bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of 0.5% proparacaine stored at room temperature
Authors: Stiles Jean , Krohne Sheryl , Rankin Amy , Chang Michael
Published: March 2003

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of 0.5% proparacaine stored at room temperature for 6 weeks.

Animals studied

Six normal dogs, evaluated on a weekly basis for 6 weeks.

Procedure

Proparacaine stored at 4 °C or at room temperature, was evaluated in the right and left eye of each dog, respectively. Corneal sensitivity was assessed with a Cochet‐Bonnet aesthesiometer before and after instillation of proparacaine at each time point.

Results

A statistically significant difference was seen in corneal sensitivity beginning at week 3 for the eyes receiving room‐temperature proparacaine compared to refrigerated proparacaine. Differences were not seen between right and left eyes before instillation of proparacaine for any time point, nor for eyes receiving refrigerated proparacaine over the 6 week study period.

Conclusion

Short‐term storage of proparacaine at room temperature did not affect efficacy, but storage at room temperature for more than 2 weeks resulted in a decrease in drug effect.
A matched observational study of survival in cats with enucleation due to diffuse iris melanoma
Authors: Kalishman  , Chappell  , Flood  , Dubielzig
Published: March 2003

Although a small number of cases of feline diffuse iris melanoma have been documented to metastasize, the prognosis is not known. In this matched observational study, the survival time of 34 cats with enucleation due to histologically confirmed diffuse iris melanoma was recorded. These results are compared to the survival times of 83 age‐matched control cats. Affected cats had enucleation between 2 and 10 years prior to the study. One group of control cats with eye disease had enucleation for either lymphoplasmacytic uveitis (27 cases), ocular trauma (seven cases), or endophthalmitis (four cases). In these control cats, enucleations were performed between 2 and 10 years prior to this study. Forty‐five additional control cats presented for vaccination between 2 and 10 years prior to the study. The extent of diffuse iris melanoma at the time of enucleation in affected cats was graded according to the extent of involvement of ocular tissues and the invasiveness of the tumor. Affected cats have a significantly decreased survival compared with control cats and cats with extensive tumors at the time of enucleation have the lowest survival rates. Cats with tumors confined to the iris survive at the same rate as controls. These results suggests that early enucleation is important to avoid premature death, presumed to be due to cancer metastasis in cats with diffuse iris melanoma.
Lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum
Authors: Peña Gimenez M.T.P. , Fariña I.M.
Published: March 2003

A lamellar keratoplasty was used to treat corneal sequestrum in four Persian cats (six eyes). Following a superficial keratectomy, lamellar corneal allografts (feline corneal tissue) or heterografts (canine corneal tissue) which had been preserved at –20 °C were placed in the recipient cornea. All grafts became optically transparent within 2 months following surgery and no recurrences of the sequestrum have been noted during the follow‐up period (4–30 months). We conclude that feline corneal sequestrum may be successfully treated with feline or canine donor corneal tissue using this technique.
A retrospective study of 30 cases of frozen lamellar corneal graft in dogs and cats
Authors: Hansen Philippe A. , Guandalini Adolpho
Published: March 2003

Frozen lamellar corneal grafts and nictitating membrane flaps were used in 18 dogs and 12 cats to repair deep corneal defects. In all dogs either melting corneal ulcers or descemetoceles were present. In the 12 cats, nine had either a melting corneal ulcer or descemetocele, two animals had acute bullous keratopathy, and one cat had corneal sequestrum. Initial vascularization with gradual clearing of the graft occurred during the first 45 days postoperatively. At 60 days postoperatively, all eyes were visual. Frequent postoperative complications included: focal dehiscence of the wound (n = 9); melting of part of the graft (n = 7); and pigmentation of the graft (n = 4). The frozen lamellar corneal graft was a very safe technique, and restored the tectonic and the optical function of the cornea. It provided the best results in corneas with nonperforating corneal defects. This technique provides poorer results when the cornea was perforated prior to surgery or during the surgical procedure.
Unilateral external and internal ophthalmoplegia caused by intracranial meningioma in a dog
Authors: Larocca R.D.
Published: March 2003

Unilateral internal and external ophthalmoplegia caused by an intracranial meningioma occurred in a 15‐year‐old Belgian Sheepdog. The dog initially presented with ventro‐lateral strabismus of the left eye, and ptosis of the left upper eyelid. Anisocoria was present with the left pupil fixed and dilated. Both eyes were visual. Neuro‐ophthalmic evaluation revealed a lesion located in the left oculomotor nerve. Pharmacological testing with dilute pilocarpine (0.1% in artificial tears) revealed evidence of parasympathetic denervation of the left eye. Further evaluation via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well‐defined mass to the left of midline and lateral to the sella turcica. An attempt was made to excise/debulk the mass due to worsening conditions and the dog died the following day. Necropsy revealed a mass of randomly arranged bundles and streams of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong avidity for vimentin and a negative response for S‐100 protein. These findings suggest a diagnosis of meningioma.
Eosinophilic conjunctivitis, herpes virus and mast cell tumor of the third eyelid in a cat
Authors: Larocca R.D.
Published: March 2003

A 3‐year‐old Himalayan cat was diagnosed with concurrent eosinophilic conjunctivitis, herpes virus, and a conjunctival mast cell tumor. Eosinophilic conjunctivitis was verified via cytology from a conjunctival scraping, which revealed 50% eosinophils and 50% neutrophils. Herpes virus was verified via a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conjunctival scrapings for chlamydia immmunofluorescent antibody (IFA) and herpes IFA were negative. A mycoplasma was detected by a general mycoplasma PCR but the organism did not grow on the available mycoplasma media. The mass was excised and microscopic evaluation revealed a histiocytic mast cell tumor. The mast cell did not recur following local excision (at 1 year follow‐up). The eosinophilic conjunctivitis was treated with both topical steroids and systemic megesterol acetate (Ovaban). When topical steroids were used, the herpes virus flared up and resulted in dendritic and geographic corneal ulceration. Therefore, the cat was treated with megesterol acetate and the eosinophilic conjunctivitis was well controlled. Treatment of eosinophilic conjunctivitis in the cat with megesterol acetate may be the treatement of choice due to the possibility of herpes virus.
Estimation of lacrimal level and testing methods on normal beagles
Authors: Saito Akihiko , Kotani Tadao
Published: March 2003

Five methods of testing tears including the Schirmer tear test (STT‐1), phenol red thread tear test (PRT) and modified Schirmer tear test (STT‐2) were conducted on 44 eyes of 22 normal Beagles, and the tear film break up time (BUT) and lacrimal pH were tested in 32 eyes of 16 normal Beagles. The coefficient of variation of PRT demonstrated a low value (C.V. 14%) compared to the value of STT‐1 (C.V. 12%). The lacrimal pH showed a more constant value (C.V. 3%). Measurements of STT‐2 (C.V. 48%) and BUT (C.V. 34%) varied significantly. The results show the clinical usefulness of the PRT. Mean values (mean ± SD) of tests were: PRT, 29.3 ± 3.45 mm/15 s; STT‐1, 18.89 ± 2.62 mm/60 s; STT‐2, 9.52 ± 4.55 mm/60 s; pH, 7.29 ± 0.22 and BUT, 21.53 ± 7.42 s.
Acute vision loss after general anesthesia in a cat
Authors: Jurk I. R. , Thibodeau M. S. , Whitney K. , Gilger B. C. , Davidson M. G.
Published: March 2003

A 6‐year‐old, male castrated, domestic shorthair cat presented with a 2‐week history of blindness following general anesthesia. Behavioral changes, lethargy, inappetence and neurological deficits were also noted. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed blindness, normal pupillary light response and dazzle response, but no other abnormalities. Serodiagnostic testing for common infectious agents was negative and a cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. History and postmortem examination following euthanasia revealed cerebrocortical necrosis most consistent with anesthesia related hypoxia.
A modification of the Mustardé technique for the surgical repair of a large feline eyelid coloboma
Authors: Esson Douglas
Published: March 2003

A one‐year‐old male domestic short haired cat was referred because of an area of keratitis that had developed adjacent to a particularly large unilateral eyelid coloboma. The defect was repaired using an undescribed three‐stage surgical technique, which is essentially a combination of existing techniques and consists of using the lower lid to re‐construct the upper lid and replacing the resultant lower lid defect with a full thickness graft from the upper lip. This technique is described and the results illustrated by photographs. A good functional and cosmetic result was achieved.
Multiple ocular colobomas in the snow leopard (Uncia uncia)
Authors: Barnett K. C. , Lewis J. C. M.
Published: March 2003

Two singleton female snow leopard cubs are reported with bilateral central upper lid colobomas. In addition, one cub had a coloboma of the fundus in one eye extending from the lower optic disc region. Surgical treatment by wedge resection was successful in both cases. Details of ocular colobomas in other snow leopards reported in the literature are described and it is suggested that the exact etiology of the condition in this species may be discovered by further study of similar colobomas in the domestic cat.
Taenia serialiscausing exophthalmos in a pet rabbit
Authors: O'Reilly Anu , McCowan Christina , Hardman Chloe , Stanley Robin
Published: March 2003

A 16‐month‐old, male, neuter Dwarf Lop rabbit presented with exophthalmos of the right eye of 3 weeks duration. Under sedation an ultrasound of the right eye was performed and showed an orbital hypo‐echoic area posterior and ventrolateral to the right globe, which was presumed to be a cyst. Fine needle aspirate removed 5.5 mLs of straw‐colored fluid from the cyst, which allowed the globe to return to its normal position. Two months later the rabbit re‐presented with exophthalmos of the right eye. Exploratory surgery was performed and a large cystic structure was removed from the ventro‐lateral conjunctival fornix. Histology confirmed the cyst to be a coenurus ofTaenia serialis.
Transitional cell carcinoma metastatic to the eye in a collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)
Authors: McCowan Christina , Stanley Robin , Lynch Michael
Published: March 2003

A 15‐year‐old female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) was presented for ophthalmic examination following sudden onset of blindness. Bilateral retinal detachment was diagnosed, neoplasia suspected, and euthanasia performed. Widespread tumor dissemination was apparent at autopsy, and transitional cell carcinoma was diagnosed histologically. The tumor was identified as arising from the ovary. Epidemiologic features of this case are discussed.
Conjunctival dermoid in two guinea pigs: a case report
Authors: Wappler Olaf , Allgoewer Ingrid , Schaeffer Ekkehard H.
Published: March 2003

Clinical and histologic findings of conjunctival dermoids in two unrelated guinea pigs are described. The dermoids were treated surgically by resection with superficial lamellar keratectomy and corneal epithelial debridement. Histologically the dermis underneath a stratified squamous keratinized and variably pigmented epithelium consisted of multiple hair follicles, with clearly visible arrectores pilorum muscles, sebaceous glands and loose vascularized fatty tissue.
Penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of corneal protrusion in a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)
Authors: Andrew Stacy E. , Clippinger Tracy L. , Brooks Dennis E. , Helmick Kelly E.
Published: March 2003

A young adult great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) was examined following presumed trauma. The owl had soft tissue injury to its left wing as well as corneal protrusion, lens subluxation, and iridodialysis of the right eye. The bird's eye was treated surgically with a large, rectangular penetrating keratoplasty. Following escape from housing, the bird was found with partial wound dehiscence and iris prolapse 12 days post operation. Surgical repair was performed and healing progressed for 14 days, at which time the transplant dehisced and the globe was exenterated. The patient rehabilitated well until escaping from its cage again 4 weeks later, at which time it sustained an open comminuted humeral fracture and was euthanized.
Dacryops in a red‐eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans): case report
Authors: Allgoewer Ingrid , Göbel Thomas , Stockhaus Christian , Schaeffer Ekkehard H.
Published: March 2003

Clinical and histologic findings of an orbital lacrimal cyst (dacryops) in a 23‐year‐old‐female red‐eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans) are described. Main ophthalmologic findings included unilateral exophthalmus, engorged episcleral vessels, periocular swelling superior to the globe, incomplete lid closure, and reduced ocular motility. Based on sonographic and cytologic examination of the tissue, the preliminary diagnosis of an orbital cyst was established. After surgical resection of the cystic structure, the eye remained visual but enophthalmic. Histopathologic diagnosis of the resected tissue was interstitial dacryoadenitis.
A new, putatively primitive Cretaceous fossil braconid subfamily from New Jersey amber (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)
Authors: Basibuyuk Hasan H. , Rasnitsyn Alexandr P. , Van Achterberg Kees , Fitton Mike G. , Quicke Donald L. J.
Published: March 2003

Protorhyssalus goldmani gen. n., sp. n., in a new subfamily of braconid wasps, the Protorhyssalinae, is described from Late Cretaceous amber fossils from New Jersey, USA. The Protorhyssalinae appears to be cyclostome and shows a similar set of plesiomorphic characters to the extant Rhyssalinae. However, it possesses hindwing vein 2‐CU, a feature only found among the cyclostome braconids in the rare and putatively primitive Chilean subfamily Apozyginae.
Phylogeny of the Nemertodermatida (Acoelomorpha, Platyhelminthes). A cladistic analysis
Authors: Kennet Lundin
Published: March 2003

The Nemertodermatida is a small group of worms, regarded as an order of the Platyhelminthes. The group is of special systematic interest because of its putative basal phylogenetic position in the Platyhelminthes. The phylogeny of the Nemertodermatida was estimated using paup 4.0 software for parsimony analysis. The analysis was based on 72 structural parsimony‐informative characters totalling 184 different character states. All eight well described species of nemertodermatids were included in the ingroup. As outgroup were chosen species of the Acoela, Catenulida, Macrostomida and Xenoturbellida. A single most parsimonious tree was obtained with 140 steps and a consistency index (CI) of 0.80. The Nemertodermatida, Ascoparidae and Nemertodermatidae are shown as monophyletic taxa in the tree. The species Nemertoderma psammicola does not group with the other members of the genus Nemertoderma, hence criteria of phylogenetic taxonomy imply that N. psammicola should be renamed. A suggested new name is Sterreria psammicola gen. n.
Ultrastructural characteristics of the spermatozoa of Scelionidae (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea) with phylogenetic considerations
Authors: Lino‐Neto José , Dolder Heidi
Published: March 2003

The Scelionidae sperm are distinguished from those of all hymenopterans already studied at least by the presence of a single mitochondrial derivative and the absence of a centriolar adjunct. The absence of an acrosome, inTelenomus podisi, is also unique. The helical nucleus and mitochondrial derivative spiralling around a twisted axoneme can be considered as synapomorphies shared with the Chalcidoidea, and the mitochondrial derivative running together with the nucleus for a long distance can be considered as a synapomorphy shared with the Diapriidae. Therefore, from a consideration of these features, it is possible to suppose that the Scelionidae, Chalcidoidea and Diapriidae are more closely related between themselves than are any of them to the Cynipoidea, since the latter does not share any of the above‐mentioned features. This supposition agrees with phylogenetic analyses that supported the inclusion of Platygastroidea (Scelionidae and Platygastridae) and Chalcidoidea within the Proctotrupomorpha lineage, as well as the close relationship of these to the Diapriidae, and the exclusion of the Cynipoidea from this lineage.
Gastrotricha and metazoan phylogeny
Authors: Zrzavý Jan
Published: March 2003

The phylogenetic position of the Gastrotricha within Bilateria and relationships among gastrotrich subgroups are reanalysed using morphological, developmental, nonsequence molecular, and ecological characters, together with the conserved regions of small‐subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA). The analysis shows that traditional ‘Macrodasyida’ is a paraphyletic stemline of Chaetonotida, with Dactylopodolida, Redudasys, and Turbanellida as the basalmost gastrotrich groups. The ‘Cycloneuralia hypothesis’, which assumes sister group relationships between Gastrotricha and Ecdysozoa is supported. The sensitivity analysis of the combined dataset yields the following scheme of relationships of the main bilaterian clades: (1) Acoelomorpha is a basalmost bilaterian clade; (2) both Deuterostomia and Protostomia (less Acoelomorpha) are monophyletic; (3) the phylogenetic position of Ectoprocta, Brachiopoda + Phoronida, and Cycloneuralia within Protostomia is unstable; (4) Trochozoa (incl. Entoprocta, Nemertea, Lobatocerebrum, and possibly Jennaria), Platyhelminthes s.s., and Gnathifera‐Myzostomida form a clade (‘Spiralia’); (5) Cycliophora and possibly also Chaetognatha may be close to the gnathiferans. Evolution of metazoan ciliation and cycloneuralian cuticle is discussed. It is concluded that cycloneuralian and gastrotrich ancestors were multiciliate and had epidermal cilia covered by cuticular sheaths.
Risk factors for the HIV‐associated lipodystrophy syndrome in a closed cohort of patients after 3 years of antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Mauss S , Corzillius M , Wolf E , Schwenk A , Adam A , Jaeger H , Knechten H , Goelz J , Goetzenich A ,   for the DAGNÄ Lipantiretroviral therapy study group
Published: March 2003

Objective To identify prevalence and risk factors associated with the HIV‐associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HIVLD) after 3 years of antiretroviral therapy, to investigate the diagnostic value of anthropometric measures and to assess the impact of HIVLD on quality of life.

Design and methods A prospective, cross‐sectional, multicentre, observational, cohort study was performed in 27 German teaching hospitals, nonacademic hospitals and private practices. A total of 221 HIV‐positive patients commencing antiretroviral therapy between July and September 1996 were studied. The main outcome measure was lipodystrophy, defined as otherwise unexplained truncal fat accumulation and/or fat loss in face or extremities. The analysis consisted of multiple logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves for anthropometric measures and visual analogue scales for quality of life.

Results The prevalence of HIVLD after 3 years was 34%. The following variables were independently associated with HIV‐LS: stavudine use > 12 months [odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.9], CD4 count nadir < 200 cells/µL (OR 2.2, CI 1.1–4.6), hypertriglyceridaemia (OR 2.3, CI 1.3–4.2) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) intake > 12 months (OR 0.2, CI 0.04–0.87). No cut‐off point was found for anthropometric indices with a sensitivity and specificity of ≥ 0.8. The mean visual analogue ratings for impaired quality of life, on a scale of 0–10, were: 5.2 (self‐esteem), 2.9 (social contacts), 4.2 (sexuality) and 3.5 (daily activities).

Conclusions These findings suggest a multifactorial aetiology for HIVLD. Stavudine use and a CD4 count below 200 cells/µL may be associated with an increased risk for the development of HIVLD. In contrast, NNRTI treatment may be associated with a reduced risk. Anthropometric indices were found to be insufficient as a diagnostic tool. Quality of life was severely affected by HIVLD.
The tomato powdery mildew fungus Oidium neolycopersici
Authors: Jones Hannah , Whipps John M. , Gurr Sarah Jane
Published: March 2003

summary

Pathogen: Powdery mildew fungus; Ascomycete although sexual stage is yet to be found; an obligate biotroph.

Identification: Superficial mycelium with hyaline hyphae; unbranched erect conidiophores; conidia, ellipsoid‐ovoid or doliform, 22−46 × 10−20 µm, lack fibrosin bodies; conidia formed singly, rarely in short chains of 2–6 conidia; appressoria lobed to multilobed, rarely nipple‐shaped. Pseudoidium species.

Host range: Broad, reported to attack over 60 species in 13 plant families, particularly members of the Solanaceae and Curcubitaceae.

Symptoms: Powdery white lesions on all aerial plant parts except the fruit. In severe outbreaks the lesions coalesce and disease is debilitating.

Agronomic importance: Extremely common in glasshouse tomatoes world wide but increasing in importance on field grown tomato crops.

Control: Chemical control and breeding programmes for disease resistance.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing staff in a rural hospital of Cameroon: how much does the health care provider know about the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome?
Authors: Mbanya D. N. , Zebaze R. , Kengne A. P. , Minkoulou E. M. , Awah P. , Beure
Published: March 2003

Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in a rural hospital of Cameroon to assess how much nursing personnel know about and practise in regard to human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and to determine health service factors that influence knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). Participants included 107 nursing and laboratory staff and 62 patients with AIDS. Self‐administered questionnaires were used for nurses, and close‐ended questionnaires were administered to patients with AIDS (as a verification tool for staff responses). Focus group discussions (FGD) held with nurse supervisors evaluated health service factors that influence KAP. Overall, 70.1% of the nurses who responded scored highly in the knowledge section compared to 50.5% in the attitude and practice section. There were several outstanding misconceptions and malpractices about HIV/AIDS. Knowledge, but not attitude, was significantly influenced by the grade of the staff (P < 0.001 and P = 0.17, respectively). Approximately 15% of 62 patients with AIDS indicated that they were attended to with signs of disgust and/or hatred. The major health service factors thought to influence KAP, confirmed by many in all the FGD, included: the lack of adequate information; the lack of commitment to alter attitudes and practices; the lack of in‐service promotions; and the ongoing fear of becoming infected with the virus through caring for patients with AIDS. Low income also seemed to have an influence on KAP. Therefore, it is imperative that ongoing education programmes are provided for nurses to enable them to meet the needs of the increasing HIV prevalence in our community. Information, education and communication, and compliance with international working norms, remain essential tools in the control of HIV/AIDS spread in our hospital settings.
International Partnerships in Nursing Education
Authors: Tlou Sheila Dinotshe
Published: March 2003

As economies are shrinking, international partnerships in nursing education are growing, with the more estabilished educational institutions launching not only on‐site internationally focused programmes but also educational partnerships that cross borders, regions, societies, cultures, languages and educational and nursing traditions. Below, some issues related to initiating and maintaining partnerships, as well as the benefits and problems based on personal experience with these partnerships in developing countries.
The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Malawi
Authors: Kachapila Lucy
Published: March 2003

In Africa south of the Sahara desert, nearly 21 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. In 13 countries in the region at least 10% of all adults are infected with HIV/AIDS and the prevalence rates in many capital cities are 35% or more. Botswana and Zimbabwe have reached a prevalence rate of 25%, or one out of every four adults in the country is infected.13 And in nearby Malawi, the prevalence rate is 15% among adults and increasing daily. The Malawi Government recognizes HIV/AIDS as a serious public health and socioeconomic problem requiring multisectoral involvement. Below is an overview of the epidemic's magnitude, the cultural practices facilitating its proliferation and how nurses are joining the country's community mobilization strategy.
Understanding nursing: the usefulness of a philosophical perspective *
Authors: Rocha Semiramis M. M. , Lima Regina A. G.
Published: March 2003

Abstract The work of nursing involves both treatment orientated action and care orientated action, but there exists a ‘treatment–care’ dichotomy that is structured by social factors and views of knowledge that privilege scientific, instrumental rationality. It is a claim of this paper that there is a need to establish connections between ‘treatment’ and ‘care’. The study of work processes in the healthcare field make it possible for nursing to recognize the technical and social separation of work, the separation between manual and intellectual work, the dominance of medicine among healthcare professionals, and other relations of power within institutions. The authors believe that Habermas' theory of communicative action offers an alternative view, one suitable for transforming healthcare practices and helping nurses build new responses to healthcare needs.
Nightingale's realist philosophy of science
Authors: Porter Sam
Published: March 2003

Abstract This paper examines Florence Nightingale's realist philosophy of science by comparing it to the contemporaneously dominant philosophy of positivism. It starts by adumbrating the tenets of positivism and continues by assessing the degree to which Nightingale accepted or rejected those tenets. It is argued that while she accepted much of positivism, on realist grounds she opposed its belief in phenomenalism, its rejection of speculative philosophy, its separation of fact and value, and its rejection of religion. Following an examination of how Nightingale's philosophy impinged on her approach to nursing and health care, the paper concludes with a comparison of her ideas with those of modern realism and a discussion of the contemporary salience of her ideas. It is argued that while some aspects of her approach may no longer provide an appropriate basis for modern nursing, her environmental approach, her transcendental realism, and her adherence to caring values may still be of use to contemporary nurses.
Paradigms lost, paradigms regained: defending nursing against a single reading of postmodernism
Authors: Stevenson Chris , Beech Ian
Published: March 2003

Abstract Within nursing, postmodernism has been seen as both a freeing influence and a philosophy of rejection and relativism. Within this paper we consider readings of postmodernism that have been presented and offer a re‐reading that retains the idea of ‘the good’ and is neither relativist nor rejectionist. Local knowledge is to be judged by the relevant community and theoretical knowledge becomes nursing knowledge through reflexivity and improvization in practice. A story is good if it allows people to go on with their lives.
Re‐thinking nursing science through the understanding of Buddhism
Authors: Rodgers Beth L. , Yen Wen‐Jiuan
Published: March 2003

Western thought has dominated scientific development for a long time, and nursing has not escaped the influence of such ideology. Nurse scholars, in an attempt to fit the dominant scientific ideology, typically have had to struggle with non‐empirical elements of nursing. This orientation in science, however, may have contributed inadvertently to a form of scientific ethnocentrism in the culture of inquiry in nursing as in other fields. The result has been a narrow view of science and knowledge and failure to recognize the potential significance of Eastern philosophy in nursing knowledge development. Recently, intensive cultural exchanges between the East and the West have contributed to Western scientists becoming aware of the limits of Western linear thinking and concomitant efforts to explore the mysteries of Eastern philosophy. In this article, we explore Buddhism as one example of such philosophies that have great potential to enrich nursing as it continues to strive for definition and identity.
The multifaceted structure of nursing: an Aristotelian analysis1
Authors: Whelton Beverly J. B.
Published: March 2003

A careful reading of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics focusing on his treatment of politics reveals a multifaceted discipline with political science, legislation, practice and ethics. These aspects of the discipline bear clear resemblance to the multiple conceptions of nursing. The potential that nursing is a multifaceted discipline, with nursing science as just one facet challenges the author's own conception of nursing as a practical science. Aristotle's discussion would seem to argue that nursing science is nursing, but nursing is more. Nursing is also ethical practice, or art, and legislative for health. The multifaceted discipline of politics is united by the end, the common good, a just community that makes human happiness possible. Reasoning in this way, nursing is unified by its end, health of individuals and communities. Since nursing is not unique in having health as its end, this discussion ends with the question of where its uniqueness lies, i.e. within the activities or the personal presence of its practitioners. This discussion also contains some of the contemporary ethical and legislative challenges with which nursing is confronted.
Squamometry: A Tool to Move from Exaggerated to More and More Realistic Application Conditions for Comparing the Skin Compatibility of Surfactant‐Based Products
Authors: Paye Marc , Cartiaux Yasmine
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Squamometry consists of sampling the most superficial layers of the stratum corneum by means of a sticky tape firmly pressed onto the skin. Harvested cells are stained and the intensity of staining is related to the level of skin surface alterations caused by surfactant‐based products. This method is extremely sensitive and the current study demonstrates that, thanks to squamometry, product mildness can now be compared without causing skin irritation due to exaggerated application conditions.

In a 15 minute patch test, squamometry assessments ranked a series of surfactants as expected from their known irritation potential, without causing clinical signs of irritation. Similarly, the counter‐irritant effect of amphoteric and nonionic surfactants on the irritation potential of anionic surfactants was evidenced. In a 30 minute patch test, shampoos were ranked by squamometry as they were in a classical Soap Chamber Test (48 hours of application). Finally, four hand dishwashing liquids were tested for one week by consumers according to a procedure similar to normal usage of the products, and were classified by squamometry as they were in a previous Soap Chamber Test.

In conclusion, this study suggests that squamometry is able to predict the skin compatibility of surfactant‐based products even after very short and realistic application times to volunteers’ skin. Providing further validation, this technique could allow a move to test conditions much closer to the normal usage procedure of the products, to design test protocols much more respectful of panelists’ skin condition, and to get information on product tolerance very quickly.
Phase diagram and emulsion stability of surfactant–fragrance systems
Authors: Zhang  , Denler  , Friberg  , Aikens
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Emulsions containing 95 wt.% water were prepared of a fragrance oil (limonene, the mixture of limonene and phenethyl alcohol in different ratios, and benzaldehyde), using a commercial tetraethyleneglycol lauryl ether (Laureth 4) as the stabilizer. The emulsion stability was observed both visually and with the aid of a microscope. The variation of emulsion stability with the fragrance/surfactant ratio is related to the phase changes in the system.

Résumé

On prépare des émulsions contenant 95% en poids d’eau avec une essence de parfum (limonène, le mélange de limonène et d’alcool phénéthylique en différentes proportions, et du benzaldéhyde), en utilisant un éther laurylique de tétraéthylène glycol (Laureth 4) commercial comme stabilisant. On étudie la stabilité de l’émulsion visuellement et avec l’aide d’un microscope. La variation de la stabilité de l’émulsion en fonction de la proportion parfum/tensioactif est liée aux changements de phase du système.
Objective emotional assessment of tactile hair properties and their modulation by different product worlds
Authors: Boucsein W. , Schaefer F. , Kefel M. , Busch P. , Eisfeld W.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Tactile properties of cosmetic products constitute weak stimuli and thus can be expected to be easily modified by mental images. In order to enhance an intended positive‐emotion‐inducing effect of such a product, its experience can be embedded in a certain ‘world’ that generates a positive emotional imagination. The present study investigated such an influence in 12 males and 12 females, half of each being laymen and experts in sensory assessment. Two product worlds (emotional and technical) and three different hair samples, two of them treated with different shampoos and an untreated one as control, were presented to each subject in counter‐balanced order of all six combinations. An objective emotional assessment using a psychophysiological technique developed in an earlier study was applied and compared with a traditional sensory assessment. Among the physiological measures, peripheral blood volume and facial muscular activity were the most sensitive in revealing effects of and interactions between the product worlds and hair samples. A multivariate evaluation of the physiological data revealed three discriminant functions that explained 78.4% of the total variance and enabled a re‐classification considerably better than chance. The first discriminant function clearly separated the treated from the untreated hair samples which was not possible by subjective ratings or traditional sensory assessment. The two other discriminant functions comprised a hedonistic and a product world factor. The emotional product world exerted the largest influence in case of the weakest tactile differences between the hair samples, and its influence was larger on laymen than on experts. Gender effects were most prominent in the subjective domain. In conclusion, multivariate psychophysiological methodology is superior to traditional sensory assessment in revealing subtle differences in the tactile perception of cosmetic products.
Sunscreen in vitro spectroscopy: application to UVA protection assessment and correlation with in vivo persistent pigment darkening
Authors: Ferrero L. , Pissavini M. , Marguerie S. , Zastrow L.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

In the present study, we have described an in vitro spectroscopic method to evaluate the sunscreen products for UVA sun protection factor. The roughened PMMA plates have been used as a transparent substrate on to which the test product is spread. The UVA protection factors have been deduced from the UV‐transmittance data measured in the UVA area. In order to be as close as possible to the in vivo protection factors, issued from the PPD end‐point, the treated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plates are submitted to different UV‐irradiation doses, before the measurement. The correlation in vitro/in vivo is poor when the sunscreens are not irradiated. A UV dose of about 2 minimal pigmenting dose (MPD) is enough to achieve a good correlation between in vitro and in vivo data issued from the 13 tested sunscreens. These results are consistent with the fact that the photostability of sunscreens is challenged during an in vivo PPD test.
Reduced barrier efficiency in axillary stratum corneum
Authors: Watkinson A. , Lee R. S. , Moore A. E. , Pudney P. D. A. , Paterson S. E. , Rawlings A. V.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The skin of the axilla is cosmetically important with millions of consumers daily applying antiperspirant/deodorant products. Despite this, we know virtually nothing about axillary skin or how antiperspirant (AP) use impacts upon it. To characterize the axillary stratum corneum and determine whether this is a unique skin type, we have looked at stratum corneum composition and function, particularly its barrier properties, and compared it with other body sites. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and corneosurfametry (CSM) revealed a reduced barrier function in the axilla. HPTLC analysis of the stratum corneum lipids demonstrated statistically elevated levels of fatty acids, ceramides, and particularly cholesterol in the axilla. Both ceramide and cholesterol did not appear to change with depth, indicating that they were predominantly of stratum corneum origin. On the other hand, at least some of the fatty acid had a sebaceous origin. We hypothesized that the reduced barrier function might be owing to the changes in the crucial ceramide : cholesterol ratio. To address this, we used a combination of attenuated total reflectance–Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) with cyanoacrylate sampling. These results demonstrated more ordered lipid‐lamellae phase behaviour in the axilla, suggesting that the elevated cholesterol might form crystal microdomains within the lipid lamellae, allowing an increase in water flux. Since an exaggerated application of antiperspirant had no effect upon the axilla barrier properties, it is concluded that this region of skin physiologically has a reduced barrier function.
Geophagia: why do humans consume soil?
Authors: Reilly Conor , Henry Jeya
Published: March 2003

Geophagia is an ancient practice which is still widely seen in many parts of the world, especially in traditional societies. Soils, selected for particular qualities, such as flavour and plasticity, from carefully chosen sites, are consumed for a variety of reasons, from religious to medicinal, as well as part of a regular diet. The practice has been criticised as unhygienic because it can expose consumers to toxic soil constituents, such as heavy metals or parasites. It has also been suggested that it causes iron deficiency anaemia. However, there is evidence that soil can be a valuable source of trade elements and nutrients. A number of investigations are currently been carried out to resolve such conflicting views and to provide data on which an objective judgement can be made regarding the clinical, medicinal and nutritional implications of the practice.
Diet and nutritional status of 4–18‐year‐olds: public health implications
Authors: Buttriss Judy
Published: March 2003

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged 4–18 years, published in June 2000, is the most detailed survey yet to be undertaken in this age group in Britain. It has revealed that Britain's young people are largely inactive and, although the majority appears to have adequate intakes of most vitamins, intakes tended to be lowest in families on benefit. This was particularly the case for folate and vitamin C, reflecting lower intakes of fruit and vegetables. Thirteen per cent of 11–18‐year‐olds had low vitamin D status, the vitamin usually provided via exposure to sunlight and essential for the development of healthy bones. A sizeable proportion of children may have inadequate intakes of a number of minerals, including zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. For example, 25% of 11–14‐year‐old girls and 19% of those aged 15–18 years had intakes of calcium that were likely to be inadequate (i.e. lower than the LRNI); in all age and gender groups there was evidence of low zinc intakes; and 14% of girls and 13% of boys had low ferritin levels, suggesting low iron stores and an increased risk of anaemia. On the positive side, fat intakes were close to the population goal of 35% of dietary energy, but intakes of saturated fatty acids exceeded the recommended population level for adults of 11% of energy, and intakes of sugars and salt were also high in many children. This article discusses some of the public health implications of this major survey.
Secular trends in growth: the narrowing of ethnic differences in stature
Authors: Ulijaszek Stanley J.
Published: March 2003

SummaryEthnic differences in growth patterns between countries have been observed even after controlling for nutrition, environment, and a range of other factors. The literature on markers of human growth patterns in different affluent populations was compared, with the aim of identifying similarities or differences that might be ascribed to nonenvironmental factors. To this end, the stature characteristics of different affluent child populations at various ages and stages (stature attained at 7 and 8 years of age; age at peak height velocity; peak height velocity) have been compared. The obvious flaw to this approach is that not all of them show maximal growth trajectories, because mean body size is still increasing for many, as the secular trend toward increasing body size has not ceased for many populations. Therefore, a review of the extent to which the same stature characteristics of populations of differing ethnicities have changed across time has been carried out, to determine the extent to which they might be approaching or attaining similar secular trend end‐points associated with the achievement of genetic potential for growth. The comparison of mean heights of 7‐year‐old boys from populations of industrialised countries and from the highest socio‐economic groups in developing countries, shows that the range of means for European and European‐origin populations is similar to those of African and African‐origin, and Latin‐American and Indo‐Mediterranean populations, but slightly higher than those of Asiatic populations. This supports the view that genetic potential for prepubertal growth may be similar for all groups examined in this way, apart from Asiatic populations. However, the secular trend toward increased body size has continued to take place among many populations, including affluent ones. The Asiatic populations observed since 1990 are much more similar in stature to their counterparts elsewhere in the world than they were prior to this date. A similar comparison among affluent adolescents shows Asiatic populations to have earlier onset of the pubertal growth spurt in stature than other major population typologies, but to have similar peak height velocities. The similarities in attained stature by mid‐childhood of children of most major population typologies, apart from the Asiatic one, suggests that an international growth reference could be used currently for all major population typologies apart from the Asiatic one. It is possible that they may also be applicable to preadolescent Asiatic populations, given the dramatic secular increase in childhood stature in recent decades, if they were to achieve the same statures for age as affluent populations elsewhere in the world. With respect to pubertal growth, international references may be applied to all major population typologies apart from the Asiatic one, as the earlier age of peak height velocity in these populations is unlikely to be due to differences in environmental quality.
Fruit and vegetable consumption and skeletal health: is there a positive link?
Authors: New Susan A.
Published: March 2003

Summary The health‐related benefits of a high consumption of ‘fruit and vegetables’ and the influence of this food group on a variety of diseases has been gaining increasing prominence in the literature over a number of years. Of considerable interest to the osteoporosis field is the role that bone plays in acid–base balance. Surprisingly, consideration of the skeleton as a source of ‘buffer’, contributing to both the preservation of the body's pH and the defence of the system against acid–base disorders has been in existence for many years, yet it is only more recently that the possibility of a positive link between a high consumption of fruit and vegetables and indices of bone health has been more fully discussed. The following review reports on a plenary paper presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis (May 2000, Switzerland), which looks specifically at the importance of these alkaline‐forming foods on skeletal health.
Obesity: a disease or a biological adaptation?
Authors: Tremblay A. , Doucet E.
Published: March 2003

The increase in obesity prevalence is problematic as this condition is associated with health complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, more particularly when the excess body fat is stored in the deep abdominal region. On the other hand, obesity facilitates the maintenance of body homeostasis probably because of an increased hormonal gradient which favours the regulation of energy balance, to give but one example. The regulation potential of excess body fat is particularly apparent in the reduced‐obese state where a reduction of energy expenditure, fat oxidation and some immune system markers, as well as an increase in appetite, stress vulnerability and circulating and adipose tissue organochlorines have been observed. These constitute another category of risk factors which can certainly favour the accumulation of body fat to reestablish body homeostasis on other fronts. Under such conditions, obesity is perceived by the physiologist as a necessary biological adaptation rather than a disease. For health professionals, this emphasizes the importance to seek a reasonable compromise between the favourable reduction of risk to develop metabolic complications by body weight loss and the physiological vulnerability which is also generated by such an intervention.