bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uveodermatological syndrome (Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada‐like syndrome) with generalized depigmentation in a Dachshund
Authors: Herrera  , Duchene
Published: March 2003

A 3‐year‐old, female, black and tan Dachshund was referred with visual impairment, bilateral anterior and posterior uveitis, poliosis, and generalized dermal depigmentation. Complete blood counts and biochemical parameters, including T3 and T4, were normal. The skin biopsy showed lichenoid dermatoses with dermal infiltration of histiocytes and lymphocytes suggesting uveodermatological syndrome. Medical treatment was initiated with oral prednisone and azathioprine, and topical prednisolone and atropine. The clinical signs improved, vision was retained, and the skin began to repigment 2 months following the initiation of therapy.
The influence of aging and low zinc nutrition on the choroid in the pig: II. The melanosome
Authors: Samuelson  , Lewis  , Mackay  , Whitley
Published: March 2003

The effects of low zinc nutrition and aging on central choroidal melanosomes were examined in the pig. Melanosomes of central choroidal melanocytes were morphologically and morphometrically examined in three populations of pigs (young, pregnant and aged), that were maintained on either control (C) or low zinc (LZ) diets. In C groups, the typical melanosomes decreased in size with age, although a subpopulation of larger melanosomes occurred in the oldest group. In contrast, the melanosomes of the animals on LZ diets increased in size significantly in the adult groups. The melanosomes in the pregnant and aged groups were 65% and 30–40% greater than those of the age‐matched C groups. Extremely large melanosomes were frequently encountered in adult LZ choroidal melanocytes. Melanogenesis of these large bodies included the formation of one or more outer shells. Fusion of adjacent large melanosomes was also observed. Melanolysosomal‐like bodies were observed, particularly among the pigmented cells in the large blood vessel region of C and LZ adults. Melanin dynamics, i.e. its production and breakdown, occurred within choroidal melanocytes throughout much of the lifespan of the pig. This dynamic was greatly influenced by low zinc nutrition, resulting in unusual and aberrant melanin activity.
Comparative optic nerve physiology: implications for glaucoma, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration
Authors: Brooks  , Komàromy  , Källberg
Published: March 2003

The axoplasm of optic nerve axons moves bidirectionally at various speeds along an intra‐axonal pressure gradient from the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somata toward its synapse, and from the synapse towards the RGC somata. The axoplasmic flow of optic nerve axons is precarious even at normal intraocular pressures (IOP) as it moves from the intraocular optic nerve through the scleral lamina cribrosa to the intraorbital optic nerve. The scleral lamina cribrosa is not simply a porous region of the sclera but a specialized extracellular matrix of the central nervous system whose movement during fluctuations in IOP can affect optic nerve axoplasmic flow. The abundant optic nerve blood supply maintains adequate optic nerve head perfusion through a process of vascular autoregulation. Glaucoma is associated with reduced optic nerve axoplasmic flow and compromised optic nerve circulation such that RGC death due to glutamate excitotoxicity and neurotrophin deprivation result.
Clinical, electrophysiological and morphological changes in a case of hereditary retinal degeneration in the Papillon dog
Authors: Narfström  , Wrigstad
Published: March 2003

An autosomal recessive retinal disease with a late onset in Swedish Papillon dogs has recently been described. A 7‐year‐old Papillon dog showed no obvious signs of visual impairment and only minor ophthalmoscopic changes. Cone ERG b‐wave amplitudes were within normal limits, while rod responses were nonrecordable or severely abnormal. Ultrastructural examination showed a generalized retinal degenerative disease, most prominent in the peripheral areas. The inferior retina was more severely affected than the superior areas. Both rods and cones showed morphological changes. The Papillon dog is another dog breed affected by progressive rod‐cone degeneration, with similarities to the canine retinal disease given the gene symbolprcd.
Lymphosarcoma with conjunctival manifestation in a guinea pig
Authors: Allgoewer  , Ewringmann  , Pfleghaar
Published: March 2003

A guinea pig with multicentric lymphosarcoma and conjunctival manifestation is described. Primary clinical signs were bilateral infiltrative conjunctival masses. Antemortem diagnosis was based on the cytology of biopsies of conjunctival tissue, fine‐needle aspirates of peripheral lymph nodes, and peripheral blood smears.
Immunohistochemical analysis of lens epithelial‐derived membranes following cataract extraction in the dog
Authors: Gerardi  , Colitz  , Dubielzig  , Davidson
Published: March 2003

The objective of the study was to characterize the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of lens epithelial‐derived proliferative membranes from the anterior segment of canine globes. These features were correlated with those previously identified for diseases resulting from lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation including posterior capsular opacification, traumatic subcapsular cataract, and subcapsular plaques associated with hypermature cataracts. Sixteen canine globes were removed as a result of glaucoma or other complications following cataract extraction. Light microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis was performed on sections from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded globes. The tissues were stained with a variety of antibodies for cellular markers for LECs, growth factors or other cellular constituents relevant to cellular metaplasia and proliferation. The membranes were composed of monolayers or multilayers of spindle‐shaped cells on the external surfaces of the anterior and posterior lens capsule, ciliary processes, iris leaflets, and iridocorneal angle, and they could be seen extending from an obvious monolayer of LEC within the capsular sac. Variably, scattered pigment cells, presumably of uveal origin, were concurrently present. Cellular components of the membranes stained positive for vimentin, transforming growth factor‐beta, basic fibroblast growth factor, and smooth muscle actin. An amorphous eosinophilic extracellular matrix consisting predominately of collagen was associated with the membranes. Proliferative anterior segment membranes following cataract surgery were morphologically and immunohistochemically similar to cellular and matrix components of posterior capsular opacification and capsular plaques seen with hypermature cataracts, both of which result from metaplasia and proliferation of LEC. The presence of these LEC‐derived membranes in association with secondary glaucoma suggests that exuberant proliferation of LEC outside the confines of the lens capsular sac may cause pathologic alterations in the eye following cataract surgery in the dog.
Photoreceptor density of the domestic pig retina
Authors: Chandler  , Smith  , Samuelson  , Mackay
Published: March 2003

The spatial distribution and densities of photoreceptors in seven whole‐mounted porcine retinas were studied and maps illustrating photoreceptor topography were constructed. Total photoreceptor densities ranged from to 83 000 to 200 000 cells/mm2, with a mean of 138 500 cells/mm2. Cone densities ranged from 39 000 (area centralis) to 8500 cones/mm2 (peripherally), with a mean of 16 400 cones/mm2. Rod:cone ratios ranged from 3:1 centrally to 16:1 peripherally, with a mean ratio of 8:1. Averaged photoreceptor densities are greatest (166 000 cells/mm2) within the central inferior retina, and regional differences in rod:cone ratios were found. Cone densities are increased in a broad region dorsal to the optic disk, extending both nasally and temporally. This region is believed to represent the area centralis. Cone densities gradually decrease and taper towards the periphery and inferior retina as rod:cone ratios increase. In addition to the many anatomic and ultrastructural similarities to the human eye, this study illustrates similarities within the photoreceptor mosaic of these two species and supports the use of the pig retina as a model for human/animal research.
A matched observational study of canine survival with primary intraocular melanocytic neoplasia
Authors: Giuliano  , Chappell  , Fischer  , Dubielzig
Published: March 2003

A retrospective histopathologic study was performed to evaluate the effect of primary intraocular melanocytic neoplasia on canine survival. Tumor size, location within the globe, extent of infiltration, and mitotic index were analyzed for their potential to predict survival. A total of 244 cases of dogs with melanocytic tumors submitted to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin from 1988 to 1998 were evaluated. Histopathologic criteria (mitotic index, cytologic features of anaplasia) were used to differentiate 188 benign melanocytomas from 56 malignant melanomas. Signalment evaluation of age, sex, and breed revealed similarities in both tumor populations, with the majority of tumors discovered in 9‐year‐old, female/spayed, mixed‐breed dogs. A greater percentage of left eyes (66%) vs. right eyes (47%) was found in the melanoma population, but an equal distribution was found in the melanocytoma population (48% and 52%, respectively). The majority of tumors arose from the anterior uveal tract (79% in the melanocytoma and 95% in the malignant melanoma populations). The German Shepherd breed was predisposed in the limbal distribution. At the time of enucleation, most tumors had invaded the sclera, but did not show extrascleral extension (51% in the melanocytoma and 61% in the malignant melanoma populations). Survival analysis showed a significant difference in survival between control and malignant melanoma populations (P = 0.0081) and was suggestive of a difference between the melanocytoma and melanoma populations (P = 0.031). Tumor extension, tumor size, and mitotic index were not found to be reliable predictors of survival.
Lens‐induced uveitis
Authors: Van Der Woerdt A.
Published: March 2003

Lens‐induced uveitis has been described in humans and many animal species. Traumatic rupture of the lens capsule may result in vision‐threatening intraocular inflammation that is poorly responsive to medical management. Phthisis bulbi, persistent uveitis or glaucoma often occurs in these eyes. Surgical removal of the lens material is generally indicated shortly after the injury in an effort to preserve vision. Leaking of lens proteins through an intact lens capsule may result in a lympho‐plasmacytic anterior uveitis. This is most commonly associated with the presence of a hypermature cataract. The presence of lens‐induced uveitis prior to cataract surgery significantly reduces the success rate of cataract surgery. Small amounts of circulating lens proteins maintain a normal T‐cell tolerance for lens proteins. Lens‐induced uveitis develops when a breakdown occurs of this normal T‐cell tolerance. Immune complexes play an important role in the tissue damage associated with the ensuing inflammation. Other factors associated with the tissue damage include hydroxyl radicals, nitroxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide and arachidonic acid metabolites. Treatment consists of topical and systemic anti‐inflammatory medications, mydriatic agents, and glaucoma medications when indicated. Experimental pharmacological agents include dual cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitors, interleukin‐1 blockers, antioxidants and hydroxyl radical scavengers.
Feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis
Authors: Allgoewer Ingrid , Schäffer Ekkehard , Stockhaus Christian , Vögtlin Andrea
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo review 12 cases of histologically confirmed feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis, their clinical, cytologic, histologic and electronmicroscopic findings, results on PCR for FeHV‐1, treatment and outcome.

Animals studiedTwelve naturally occurring cases presented during a period of 26 months.

ProceduresThorough ophthalmologic examination, conjunctival scrapings performed with the cytobrush method; histologic samples from the palpebral conjunctiva; PCR for FeHV‐1 on Schirmer Tear Test (STT) strips; saliva and nasal swabs, and retrospective evaluation of all results.

ResultsThe breed most commonly affected was the Domestic Shorthair (n = 8), followed by Persians (n = 2), Somali (n = 1) and Siamese (n = 1). Age at presentation was 1–15 years with a mean age of 7.2 years. Nine cats were castrated males; three cats were females: two of them were spayed. Unilateral (n = 7) or bilateral (n = 5) involvement with depigmentation and erosions of lid margin, blepharospasm, swelling and redness of conjunctiva and third eyelid were the most common clinical findings. Frequency of eosinophils in cytologic samples was more than 10% in every patient. PCR for FeHV‐1 on STT was negative in all cases. Histologically, eosinophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells and macrophages were involved. On electronmicroscopy, viral particles were not detected. Ten cases needed long‐term anti‐inflammatory treatment.

ConclusionsThe 12 reviewed cases suggest that feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory uni‐ or bilateral disease of the adult cat. Typically the lid margin was also involved, and was thickened, depigmented and erosive. Cytological examination of conjunctival scrapings was a valuable tool for detecting eosinophilic conjunctivitis. The cytological findings correlated well with the histopathological findings in our patients. Topical or systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs resolved the clinical symptoms in our cases within a short period of time. Neither electronmicroscopy nor PCR were able to detect involvement of FHV1 in the represented cases. The etiopathogenic role of FeHV‐1 remains undetermined.
Effect of single and multiple doses of 0.2% brimonidine tartrate in the glaucomatous Beagle
Authors: Gelatt Kirk N. , MacKay Edward O.
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous dogs after instillations of 0.2% brimonidine once, twice and three times daily in single day studies, and after twice and three times daily for 4 days in multiple dose studies. We studied eight Beagles with inherited primary open angle glaucoma. Applanation tonometry (IOP), pupil size (PS) and heart rate (HR) measurements were obtained at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. The studies were divided into: eight glaucoma dogs and five of the eight dogs that demonstrated greater response to 0.2% brimonidine. Single‐dose drug studies are divided into placebo (0.5% methylcellulose), 0.2% brimonidine administered once daily (8 am); twice daily (8 am and noon); and three times daily (8 am, noon and 5 pm). The 5‐day multiple‐dose studies included: day 1, no drug; and 4 days, 0.2% brimonidine instillations either twice daily (8 am and 2 pm) or three times daily (8 am, 2 pm and 9 pm). Statistical comparisons between drug groups included control (nondrug) and treated (placebo/0.2% brimonidine) eyes for both single‐ and multiple‐dose studies. The mean ± SEM diurnal decrease in IOP in the eight glaucomatous Beagles for the control and placebo eyes were 3.4 ± 4.7 and 5.4 ± 2.8 mmHg, respectively. The mean ± SEM diurnal decrease in IOP after 0.2% brimonidine once, twice and three times daily was 6.4 ± 3.5, 8.0 ± 6.1 and 9.8 ± 8.1 mmHg, respectively; this trend was not significant statistically. Significant miosis occurred starting 2 h postinstillations, and the resultant mean ± SD pupil size was 2.7 ± 0.3 mm. A significant decrease in heart rate also occurred (12%). In the five most responsive dogs the changes in PS and HR during these studies were similar to the larger group, but significant decreases in IOP occurred at most measurement times. In the multiple‐dose study with 0.2% brimonidine twice daily the mean ± SEM decrease in IOP for day 1 to day 4 was 5.0 ± 1.3, 5.7 ± 1.3, 1.4 ± 3.3 and 4.9 ± 1.3 mmHg, respectively. When 0.2% brimonidine was instilled three times daily the mean ± SEM diurnal IOP decrease was from day 1 to day 4 and was 0.75 ± 1.3, 2.4 ± 1.5, 1.2 ± 2.7 and 1.4 ± 1.8 mmHg, respectively. The mean change in pupil diameter was 1.3 ± 0.5 mm. Decrease in HR averaged 22%. In the same single‐dose studies with the five most responsive dogs, PS and HR were similar, but the decreases in IOP were significant at more measurement intervals. We conclude that 0.2% brimonidine produces a decrease in IOP in dogs, a statistically significant miosis, and a reduced heart rate (12–22%). However, because of the limited drug‐induced ocular hypotension, brimonidine should be combined with other drugs when used for the glaucomas in the dog.
Vecuronium bromide, phenylephrine and atropine combinations as mydriatics in juvenile double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Authors: Loerzel Suzan M. , Smith Patricia J. , Howe Andy , Samuelson Don A.
Published: March 2003

Topical vecuronium bromide (Norcuron®) and combinations with atropine and phenylephrine, were evaluated as mydriatics in juvenile double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). Nine cormorants were treated with each of four protocols: 1% atropine; 4 mg/mL vecuronium bromide (total 0.16 mg/eye); atropine with vecuronium; and atropine, 2.5% phenylephrine, followed by vecuronium. Drugs were applied topically at 15‐min intervals (0.01 mL/drop). Pupil diameter was measured manually every 15 min with a pupil gauge calibrated to the nearest 0.5 mm. No effect was observed with atropine alone. Average ± SD peak pupil diameter for vecuronium, atropine/vecuronium, and atropine/phenylephrine/vecuronium were 5.4 ± 1.1 mm, 5.7 ± 0.8 mm and 6.2 ± 0.4 mm, respectively; and duration of peak diameters were 38 ± 28 min, 79 ± 71 min and 103 ± 58 min, respectively. The combined atropine, phenylephrine and vecuronium provided the most consistent dilation with larger average pupil size and longer average duration. No side‐effects from vecuronium were observed in these birds.
Phacoemulsification for the management ofEncephalitozoon cuniculi‐induced phacoclastic uveitis in a rabbit
Authors: Felchle Lisa M. , Sigler Ron L.
Published: March 2003

Phacoemulsification was performed on a New Zealand White rabbit with slowly progressive unilateral phacoclastic uveitis and cataract formation. The irrigating solution with lenticular contents were centrifuged and examined cytologically using Weber's chromotrope‐based stain. Microsporidial spores were observed and positively identified asEncephalitozoon cuniculivia polymerase chain reaction. More than 1 year following surgical therapy, the rabbit is visual and comfortable without medications.
Morphological, palaeontological and molecular aspects of ichneumonoid phylogeny (Hymenoptera, Insecta)
Authors: Quicke Donald L. J. , Basibuyuk Hasan H. , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P.
Published: March 2003

Ichneumonoid phylogeny is revised on the basis of morphological, palaeontological and molecular evidence. The only previous formal cladistic study of the phylogeny of the families of the superfamily Ichneumonoidea made many assumptions about what families lower taxa belonged to and was based on a very limited set of characters, nearly all of which were uninformative at family level. We have subdivided both Ichneumonidae and Braconidae into major groups, investigated several new character systems, reinterpreted some characters, scored several character states for extinct taxa by examining impression fossils using environment chamber scanning electron microscopy, and included data for a significant new subfamily of Braconidae from Cretaceous amber of New Jersey. Sixteen different variants of the data set were each subjected to parsimony analysis without weighting and with successive approximations weighting employing both maximum and minimum values of both the retention and rescaled consistency indices. Each analysis resulted in one of seven different strict consensus trees. Consensus trees based on subsets of these trees, selected on the basis of the optimal character compatibility index (OCCI), resulted in an eighth distinct tree. All trees had the Braconidae monophyletic with the Trachypetinae as the basal clade, and also had a clade comprising various arrangements of Apozyginae, the Rhyssalinae group, Aphidiinae and ‘other cyclostomes’, but relationships among the remaining braconid groups varied between trees. Only one of the consensus trees had the Ichneumonidae (including Tanychorella) monophyletic. The Eoichneumonidae + Tanychora are the sister group the Braconidae in two of the consensus trees. Paxylommatinae were basal in the clade comprising the Eoichneumonidae + Tanychora and the Braconidae. The preferred tree, based on the highest OCCI was used for interpreting character state transitions.
Phylogeny of the Hymenoptera: A cladistic reanalysis of Rasnitsyn’s (1988) data
Authors: Ronquist Fredrik , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P. , Roy Alain , Eriksson Katarina , Lindgren Magnus
Published: March 2003

The hypothesis of higher‐level relationships among extinct and extant hymenopterans presented by Rasnitsyn in 1988 is widely cited but the evidence has never been presented in the form of a character matrix or analysed cladistically. We review Rasnitsyn’s morphological work and derive a character matrix for fossil and recent hymenopterans from it. Parsimony analyses of this matrix under equal weights and implied weights show that there is little support for Rasnitsyn’s biphyletic hypothesis, postulating a sister‐group relationship between tenthredinoids and macroxyelines. Instead, the data favour the conventional view that Hymenoptera excluding the Xyelidae are monophyletic. Higher‐level symphytan relationships are well resolved and, except for the basal branchings, largely agree with the tree presented by Rasnitsyn. There is little convincing support for any major divisions of the Apocrita but the Microhymenoptera and the Ichneumonoidea + Aculeata appear as monophyletic groups in some analyses and require only a few extra steps in the others. The Evaniomorpha appear as a paraphyletic grade of basal apocritan lineages and enforcing monophyly of this grouping requires a considerable increase in tree length. The Ceraphronoidea are placed in the Proctotrupomorpha, close to Chalcidoidea and Platygastroidea. This signal is not entirely due to loss characters that may have evolved independently in these taxa in response to a general reduction in size. The analyses suggest that the Proctotrupomorpha may be monophyletic if the ceraphronoids are included. The Chrysidoidea are resolved in good agreement with relationships proposed by Brothers and Carpenter in 1993 but in conflict with the tree presented by Rasnitsyn. Rasnitsyn’s data are largely uninformative about relationships among the Aculeata sensu stricto. The results are compared with those of other recent analyses of higher‐level hymenopteran relationships.
Taxonomic revision of 14 south‐western European species ofIsotomurus(Collembola, Isotomidae), with description of four new species and the designation of the neotype forI. palustris
Authors: Carapelli Antonio , Frati Francesco , Fanciulli Pietro Paolo , Dallai Romano
Published: March 2003

A detailed study of morphological characters in populations of the collembolan genusIsotomurusfrom southern Europe is presented.Isotomurusis a cosmopolitan genus in which species diagnosis primarily relies on pigmentation patterns and chaetotaxy. Correct diagnosis is often complicated by the high variability of these characters. This has created confusion in the systematics of the genus and has led to descriptions of several varieties, colour forms and subspecies, the taxonomic value of which needs revision. Complete screening of pigmentation patterns and the study of sensorial chaetotaxy in specimens collected in 37 localities across south‐western France, Italy and Switzerland have enabled 14 species to be distinguished; one taxon is elevated to the rank of species (Isotomurus prasinus) and four new species are described:I. hadriaticus,I. aetnensis,I. gallicusandI. pseudopalustris. The neotype forI. palustrisis designated in order to clarify the taxonomic status and the type locality for this species whose topotypic material is lost. A redescription of previously known species on the basis of the newly introduced characters is also presented, together with a key to the south‐western European species ofIsotomurus. Following this study, the two speciesI. indipendenteandI. italicuscame to be junior synonyms ofI. palustrisandI. fucicolus, respectively. A cladistic analysis of 14 morphological characters provides a phylogenetic reconstruction which is largely concordant with previous taxonomic works.
Phylogenetic systematics of the genusPlatydoris(Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Doridoidea) with descriptions of six new species
Authors: Dorgan Kelly M. , Valdés Ángel , Gosliner Terrence M.
Published: March 2003

Dorgan, K. M., Valdés, Á. & Gosliner, T. M. (2002). Phylogenetic systematics of the genusPlatydoris(Mollusca, Nudibranchia, Doridoidea) with descriptions of six new species. —Zoologica Scripta,31, 271–319.

The genusPlatydorisBergh, 1877 is characterized by a flat body, wide mantle margin, and elevated branchial and rhinophoral sheaths. Examination of a number of specimens and a review of the literature have shown that there are at least 20 valid species of the genusPlatydorisworld‐wide. Some of them have previously been described by other authors and are re‐described or discussed here:P. argo,P. scabra,P. cruenta,P. angustipes,P. ellioti,P. formosa,P. inframaculata,P. pulchra,P. sanguinea,P. townsendi,P. capricornensis,P. esakii,P. macfarlandi,P. galbanus,P. carolynae. Six new species are described here:P. inornata,P. ocellata,P. annulata,P. sabulosa,P. cinereobranchiata,P. rolani.Platydoris tabulatais anomen dubium. Species removed fromPlatydorisinclude:Doris hepatica,D. murrea,P. variegata,P. punctatella,P. papillata,P. spinulosa,P. carinata,P. immonda,P. spongilla,P. maculata,P. stomascuta. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted, showing the genus to be monophyletic. There was strong support for a clade of all species ofPlatydorisincluded in the analysis except for the nodes containingP. annulataandP. macfarlandi, which are found in deeper water than the rest of the genus. This major clade was further divided into a clade of Atlantic and Eastern Pacific species and a clade of Indo‐Pacific species, showing a strong biogeographical trend. Important characters separating the clades include ventral pigment around the foot, large ventral spots, the presence of vaginal hooks, and whether the accessory gland enters the atrium on the side of the vagina, the side of the deferent duct, or between the two.

Kelly M. Dorgan & Terrence M. Gosliner, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Geology, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. E‐mail:tgosline@calacademy.org

Ángel Valdés, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA. E‐mail:avaldes@nhm.org
Avirulence proteins of plant pathogens: determinants of victory and defeat
Authors: Luderer Rianne , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J.
Published: March 2003

summary

The simplest way to explain the biochemical basis of the gene‐for‐gene concept is by direct interaction between a pathogen‐derived avirulence (Avr) gene product and a receptor protein, which is encoded by the matching resistance (R) gene of the host plant. The number of R genes for which the matching Avr gene has been cloned is increasing. The number of host‐pathogen relationships, however, for which a direct interaction between R and Avr gene products could be proven is still very limited. This observation suggests that in various host–pathogen relationships no physical interaction between R and Avr proteins occurs, and that perception of AVR proteins by their matching R gene products is indirect. Indirect perception implies that at least a third component is required. The ‘Guard hypothesis’ proposes that this third component could be the virulence target of an AVR protein. Binding of the AVR protein to its virulence target is perceived by the matching R protein, which is ‘guarding’ the virulence target. An intriguing aspect of the ‘Guard hypothesis’ is that the Avr gene product causes avirulence of the pathogen through interaction with its virulence target in the plant. This would mean that, although AVR proteins are generally thought to be bifunctional (avirulence as well as virulence factors), this dual function might be based on a single biochemical event. This review focuses on the way AVR proteins are perceived by their matching R gene products. The various components that determine the outcome of the interaction will be discussed, with an emphasis on the dual function of AVR proteins.
Meeting patients' skin care needs: harnessing nursing expertise at an international level
Authors: Ersser S. J. , Penzer R.
Published: March 2003

Skin disease is highly prevalent, particularly in the developing world. This can result in skin failure which in turn may have a major social and economic impact on individuals and communities ( Finlay & Ryan 1996). The significant lack of dermatologists worldwide, most of whom are based in hospitals, means that expertise in skin care cannot always be delivered to those who need it. This paper advances the argument that a care delivery model is needed which provides skin care focused at a primary care level throughout the nursing service, drawing on specialists who are often based in the secondary health care facilities. This can only be achieved through adopting a strategic approach which identifies the training needs of such professionals, harnesses the appropriate expertise, shares good practice, and operates in close conjunction with dermatologists. This paper outlines how this vision can be put into operation, by outlining the strategic international development work being undertaken by nurses and the efforts to promote inter‐professional collaboration.
Nursing informatics: yesterday, today and tomorrow
Authors: Saba V. K.
Published: March 2003

Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, nursing informatics has become a part of our professional activities. Informatics has advanced the field of nursing by bridging the gap from nursing as an art to nursing as a science. This article discusses the major milestones that have influenced the growth of computer technology and the specific efforts that have influenced yesterday's creation of the nursing informatics movement. It also provides an overview of nursing informatics in today's health care industry, while highlighting the administrative, management, research and educational applications and initiatives. In addition, it provides an overview of Saba's Home Health Care Classification, a nursing language system that has influenced the field. Finally, it provides a prediction of how computer technology will impact the nursing profession in the 21st century.
Reflections on the Judgement Axis, ICNP®β
Authors: Coler M. S.
Published: March 2003

This article presents questions, reflections and proposed resolutions regarding the Judgement Axis of the International Classification of Nursing Practice®, Beta Version (ICNP®β). The Judgement Axis, in its present format, consists of an alphabetical listing of terms that are meant to reflect the clinical opinion of a nurse relating to the state of a nursing phenomenon appearing in Axis A of the ICNP®β. A review of literature indicates that judgement can be more extensive. Not considered in the development of the Axis is the fact that judgement can be clinical and actuarial. Actuarial judgement is predictive and based on statistics. Clinical judgement is patient‐centred, creative and intuitive. Both are essential in defining nursing judgement. The list presents 49 modifiers in nominal form. Each of these is subordinated, in alphanumeric descending order, by qualifiers that do not conform to the concept of lexical hierarchy. We propose that the 49 terms which appear in the present listing as unique ordinates should be clustered into major categories with synonyms listed as subordinates of the major cluster headings. The qualifiers of degree, which are presently identified as subordinates in Axis B, might be presented in matrix format, providing a scale of degree of the modifier for the nurse.
Heidegger and the ethics of care
Authors: Paley John
Published: March 2003

Abstract The claim that, in some nontrivial sense, nursing can be identified with caring has prompted a search for the philosophical foundations of care in the nursing literature. Although the ethics of care was initially associated with Gilligan's ‘different voice’, there has more recently been an attempt – led principally by Benner – to displace the gender perspective with a Heideggerian one, even if Kant is the figure to whom both Gilligan and Benner appear most irretrievably opposed. This paper represents the first half of a double‐edged project: initially, to point out that Heidegger explicitly disowns any ethical implications for his ontological thinking, and to argue that no ethical theory (including an ethics of care) can be derived from Being and Time; and then to argue that Kant's categorical imperative is not only compatible with the ethics of care but actively entails it. In this, Heideggerian, part of the argument, I consider three attempts to wrest an ethics from Being and Time– those of Benner, Olafson and Guignon – suggesting that, for different reasons, they all fail. Benner systematically confuses the ontological with the ontic, not recognizing that care, concern and solicitude have ‘deficient’ modes as well as positive ones, and that Heidegger's ontology retrieves the possibility of an ethics‐in‐general without at any point implying an ethics‐in‐particular (whether of care or justice). Olafson does recognize this, and to that extent admits his failure, but his efforts to amplify Heidegger's thought in such a way as to generate an ethical theory involve both the importing of Kantian premises, and an appeal to some rather doubtful empirical observations. Guignon resorts to Heidegger's discussion of authenticity, and the idea that authentic Dasein ‘may choose its hero’, suggesting a morally reassuring list of heroes who might fit the bill. However, there is nothing in Heidegger's account of this choice that justifies his confidence, and I conclude by proposing that we should take Heidegger at his word when he says that ontology has ‘no result, no effect’.
An ‘ethic of care’ in clinical settings: encompassing ‘feminine’ and ‘feminist’ perspectives
Authors: Bowden Peta
Published: March 2003

AbstractRecent work in clinical nursing ethics has been influenced by two main areas of insight associated with the challenge levelled by the women's movement to traditional thinking about morality and ethics. Broadly speaking these two realms have been distinguished as articulating ‘feminist’ socio‐political and ‘feminine’ ethic of care concerns. Often these two impulses are seen as pulling against each other, or worse, the ‘feminine’ emphasis on the ethics of care is seen as reinforcing the dynamics that elicit the ‘feminist’ concern. In this paper I suggest how an expanded understanding of an ethic of care in clinical settings can provide resources for dealing with both concerns. A discussion of the way institutional relations can ride rough‐shod over the ‘feminist’ insights of ethical care, in the second part of the paper, provides evidence for my conclusion that ethical nursing care depends on recognizing that both areas of insight are imperative for its success.
Philosophy as falling: aiming for grace
Authors: Gadow Sally
Published: March 2003

AbstractPost–dualist philosophies of nursing acknowledge embodiment as a condition of human existence. Philosophical writing, however, remains abstract and disembodied. A philosophical framework that embraces embodiment needs to recover the materiality of language; its text needs to include language that is not only rational and clear but sensuous and ambiguous. I describe three cultural narratives of women's embodiment and compare them with an imaginative narrative, a nurse's poem about women in labour. I propose, not that philosophers become poets, but that they abandon a dualist position in which language is either literal or metaphorical, adopting instead the poet's approach in which any word or object has unlimited meanings. I argue that, without fixed reference points, language embodies rather than escapes contingency. Finally, I discuss two forms of philosophical writing – irony and motet – that savour contingency, illustrating philosophy as endless redescription, aiming not for finality but for the grace of a dancer's deliberate fall.
The tidal model: the lived‐experience in person‐centred mental health nursing care
Authors: Barker Phil
Published: March 2003

Abstract Nursing theories and nursing models have a low profile within psychiatric and mental health nursing within the United Kingdom. This paper considers some of the historical, policy and rhetorical issues that may have framed nursing's relative dependency on the medical paradigm, and briefly considers some of the ethical challenges, which proposed ‘extensions’ of the nurse's role might have for a ‘caring’ discipline.

The paper describes the philosophical background of the Tidal Model, which emerged from a series of studies of the ‘need for psychiatric nursing’. The Tidal Model extends and develops some of the traditional assumptions concerning the centrality of interpersonal relations within nursing practice, emphasizing in particular the importance of perceived meanings within the lived‐experience of the person‐in‐care and the role of the narrative in the development of person‐centred care plans. The model also integrates discrete processes for re‐empowering the person who is in mental distress, and provides a practical template for the exploration of the spiritual dimensions of the person's lived‐experience, if appropriate.
Teaching health care ethics: the importance of moral sensitivity for moral reasoning
Authors: Jaeger Suzanne M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract My discussion reflects on the nature of moral sensitivity. The inquiry is guided by a pedagogical concern: if the goal of teaching practical‐minded nurses about health care ethics is to develop the capacity to be aware of ethical implications of certain acts, events and treatments in the health care setting as well as the skills to resolve ethical dilemmas, it seems important to have a clear sense of what it means to be morally sensitive. How, for example, does a health care worker come to recognize in a particular and institutionally defined situation his or her moral responsibilities towards the other? What exactly is moral sensitivity? Is it something that academic philosophers can teach? I argue that moral sensitivity is a capacity for relatedness indispensable to moral theorizing that can be either cultivated or undermined and therefore ought not to be ignored by educators nor those responsible for ethically weighted decision‐making situations.
Freedom to roam: a Deleuzian overture for the concept of care in nursing
Authors: Drummond John
Published: March 2003

From a position informed by the philosophical legacy of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, this paper examines the idea of ‘care’ in nursing theory and philosophy. Deleuze and Guattari make a distinction between, on the one hand, ‘concepts’, which are the proper domain of philosophy and, on the other, ‘functives’ which are the domain of science and all other empirical matters. At first blush, this distinction and use of the word concept appears rather odd, but Deleuze and Guattari hold it to be important for reasons that go beyond the acknowledged and obvious differences between philosophy and science. In Deleuzian terms, a ‘functive’ is any proposition that makes a verifiable truth‐claim about actual states of affairs, whereas a ‘concept’ is a philosophical tool that, although it is used in statements that make claims and that seek to affect our thinking on states of affairs, is not a representation of them in any verifiable (functive) sense. In this respect, philosophical concepts, and the statements in which they are used, are neither true nor false. I argue that the way in which the word ‘care’ is used in much nursing theory and philosophy conflates concept (neither true nor false) with functive (either true or false) with less than productive results. I seek to persuade that if we can gain more clarity between the use of care as a would‐be functive and its use as a philosophical concept, this would strengthen the purpose of the use of the idea of care in nursing theory. This is to say that I take the view that the role of ‘care’ as a philosophical concept is to be used in statements that ‘think the event’ called nursing; that seek to be ‘worthy of the event’, but without being an actual part of the event. Finally, I show how the concept of care in nursing philosophy has been, and can continue to be, reworked to achieve the permanent task of surveying the ever‐shifting planes of the event and how it is described.
Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross‐linking by normal human fibroblasts
Authors: BOYERA N. , GALEY I. , BERNARD B.A.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Vitamin C (VitC) plays a critical role in the maintenance of a normal mature collagen network in humans (anti‐scurvy properties) by preventing the auto‐inactivation of lysyl and prolyl hyroxylase, two key enzymes in collagen biosynthesis. In this study two in vitro models were designed to evaluate the effects of VitC on collagen biosynthesis and cross‐linking at cellular and tissue levels. It was shown that VitC induced a dose‐dependent increase in collagen type I deposits by normal human fibroblasts (NHF) cultured in monolayer, and enhanced extracellular matrix contraction by NHF in a lattice model, in a non‐cytotoxic range of concentrations (103m, 104m, 105m). Exogenous VitC supply could thus contribute to the maintenance of optimal collagenic density in the dermis and locally strengthen the collagen network. Vitamin C‐phosphate (VitC‐P) and vitamin C‐glucoside (VitC‐Glu) (two VitC derivatives presenting higher chemical stability in aqueous solution) were also tested in our two models, and showed similar biological properties, but with different potencies. These two compounds can be considered as pro‐vitamins for skin, and could thus advantageously substitute for VitC in VitC‐based anti‐ageing products, as they allow the development of stable, easy‐to‐use formulations.

La vitamine C (VitC) joue, chez l'homme, un rôle critique dans le maintein d'un réseau collagènique normal (propriété antiscorbutique) en empêchant l'autoinactivation de la lysyl‐ et de la prolyl‐hydroxylase, deux enzymes clefs de la synthèse du collagène. Dans cet article, deux modèles in vitro ont été mis au point dans le but d'évaluer les effets de la VitC sur la biosynthèse du collagène et sa réticulation aux niveaux cellulaire et tissulaire. Nous montrons que la VitC favorise, de façon dose‐dependante et dans un domaine de concentrations non cytotoxiques (10–5 M, 10–4 M, 10–3 M), la production de collagène de type I par des fibroblastes humains normaux (FHN) en culture. Dans les mêmes conditions, la VitC augmente, dans un modèle d'équivalent de derme, la contraction de la matrice extracellulaire par les FHNs. Un apport exogène de collagènique optimale et renforcer localement le réseau de collagène. Le phosphate de vitamine C (VitC‐P) et le glucoside de vitamine C (VitC‐Glu) (deux dérivés présentant une plus grande stabilité chimique en solution aqueuse) ont étéévalués dans ces deux modèles et ont présenté des propriétés biologiques comparables à celles de la VitC, mais avec des intensités variables. Ces deux composés peuvent être considérés comme des pro‐vitamines pour la peau, et pourraient avantageusement remplacer la VitC dans les produits anti‐âge à base de VitC, dans la mesure où ils devraient permettre le développement de formulations stables et simples d'usage. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
Research on a natural sunscreen from Chinese herbs
Authors: HU G. , WANG X.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

To compare the difference in SPF values between a synthetic sunscreen and a sunscreen derived from Chinese herbs, by using optical and biological methods, we observed the effects of these sunscreens by photochemical reaction, sun protection factor (SPF) values, and UV absorption. The results showed that the synthetic sunscreen was more effective in UV absorption than the sunscreen derived from natural Chinese herbs. When they were tested biologically, it was found that the sunscreen derived from Chinese herbs was able to improve skin tonicity, as well as reduce the itching, photoerythema, squamation, burning, and reddening caused by the excessive UV radiation, while the synthetic sunscreen could not improve these conditions of the skin, and even induced some side‐effects in the skin with photoerythema. By comparing the in vivo SPF values of the two types of sunscreen, they were found to be mainly similar. The results indicate that the SPF value was related to both a photo‐reaction and a biological reaction. The sunscreen derived from natural Chinese herbs, although having low UV absorption, was able to exhibit the same SPF value as the synthetic sunscreen because of its biological effects.

Afin de comparer la différence des facteurs de protection solaire (FPS) entre les filtres chimiques et les filtres naturels provenant de médicaments traditionnels chinois au niveau de la photochimie et de la biologie, nous avons observé les effets de ces deux types de filtres sur la réaction photochimique, les FPS et l'absorbant ultraviolet. En utilisant le spectophotomètre, les résultats démontent que les filtres chimiques ont un absorbant ultraviolet plus important que les filtre naturels. Avex la méthode biologique, les résultats indiquent que les filtres naturels peuvent améliorer la solidité de la peau et alléger des syndromes provoqués par l'exposition excessive au rayonnement solaire comme le prurit, l'erythème, la desquamation, le brûlé et l'ampoule, tandis que les filtres chimiques n'ont pas ces effets et ils peuvent produire des effets secondaires dans certains cas de la peau brûlée. Les FPS de ces deux types de filtres sont à peu près les mêmes. Les résultats suggèrent que les FPS des filtres lient avec les réactions chimique et biologique. L'absorbant ultraviolet des filtres naturels provenant de médicaments traditionnels chinois est moins important que celui des filtres chimiques mais les filtres naturels peuvent atteindre les mêmes FPS que les filtres chimiques grâce à leur effet bilogique. © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998
The Effects of Topical L(+) Lactic Acid and Ascorbic Acid on Skin Whitening
Authors: Smith Walter P.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Subjects with medium to dark skin and many exhibiting facial age spots or discolorations participated in this twelve week study to evaluate the skin whitening ability of lactic and ascorbic acid. Using clinical and biophysical test methods we observed prolonged treatment with 8.8% L(+) lactic acid resulted in no significant effects on skin pigmentation. However treatment with L(+) lactic acid supplemented with ascorbic acid (1%) did produce a whitening effect which becomes apparent after three months. These effects were demonstrated clinically by the test panelists, and trained clinicians, and with objective instrumental methods. We observed a general skin lightening and did see a modest preferential lightening of age spots with the combination of acids.