bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of prevalence of presumed inherited eye diseases in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Authors: Heitmann M. , Hamann H. , Brahm R. , Grußendorf H. , Rosenhagen C. U. , Distl O.
Published: May 2005

We analyzed the prevalence of the presumed inherited eye diseases (PIED) noncongenital cataract and progressive retinal atrophy in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog for systematic environmental influences and the additive genetic variation. Multivariate linear animal models using residual maximum likelihood methods and multivariate threshold animal models using Gibbs sampling in Bayesian analyses were used to estimate variance and covariance components. Data were obtained from the kennel club for Swiss Mountain Dog breeds in Germany. PIED were recorded using the standardized protocols of the Dortmunder Kreis, the German panel of the European Eye Scheme for Diagnosis of Inherited Eye Diseases in Animals (DOK). The material included 515 Entlebucher Mountain Dogs from 344 litters at 77 different kennels. Veterinary diagnoses for PIED were from the years 1981–2001. Pedigree information was available for up to nine generations. The multivariate animal model regarded the fixed effects of sex, birth year, experience of the veterinary ophthalmologist, litter size, percentage of examined dogs per litter, inbreeding coefficient and age at examination. The common environment of the litter and the additive genetic effect of the animal were taken into account as randomly distributed effects. The heritability estimates for PIED in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog were h2 = 0.15 ± 0.06 (noncongenital cataract), and h2 = 0.34 ± 0.08 (progressive retinal atrophy) in the linear model and h2 = 0.32 ± 0.05 (noncongenital cataract) and h2 = 0.59 ± 0.03 (progessive retinal atrophy) in the threshold model. The additive genetic correlation between noncongenital cataract and progressive retinal atrophy was moderately positive (rg = 0.54 ± 0.08) in the threshold model. The number of examinations performed by the veterinary ophthalmologists was associated with slightly higher heritabilities for noncongenital cataract and considerably higher heritabilities for progressive retinal atrophy. The investigated PIED in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog are genetically influenced and the size of the genetic parameters estimated may be sensitive to the accuracy of the diagnosis and how the data were collected.
Feline periocular peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a case series
Authors: Hoffman Allison , Blocker Tiffany , Dubielzig Richard , Ehrhart E. J.
Published: May 2005

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe signalment, clinical presentation, surgical treatment, outcome, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of periocular peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a series of cats. Six cats with a histologic diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the eyelid and/or conjunctiva were identified from 3997 feline ocular histopathologic submissions to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin between 1976 and 2002. Medical records were reviewed and data were collected for signalment, eye affected, location, duration, and history of tumor recurrence. Ancillary diagnostic tests, surgical approach, and histopathology were also described. Special stains and immunohistochemistry panels were performed on the tissue. Follow‐up information was obtained through telecommunications with the owner and local veterinarian. The mean age of the cats was 8 years (range: 5–15 years). There was an equal distribution of males and females. Breeds represented were two Domestic Long‐haired (DLH) cats, three Domestic Short‐haired (DSH) cats, and one Manx. The right eye was affected in four cats and the left eye in two cats. The superior eyelid was affected in four cats, the superior conjunctiva in two cats, and the inferior eyelid in one cat. All of the cats that underwent surgical excision, cryoablation, or laser ablation had an average of three recurrences of the tumor. Four of six cats undergoing wide excision with enucleation, exenteration or rhomboid flap had no recurrence of the tumor. Histomorphologically, all of the tumors were of spindle cell type with five of six tumors showing histologic features of Antoni type B tissue. All six tumors stained positive for vimentin. Five of six tumors stained positive for S‐100 and laminin. All six tumors were negative for smooth muscle actin. Definitive histologic diagnoses of spindle cell tumors can be difficult. The presence of Antoni A and B histologic patterns as well as immunohistochemical reactivity for vimentin, S‐100, and laminin suggest a diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Our findings suggest that local aggressive recurrence is common and that wide surgical excision combined with enucleation or exenteration may be indicated.
Tear film breakup times in young healthy cats before and after anesthesia
Authors: Cullen Cheryl L. , Lim Christine , Sykes John
Published: May 2005

The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine tear film breakup times (BUTs) in young healthy cats; (ii) to determine tear film BUTs in feline eyes within 8–20 h following general anesthesia; (iii) to determine if tear film BUTs vary significantly preoperatively when compared with values obtained 8–20 h postoperatively; (iv) to determine if Schirmer tear test (STT) values correlate with tear film BUTs in young healthy cats; and (v) to determine if the isolation of particular etiologic agents from conjunctival swabs of healthy cats affects tear film BUTs. We studied eighteen healthy Domestic Short‐haired (n = 14) and Domestic Long‐haired (n = 4) cats, with normal ocular examinations, ranging in age from 0.5 to 3 years. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including tear film BUTs, were performed on all cats. Conjunctival swabs from each eye of all cats and blood samples from all cats were collected and submitted for polymerase chain reaction screening for feline herpes virus,Chlamydophila felis,Mycoplasmaspp., and calicivirus. In 10 of 18 cats, STT values and tear film BUTs were measured before general anesthesia was administered and again within 8–20 h following the end of anesthesia. Mean preanesthesia tear film BUTs for all 18 cats were 17.4 ± 4.6 s OD and 16.0 ± 4.5 s OS. Mean postanesthesia tear film BUT results were 12.5 ± 4.3 and 13.1 ± 4.0 s OD and OS, respectively. Postanesthesia tear film BUTs were significantly more rapid than those measured before anesthesia (OD only). There was also a positive correlation, both before and after anesthesia, between STT values in both eyes (OU) and tear film BUTs OU. The isolation or lack of isolation of conjunctival microorganisms using PCR did not significantly affect tear film BUTs. Mean tear film BUT in young healthy domestic cats is 16.7 ± 4.5 s. Tear BUT is positively correlated with STT values. Although mean tear film BUTs OD at 8–20 h following anesthesia were more rapid than preanesthesia values, this difference did not appear clinically relevant.
Primary invasive ocular squamous cell carcinoma in a horse
Authors: Kaps Simone , Richter Marianne , Philipp Martin , Bart Madeleine , Eule Corinna , Spiess Bernhard M.
Published: May 2005

A 12‐year‐old Haflinger gelding was presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospital of the University of Zurich with a light‐pink raised mass on the temporal limbus and conjunctiva of the left eye. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed histologically after keratectomy and cryotherapy. Seven months later, a smooth pink, progressively enlarging mass was observed within the cornea of the left eye. Ultrasonographically, the mass was not only infiltrating the corneal stroma but seemed to protrude into the anterior chamber. The globe was surgically removed and submitted for pathology. A histologic diagnosis of corneal ocular squamous cell carcinoma with deep stromal invasion, infiltration of the uveoscleral meshwork and iridocorneal angle and resulting intraocular extension was made. This is the first detailed description of a limbal squamous cell carcinoma with invasion into the cornea and uvea in the horse.
Inheritance of cataract in the Bichon Frise
Authors: Wallace M. R. , MacKay E. O. , Gelatt K. N. , Andrew Stacy E.
Published: May 2005

Objective  To determine the mode of inheritance of cataract formation in the Bichon Frise.

Materials  Thirty‐six closely related Bichon Frise dogs in a pedigree of 61 dogs were examined using slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy over a period of 10 years.

Results  Of the 61 related dogs, 36 were examined repeatedly. Twelve cataractous dogs were diagnosed (three males and nine females). Cataractous dogs resulted from matings between unaffected parents, and when one parent was cataractous and the other parent was unaffected. Age at onset of cataract formation ranged from 18 to 160 months. Available information suggests that the cataracts are inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Conclusion  Cataracts appear inherited in the Bichon Frise as an autosomal recessive trait. Additional cataract × cataract matings are necessary to confirm the autosomal recessive heredity.
Effect of vaccination against leptospirosis on the frequency, days to recurrence and progression of disease in horses with equine recurrent uveitis
Authors: Rohrbach Barton W. , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H. , Cawrse‐Foss Margaret , Moyers Tammy D.
Published: May 2005

Objective To evaluate the effect of vaccination against leptospirosis on frequency and days to recurrence of uveitis and progression of disease in horses with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU).

Animals Forty‐one horses with ERU.

Procedure Horses were randomly assigned to experimental (vaccinated) or control groups. Vaccine containing six serovars ofLeptospiraor placebo was administered, an ophthalmic examination performed and blood samples drawn on days 0, 28, 180 and 365. Antibody titers were measured against each serovar. Recurrence of uveitis was verified by ophthalmic examination. Results of the initial and final ophthalmic examinations were compared and progression of disease defined as an increase in extent of synechiae, or development of new or progression of an existing cataract.

Results Vaccination increased the average geometric mean serum antibody titer from 225 on day 0, to 4077 and 593 on days 28 and 180, respectively. After the second vaccination, days to first recurrence was significantly longer (median 126 days; range 24–231 days) when compared with controls (median 86 days; range 14–192 days,P = 0.04). Recurrence of ERU was observed among 7/20 (35%) vaccinated horses and 12/21 (57%) controls; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.061, OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06, 1.07). More horses in the experimental group 13/20 (65%) experienced progression of disease when compared with controls 12/21(57%); however, this difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.35).

Conclusions Vaccine significantly increased days to recurrence, but failed to slow the progression of disease. These data do not support the use of vaccination against leptospirosis as adjunct therapy for the routine treatment of horses with ERU.
Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin aqueous humor concentrations after topical administration in dogs undergoing cataract surgery
Authors: Yu‐Speight Audrey W. , Kern Thomas J. , Erb Hollis N.
Published: May 2005

Objective To determine if preoperative topical administration of ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin results in aqueous humor drug concentrations that exceed the MIC90of common ocular contaminants in dogs undergoing cataract surgery.

Procedures Twelve dogs were treated with topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin and 13 dogs with topical 0.3% ofloxacin once the night before surgery, and then with 1 drop of ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin every 15 min for 2 h immediately before surgery. Aqueous humor samples were taken from each eye immediately before the incision was made and frozen at −70 °C. First eye samples (S1) were taken closer to the time of topical treatments than second eye samples (S2). Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Clinical Pharmacology laboratory.

Results In ciprofloxacin patients, S1 concentrations were 0.03–0.69 (0.17 median) µg/mL, and S2 concentrations were 0.09–0.95 (0.36 median) µg/mL. Aqueous humor concentrations did not exceed the MIC90ofStreptococcussp. Few eyes (1/12 OU) exceeded the MIC90forStaphylococcussp. orCorynebacteriumsp.; moderate numbers (5/12 S1; 8/12 S2) exceeded the MIC90forE. coli. In ofloxacin patients, S1 concentrations were 0.48–2.81 (1.05 median) µg/mL, and S2 concentrations were 0.45–3.63 (1.30 median) µg/mL. Although few eyes (≤ 2/13 OU) exceeded the MIC90forStreptococcussp. orCorynebacteriumsp., moderate numbers (7/13 S1, 9/13 S2) exceeded the MIC90forStaphylococcussp. and most eyes (12/13 OU) exceeded the MIC90forBacillussp. All eyes exceeded the MIC90forE. coli.

Conclusions Ofloxacin has higher corneal penetration and ability to exceed MIC90of common ocular contaminants than ciprofloxacin, and would be a more appropriate prophylactic choice for canine cataract patients.
Ectopic cilium in seven horses
Authors: Hurn Simon , Turner Andrew , Cowan Christina Mc
Published: May 2005

Ectopic cilium was diagnosed by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and treated surgically by transconjunctival excision in seven adult horses. All cases presented with a common history of blepharospasm, ocular discharge and keratitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed a single translucent cilium in the upper eyelid palpebral conjunctiva, emerging approximately 5 mm from the eyelid margin. Corneal ulceration was not observed in any horse. Most horses responded well to transconjunctival surgical excision. There was recurrence of ectopic cilium 6 weeks postoperatively in one horse. Histopathologic examination was performed in two cases and confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic cilium in one horse. This is the first publication of ectopic cilia in horses and emphasizes their importance as etiology for epiphora, blepharospasm and keratitis.
Amniotic membrane transplantation for the reconstruction of the ocular surface in three cases
Authors: Barros Paulo S. M. , Safatle Angélica M. V. , Godoy Cíntia A. , Souza Mirian S. B. , Barros Luiz F. M. , Brooks Dennis E.
Published: May 2005

This paper describes the use of amniotic membrane in the reconstructive surgical repair of generalized keratomalacia, ankyloblepharon, and after fibrous histiocytoma removal in two dogs and a cat. Case 1 was an 11‐year‐old female Yorkshire terrier with severe bullous keratomalacia in the left eye (OS). A frozen canine amniotic membrane graft and a third eyelid flap were applied. At day 80 postoperatively, only a mild scar and corneal vascularization were present. Case 2 was a 4‐year‐old female Siamese cat with symblepharon of both eyes after rhinotracheitis. Resection of the conjunctiva and frozen canine amniotic membrane transplant were performed. One month later, there was a little corneal scarring and corneal vascularization. Case 3 was a 6‐year‐old female terrier with a scleral and corneal mass at the 11–12 o’clock position (OS). Resection of the mass and amniotic membrane transplantation were performed. The mass was a fibrous histiocytoma localized to the sclera and cornea. This eye healed with mild conjunctivalization and no pigmentation. Amniotic membrane transplantation can be used as a method of reconstruction of the ocular surface with good repair of the cornea and minimal scarring in small animals.
Tear urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in horse and their correlation with serum values
Authors: Zapata Gustavo L. , Britos Roberto M. , Pintos Maria E. , Dreizzen Eduardo , Lausada Nélida B. , Arauz Sandra
Published: May 2005

The objective of this paper was to determine the physiological values of urea nitrogen and creatinine in tears, and to compare the results with those obtained from serum. Thirty healthy thoroughbred horses were included in the study. Tear fluid samples were obtained using a glass capillary tube placed in lower conjunctival cul‐de‐sac. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein. Tear and serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were quantitatively analyzed by an enzymatic colorimetric method. Urea nitrogen values were 4.22 ± 1.84 mmol/l in tears and 4.44 ± 1.78 mmol/l in serum, whereas creatinine values in tears were 14.14 ± 7.74 µmol/l and in serum 147.63 ± 12.17 µmol/l. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant correlation between serum and tear urea levels (P < 0001). However, there was no significant correlation between blood and tear creatinine values. Mean value of creatinine obtained from tears was 9.6% of the mean value from serum. Urea nitrogen and creatinine levels can be measured in tears. A significant correlation was found between serum and tears urea levels. This finding may permit development of a new alternative laboratory diagnosis of uremia based on the content of urea in tears.
Nephropathy, but not retinopathy, is associated with the development of heart disease in Type 1 diabetes: a 12‐year observation study of 462 patients
Authors: Torffvit O. , Lövestam‐Adrian M. , Agardh E. , Agardh C.‐D.
Published: May 2005

Aims  To study the occurrence of heart disease and death in Type 1 diabetic patients and evaluate whether presence of microangiopathy, i.e. nephropathy and retinopathy, was associated with the outcome.

Methods  A 12‐year observation study of 462 Type 1 diabetic patients without a previous history of heart disease at baseline who were treated under routine care in a hospital out‐patient clinic.

Results  A total of 85 patients developed signs of heart disease, i.e. myocardial infarction (n = 41), angina (n = 23), and heart failure (n = 17) and 56 patients died. The mortality for patients without signs of heart disease during the observation period was 7.6% compared with 51% in patients with myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), 26% in patients with angina (P < 0.01) and 65% in patients with heart failure (P < 0.001). The relative risk for death was 9.0 (P < 0.001) and 2.5 (P < 0.05) times higher in patients with macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria, respectively. The risk for cardiovascular death was 18.3 times (P < 0.001) higher in patients with macroalbuminuria compared with patients with normoalbuminuria. In patients with sight‐threatening retinopathy, the relative risk for death was 7.0 times higher (P < 0.01) and the risk for coronary heart disease events 4.4 times higher (P < 0.05) compared with patients with no retinopathy. However, when retinopathy was adjusted for presence of macroalbuminuria, this association disappeared.

Conclusion  This study shows a high incidence of heart disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The worse prognosis was seen in patients with sight‐threatening retinopathy and macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria at baseline. Macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria were independently associated with a high risk for heart disease and death while the association with sight‐threatening retinopathy only occurred in the presence of nephropathy.
The contribution of nitric oxide and vasodilatory prostanoids to bradykinin‐mediated vasodilation in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wotherspoon F. , Browne D. L. , Meeking D. R. , Allard S. E. , Munday L. J. , Shaw K. M. , Cummings M. H.
Published: May 2005

Aims  To investigate the effect of bradykinin on endothelial tone in normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients and specifically whether any changes are mediated through nitric oxide or prostaglandins.

Methods  Forearm blood flow was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography at baseline and after brachial artery infusions of incremental doses of bradykinin (50, 100 and 200 ng/min) in 15 patients with Type 1 diabetes and 13 non‐diabetic controls. Forearm blood flow at baseline and following bradykinin was then re‐examined after local infusion of l‐NMMA, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and l‐NMMA with indomethacin, a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor.

Results  Baseline blood flow in the diabetic and control groups were similar (4.46 ± 1.11 vs. 3.41 ± 1.23 ml/min/100 ml, respectively; P = 0.07). After infusion of l‐NMMA and l‐NMMA with indomethacin, there was a similar reduction in blood flow responses to bradykinin in both groups. There was no significant difference between the diabetic patients and control subjects in the percentage reduction in forearm blood flow following l‐NMMA (16.55 vs. 18.12%, respectively, P = 0.94) and l‐NMMA with indomethacin (47.1 vs. 37.3%, respectively, P = 0.14).

Conclusions  This study demonstrates that bradykinin‐stimulated vasodilation is mediated by both nitric oxide and prostaglandin release from the endothelium in patients with Type 1 diabetes and normoalbuminuria, and in healthy control subjects. We have also shown that the relative contributions of nitric oxide and prostaglandin to bradykinin‐mediated vasodilation are similar in these diabetic patients compared with non‐diabetic subjects.
Frequency and predictors of hypoglycaemia in Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes: a population‐based study
Authors: Donnelly L. A. , Morris A. D. , Frier B. M. , Ellis J. D. , Donnan P. T. , Durrant R. , Band M. M. , Reekie G. , Leese G. P.
Published: May 2005

Aims  To ascertain the frequency and identify predictors of self‐reported hypoglycaemia in Type 1 and insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  A random sample of 267 people with insulin‐treated diabetes were recruited from a population‐based diabetes register in Tayside, Scotland. Each subject prospectively recorded the number of mild and severe hypoglycaemic episodes experienced over a 1‐month period. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify potential predictors of hypoglycaemia.

Results  Five hundred and seventy‐two hypoglycaemic events were reported by 155 patients. The participants with Type 1 diabetes had a total of 336 hypoglycaemic events with a rate of 42.89 events per patient per year. Of these, nine were severe hypoglycaemic events, with a rate of 1.15 events per patient per year. Participants with insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes experienced a total of 236 hypoglycaemic events with a rate of 16.37 events per patient per year. Of these, five were severe hypoglycaemic events, which would be equivalent to 0.35 events per patient per year. Predictors of hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes were a history of previous hypoglycaemia (P = 0.006) and co‐prescribing of any oral drug (P = 0.048). In patients with insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes, a history of previous hypoglycaemia (P < 0.0001) and duration of insulin treatment (P = 0.014) were significant predictors.

Conclusion  The incidence of self‐reported severe hypoglycaemia in insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes is lower than in Type 1 diabetes but does occur more often than previously reported and with sufficient frequency to cause significant morbidity. Duration of insulin treatment is a key predictor of hypoglycaemia in insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes.
Endothelial function, insulin action and cardiovascular risk factors in young healthy adult offspring of parents with Type 2 diabetes: effect of vitamin E in a randomized double‐blind, controlled clinical trial
Authors: McSorley P. T. , Bell P. M. , Young I. S. , Atkinson A. B. , Sheridan B. , Fee J. P. H. , McCance D. R.
Published: May 2005

Background and aims  Endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance and oxidative stress are believed to be central and associated mechanisms in atherogenesis. We aimed to determine the effect of the antioxidant vitamin E on endothelial function, insulin action and cardiovascular risk markers in young healthy adult offspring of parents with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Healthy, glucose‐tolerant adults (18–38 years), 14 (12 male/2 female) with at least one parent with Type 2 diabetes, and 14 (12 male/2 female) subjects with no family history of diabetes (controls) were studied. Insulin action was assessed by euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (1 mU/kg/min). Endothelial function was assessed by forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra‐brachial artery infusions of acetylcholine (ACh) (endothelium‐dependent vasodilation), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (endothelium‐independent vasodilation) and NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine (LNMMA) (nitric oxide synthase inhibition). Thirteen offspring (18–38 years, 11 male/2 female, BMI < 30 kg/m2) completed a randomized, double‐blind, crossover trial (12 weeks vitamin E 800 IU/day or placebo, 6‐week washout).

Results  Exogenous glucose infusion rates to maintain euglycaemia were positively associated with response to acetylcholine in offspring (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), and were linked with triglycerides. Vitamin E had no effect on endothelial function, insulin action or cardiovascular risk markers in healthy adult offspring of parents with Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions  Our results support a positive association between insulin action and endothelial‐dependent vasodilation in young healthy adult offspring of parents with Type 2 diabetes, but indicate no effect of vitamin E on these parameters.
Calcaneal bone mineral density in patients with Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy: differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Petrova N. L. , Foster A. V. M. , Edmonds M. E.
Published: May 2005

Aims  To measure bone density and neuropathy in both feet in Type 1 and Type 2 patients with unilateral Charcot osteoarthropathy and controls.

Methods  Calcaneal bone density, temperature and vibration thresholds were compared between 17 Type 1 diabetic patients with osteoarthropathy and 47 Type 1 controls and between 18 Type 2 diabetic patients and 48 Type 2 controls. As well as the Charcot foot, the non‐Charcot foot was studied to assess osteopenia at onset of osteoarthropathy.

Results  In Type 1 diabetes, bone density was reduced in the non‐Charcot foot compared with controls [Z‐score: −1.7 ({−1.9}–{−1.4}) vs. −0.2 ({−1.1}–{0.5}), P < 0.0001, median (interquartile range)]; but not in Type 2 diabetes [Z‐score: 0.15 ({−0.45}–{0.85}) vs. 0.3 ({−0.5}–{0.9}), P = 0.675]. Bone density in the Charcot foot was lower compared with the non‐Charcot foot in both Type 1 [Z‐score: −2.0 ({−2.8}–{−1.4}) vs. −1.7 ({−1.9}–{−1.4}), P = 0.018] and Type 2 diabetes [Z‐score: −0.2 ({−1.4}–{0.1}) vs. 0.3 ({−0.5}–{0.9}), P = 0.001]. In Type 1 diabetes, bone density of the non‐Charcot foot was reduced compared with that in Type 2 (P < 0.0001). Body mass index was lower in Type 1 than in Type 2 Charcot patients (P = 0.007). Type 2 patients had high temperature (P = 0.001) and vibration thresholds (P < 0.0001) in the non‐Charcot foot compared with Type 2 controls whereas Type 1 patients had a high temperature threshold (P = 0.01) but not vibration threshold compared with Type 1 controls (P = 0.077).

Conclusion  Bone density was reduced in the non‐Charcot foot in Type 1 but not in Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 patients had high temperature and vibration thresholds in contrast to Type 1 patients who had a high temperature threshold only.
Dissemination of ‘patient‐oriented evidence that matters’ on the Internet: the case of Type 2 diabetes treatment
Authors: Giménez‐Pérez G. , Caixàs A. , Giménez‐Palop O. , González‐Clemente J. M. , Mauricio D.
Published: May 2005

Aims  To evaluate the dissemination of patient‐oriented evidence that matters (POEMs) derived from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) through health information websites.

Methods  Google and Altavista search engines were used to generate a list of websites about Type 2 diabetes treatments. We evaluated a random sample of 50 websites from each list, plus the first 10 websites displayed on each search engine looking for the presence of POEMs about diabetes treatment derived from the UKPDS. Websites were also ranked using the DISCERN instrument.

Results  The final sample consisted of 66 websites. The most frequently stated item was that tight blood pressure decreased complications and/or mortality (55.5%). The effects of metformin on morbidity and/or mortality in overweight patients and the greater effect of control of blood pressure rather than blood glucose control on complications were stated in 18.2 and 16.7% of cases, whereas the lack of effect of tight blood glucose control on premature mortality and of insulin or sulphonylureas on aggregate micro‐ or macrovascular outcomes in overweight patients were stated in one case each (1.5%). The lack of effect of tight blood glucose control on quality of life was not stated in any website. POEMs were more frequently present in websites rated high with the DISCERN instrument, websites with the Health‐on‐the‐Net seal and non‐commercial websites.

Conclusions  The dissemination of POEMs through the Internet is poor. If patients are to be involved in decision‐making processes, efforts should be made to update the Internet contents to meet this challenge.
Correcting Standard Errors in Two‐stage Estimation Procedures with Generated Regressands*
Authors: Dumont Michel , Rayp Glenn , Thas Olivier , Willemé Peter
Published: May 2005

Feenstra and Hanson [NBER Working Paper No. 6052 (1997)] propose a procedure to correct the standard errors in a two‐stage regression with generated dependent variables. Their method has subsequently been used in two‐stage mandated wage models [Feenstra and Hanson, Quarterly Journal of Economics (1999) Vol. 114, pp. 907–940; Haskel and Slaughter, The Economic Journal (2001) Vol. 111, pp. 163–187; Review of International Economics (2003) Vol. 11, pp. 630–650] and for the estimation of the sector bias of skill‐biased technological change [Haskel and Slaughter, European Economic Review (2002) Vol. 46, pp. 1757–1783]. Unfortunately, the proposed correction is negatively biased (sometimes even resulting in negative estimated variances) and therefore leads to overestimation of the inferred significance. We present an unbiased correction procedure and apply it to the models reported by Feenstra and Hanson (1999) and Haskel and Slaughter (2002).
Editorial
Authors: Rodgers Jackie , Tarleton Beth
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

This book is about making easier information for people with learning disabilities.

People with learning disabilities should always be involved in making easier information.

Easier information should be made specially for the people who are going to use it.
Without words – meaningful information for people with high individual communication needs
Authors: Thurman Sue , Jones Jane , Tarleton Beth
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

Some people with learning difficulties do not use words. They tell you things using their bodies.

• Supporters must get to know these people very well and tell them things in their own special way.

The provision of appropriate accessible or easy information has been recognized as a right for people with learning difficulties (Department of Health 2001a). However, there is a large and growing group of people with learning difficulties whose needs cannot be met by the use of techniques such as short sentences and appropriate pictures or technological support. People with high individual communication needs do not use formal methods of communication such as speech, writing or symbols. They communicate in their own unique way through their bodies, facial expressions, sounds, eye gaze or pointing. This paper stresses the importance of individual and person centred approaches which respect and respond to the individual's form of communication. It presents seven principles which will help those around the individual to understand them, the way they communicate, where they communicate best and which encourages supporters only to provide information that is relevant.
Seeing for ourselves: producing accessible information for people learning difficulties and visual impairments
Authors: Levy Gill
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

Lots of people with learning difficulties have visual impairments. This means that they cannot see very well.

Lots of people with learning difficulties need their eyes tested. Many people with learning difficulties need glasses.

Services and supporters need to make sure people who cannot see well get information in the best way for them.

Visual impairment, although often unidentified, is common in people with learning disabilities. However, despite the high incidence of sight problems, little guidance has been produced on accessible information for this varied ‘group’ of individuals. This paper, which develops the Information for All guidance [Rodgers et al. (2004)http://www.easyinfo.org.uk] on the provision of information for people with learning difficulties and visual impairments, seeks to redress this. It begins by discussing some of the different sight problems people with learning difficulties may have and how people with ‘low vision’ can be supported to make use of information. It outlines how information should be provided for people with learning difficulties who have visual impairments whose need for accessible information is often overlooked, denying them the opportunity to make truly informed choices. It considers why people with learning disabilities and visual impairments may need different formats for different situations.
Changes and choices: finding out what information young people with learning disabilities, their parents and supporters need at transition
Authors: Tarleton Beth , Ward Linda
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

Transition means growing up and becoming an adult. There are a lot of changes and choices for young people at transition.

We found out what information young people, their families and supporters need at transition.

Young people with learning disabilities from North Somerset People First did the project with other researchers.

This article provides an overview of the methods and findings of a project, commissioned by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, to explore the information needs of young people with learning disabilities, their families and supporters at transition. It describes how a group of young people with learning disabilities were trained in research methods and undertook four focus groups with other young people with learning disabilities in England and Wales. Parallel focus groups involving their parents and supporters were conducted at the same time, facilitated by a family carer and professional respectively. The different kinds of information required are summarized: for example, all three groups wanted information about getting a job and going to college and about the transition process generally, but there were also differences in emphasis between the groups, which are described. Key issues in providing information at transition in ways likely to be most accessible to the different stakeholders are outlined.
Writing it ourselves
Authors:   Wyre Forest Self Advocacy, Tarleton Beth
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities have lots to say. They know how to say things to people with learning disabilities.

People with learning disabilities can get many skills by making easy information.

The paper describes how a group of self advocates wrote a book. It discusses each of the stages of writing and developing the book. It says why they wanted to write a book, what they thought about making information easier and how they chose the right words and pictures. It shows that people with learning disabilities can make easy information for other people with learning disabilities. It also shows how making the information helped the self advocates develop lots of skills and how proud it made them feel. The self advocates knew how important it was for people with learning disabilities to be involved in making ‘easy information’. They said they knew how it felt to be in their situation.
‘It's about a dialogue...’1 Working with people with learning difficulties to develop accessible information
Authors: Ward Linda , Townsley Ruth
Published: May 2005

Accessible summary

It is very important that people with learning difficulties help make easy information.

People with learning difficulties should be involved in all the different parts of making easy information.

Involving people with learning difficulties costs money but it is very important.

A key element of producing easy information is working together with the target audience. This should mean that the information produced is easier for them to understand and more likely to make a difference to their lives. If possible it is good to work together with both ‘expert’ or experienced information users and those who are new to the area. Partnership working needs to happen throughout every stage of information production: at the outset; testing rough drafts; involving people in information production and testing the final draft before it goes public. Evaluating the information after it is produced is also important. Working in partnership has costs and benefits: the article concludes with a review of these.
Perceptions of risk in intimacy and social participation
Authors: NEZLEK JOHN B. , PILKINGTON CONSTANCE J.
Published: May 2005

The present study examined the relations between individuals' social lives and the risks they perceived in being intimate with others. Participants maintained a variant of the Rochester Interaction Record (Wheeler & Nezlek, 1977) and completed the Risk in Intimacy Inventory (Pilkington & Richardson, 1988). The results indicated that, compared to people who perceived less risk, people who perceived more risk in intimacy had less rewarding social lives on measures of socio‐emotional and socio‐instrumental dimensions of interaction. Risk in intimacy concerns were particularly salient for women in their interactions with the opposite sex and for men in their interactions with the same sex. In addition, the statistical associations between perceptions of risk in intimacy and characteristics of interactions within close opposite‐sex personal relationships varied as a function of participants' sex and the nature of this personal relationship.
Equity and marital satisfaction over the family life cycle
Authors: FEENEY JUDITH , PETERSON CANDIDA , NOLLER PATRICIA
Published: May 2005

Marital satisfaction and perceptions of global marital equity were assessed in a sample of 373 Australian husbands and wives drawn from four phases of the family life cycle: preparenthood, childrearing, launching, and the empty nest. For wives only, satisfaction levels across successive phases described the U‐shaped curve predicted from previous research. Sex differences emerged in perceptions of marital equity: During childrearing and the empty nest, more wives than husbands experienced equity; and in all phases except preparenthood, inequitable marriages were more likely to produce overbenefit for husbands and underbenefit for wives. For the sample as a whole, and for the preparenthood and childrearing groups individually, marital satisfaction was predicted both by the relative level of benefit a respondent gained from marriage, and by how closely the balance of exchange in the marriage matched strict equity. During launching, however, relative benefit eclipsed strict adherence to the rule of equity as a predictor of satisfaction, whereas during the empty nest phase, strict equity eclipsed relative benefit. Possible explanations for these life‐cycle variations are discussed.
Attachment styles and close relationships: A four‐year prospective study
Authors: KIRKPATRICK LEE A. , HAZAN CINDY
Published: May 2005

A longitudinal study of 177 adults examined the stability of adult attachment styles and of romantic relationships over a 4‐year period. Findings included the following: (a) attachment styles were highly stable over time; (b) Time 1 attachment style was a significant predictor of Time 2 relationship status, but (c) this effect was mediated by concurrent attachment style at Time 2; (d) secure respondents were less likely than insecure respondents to report one or more breakups during the 4‐year interval, but (e) paradoxically, ambivalent respondents were just as likely as secure respondents to be in a relationship with the same partner they had identified 4 years earlier; and (f) attachment stability was moderated to some extent by the experience of breakup or initiation of new relationships during the interim. Respondents' ability to recall their previous attachment style was also examined. Methodological and theoretical implications are discussed, particularly with respect to the conceptualization of attachment styles as traits versus reflections of current relationship status.
Feeling good and feeling close: Affective influences on the perception of intimate relationships
Authors: FORGAS JOSEPH P. , LEVINGER GEORGE , MOYLAN STEPHANIE J.
Published: May 2005

Two experiments investigated the role of short‐term affective states on the way people perceive various aspects of their personal relationships. Using an unobtrusive mood induction in a field setting, Experiment 1 found significant mood congruency in evaluative judgments about well‐established intimate relationships. Experiment 2 used a controlled laboratory procedure and found that evaluations of the relationship and the partner, as well as preferred styles of conflict resolution were all significantly affected by the respondents' transient mood state. Increasing relationship longevity did not reduce affective influences on judgments in either study. The results arc discussed in terms of the role of affective states in cognition and judgments, and the influence of affect on everyday judgments about personal relationships is considered.
The role of intimacy and social support in health outcomes: Two processes or one?
Authors: REIS HARRY T. , FRANKS PETER
Published: May 2005

That intimacy and social support are related to an individual's health and well‐being has often been noted. The present study had two goals. First, we intended to establish whether intimacy and social support were related to mental and physical health in a large, representative community sample. Second, we sought to determine whether intimacy and social support make unique contributions to predicting health, as a step toward developing a model of the relation between these processes. Results strongly supported the initial hypothesis that intimacy and social support were both related to health status. We also found that the effects of intimacy on well‐being were mediated by social support, but that the effects of social support were not mediated by intimacy. We therefore concluded that the health‐promoting benefits of intimacy most likely occur because intimate relationships are likely to engender higher levels of social support. Distinguishing unique and shared prediction effects is a generic concern for disciplines that study variables that are naturally correlated in real life, such as in the field of personal relationships.
Two sides to the breakup of dating relationships
Authors: SPRECHER SUSAN
Published: May 2005

Very few studies on the aftermath of relationship breakups have included data from both ex‐partners. The major purpose of this study was to examine whether there is any validity to the principle that there are two sides to every breakup. Questionnaire data were collected from both partners of 47 heterosexual, dating couples after they experienced the breakup of their relationship. Their emotional reactions, perceptions of who had control over the breakup, and perceptions of reasons for the breakup were analyzed. Results indicated that there was no association between ex‐partners in the level of distress experienced after the breakup. Ex‐partners agreed about who had control and who was responsible for the breakup and about some of the specific reasons for the breakup. Fewer gender differences were found in this study than have been found in previous research on dating relationship breakups (e.g., Hill, Rubin, & Peplau, 1976). For example, men and women were similar in the overall distress they experienced after the breakup and in the reasons they gave for the breakup. Women were more likely than men to be seen as the initiator of the breakup, but only by women themselves. Additional analyses indicated that perceptions of control and the reasons for the breakup were related to emotional reactions after the breakup.
Behavioral buffers on the effect of negativity on marital satisfaction: A longitudinal study
Authors: HUSTON TED L. , CHOROST AMY F.
Published: May 2005

A 2‐year longitudinal study of newlyweds was conducted to explore the connection between negativity and satisfaction as a function of (a) the extent to which spouses create an atmosphere of friendliness (as indexed by the degree to which they are affectionally expressive) and (b) the reported extent to which they try to accommodate to each other's needs and work toward maintaining the quality of their relationship. Data concerning marital behavior (negativity, affectional expression, and maintenance) and marital satisfaction were gathered from 105 pairs of spouses on three occasions spaced approximately a year apart. Hierarchical regressions with the concurrent data revealed that affectional expression and maintenance appear to buffer the impact of husbands' negativity on wives' satisfaction. The buffering hypothesis was not supported, however, when wives' behavior was used to account for husbands' satisfaction. Consistent with the buffering hypothesis, the decline in wives' satisfaction associated with husbands' negativity was less great when husbands exhibited relatively high levels of affectional expression. Declines in husbands' level of satisfaction, in contrast, could not be predicted by wives' initial levels of negativity, considered alone, or in combination with either their level of affectional expression or maintenance behavior.
The effects of self‐beliefs and relationship beliefs on adjustment to a relationship stressor
Authors: HELGESON VICKI S.
Published: May 2005

A longitudinal study of college students involved in long‐distance romantic relationships was conducted to examine the associations of positive self‐beliefs and positive relationship beliefs to general distress, relationship status at the end of the semester (together vs. broken up), adjustment to a relationship stressor (physical separation), and adjustment to breakup. It was expected that positive self‐beliefs (self‐esteem, perceived control mastery, optimism) would predict the general psychological health outcome and that positive relationship beliefs (e.g., optimism about the future of the relationship) would predict the three relationship outcomes. Results confirmed predictions. Despite the positive correlation between self‐beliefs and relationship beliefs, positive self‐beliefs were associated with less psychological distress but were not associated with the three relationship outcomes. Relationship beliefs were associated with all three of the relationship outcomes. Positive relationship beliefs were adaptive in terms of relationship status, but were related to worse adjustment to the separation and worse adjustment to the breakup.
The influence of parent negative emotional expression on adolescents' perceptions of their relationships with their parents
Authors: FLANNERY DANIEL X , MONTEMAYOR RAYMOND , EBERLY MARY B.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent affective expression in interactions and adolescent perceptions of their relationship. Observational and self‐report data were collected on 85 intact families with adolescents in grades 5 to 9 (n = 44 males, 41 females). Each parent and adolescent took part in two 8‐minute conversations–one about an activity they reported enjoying together and one about a disagreement or area of conflict. Conversations were coded on a speaker turn basis for positive, negative, neutral, mixed, and altered affect (kappa = .76). Physical maturation was related to adolescent perceptions of increased negative communication quality in all parent‐adolescent dyads. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that expression by fathers of negative and mixed affect significantly predicted adolescent perceptions of communication quality, psychological autonomy, and firm/lax control, in addition to the effects of adolescent pubertal maturation. Mother affective expression in interactions was less consistently related to adolescent perceptions of relationship satisfaction. Implications for the salience of father versus mother affective expression in interactions with adolescents are discussed.