OR, with a purple stem. Plants of parental F1, F2 and backcross generations were evaluated for resistance to dieback in a randomized complete block design with four replications, in a field plot that had been continuously planted with periwinkle in previous years and where dieback severity was high. Resistance to dieback was evaluated on two dates, i.e. when distinct differences between plants of the parental strains were noticed. From both quantitative and qualitative analyses of data, resistance to dieback appeared to be governed by a single gene (with a broad‐sense heritability of 0.85 and 0.79, depending on the date of evaluation), and was inherited independently of genes governing dwarfness and stem pigmentation.
Resistance to melon vine decline derived fromCucumis melossp.agrestis:genetic analysis of root structure and root response
Authors: Dias R. de C. S. , Picó B. , Espinos A. , Nuez F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMelon vine decline is a major soilborne disease that causes severe economic losses around the world. The fungal pathogensMonosporascus cannonballusPollack et Uecker andAcremonium cucurbitacearumAlfaro‐García, W. Gams et J. García‐Jiménez have been reported as the main causal agents of this disease. A relatively high level of resistance has been reported inCucumis meloL. ssp.agrestis(Naud.) Pangalo in the Asiatic accession Pat 81. Although specific resistance mechanisms controlling pathogen‐induced root lesions have been characterized in Pat 81, the development of a vigorous and branched root system can also appreciably increase its tolerance to vine collapse. The genetics of root traits related to root vigour and structure were studied in the progeny derived from a cross between Pat 81 and the highly susceptible cultivar ‘Piñonet’ market class ‘Piel de Sapo’(C. meloL. ssp.melo).The inheritance of specific resistance to soilborne fungi was also studied by analysing root response to inoculation employing naturally infested soil. Estimates of the broad‐(H) and narrow‐sense (h2) heritabilities indicated that the majority of the variation for lesion resistance in lateral and fine roots, in the root weight, root length, and the root surface area could be explained by additive effects, whereas dominance is important in plant biomass and resistance to lesions in hypocotyls. Selection for improved root systems conferring resistance and tolerance to vine decline was successfully conducted in BC1progeny derived from a Pat 81 ×‘Piñonet’ mating. Moderate values of heritabilities (0.03–0.76) suggest that breeding strategies that combine family and individual selection could enhance genetic progress. As some of the traits analysed exhibited heterosis, breeding methods directed towards recovering hybrid vigour may increase gain from selection.
Hyperactivated Motility in Sperm
Authors: Suarez SS , Ho H‐C 
Published: December 2004

ContentsHyperactivation is a movement pattern seen in sperm at the site and time of fertilization in mammals. It may be critical to the success of fertilization, because it enhances the ability of sperm to detach from the wall of the oviduct, to move around in the labyrinthine lumen of the oviduct, to penetrate mucous substances and, finally, to penetrate the zona pellucida of the oocyte. The movement of hyperactivated sperm appears different under different physical conditions and in different species, but basically it involves an increase in flagellar bend amplitude and, usually, beat asymmetry. Presumably, a signal or signals exist in the oviduct to initiate hyperactivation at the appropriate time; however, none has yet been identified with certainty. While the signal transduction cascade regulating hyperactivation remains to be completely described, it is clear that calcium ions interact with the axoneme of the flagellum to switch on hyperactivation. Although hyperactivation often occurs during the process of capacitation, the two events are regulated by somewhat different pathways.
On the Species Specificity of Sperm Binding and Sperm Penetration of the Zona Pellucida
Authors: Sinowatz F , Wessa E , Neumüller C , Palma G 
Published: December 2004

ContentsSperm binding and sperm penetration of the zona pellucida (zp) are regarded as species‐specific. In this investigation, the interactions between bovine oocytes and porcine, respectively, equine spermatozoa have been studied under in vitro conditions and compared with the normal in vitro fertilization of bovine oocytes by bovine sperm. Surprisingly, many of the heterologous spermatozoa adhered firmly to the bovine oocytes and could not be removed by intense washing. On average, more than 100 boar or equine spermatozoa were bound to the zp of bovine oocytes. Electron microscopic studies clearly demonstrated that porcine sperm attached to the zona and underwent the acrosome reaction. Equine spermatozoa displayed a similar binding affinity, but unlike the porcine spermatozoa even penetrated the zp and were taken up into the oocyte after a longer period of co‐incubation. Considering these new results the dogma of a strict species specificity of sperm zona interactions under in vitro conditions has to be reconsidered.
Application of Techniques for Sperm Selection in Fresh and Frozen‐Thawed Stallion Semen
Authors: Sieme H , Martinsson G , Rauterberg H , Walter K , Aurich C , Petzoldt R , Klug E 
Published: December 2004

ContentsThe objective of this research was to improve the techniques in processing chilled and frozen‐thawed horse semen. In a preliminary experiment (Exp. I), different techniques for sperm selection and preparation [Swim‐up, Glass wool (GW) filtration, Glass wool Sephadex (GWS) filtration; Percoll] were tested for their suitability for equine spermatozoa and results were compared with the routine procedure by dilution (Exp. I). In the main experiment (Exp. II), two sperm preparation techniques (GWS, Leucosorb®) refering to the results of Exp. I and a previous study of our group (Pferdcheilkunde 1996 12, 773) were selected for processing complete ejaculates either for cooled‐storage or cryopreservation. In a third experiment (Exp. III), pregnancy rates from inseminations with semen processed according to the techniques tested in Exp. II were compared with those obtained with semen processed according to routine procedures. In Exp. I (six stallions, six ejaculates/stallion), between 48 and 92% of spermatozoa were lost following the different sperm selection procedures (p < 0.05). Preparation of sperm increased percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (pms) [Swim‐up, GW, GWS vs dilution, Percoll (p < 0.05)] and decreased percentage of sperm head abnormalities [Swim‐up, GW, GWS vs dilution, Percoll (p < 0.05)] probably by not improving the quality of individual cells, but by elimination of spermatozoa of inferior quality. In Exp. II (eight stallions, three ejaculates/stallion) Leucosorb® and GWS procedures allowed the filtration of large volumes (extended ejaculates) for routine laboratory practice. GWS and Leucosorb® filtration resulted in increased motility, membrane integrity and sperm viability after storage of spermatozoa until 48 h at +5°C when compared with control (diluted) and centrifuged semen (p < 0.05). Significantly more spermatozoa were recovered after centrifugation (87.8 ± 15.4%) compared with GWS (63.5 ± 18.6%) and Leucosorb® filtration (53.6 ± 22.3%). GWS or Leucosorb® procedure resulted in successful cryopreservation of stallion semen without centrifugation for removal of seminal plasma. The per cycle conception rate of inseminated mares using 200 × 106 pms transferred within 8 h after collection of semen was not affected by GWS filtration or Leucosorb® separation when compared with centrifugation (n.s.; Exp. III). In conclusion, GWS and Leucosorb® filtration results in the improvement of semen quality and should be considered as a method for stallion semen processing. Additional studies are needed for the evaluation of potentially higher fertilizing ability of stallion spermatozoa separated by techniques for sperm selection.
Cumulus–Oocyte Communications in the Horse: Role of the Breeding Season and of the Maturation Medium
Authors: Colleoni S , Luciano AM , Gandolfi F 
Published: December 2004

ContentsHorse is a seasonal breeder and information on oocyte quality outside the breeding season is very limited. Ovaries obtained at the slaughterhouse are a convenient but often limited source of oocytes in this species. As the low quantity of ovaries leads to an intensive use of all available material, it would be useful to know whether ovaries collected during the non‐breeding season are suitable forin vitromaturation (IVM). In an attempt to characterize the effect of season on oocyte quality, we investigated the permeability of the gap junctions (GJ) present between cumulus cells and oocytes because of their important role in oocyte growth and maturation. We also compared the effect of supplementing the maturation medium with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or oestrus mare serum (EMS). A total of 645 oocytes isolated from 158 and 154 ovaries collected during the breeding and the non‐breeding season, respectively, were used in this study. Oocytes were matured for 30 h in TCM 199 supplemented either with 10% EMS or with 4 mg/ml BSA. The presence of permeable GJs between cumulus cells and oocytes was investigated with the injection of a 3% solution of the fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow into the ooplasm. No differences in efficiency of oocyte retrieval or oocyte meiotic competence were detected between oocytes collected during the breeding and non‐breeding season. The vast majority (90%) of the oocytes collected during the breeding season had fully functional communications with their surrounding cumulus cells but such communications were completely interrupted in 55.3% of the oocytes collected during the non‐breeding season. During the non‐breeding season, the proportion of oocytes whose communications with cumulus cells were classified as closed or intermediate at the end of maturation was lower in the group matured with BSA than with EMS (71.4 vs 97.7, p < 0.05). The same trend, although not statistically significant, was observed during the breeding season also. The presence of BSA caused an incomplete cumulus expansion during both seasons. Our data indicate that oocytes collected during the non‐breeding season do not show any meiotic deficiency but lack active communication with the surrounding cumulus cells at the time of their isolation from the ovary. No data are available at present for determining the consequences on the developmental competence even if data from other species suggest that this is likely.
CHILDHOOD POST‐STREPTOCOCCAL GLOMERULONEPHRITIS IS A DETERMINATE OF CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE IN LATER LIFE
Authors: A White , W Hoy , B Hayhurst , D. McCredie 
Published: December 2004

Background: An epidemic of end‐stage renal disease is occurring in Aboriginal people. Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) associated with pyoderma, occurs frequently in Aboriginal children, although it is virtually eliminated in the rest of Australia. We examined the association between PSGN in childhood and the development of chronic renal disease in later life.Methods: In a remote coastal community in the Northern Territory, we established a historical cohort of children who were aged 2‐15 years during epidemic PSGN in 1980 and 1987. History of PSGN during the epidemics was defined using clinical criteria from the original medical records. a) PSGN: haematuria/proteinuria plus oedema or hypertension n = 63 b) haematuria or proteinuria only n = 87, and c) controls: normal examination and urinalysis n = 89, or normal examination without urinalysis n = 135 or not seen n = 98. The main outcome measure, urine albumin to creatinine ratio ACR, was measured in these people at a mean time of 14 years after the epidemics and at a mean age of 20 yrs, range 8‐33.Results: Proportions with albuminuria at follow‐up.

All n = 472

Controls n = 322

Haem/prot n = 87<

PSGN n = 63

ACR ≥ 3.4
22%
18%
31%
32%

ACR ≥ 34
6%
4%
8%
13%

The relative risk (RR) for overt albuminuria (ACR ≥ 34) in those with a remote episode of PSGN compared to controls is 4.2 (95% CI 1.9‐9), after adjustment for age and sex, and the population attributable risk (PAR) is 32% (90% CI 11‐49). The RR of microalbuminuria (ACR ≥ 3.4) is 2.1 (95% CI 1.4‐3.1) and the PAR 14% (90% CI 6‐22). There were no differences in blood pressure, creatinine or calculated GFR.Conclusion: In this population, PSGN in childhood is a powerful risk factor for the development of albuminuria in early adult life.
ESTIMATING EFFECTS OF SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT ON RENAL FAILURE AND DEATH WITHOUT A PARALLEL PLACEBO CONTROL GROUP
Authors: We Hoy , P Baker , Z Wang , A Cass , Jd Mathews , P. Van Buynder 
Published: December 2004

Background: Chronic disease programs are poorly developed in most Aboriginal communities. Much disease is unrecognised or inadequately treated, although appropriate interventions profoundly reduce morbidity and mortality in nonAboriginal populations. Programs of improved management must aspire to best practice for all, so that maintaining parallel untreated control groups is unethical. This poses challenges for evaluating effect.Methods: We identified a large burden of chronic disease in a 1990‐1995 screening program in one community, and started a renal & cardiovascular‐protection program in Nov 1995. This centred around use of ACE inhibitors, rigorous BP control, better control of glycemia and lipids, & health education. By late 1999 about 275 people, or 30% of all adults had enrolled. The courses of BP, albuminuria and GFR was compared with those in the pre‐program era (ANZSN, 1999). Treatment effects on renal failure & natural death were estimated in 3 ways. 1) Comparison of these endpoints in the “intention to treat” group with those in persons potentially eligible for treatment on their 1990‐1995 screening results, ‘controls’. There was 50% overlap between the groups, & controls were younger and had less severe disease than the treatment group. 2.Community‐based trends in endpoints. 3. Comparison of these trends with those in other NT Top End communities.Results: 1. Risk ratios of rates, Kaplan Meier survivals, and Cox hazard ratios all showed better survival of the treated group over controls, with estimates of 41%‐64% reductions in endpoints, after accounting for disease severity. 2. Dialysis starts in the entire community have fallen by at least 38% and natural deaths by 32%. 3. In contrast dialysis continue to increase at 11% per yr in other communities and deaths have not fallen. These results all suggest a marked benefit from the treatment program. Similar methods might be used where truly controlled observations are not feasible.
IS RESISTANT HYPERTENSION TRULY RESISTANT?
Authors: Brown Mark A , Buddle Megan L , Martin. Allison 
Published: December 2004

Objectives (1) to compare the magnitude of the white‐coat effect in patients with mild and resistant hypertension and (2) to determine the prevalence of controlled BP in patients with ‘resistant’ hypertension.Methods Referring doctors' BP was compared with awake and 24 hour ambulatory BP monitor (ABPM) BP in 922 hypertensive patients referred for ABPM by their general practitioners (42%) or specialists (58%). 432 were taking no antihypertensives at the time of their ABPM study (Group 0), 336 were taking 1‐2 antihypertensive drugs (Group 1) and 154 were taking ≥ 3 antihypertensive drugs (Group 2 ‐ resistant hypertension). Controlled BP was defined as awake ABPM BP < 135/85mmHg.Results Patients with resistant hypertension were significantly older (60 ± 13 yrs) than group 0 (44 ± 15 yrs) and group 1 (55 ± 14 yrs) patients (p < 0.001) but were of similar weight, height and upper arm circumference. The difference between referral BP and awake ABPM BP, the white‐coat effect (WCE), increased significantly across the groups (15/9 vs 26/14 vs 29/15 mmHg, p < 0.005). 34% of group 0 patients had normal ABPM BP, ie. white‐coat hypertension, while 34% of group 1 and 26% of group 2 patients had controlled BP by ABPM criteria.Conclusion Approximately 1 in 3 of this selected cohort exhibited white coat hypertension and 1 in 4 of those with apparent resistant hypertension had well controlled BP when assessed by 24 hour ABPM. ABPM appears an appropriate initial step in the investigation of both mild hypertension and apparent drug resistant hypertension, thereby reducing unnecessary drug treatment and investigations for secondary causes of hypertension in these patients.
New desaturation index to evaluate neonatal apnea using polygraphy
Authors: Minowa Hideki , Uchida Yumiko , Ebisu Reiko , Yoshibayashi Muneo , Takahashi Yukihiro , Yoshioka Akira 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Polygraph recordings of neonatal apnea obtained using an Eden Trace II monitor were manually analyzed to devise a new desaturation index (DSI).
Methods
: Heart rate, thoracic respiratory movements, airflow, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 25 neonates in intensive care were monitored using polygraphy. The DSI was defined as the number of SpO2 decreases per hour of valid monitoring time. Neonates were divided into three groups according to DSI85: group A, DSI85 less than one decrease per hour (n = 12); group B, DSI85 ranging from one to nine decreases per hour (n = 8); and group C, DSI85≥10 decreases per hour (n = 5). Clinical characteristics and type of apnea in each group were compared statistically. Group C neonates were treated with aminophylline, and the effects of treatment were evaluated.
Results
: Gestational age at birth, birthweight, age at monitoring and valid monitoring time did not differ significantly between the three groups, but mean SpO2, DSI70, the frequency of central apnea and periodic breathing did. Oxygen desaturation in group B and particularly group C was predominantly attributable to periodic breathing rather than central apnea. Aminophylline produced significant improvement in periodic breathing but exerted no significant effect on the other types of apnea. Both DSI85 and DSI70 were strongly correlated (r = 0.833).
Conclusions
: Polygraphic study of neonates at risk revealed marked arterial oxygen desaturation, even among those with periodic breathing. This novel DSI represents a useful tool for evaluating apnea and periodic breathing in neonates and for assessing treatment efficacy.
Evaluation of rebreathing potential on bedding for infant use
Authors: Kanetake Jun , Aoki Yasuhiro , Funayama Masato 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Rebreathing is thought to be associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the rebreathing potential of different types of Japanese infant bedding.
Methods
: The rebreathing potential of various combinations of infant bedding was measured using a mechanically simulated breathing model. The types of bedding included five types of mattresses, four types of o‐nesyo sheets (waterproof sheets) and a towel. The half‐life of the expiratory CO2 concentration, t1/2‐value was calculated as the index of the rebreathing potential. The softness of the bedding was also measured.
Results
: There was a moderate proportional correlation between the t1/2‐value and the softness (correlation coefficient = 0.509). When a new hard infant mattress was used, the t1/2‐values were 13.6−14.1 s, and when o‐nesyo sheet was added, the values were 14.1−16.2 s. When other mattresses were used with the o‐nesyo sheet, the values were 14.1−19.2 s. Adding a towel onto the bedding, the t1/2‐value (18.5−22.3 s) was prolonged without exception.
Conclusion
: It is difficult to estimate the rebreathing potential of the bedding on the basis its appearance or its softness. All infants should be placed on appropriate bedding in case they turn to a prone‐sleeping position. Our recommendations to avoid rebreathing are as follows: (i) a new hard mattress specifically designed for babies should be used; (ii) a towel should not be used; (iii) an o‐nesyo sheet may be used with a new hard infant mattress if necessary.
Congenital dilatation of the bile duct: Changes in diagnostic tools over the past 19 years
Authors: Takaya Junji , Muneyuki Masatoshi , Tokuhara Daisuke , Takada Kohei , Hamada Yoshinori , Kobayashi Yohnosuke 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Because of recent improvements in diagnostic procedures, many cases of congenital dilatation of the bile duct (CDBD) have been diagnosed in early life. To determine the mode of presentation and changes in diagnostic tools, medical records of 34 children (25 girls, nine boys) with CDBD who were treated between 1982 and 2000 were reviewed.
Results
: The age at presentation ranged from 0 to 16 years (median 4.9 ± 0.7 years), with two patients being diagnosed using prenatal ultrasonography. Of the 32 patients diagnosed post‐natally, 21 (66%) complained of abdominal pain. There were also 21 (66%) cases of vomiting. Sixteen patients (50%) experienced both these symptoms. Ten (31%) cases presented with jaundice and three (9%) presented with a palpable mass. Ultrasonography was used as a diagnostic tool in 29 cases (85%). The finding of a dilated common bile duct on abdominal ultrasonography was helpful for early diagnosis. Spiral computed tomography was also a useful and accurate imaging method for diagnosis. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ) was demonstrated in 44% of patients with CDBD. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, which can be performed non‐invasively, is useful for the diagnosis and pre‐operative assessment of CDBD in children. The average length of time from presentation to diagnosis could be shortened from 46 days (1982−1988) to 13 days (1995−2000).
Conclusion
: Recent improvements in diagnostic procedures make immediate, non‐invasive diagnosis of CDBD and PBJ possible.