bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment
Authors: Pillans P. I. , Landsberg P. G. , Fleming A.‐M. , Fanning M. , Sturtevant J. M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Aims: To determine whether appropriate dosage adjust­ments are made in patients with significant renal impairment for drugs with a high fractional renal clearance.

Methods:  Evaluation of dosage adjustment was performed in patients who were admitted to a 480‐bed metropolitan hospital (Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia) with an estimated creatinine clearance of ≤40 mL/min. All drugs had a high fractional renal excretion. A prescribed dose within 30% of the calculated dose was considered appropriate.

Results:  Doses were found to be inappropriately high in 105 (42.2%) of 249 admission prescriptions of the targeted drugs. Doses were appropriately reduced in hospital in 32 patients (30.4%). Seventy‐three (29.3%) prescriptions were continued with excessive doses. Only 34 prescriptions for the target drugs were initiated in hospital, of which 88.2% were appropriately dosed.

Conclusions:  A significant percentage of patients with renal impairment are admitted to hospital on inappro­priately high doses of drugs, with a high fractional renal excretion and low therapeutic index. Doses are appropriately reduced in hospital in some patients but there is still room for improvement. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 10−13)
Use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolismin patients with an intermediate probability ventilation/perfusion scan
Authors: Stone E. , Roach P. , Bernard E. , Briggs G. , Havryk A. , Faulder K. , Dennis C.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background:  Computed tomography pulmonary ­angiography (CTPA) plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Although accurate in the detection of large PE, its accuracy in other patient groups is yet to be defined.

Aim:  To compare CTPA with pulmonary angiog­raphy as a second‐line investigation in patients with a ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scan indicating an intermediate probability of PE.

Methods:  We recruited 25 patients over a 17‐month period. Subjects were eligible if they: (i) had clinically suspected PE, (ii) had a VQ scan indicating an intermediate probability of PE and (iii) were referred for pulmonary angiography. Subjects underwent CTPA within 36 h of the VQ scan. CTPA was interpreted without knowledge of the results of the pulmonary angiogram by two of the authors.

Results:  PE was prevalent (i.e. embolus detected at pulmonary angiography) in seven of 25 subjects (28%). The sensitivity of CTPA was 57% and the specificity was 94%.

Conclusions:  In the setting of intermediate‐probability VQ scanning, CTPA may be used to clarify the diagnosis of PE. However, a negative CTPA cannot ­definitely exclude PE. Conventional pulmonary angiography may be necessary to determine the presence of PE if CTPA is negative. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 74−78)
Allelopathic activity of root exudates from Leonurus sibiricus L. (Raktodrone)
Authors: Mandal Suparna
Published: March 2003

Root exudates (RE) of Leonurus sibiricus L. show the stimulatory effect of a bioassay on rice, wheat and mustard. Root exudate shows concentration‐dependent activity. A stock solution (one seedling in 200 mL of 0.1% Knop’s solution for 4 days) is denoted as (1). A 10‐fold higher concentration (10) was made by using a rotary vacuum evaporator; for example, 100 mL stock solution was reduced to 10 mL. For bioassay, (25), (50), (75) and (100)‐fold concentrations have been used. The stimulatory effect increases with concentration (peak at 10), decreases thereafter, and at (50) (75) and (100), the effect is inhibitory (almost 100% at 75 and 100). Paper chromatography and staining suggest the presence of phenolics including caffeic acid in RE. Caffeic acid also shows the same concentration‐dependent activity on rice seeds. An ether extract of acid hydrolyzed leaves shows a number of phenolics on thin layer chromatography. Among these phenolics, three are common with RE. One highly fluorescent band occurs in a much larger amount (both RE and acid hydrolyzed leaf extract), and coincides with standard caffeic acid. On ultraviolet spectrometer analysis after elution, the putative caffeic acid compound shows two characteristic peaks similar to that of caffeic acid at 277 and 231 nm, respectively. Gas liquid chromatography retention time of both standard caffeic acid and the fluorescent spot is the same.
Differential safening activity of dymron and fenclorim on pretilachlor injury in rice seedlings in soil
Authors: MIYAUCHI NOBUYOSHI , KOBAYASHI KATSUICHIRO , USUI KENJI
Published: March 2003

The safening activity of dymron [1‐(α,α‐dimethylbenzyl)‐3‐(p‐tolyl)urea]

and fenclorim [4,6‐dichloro‐2‐phenylpyrimidine] on the phytotoxic activity of pretilachlor

[2‐chloro‐2′,6′‐diethyl‐N‐(2‐propoxyethyl)acetanilide] on rice seedlings was examined in both water and soil culture. The safening activity of fenclorim in water culture was greater than that of dymron, whereas the activity of fenclorim in soil was lower than that of dymron. The fenclorim concentration in soil water was lower than that of dymron at all times when determined after the application at the same concentrations. The phytotoxic activity of pretilachlor and the safening activities of dymron and fenclorim were well correlated with the concentration of each in soil water but not with the amount in total soil. The adsorption of fenclorim on soil solids was greater than those of dymron and pretilachlor. It was suggested that both the phytotoxic activity of pretilachlor and the safening activities of dymron and fenclorim were dependent on their concentrations in soil water, which were primarily dominated by the adsorption on soil.
Stridor in the neonate and infant. Implications for the paediatric anaesthetist. Prospective description of 155 patients with congenital and acquired stridor in early infancy
Authors: HOLZKI JOSEF , LASCHAT MICHAEL , STRATMANN CORNELIA
Published: March 2003

One hundred‐and‐fifty‐five neonates and infants up to the sixth month of postnatal age were investigated to reveal the cause of clinically relevant stridor. In 100 patients congenital stridor was found, in 55 children the stridor was considered to be acquired. A curled, soft epiglottis, almost synonymously used with the diagnosis of congenital stridor, was found in 7% only, indicating different methods of investigation and different selection of patients compared to previous years. In acquired stridor the majority of infants showed laryngeal and tracheal trauma, mostly due to the use of too large tracheal tubes.
Double volume exchange transfusion for ABO incompatible liver transplantation in paediatric patients: intraoperative and preoperative approach
Authors: BEEBE DAVID S. , PEÑA ANNIE , PAYNE WILLIAM , BELANI KUMAR G.
Published: March 2003

Double volume blood exchange transfusions (DBVET) were used to reduce the serum antibody levels in six paediatric patients receiving ABO incompatible hepatic allografts. In four patients, the exchange transfusions took place on the ward prior to surgery. In three of these four patients who had titres measured, the anti‐A IgM titres fell from 1024 to 64, 64 to 8, and 128 to 16, respectively. The anti‐A IgG titres fell from 32 to 16 and 512 to 64 in two patients, but rose from 16 to 32 in the third. In two patients DBVET were performed intraoperatively using a rapid infusion device. The IgM titres fell from 256 to 32 and 64 to 1, respectively, and the IgG titres fell from 16 to 4 and 2 to 0. Intraoperative DBVET can acutely and effectively reduce blood group antibodies. Intraoperative DBVET may reduce graft ischaemia time and allow red blood cell salvage.
Incidence and therapy of midazolam induced hiccups in paediatric anaesthesia
Authors: Marhofer Peter , Glaser Christian , Krenn Claus G. , Grabner Claudia M. , Semsroth Margot
Published: March 2003

A prospective, randomized and double blind study was undertaken to determine the incidence and a possible dose‐ or age‐dependence of hiccups in children premedicated with rectal midazolam and to investigate the treatment of hiccups by intranasal ethyl chloride spray application. Two hundred ASA physical status 1 and 2 children, weighing 3.0 to 15.0 kg, scheduled for minor surgery, were randomly assigned to be given either 0.5 mg·kg−1 midazolam(n=100) or 1.0 mg·kg−1 midazolam (n=100) administered rectally. If hiccups were observed during a period of 20 min after premedication with midazolam, these children were treated after 3 min of hiccups with two short intranasal applications of ethyl chloride spray. Hiccups occurred in 22% of children in the 0.5 mg·kg−1 group and 26% in the 1.0 mg·kg−1 group (n.s.). The intranasal application with ethyl chloride was successful in 100% in both groups. The mean age levels between children with or without hiccups were 5±9 months vs 21±19 months (P<0.01) in the 0.5 mg·kg−1 group and 6±7 months vs 20±14 months (P<0.01) in the 1.0 mg·kg−1 group. Intranasal application of ethyl chloride spray seems to be an effective therapy for midazolam induced hiccups in paediatric anaesthesia. The incidence of these hiccups is highly age significant, but not dose dependent.
Haemodynamic depression by halothane is age‐related in paediatric patients
Authors: Friesen Robert H. , Wurl Jonathan L. , Charlton Gareth A.
Published: March 2003

The hypothesis that young infants are more sensitive to the haemodynamic depressant effects of halothane compared with older children was tested. One hundred and sixty unpremedicated, ASA physical status I or II paediatric patients without cardiac or pulmonary disease were divided into five age groups: term neonates, 1–6 months, 6–24 months, 2–6 years and 6–12 years. Anaesthetic induction was achieved with halothane in oxygen and air via mask. Vecuronium 0.1 mg·kg−1 was administered intravenously. During normocapnic manual ventilation by mask, endtidal halothane concentration was maintained at either 2×age‐specific MAC (Method I) or 1.7% (Method II) in 20 patients in each age group for 10 min. In both Method I and Method II, systolic and mean blood pressure of term neonates and infants aged 1–6 months decreased significantly (P < 0.01) compared with other age groups. The results of this study demonstrate that neonates and young infants are more susceptible to haemodynamic depression during halothane anaesthesia than are older children, confirming clinical experience.
Age‐dependent variations in white adipose tissue glycerol and lactate production after surgery measured by microdialysis in neonates and children
Authors: Hildingsson Ulf , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Selldén Hans , Eksborg Staffan , Ungerstedt Urban , Marcus Claude
Published: March 2003

In previous studies, we observed that lactate concentrations in interstitial white adipose tissue are higher in small infants than in adults. Moreover, no lipolysis following catecholamine challenge has been reported in neonates and small infants. Our aim was to determine with microdialysis whether the above mentioned age‐dependent changes could be detected in situ after surgery. A microdialysis catheter was introduced into the abdominal subcutaneous tissue in 13 neonates and 12 children undergoing surgery. Interstitial concentrations of glucose, lactate and glycerol were measured hourly during the first 20 postoperative hours. The concentrations of lactate in interstitial white adipose tissue were consistently higher in neonates compared to older children, with a significant difference during the 9–18 h postoperative period (P < 0.05). A significant difference in the lactate:glucose ratio was observed at 1–2, 8–10, 15 and 18 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to glycerol and glucose concentrations. Interstitial lactate concentrations in white adipose tissue were higher in neonates compared with children in the early postoperative period. No age‐dependent difference in postoperative lipolysis, measured as interstitial glycerol concentrations, was observed. Thus, an age‐dependent difference in interstitial lactate production, but not lipolysis, was detected in the early postoperative period.
The time‐course of action and recovery of rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1 in infants and children during halothane anaesthesia measured with acceleromyography
Authors: Driessen Jacques J. , Robertson Eric N. , Van Egmond Jan , Booij Leo H.
Published: March 2003

This study compares the time‐course of action of neuromuscular paralysis after 0.3 mg·kg−1 of rocuronium during nitrous oxide–halothane anaesthesia in children of three different age groups. With appropriate approval and informed consent from the parents, 51 children, ASA I–II, scheduled for elective surgery requiring muscle relaxation, were studied. The children were assigned to three groups according to age: group 1, 0–6 months; group 2, 6–24 months; and group 3, > 24 months of age. Induction of anaesthesia and tracheal intubation were performed under halothane anaesthesia. Acceleromyography of the thumb was recorded after supramaximal transcutaneous ulnar nerve stimulation using train‐of‐four (TOF) stimulation. Rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1 was given as a rapid i.v. bolus prior to surgical incision. The onset time (time to max effect) and the maximal depth of the block, the time to recovery of the first twitch (T1) to 25% and 75% of its baseline, the recovery index (RI), and the time to recovery of the TOF ratio to 70% after the end of injection of rocuronium were all measured. The mean (SD) age of the children in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 3.1 (1.6), 12.6 (3.7), and 63 (46) months, respectively. The onset time of rocuronium was 47 (12), 83 (42) and 94 (12) s, respectively, in groups 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.05 group 1 vs. 2 and 3). One hundred percent block was achieved in 18/19 patients in group 1, 12/14 in group 2 and 6/18 in group 3. The times to 25% and 75% recovery of T1 and the time for recovery of the TOF ratio to 70% were all significantly longer in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3. Group 1 and 2 showed no significant differences in recovery times. The RI was significantly prolonged in group 1 versus 3. The authors conclude that rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1 during halothane anaesthesia causes more neuromuscular depression and has a longer duration of action in infants than in children older than 2 years.
Traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery in an infant: a surprise diagnosis
Authors: CHAMBERS NEIL , HAMPSON‐EVANS DARRYL , PATWARDHAN KIRAN , MURDOCH LINDA
Published: March 2003

Isolated aneurysm of the extracranial section of the internal carotid artery has been reported in children but never, to our knowledge, in an infant. It can represent a major anaesthetic challenge with compromise of both airway and cerebral perfusion and the associated risks of rupture. We report on an 11‐month‐old infant, who had undergone an examination under anaesthesia of her nose and throat for epistaxis and gastrointestinal endoscopy due to apparent gastrointestinal bleeding shortly before presenting to us with signs of rapidly progressive upper airway obstruction. Emergency examination under anaesthesia revealed a large pulsatile mass in the posterior nasopharynx which, on subsequent radiological investigation, was revealed to be a large pseudoaneurysm of the right internal carotid artery, obstructing distal flow. An apparently minor episode of trauma had occurred around the time of the first nosebleed; she had allegedly fallen onto her face with a spoon in her mouth.
Preoperative coagulation tests in former preterm infants undergoing spinal anaesthesia
Authors: DE SAINT BLANQUAT L. , SIMON L. , LAPLACE C. , EGU J.F. , HAMZA J.
Published: March 2003

Background: Clinical history is insufficient to detect disorders of haemostasis in infants aged less than 1 year and laboratory coagulation testing is recommended in infants before perimedullar anaesthesia.

Methods: We designed a retrospective study to assess the preoperative coagulation tests [activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time, platelet count] performed in 141 former preterm infants who underwent spinal anaesthesia for elective inguinal hernia repair. All the infants had recovered from any significant medical event (necrotizing enterocolitis, intracranial haemorrhages, transfusions of blood products, sepsis, etc.) when they were scheduled for surgery.

Results: Mean values for aPTT were frequently abnormal (60.4%) in infants with a postconceptional age of less than 45 weeks. No complication related to the puncture or abnormal perioperative bleeding was detected.

Conclusions: Other coagulation tests should be evaluated to assess the coagulation status in infants with a postconceptional age of less than 45 weeks.
Caudal block with 4 mg·kg−1 (1.6 ml·kg−1) of bupivacaine 0.25% in children undergoing surgical correction of congenital pyloric stenosis
Authors: MOYAO‐GARCÍA DIANA , GARZA‐LEYVA MERCEDES , VELÁZQUEZ‐ARMENTA ELVIA Y. , NAVA‐OCAMPO ALEJANDRO A.
Published: March 2003

Background: Since 1970, bupivacaine 0.25% in a dose of 4 mg·kg−1 (1.6 ml·kg−1) has been used at the Hospital Infantil de México for caudal block in children undergoing surgical correction of congenital pyloric stenosis (CPS). Although this dose is considered unsafe, in our experience, it has been associated with a high success rate and a low incidence of adverse events. This experience has not been previously documented.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients undergoing surgical correction of CPS was studied. Nineteen patients received general anaesthesia while 223 received caudal block. The latter were then grouped according to the sedation technique. The rate of successful caudal blocks and complications were considered the major outcomes of the study, whereas the postsurgical fasting period and hospital stay were considered secondary outcomes.

Results: The rate of success of caudal block was 96%. Anaesthetic complications related to bupivacaine were present in 1.3%. Mortality occurred in the postoperatory period in one septic patient who also was suffering from gastroschisis that required general anaesthesia. Postoperatory fasting period and hospital stay tended to be higher with general anaesthesia than caudal block. However, of the 19 patients receiving general anaesthesia, five suffered serious comorbidity and nine were failed caudal blocks.

Conclusions: Caudal block with bupivacaine 0.25% (4 mg·kg−1) was associated with a low rate of anaesthetic complications. Further prospective studies to clarify the risks and benefits are required.
Analgesia for paediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy with intramuscular clonidine
Authors: Freeman Katherine O. , Connelly Neil Roy , Schwartz Donald , Jacobs Barry R. , Schreibstein Jerry M. , Gibson Charles
Published: March 2003

Summary Background: After undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A), children may experience significant pain. Clonidine, an α2 agonist, exhibits significant analgesic properties. The current investigation sought to determine whether intramuscular (I.M.) clonidine would decrease pain in paediatric patients undergoing T&A.

Methods: Thirty‐nine children undergoing elective T&A were studied. Following inhalational anaesthetic induction, fentanyl (2 μg·kg−1) was given intravenously, acetaminophen (paracetamol) (30 mg·kg−1) was given rectally and the children then randomly received an i.m. injection of either normal saline or clonidine (2μg·kg−1). Perioperative analgesic requirements in the postanaesthesia care unit and at home following hospital discharge were evaluated.

Results: There were no significant demographic, analgesic consumption, haemodynamic or pain score differences between the groups.

Conclusions: We do not recommend adding i.m. clonidine (2 μg·kg−1) to the analgesic regimen of children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
Effect of route of buprenorphine on recovery and postoperative analgesic requirement in paediatric patients
Authors: Khan Fauzia Anis , Memon Ghulam Asghar , Kamal Rehana S.
Published: March 2003

Summary Background: We compared the effects of extradural with intravenous (i.v.) buprenorphine on postoperative pain and recovery characteristics.

Methods: Thirty patients, aged 11–13 years, who were undergoing inguinal hernia repair with or without orchidopexy, were randomly allocated to receive either caudal 0.5% bupivacaine alone (group A) or were additionally given i.v. buprenorphine 2.5 µg·kg−1 (group B) or caudal buprenorphine in the same dose (group C). Patients were followed for 8 h after the end of surgery.

Results: All patients remained haemodynamically stable during the study period and no clinical respiratory depression was seen. Nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and pruritus were more common in the extradural buprenorphine group. Three patients in group A, five in group B and eight in group C did not require any additional analgesia during the study period. The incidence of vomiting was 20%, 50% and 80% in groups A, B and C, respectively. Four patients in group C had urinary retention compared with one each in the other two groups.

Conclusions: Administration of buprenorphine resulted in a higher incidence of side‐effects.
Atypical primary ocular melanoma in cats
Authors: Harris  , Dubielzig
Published: March 2003

The clinical and pathologic features of six cases of atypical primary ocular melanoma in cats are described. In contrast to diffuse iris melanomas, these atypical tumors originated multifocally from any portion of the uvea and in five of the six cases were very advanced at the time of clinical presentation. Two of the advanced cases involved primarily the ciliary body, while three others showed extensive involvement of the choroid. Histologically, these tumors consisted primarily of round, heavily pigmented cells lacking the anaplastic nuclear features characteristic of advanced diffuse iris melanomas. The advanced stage of the tumors at presentation may have been due to either the posterior uveal origin of these tumors or to more rapid progression. Additional cases with long‐term follow‐up need to be studied in order to accurately assess the biological behaviour of these tumors.
Tear production in dogs with epiphora and corneal epitheliopathy
Authors: Saito  , Kotani
Published: March 2003

Measurement of tear volume by phenol red thread tear test (PRT), Schirmer’s tear test (STT‐1) and Schirmer’s tear test with topical anesthesia (STT‐2), and vital staining with a combination of fluorescein and rose Bengal of the cornea were performed in dogs with normal eyes and those with epiphora. The breeds included the Shih‐Tzu (n = 26), and five other breeds (n = 50). The PRT, STT‐1 and STT‐2 results from the five breeds of normal dogs were 26.9 ± 3.0 mm, 17.4 ± 4.3 mm, and 8.8 ± 3.2 mm, respectively. The PRT, STT‐1, and STT‐2 results for the Shih‐Tzu eyes were (mean ± standard deviation): 28.2 ± 4.3 mm, 19.5 ± 4.1 mm, and 9.2 ± 4.5 mm, respectively. In the five breeds, corneal epitheliopathy, as evidenced by the retention of topical fluorescein and rose Bengal, occurred in 97% of dogs with epiphora and in 55% of the dogs without epiphora. Also in the dogs with corneal epitheliopathy the STT‐2‐value was low (4.0 ± 2.8 mm) compared with those eyes without corneal epitheliopathy (8.8 ± 3.1 mm). In the Shih‐Tzu breed the STT‐2 results were not significantly different between those dogs with corneal epitheliopathy and those with normal corneas. In the non‐Shih‐Tzu breeds the decrease in basic tear secretion, as measured by the STT‐2, is associated with the corneal epitheliopathy.
Retinal and optic nerve degeneration in cattle after accidental acrylamide intoxication
Authors: Godin A.C. , Dubielzig R.R. , Giuliano E. , Ekesten B.
Published: March 2003

A herd of cattle was accidentally exposed to monomeric acrylamide and N‐methylolacrylamide. Seven cattle underwent repeated examinations during 6–8 months after exposure. Abnormal pupillary light reflexes (PLR) were observed in one cow. Ophthalmoscopic examination showed progressive retinal degeneration and degenerative changes in the optic nerve heads in this cow. Light and electron microscopic examination revealed pathological changes in the retinae and optic nerves consistent with chronic stages of acrylamide toxicity. Ophthalmic examination and light microscopy did not reveal abnormalities in the retinae or optic nerves in either the rest of the cattle from the herd or in offspring of exposed cattle.
The effect of third eyelid gland removal on the ocular surface of dogs
Authors: Saito Akihiko , Izumisawa Yasuharu , Yamashita Kazuto , Kotani Tadao
Published: March 2003

To evaluate the effect of third eyelid removal on the ocular surface of dogs, we operated on five young Beagle dogs and observed changes to tear function using the following tests: phenol red thread test (PRT), Schirmer tear test (STT‐1), modified Schirmer tear test (STT‐2), pH and tear break‐up time (BUT). There was a significant decrease (37%) in STT‐2 within 2 weeks after the excision and this declined further to 60% at 1 year. The pH value increased after excision. Presurgical pH was 7.17 ± 0.20 (mean ± SD), which increased to 7.55 ± 0.24 in the 14–60 days following removal, and further increased to 7.77 ± 0.65 at 1 year. The PRT and STT‐1 decreased by 26% within 3–7 months compared to pre‐excision values, but by 1 year the values recovered to near normal. The BUT pre‐excision value was 24.0 ± 8.1 s, which shortened to 13.5 ± 4.5 s after 5 months and continued to decrease further during the study. There were no overt visual signs of KCS during the observational period. However, microinjury of the keratoconjunctival epithelium was observed for all operated eyes when vital staining was used at 1 year post surgery. Surgical excision of the third eyelid in Beagle dogs influenced tear quality level and affected the stability of the tear layer, and at 1 year there was evidence of microinjury to the keratoconjunctival epithelium.
Aqueous misdirection and ciliary block (malignant) glaucoma after cataract removal in a llama
Authors: C. Powell Cynthia , Nuhsbaum Tanja M. , Gionfriddo Juliet R.
Published: March 2003

Ciliary block (malignant) glaucoma is caused by the posterior flow of aqueous humor into or behind the vitreous. It is a rare complication of anterior segment surgery in humans. This is a report of ciliary block glaucoma occurring as a postoperative complication of cataract surgery in a llama. Medical management was ineffective in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Posterior capsulotomy and anterior hyaloid disruption with a 22‐gauge needle, in addition to medical management maintained IOP in the normal range until anterior vitrectomy could be performed. After vitrectomy, glaucoma resolved and medical treatment was no longer necessary.
Unilateral exophthalmia in a European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) caused by a lacrimal ductal carcinoma
Authors: Kuonen Vanessa J. , Wilkie David A. , Morreale Raymond J. , Oglesbee Barbara , Barrett‐Rephun Kelly
Published: March 2003

A 5‐year‐old European hedgehog was examined because of exophthalmos of the left eye. A retrobulbar mass in the ventromedial orbit was suspected and confirmed by a computed tomography scan. Exophthalmos progressed despite systemic broad‐spectrum antibiotic therapy. The left orbit was exenterated and the mass was partially removed. The histopathologic diagnosis was lacrimal ductal carcinoma. Lacrimal ductal carcinoma is rare in humans and animals. The long‐term prognosis is guarded to poor.
Bilateral eyelid agenesis repair in a captive Texas cougar
Authors: Cutler Tim J.
Published: March 2003

Bilateral eyelid agenesis was presented with multiple ocular anomalies in a captive Texas cougar (Felis concolor). Corneal exposure resulted in substantial keratoconjunctivitis and blepharospasm. Bilateral inferopapillary fundic colobomas, persistent pupillary membranes, and an atypical iris coloboma OD were present. Surgical repair with a rotational pedicle flap resulted in functionally effective eyelids. Trichiasis was later treated with cryotherapy. Eyelid agenesis is reported infrequently in domestic cats and among large felids has only been reported in the snow leopard.
Phylogeny and evolution of wasps, ants and bees (Hymenoptera, Chrysidoidea, Vespoidea and Apoidea)
Authors: Brothers Denis J.
Published: March 2003

The comprehensive cladistic study of family‐level phylogeny in the Aculeata (sensu lato) by Brothers & Carpenter, published in 1993, is briefly reviewed and re‐evaluated, particularly with respect to the sections dealing with Vespoidea and Apoidea. This remains the most recent general treatment of the subject, but several of the relationships indicated are only weakly supported, notably those of Pompilidae and Rhopalosomatidae. Characters used were almost entirely morphological, and re‐evaluation of ground‐plan states and hypotheses of character‐state changes, specially from examination of different exemplars, is likely to lead to slightly different conclusions for some taxa, as is the use of additional or new characters, including molecular ones. The relationships of taxa within the Vespoidea are much better known than for those in the Apoidea, but recent work on the two major groups of bees (by Michener and colleagues) and various groups of sphecoid wasps (by Alexander and Melo) have provided greater clarity, for some families at least. A single cladogram showing the putative relationships of those taxa which should be recognized at the family level for the entire Aculeata is presented. These are, for the Chrysidoidea, Apoidea and Vespoidea, respectively (limits indicated by curly brackets): Plumariidae + (Scolebythidae + ((Bethylidae + Chrysididae) + (Sclerogibbidae + (Dryinidae + Embolemidae)))) + (Heterogynaidae + (Ampulicidae + (Sphecidae + (Crabronidae + Apidae))) + Sierolomorphidae + ((Tiphiidae + (Sapygidae + Mutillidae)) + ((Pompilidae + Rhopalosomatidae) + (Bradynobaenidae + (Formicidae + (Vespidae + Scoliidae)))))). Current knowledge of the relationships within the families of Vespoidea is reviewed. A new analysis of the subtaxa of Mutillidae, based on that of Brothers published in 1975, is presented; the subfamilies to be recognized are: (Myrmosinae [ = Myrmosini + Kudakrumiini] + (Pseudophotopsidinae + (Ticoplinae + (Rhopalomutillinae + (Sphaeropthalminae [ = Dasylabrini + (Sphaeropthalmina + Pseudomethocina)] + (Myrmillinae + Mutillinae [ = Ephutini + (Mutillina + Smicromyrmina)])))))).
Phylogeny and classification of the Conochilidae (Rotifera, Monogononta, Flosculariacea)
Authors: Segers Hendrik H. , Wallace Robert L.
Published: March 2003

To resolve several taxonomic problems within the family Conochilidae (Rotifera, Monogononta, Flosculariacea), we initiated a comparative study of the morphology in this and related taxa using samples collected from widely separated geographical regions. As part of this study, we paid special attention to trophal morphology using scanning electron microscopy. We also constructed and analysed a data matrix comprising 19 morphological characters of 11 taxa using cladistic methods to uncover all most‐parsimonious trees. The results indicate that Conochilidae share a body form with Flosculariidae, but they possess a trophal structure which clearly differentiates them from all other Flosculariacea; thus, the diagnosis of the family Conochilidae is amended to incorporate morphological characters of the trophi. The analysis of our data matrix yielded a single, most‐parsimonious tree. From the topology of that tree and our scanning electron microscopy observations, we propose the following: (1) the status of Conochilidae as a separate suborder of Flosculariacea is rejected; (2) taxonomic separation ofConochilusandConochiloidesas subgenera ofConochilusis confirmed; and (3)Lacinularia causeyaeVidrine, Mclaughlin & Willis, 1985 is reallocated to a new genus within the family Conochilide,Conochilopsisgen. nov., asConochilopsis causeyae(Vidrineet al.) comb. nov.
Geographic patterns of genetic and morphological divergence amongst populations of a river crab (Decapoda, Potamonautidae) with the description of a new species from mountain streams in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Daniels Savel R. , Stewart Barbara A. , Burmeister Lisa
Published: March 2003

Recent systematic research has revealed that Potamonautes brincki comprises two genetically and morphologically distinct population groups. The systematic affinities between these population groups have remained uncertain. In the present study, the relationship between the population groups was examined. Eleven populations were collected from high mountain streams in the Western Cape, South Africa and used in the genetic and morphological analyses. Allozyme electrophoresis of 13 protein coding loci separated two main population groups: group A (Cape Peninsular groups) and group B (Hottentot’s Holland) at I = 0.73. Two additional genetic groups were evident, with group B being conspecific to group A, and group D being conspecific to group C. Morphological examination of pleopod 1 and the terminal segment of the mandibular palp showed considerable differences between the two main population groups, with groups A and B being similar and groups C and D being similar. The morphometric data for the four main groups were examined using discriminant functions analysis and the two main groups were compared using analyses of covariance. Discriminant functions analysis showed a moderate degree of overlap between the groups. Additional morphometric data showed a clear discrimination between the two main population groups. The genetic and morphometric data sets exhibited congruent patterns of variation and the data showed the presence of a species boundary. A new freshwater crab species, P. parvicorpus sp. n., is described. The results of the present study are discussed in the light of historical and contemporary factors that are likely to have contributed to speciation.
A revision of the Zenometridae (new rank) (Echinodermata, Crinoidea, Comatulidina)
Authors: Messing Charles G. , White Christopher M.
Published: March 2003

Three genera of unstalked crinoids,Zenometra,SarametraandPsathyrometra, formerly included in the subfamily Zenometrinae of the family Antedonidae, are removed and placed in a distinct family, the Zenometridae. Diagnostic features include a cavernous centrodorsal cavity, a complete basal circlet with a large central lumen and cirrus sockets with a concave fulcral bowl around the lumen.Sarametra nicobaricais synonymized underS. triserialis, which is redescribed in detail.Psathyrometrais redefined and includes only the speciesP. fragilis,P. congestaandP. bigradata, which are redescribed.P. erythrizonis synonymized underP. fragilis. The four other species formerly included inPsathyrometraare removed toAthrypsometragen. n., retained in the Antedonidae. The other genera formerly included in the Zenometrinae are consideredincertae sedisin the family Antedonidae pending detailed re‐examination. Cladistic analysis using the antedonids,Poliometra prolixa(a former zenometrine) andFlorometra serratissima, and the thalassometrid,Oceanometra annandalei, as outgroups produces the following tree: (O. annandalei((F. serratissima/P. prolixa)(((P. fragilis/P. congesta)P. bigradata) (S. triserialis/Z. columnaris)))).
The muscular system of Dactylopodola baltica and other macrodasyidan gastrotrichs in a functional and phylogenetic perspective
Authors: Hochberg Rick , Litvaitis Marianne
Published: March 2003

The gastrotrich muscular system is characterized by band‐like muscles arranged in orientations that reflect both function and phylogeny. To better understand the evolution of the Dactylopodolidae, a putative primitive lineage and potential sister group to other extant macrodasyidans, we have used a fluorescent phalloidin stain to visualize muscle patterns in the marine gastrotrich Dactylopodola baltica and eight other species of Macrodasyida from four families. The musculature of D. baltica is arranged as a series of circular, helicoidal and longitudinal bands around the digestive tract. Circular muscles and longitudinal muscles were found in splanchnic and somatic positions. Helicoidal muscles, in 50–60° angles with respect to the longitudinal body axis, surrounded circular and longitudinal splanchnic muscles in a spiralling orientation. The largest longitudinal muscles were the ventrolateral bands composed of numerous cross‐striated myocytes arranged in parallel arrays. The overall arrangement of the muscular system of D. baltica showed several similarities to other macrodasyidan gastrotrichs, including the presence and location of circular, helicoidal and longitudinal muscles, their orientation with respect to the longitudinal body axis and their points of insertion. Unique to D. baltica is the anterior and posterior arrangement of the ventrolateral muscles and the orientation of muscle branches that supply the ventral and dorsal aspects of the pharynx. Muscle data from observations of D. baltica and eight additional species were coded as phylogenetic characters, mapped onto a cladogram and compared to an existing phylogeny of the order. The direction of evolutionary change in specific muscle groups was inferred, as was the ground pattern of muscles for the Macrodasyida.
Phylogeny of Symphytognathidae s.l. (Araneae, Araneoidea)
Authors: Schütt Karin
Published: March 2003

The paper presents a phylogenetic analysis of Symphytognathidae sensu lato (=sensu Forster 1959): Anapidae, Micropholcommatidae, Mysmenidae and Symphytognathidae sensu stricto. These taxa include the smallest known spiders. Several authors have suggested that their similarities are merely the convergent result of reduction and loss (simplifications, minimization of organs). The data matrix comprises 80 characters scored for 12 ingroup and two outgroup taxa. The value of reduction characters is discussed in general, and the evidence regarding symphytognathids in particular is reviewed. In this case, homology explains the data better than convergence. Although Symphytognathidae s.l. is, in fact, based mainly on characters that might have accompanied miniaturization, the taxon is most probably monophyletic. Anapidae as currently defined is paraphyletic. As it constitutes, together with Micropholcommatidae, a well supported monophyletic group, the latter is herewith synonymised with the former. Mysmenidae should be relimited by transferring four Old World genera to a new family, Synaphridae. Sympyhtognathidae s.s. is also monophyletic, even though the main synapomorphy, fused chelicerae, also occurs in Mysmenidae.
Non‐host resistance of barley is associated with a hydrogen peroxide burst at sites of attempted penetration by wheat powdery mildew fungus
Authors: Hückelhoven Ralph , Dechert Cornelia , Kogel Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2003

In barley, non‐host resistance against the wheat powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici, Bgt) is associated with the formation of cell wall appositions and a hypersensitive reaction in which epidermal cells die rapidly in response to fungal attack. In the interaction of barley with the pathogenic barley powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, Bgh), these defence reactions are also associated with accumulation of H2O2. To elucidate the mechanism of non‐host resistance, the accumulation of H2O2 in response to Bgt was studied in situ by histochemical staining with diaminobenzidine. H2O2 accumulation was found in cell wall appositions under appressoria from Bgt and in cells undergoing a hypersensitive reaction. A mutation (mlo5) at the barley Mlo locus, that confers broad spectrum resistance to Bgh, did not influence the barley defence phenotype to Bgt. Significantly, Bgt triggered cell death on mlo5‐barley while Bgh did not.
Novel receptor‐like protein kinases induced by Erwinia carotovora and short oligogalacturonides in potato
Authors: Montesano Marcos , Kõiv Viia , Mäe Andres , Palva E. Tapio
Published: March 2003

summary

Identification of potato genes responsive to cell wall‐degrading enzymes of Erwinia carotovora resulted in the isolation of cDNA clones for four related receptor‐like protein kinases. One of the putative serine‐threonine protein kinases might have arisen through alternative splicing. These potato receptor‐like kinases (PRK1‐4) were highly equivalent (91–99%), most likely constituting a family of related receptors. All PRKs and four other plant RLKs share in their extracellular domain a conserved bi‐modular pattern of cysteine repeats distinct from that in previously characterized plant RLKs, suggesting that they represent a new class of receptors. The corresponding genes were rapidly induced by E. carotovora culture filtrate (CF), both in the leaves and tubers of potato. Furthermore, the genes were transiently induced by short oligogalacturonides. The structural identity of PRKs and their induction pattern suggested that they constitute part of the early response of potato to E. carotovora infection.
Pay equity and nursing in Ontario: ten years later
Authors: Schreiber R. S. , Nemetz E.
Published: March 2003

Abstract

‘Nurses have never been compensated in accordance with their central role in health care’ ( Schreiber 1994), reflecting the generalized and well‐documented under‐valuing of the work of women (
Schreiber 1993). Pay equity legislation, passed in Ontario, Canada in 1987, designed to correct gender wage discrimination, created great optimism that the under‐valuing of nurses’ work might be ending. Nonetheless, this has not been the case, as the social, political, and economic climate has not kept pace with the speed and enormity of social change necessary to enact the intent of the legislation. Indeed, gains in nurses’ wages have been directly offset by significant lay‐offs. In this paper, we examine the issues surrounding the implementation of pay equity legislation in Ontario, Canada, along with analysis and implications of these issues, drawn from 10 years of experience. In addition, we highlight lessons that can be learned from the Ontario experience.
Domestic violence and women’s mental health in Japan
Authors: Weingourt R. , Maruyama T. , Sawada I. , Yoshino J.
Published: March 2003

There are positive changes in both the social and legal understanding of domestic violence in Japan. However, the scope of the problem has not been investigated in depth and described in the Japanese nursing literature. This descriptive study of a random sample of 177 women investigated domestic violence and the relationship between domestic violence and the mental health of the victims. Sixty‐seven per cent of the female respondents reported having experiences of physical, psychological and/or sexual abuse. Forty‐seven per cent of the abused women achieved statistically significant General Health Questionnaire scores that indicated clinical depression or anxiety. The findings of this study will enable Japanese nurses to better assess and intervene on behalf of their patients. In addition, avenues for further nursing research are suggested.
Evaluating the Beta version of the International Classification for Nursing Practice® for domain completeness, applicability of its axial structure and utility in clinical practice: a Norwegian project
Authors: Ruland C. M.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this Norwegian project was to evaluate the International Classification for Nursing Practice® (ICNP®) Beta version for domain completeness, applicability of its axial structure and utility in clinical practice. A subset of terms addressing the areas of circulation and elimination were abstracted from the nursing records of a cardiac intensive care unit and a nursing home. Abstracted terms were mapped to terms in the ICNP®. In the ICNP®, the same or similar terms were found for 47% of the documented circulation terms and 69% of the documented elimination terms that addressed nursing phenomena. For nursing interventions, 27% of the documented circulation terms and 35% of the documented elimination terms mapped to the ICNP®. The research team encountered difficulty in coding terms with the ICNP® that expressed patients' perspectives, preferences, behaviours and experiences, and terms that represented signs‐and‐symptoms. Recommendations for further development of the ICNP® include improvement in granularity, precision and conceptual definitions of terms; inclusion of time‐related terms for representing nursing phenomena; and an easier method for navigating around the ICNP®.
The role of the clinical nurse specialist
Authors: Hürlimann B. , Hofer S. , Hirter K.
Published: March 2003

In this article, the role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) at the University Hospital Insel in Bern, Switzerland, is described using four examples from daily practice. The first describes how the CNS may influence patient care by direct care, bedside teaching, or case reviews. Therefore, this form of co‐operation with the nursing teams is a very important factor for improving nursing care. The second example is about wound care. Although the CNS work as generalists on the wards, they also have their specialist fields, where they have in‐depth knowledge, skills and expertise. The third example describes how a CNS initiated an interprofessional working group with the aim of improving palliative care and palliative medicine throughout the hospital. Although such knowledge already existed in the hospital, it was not easily accessible to all the health care professionals. The fourth example is about project management. A CNS acted as a project leader of a multiprofessional group for pain assessment and management in babies, children and adolescents. This example also shows how a problem occurring in daily practice can be worked out and resolved.
Latvian community nurses practising in a time of turmoil: a thin line of defence for children at risk
Authors: Kalnins I.
Published: March 2003

Recent World Health Organization (WHO) statistics rank Latvia below average on a number of health indicators, compared to other European Union (EU) candidate countries. Nurses who visit children in the home see a close‐up view of the decline in health. This exploratory study was designed to understand the day‐to‐day experience of a representative sample of 17 Latvian nurses visiting infants and children in 1999, almost 10 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Analysis of practice reports from group and individual interviews, using interpretive phenomenologic methods, revealed three consistently emerging themes: the negative impact of societal change and dislocation on clients and nurses; clinical reasoning concerning degree of risk to children and priorities for intervention; and the physical and emotional burden of caring for increasingly vulnerable children. Risk assessment was expressed in the classification of families as ‘good little family’, a family that was ‘simply poor’, or a family that was a ‘social risk’. With the first two types of families, concern about children was balanced with concern about the family as a whole. With ‘social risk’ families, the primary concern of the nurses was safeguarding the child. The findings cannot be generalized, but may imbue family health and welfare statistics with a human face, and suggest directions for education, practice and further research.
The Architecture of ICNP: Time for Outcomes–Part II
Authors: Nielsen Gunnar H. , Mortensen Randi A.
Published: March 2003

Below is the second part of a two‐part series that give the basic ideas applied to ICN's proposed architecture for an International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP).*