bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anaesthetic implications of Nager syndrome
Authors: GROEPER KELLY , JOHNSON JOEL O. , BRADDOCK STEPHEN R. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: March 2003

Nager acrofacial dysostosis is an oromandibular hypogenesis syndrome with associated limb abnormalities. Although it shares some phenotypic features with Treacher‐Collins syndrome, it is recognized as a separate disorder. The physical features of Nager syndrome include down slanted palpebral fissures, malar hypoplasia, a high nasal bridge, atretic external auditory canals, cleft palate and micrognathia. Preaxial limb malformations include absent or hypoplastic thumbs, hypoplasia of the radius and shortened humeral bones. Of primary concern to the anaesthetist are the midface and mandibular manifestations which may complicate perioperative airway management. These problems may also manifest in the postoperative period with airway obstruction. Associated defects have included vertebral malformations with reports of cervical spine involvement, congenital cardiac defects and upper limb defects affecting the preaxial or radial side. We describe a 7‐year‐old boy with Nager syndrome who required anaesthetic care during placement of a syringopleural shunt for drainage of a spinal cord syrinx. The perioperative implications of this disorder are reviewed.
Larsen syndrome and its anaesthetic considerations
Authors: Malik Pavan , Choudhry Dinesh K.
Published: March 2003

Summary Larsen syndrome is a complex syndrome with genetic heterogeneity, and with both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive patterns of inheritance. It is characterized by congenital dislocation of joints, flat faces and complicated by issues relating to respiratory, cardiac, musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. This report describes the anaesthetic management of two patients with Larsen syndrome. The first case is a 4‐year‐old patient who had cervical cord compression secondary to cervical instability and who was scheduled for anterior corpectomy with fusion of cervical vertebrae and placement of halo frame. This patient had transient loss of evoked potentials during positioning and a stormy postoperative course requiring reintubation and a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit. The second case is a 22‐month‐old child who was scheduled for a repeat posterior cervical spinal fusion due to failure of her initial fusion procedure. This patient had an uneventful perioperative course. Relevant anaesthetic issues in patients with Larsen syndrome are discussed.
The electroretinographic phenotype of dogs with Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy
Authors: Beltran William A. , Chahory Sabine , Gnirs Kirsten , Escriou Catherine , Blot Stéphane , Clerc Bernard
Published: March 2003

Objective To characterize the flash electroretinogram (ERG) in the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog and to compare the results with those from a control group of Golden Retrievers. To investigate whether similar abnormalities of the ERG as those found in a majority of human patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are also observed in the GRMD dog, the canine model for DMD.

Animals Five GRMD dogs and five age‐matched clinically normal Golden Retrievers.

Procedure An ophthalmic examination was carried out prior to performing electroretinography under general anesthesia. Rod, combined rod–cone and oscillatory potentials responses were recorded after dark adaptation. Responses to 30‐Hz‐flicker were recorded after light adaptation. The ERG responses of the GRMD dogs were compared with those of the control dogs by use of a Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results GRMD dogs had significantly reduced a and b‐wave amplitudes after dim white flash stimuli (rod response) and reduced a‐wave amplitude after bright white flash stimuli (rod–cone response).

Conclusion and clinical relevance The ERG abnormalities observed in the GRMD dog suggest a dysfunction in the rod signaling pathway. These ERG alterations are different from those observed in human patients with DMD.
Distribution of intraocular pressure in dogs
Authors: Gelatt K.N. , MacKay E.O.
Published: March 2003

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by four different applanation tonometers in normal dogs. By MacKay‐Marg tonometry in 391 dogs (772 eyes) the mean ± SD IOP was 18.8 ± 5.5 mmHg (range 8–52 mmHg). Using Tono‐Pen XL tonometry in 421 dogs (823 eyes) the mean IOP was 19.2 ± 5.9 mmHg, and the range was 4.42 mmHg. With MMAC‐II tonometry in 80 dogs (158 eyes), the mean IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg with a range of 10–30 mmHg. By pneumatonograph tonometry in 135 dogs (255 eyes), the mean IOP was 22.9 ± 6.1 mmHg and the range was 10–47 mmHg. In this study 53 breeds were represented. Of those breeds with six animals or more, no significant differences were detected in IOP between breeds (P> 0.353) or sex (P> 0.270). There was a significant decline of 2–4 mmHg (P> 0.0001) in IOP as age increased from less than 2 years to greater than 6 years of age. This trend was present with all of the four tonometers. There were no significant differences between the MacKay‐Marg and TonoPen‐XL tonometers (P> 0.198), but significant differences with the MMAC‐II (P> 0.001) and pneumatonograph (P> 0.001) tonometers existed compared to the first two instruments. Based on this study and the literature, the mean IOP for the normal dog is 19.0 mmHg with a range of 11 (5%) and 29 (95%) mmHg.
Results of grid keratotomy, superficial keratectomy and debridement for the management of persistent corneal erosions in 92 dogs
Authors: Stanley  , Hardman  , Johnson
Published: March 2003

Ninety‐two cases of persistent corneal erosions in dogs were analyzed for breed, gender, age and which eye was affected. The results of the treatment of 92 persistent corneal erosions in dogs by superficial keratectomy (SK), grid keratotomy (GK), or debridement with a sterile dry cotton swab are presented. These techniques gave better rates of healing than have been previously reported. All cases of persistent corneal erosions healed in this study. However, it must be noted that three cases treated with debridement only failed to heal after several treatments and were eventually treated with SK. After one procedure 80 out of 92 (87%) had healed. After one procedure, 63% of cases treated with debridement healed, 100% of cases treated with SK healed, and 85% of cases treated with GK healed. At the first postoperative visit, 88% (21/24 cases) of ulcers treated by SK had healed, and 75% (39/52 cases) of ulcers treated by GK had healed. Only 25% of the persistent corneal erosions had healed at the first visit after debridement. All 24 cases of persistent corneal erosions treated with SK healed after one treatment in a mean ± SD of 9.3 ± 3.9 days (median of 7 days). Fifty‐two cases were managed with GK; 44 (83%) of these healed with one procedure and eight cases required a second GK procedure to resolve. A mean ± SD of 13.4 ± 5.1 days (median of 11.5 days) following GK was required for the persistent corneal erosions to heal. Nineteen cases were initially managed by debridement with a dry cotton swab under local anesthesia. Sixteen out of these 19 debridement cases healed (giving an overall healing rate of 84%) in a mean ± SD time of 23.4 ± 11.1 days (median 21.5). There were three cases that did not heal with debridement. These cases were debrided at 10–20 day intervals for 30–60 days, and were then treated with SK. Two of these cases healed within 7 days, the other case required 18 days to heal. Sixty‐three per cent of persistent corneal erosions treated with debridement healed after one procedure; however, only four out of 19 cases (21%) were healed at the first revisit. Complications were rare: corneal edema occurred in two cases following multiple GK, and excessive granulation tissue in one case was managed with a SK. There was the occurrence of an ulcer adjacent to the surgery site in four cases, two cases following GK and two cases following SK.
The influence of aging and low zinc nutrition on the choroid in the pig: I. The melanocyte
Authors: Samuelson  , Lewis  , MacKay  , Whitley
Published: March 2003

The effects of low zinc nutrition and aging on central choroidal melanocytes were examined in the pig. Three populations of pigs (young, pregnant and aged), were maintained on either control (C) or low zinc (LZ) diets. Twenty‐five weanling boars were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12‐month intervals, and nine pregnant sows and eight aged sows were sacrificed after a 6‐month interval. Melanocytes of the central choroid were morphologically and morphometrically examined. The melanocyte was found to be conservative in its form, which was mostly elliptical longitudinal profile, throughout the different age populations that were fed the C diet. Morphometric observations revealed that this cell type increased in size in the oldest animals, having been 40% greater than that in the younger two populations. However, the overall percentage area occupied by melanocytes remained the same throughout all age groups. In the animals that were fed the LZ diets, a large subpopulation of choroidal melanocytes was oval to round in shape in the pregnant and aged groups. Many members of this subpopulation possessed less opaque pigment than the elliptically shaped cell. Measurements of the size and percentage area occupied in these oldest groups increased significantly. In addition to the change of size, shape and melanin opaqueness, unusually large melanosomes were consistently observed in the pregnant and aged LZ groups. Low zinc nutrition had a remarkable age‐related impact on the usually quiescent melanocyte.
The geographic form of retinal dysplasia in dogs is not always a congenital abnormality
Authors: Holle  , Stankovics  , Sarna  , Aguirre
Published: March 2003

To examine the congenital nature of the geographic form of focal/multifocal retinal dysplasia, we carried out a retrospective analysis of the medical records of dogs produced in a closed colony of service dogs who receive very thorough ophthalmologic examinations early in their life, and later, when they return for training. Medical records were reviewed from all dogs produced by The Seeing Eye, Inc. between October 1991 and September 1998, and which had a diagnosis of geographic retinal dysplasia coded. We identified 23 dogs of five different breeds or interbreed crosses that comprise the breeding and production program (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever cross and German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever cross) in which the results of at least two complete ophthalmic examinations were documented, the first before 10 weeks of age, and the second when the dog was a young adult. Of the 23 dogs, only one was identified as affected with the geographic form of retinal dysplasia when examined at 5–6 weeks of age. The remaining dogs were normal. Our findings indicate that, in most cases, the geographic form of retinal dysplasia is not present in dogs prior to 10 weeks of age. These findings indicate the need to revise recommendations for early screening of dogs for retinal dysplasia.
Treatment of equine glaucoma by transscleral neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser cyclophotocoagulation: a retrospective study of 23 eyes of 16 horses
Authors: Whigham Heidi M. , Brooks Dennis E. , Andrew Stacy E. , Gelatt Kirk N. , Strubbe  , Biros Daniel J.
Published: March 2003

Contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) was performed on 23 eyes of 16 horses for treatment of glaucoma. The mean highest preoperative IOP was 51 ± 17 mmHg. Follow‐up evaluation was available for 19 eyes 1 day after surgery, 14 eyes from 1 to 2 weeks, 16 eyes from 4 to 6 weeks, 9 eyes from 12 to 16 weeks, and 10 eyes greater than 20 weeks after laser treatment. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) the day following surgery was 34 ± 13 mmHg. The mean IOP for each follow‐up period was: one to two weeks postoperative, 23 ± 9 mmHg; four to six weeks, 24 ± 7 mmHg; 12–16 weeks, 28 ± 10 mmHg; and  20 weeks, 22 ± 9 mmHg. IOP measurements were significantly different from pretreatment values for all follow‐up intervals except for weeks 12–16 (P< 0.05). Treatment success was defined as maintenance of IOP < 30 mmHg. Treatment success was achieved in 93%, 88%, 78%, and 70% of the treated eyes at the 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 12–16 weeks, and the  20 weeks re‐evaluation, respectively. No significant difference was found between the number of eyes visual at presentation (52.2%) and visual at 20 weeks (60%). The most common laser complications were conjunctival hyperemia (21.7%) and corneal ulcers (13.0%). Results of this study indicate that Nd:YAG TSCP is an effective method of controlling IOP and preserving vision in horses with glaucoma. An effective Nd:YAG laser protocol for TSCP in the equine glaucomatous eye is a power setting of 11 W, duration of 0.4 s, applied 5 mm posterior to the limbus at 60 sites, resulting in a total energy dose of 264 J.
A comparison of corneal sensitivity between brachycephalic and Domestic Short‐haired cats
Authors: Blocker Tiffany , Van Der Woerdt Alexandra
Published: March 2003

Objective

To compare sensitivity of the central and peripheral cornea of brachycephalic and Domestic Short‐haired (DSH) cats.

Design

Prospective study.

Animals

Fifty DSH, thirteen Persian, and seven Himalayan cats.

Criteria for inclusion

Healthy DSH, Persian, or Himalayan cats older than 6 months, with a normal ophthalmic examination and Sno‐strip values greater than or equal to 5 mm wetting/60 s.

Materials and methods

Corneal sensitivity was measured using a Cochet‐Bonnet aesthesiometer. The cornea was touched using the tip of the monofilament, decreasing the fiber length in 5 mm increments until a blink reflex occurred. Corneal touch threshold was defined as the stimulus that elicited a corneal blink reflex greater than 50% of the time.

Results

Mean central and peripheral corneal touch threshold (CTT, ± SD in gm/mm2) for the DSH cats were 1.79 ± 2.33 and 5.01 ± 5.07 in the right eye (OD), and 1.74 ± 1.65 and 5.02 ± 4.55 in the left eye (OS). Mean central and peripheral CTT ± SD (gm/mm2) for the brachycephalic cats were 4.09 ± 5.29 and 6.18 ± 5.65 OD, and 3.18 ± 3.75 and 7.66 ± 6.24 OS. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significantly higher CTT in the central (P = 0.019) and peripheral (P = 0.003) cornea of brachycephalic than DSH cats. When evaluated for gender, this difference persisted in female cats, but did not hold true for male cats. A significant difference in CTT was found between central and peripheral cornea within both groups of cats.

Conclusions

The central cornea is less sensitive in brachycephalic than DSH cats. The central cornea is more sensitive than the peripheral cornea in both brachycephalic and DSH cats.
Effects of anti‐inflammatory drugs and preservatives on morphologic characteristics and migration of canine corneal epithelial cells in tissue culture
Authors: Hendrix Diane V. H. , Ward Daniel A. , Barnhill Mary Ann
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of commonly used ophthalmic corticosteroids, suprofen, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan and preservatives on morphologic characteristics and migration of canine corneal epithelium grown in cell culture.

Animals studiedCorneal epithelial cells harvested from the corneas of euthanized dogs were propagated in cell culture.

ProceduresCanine corneal epithelium was grown in tissue culture. The cells were treated with different corticosteroids, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, suprofen or preservatives at different concentrations after a defect was created in the monolayer. Cellular morphologic characteristics and closure of the defect were compared between test drugs and controls.

ResultsMorphologically the cells treated with dexamethasone were essentially the same as controls. Prednisolone and hydrocortisone caused rounding and shrinkage of the cells. Both suprofen and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan caused no apparent changes in morphologic characteristics at the lowest concentrations tested, but at higher concentrations there was a concentration‐dependent degree of rounding and shrinkage. Benzylkonium chloride and thimerosal caused rounding and shrinkage of all the cells at all concentrations tested. Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and suprofen did not inhibit epithelial migration over the defects at the lowest concentrations tested. All other drugs and concentrations inhibited cellular migration.

ConclusionDexamethasone affected the morphologic characteristics and migration of corneal epithelial cells less than hydrocortisone and prednisolone; therefore, dexamethasone may be the drug of choice when a corticosteroid is indicated and an epithelial defect is present. Suprofen and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan caused a concentration‐dependent effect on morphologic characteristics and migration. The preservatives caused severe changes and inhibited migration of the canine corneal epithelial cells at all concentrations and may therefore contribute to poor epithelialization of ulcers treated with preservative‐containing drugs.
Anterior lens capsule disruption and suspected malignant glaucoma in a dog
Authors: Denis Heidi M.
Published: March 2003

A Boston Terrier puppy presented with a full‐thickness peripheral corneal defect, iris prolapse and anterior lens capsule tear in the left eye (OS). Phacofragmentation and primary repair of the corneal laceration was performed. At surgery, subluxation of the lens was also apparent. One day postoperative, there was severe corneal edema, diffuse hyphema, an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 65 mmHg and a small amount of vitreous that protruded from the corneal incision OS. Malignant glaucoma or pupillary block glaucoma were suspected. Intravenous mannitol was administered preoperatively and had no effect. An anterior vitrectomy was performed on the vitreous within the anterior chamber and pupil. One day postoperative the IOP was 16 mmHg in the right eye (OD) and 20 mmHg OS. Postoperative iridocyclitis was managed medically, and additional elevations in IOP were not recorded. Resolution of the elevated IOP following anterior vitrectomy was supportive of pupillary block or malignant glaucoma. Vision returned 3 weeks after the initial surgery. Two years after the initial injury, the eye is visual and comfortable with infrequent topical anti‐inflammatory therapy.
Phylogenetics and classification of Chalcidoidea and Mymarommatoidea — a review of current concepts (Hymenoptera, Apocrita)
Authors: Gibson GarY. A. P. , Heraty John M. , Woolley James B.
Published: March 2003

Classification and morphological and molecular evidence supporting relationships of Mymarommatidae (Mymarommatoidea) and the 20 families of Chalcidoidea are reviewed. Five autapomorphies support monophyly of Mymarommatoidea, at least two autapomorphies support monophyly of Chalcidoidea, and three synapomorphies support a sister‐group relationship between Mymarommatoidea and Chalcidoidea. Mymaridae are indicated as the likely sister group of all other Chalcidoidea by: two features of the ovipositor, the unique structure of a muscle between the mesofurca and axillary lever, and sequence data from the 28s rDNA gene. Structure of the upper valvulae of the ovipositor could indicate Rotoitidae as the second‐most basal clade of Chalcidoidea. Chalcididae, Elasmidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Eurytomidae, Leucospidae, Mymaridae, Ormyridae, Rotoitidae, Signiphoridae, Torymidae and Trichogrammatidae are each indicated as monophyletic by at least one putative synapomorphy, but could render other families paraphyletic. Aphelinidae, Eupelmidae, Pteromalidae, and Tetracampidae are not demonstrably monophyletic. Agaonidae is monophyletic only if restricted to Agaoninae, and Eucharitidae is monophyletic only if restricted to Eucharitinae + Oraseminae. Eupelmidae may be paraphyletic with respect to Tanaostigmatidae and Encyrtidae, and Tanaostigmatidae including Cynipencyrtus may be paraphyletic relative to Encyrtidae. Perilampidae (Perilampinae + Chrysolampinae) are either polyphyletic or paraphyletic with respect to Eucharitidae + Akapalinae + Philomidinae. No cladistic hypotheses of familial relationships based on character evidence have considered the superfamily in its entirety.
The ovipositor apparatus of basal Hymenoptera (Insecta): phylogenetic implications and functional morphology
Authors: Vilhelmsen Lars
Published: March 2003

The skeleto‐musculature of the ovipositor apparatus and the external sculpture of the 1st and 2nd valvulae was studied in representatives from all ‘symphytan’ families. Nineteen informative characters were coded and scored. The distribution of character states are discussed with reference to recent cladistic treatments of the Hymenoptera. Putative autapomorphies of the Hymenoptera are the presence of cordate apodemes on T9 and basal articulations and associated musculature between the 2nd valvifers and the 2nd valvulae. It is a ground plan feature of the order to have the gonocoxites of abdominal segment 8 fused with the gonangula. The configuration of the musculature of the ovipositor apparatus did not display much variation among the taxa examined, except within the Pamphilioidea. There is considerable variation in the external ovipositor sculpture within the Tenthredinoidea. Putative synapomorphies for the tenthredinoid families except the Blasticotomidae are the presence of alternating strongly and weakly sclerotized zones on the first and/or second valvulae and the presence of serrulae on the sawteeth. The presence of transverse rows of large ctenidia on the 1st valvulae is an autapomorphy of the Diprionidae. Fusion of the 2nd valvifers and the 3rd valvulae is a synapomorphy for the Argidae + Pergidae. The ovipositor apparatus of the Pamphilioidea is highly derived, putative autapomorphies being the close association between T9 and the first valvifers, the reduction of the distal parts of the 1st valvulae, and the fusion of the 2nd valvulae for their entire length. The changes in the ovipositor apparatus of Pamphilioidea are associated with a decrease in the amount of work it has to perform during ovipositing, as the eggs are placed predominantly externally on the substrate. The ovipositor apparatus of the ‘Siricoidea’ is enlarged and modified for ovipositing into wood. Putative synapomorphies of the ‘Siricoidea’ + Orussidae + Apocrita are the presence of sawteeth only distally on the ovipositor and elongation of the cordate apodemes of T9.
Molecular phylogenetics of gnathostomous (jawed) fishes: old bones, new cartilage
Authors: Arnason Ulfur , Gullberg Anette , Janke Axel
Published: March 2003

Cartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans) have traditionally been taken as an early offshoot among jawed vertebrates. To examine some crucial chondrichthyan relationships, we have sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of the holocephalanChimaera monstrosa(ratfish) and the basal galeomorph speciesHeterodontus francisci(horn shark) and analysed them together with the corresponding data set of several other chondrichthyans, teleosts, the coelacanth, the African lungfish and the bichir. The rooting point of the tree was established using unequivocal outgroups, the sea lamprey , the sea lancelet or echinoderms. The phylogenetic analyses identified monophyletic Chondrichthyes in a terminal position in the piscine tree, lending no support to the traditionally accepted basal position of cartilaginous fishes among extant gnathostomes. The findings suggest that the cartilage characterizing extant chondrichthyans is a retention of an embryonic condition, thus representing a derived rather than a primitive phylogenetic and developmental stage. Similarly, the analyses suggest that the open gill slits of neoselachians (sharks and rays) constitute a derived state compared to the operculum (gill cover) characterizing bony fishes and holocephalans. The analyses did not support the so‐called Squalea/Galea hypothesis which posits that batomorphs (sharks, rays) have arisen from recent selachians (sharks). Inconsistent with the common understanding of piscine and gnathostome evolution, the two taxa having lungs, the African lungfish and the bichir, had a basal position in the piscine tree. The findings put into question the phylogenetic validity of the taxonomic nomenclature attributed to various vertebrate, notably piscine, clades.
Phylogeny and evolution of exaggerated traits among the Tingidae (Heteroptera, Cimicomorpha)
Authors: Guilbert Eric
Published: March 2003

The Tingidae (Heteroptera) are characterized in part by their lace‐like structures. Some of the traits they exhibit, mostly on the hemelytra and the pronotum, can be considered as exaggerated. One may ask, are these traits hypertelic (nonadaptive) or do they represent an adaptation? Such a question is discussed with the support of a phylogenetic analysis of 55 taxa and on the basis of 85 characters. Six equiparsimonious trees are obtained by a first analysis. Three main groups are defined, but Tinginae appears paraphyletic, while Cantacaderinae, monophyletic, is included in Tinginae. Nevertheless, the relationships between the studied taxa show that there is a global tendency for pronotal and hemelytral traits to evolve from simple to exaggerated. Such evolution occurs in three clades independently. Thus, it is suggested that such traits could have an adaptive function, as also suggested for the pronotal expansions occurring on Membracidae (Auchenorrhyncha).
Studies in Corinnidae: cladistic analysis of 38 corinnid and liocranid genera, and transfer of Phrurolithinae
Authors: Bosselaers Jan , Jocqué Rudy
Published: March 2003

This paper studies the phylogeny of the spider families Liocranidae and Corinnidae as they have been delimited to date, using an exemplar approach. In the analysis, 40 species belonging to 24 liocranid and 14 corinnid genera are scored for 157 morphological characters. The genera Clubiona (Clubionidae) and Gnaphosa (Gnaphosidae) are used as outgroups. Under implied weighting, a single fittest tree is found. This hypothesis seriously challenges the presently prevailing classification of the former Clubionidae sensu lato. The subfamily Phrurolithinae (Liocranidae) turns out to be the sister group of Trachelinae and is transferred to Corinnidae. In the interest of taxonomic stability, no radical rearrangement of the families constituting Clubionidae sensu lato is proposed, as it is felt that the present results should first be further corroborated by additional, more elaborate analyses on an even larger data set.

Jan Bosselaers, ‘Dochterland’, R. novarumlaan 2, B‐2340 Beerse, Belgium. E‐mail: hortipes@dochterland.org

Rudy Jocqué, Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale, B‐3080 Tervuren, Belgium. E‐mail: jocque@africamuseum.be
Phytophthora infestans enters the genomics era
Authors: Birch Paul R. J. , Whisson Stephen C.
Published: March 2003

summary

Phytophthora infestans, cause of late‐blight, is the most devastating disease of potato world‐wide. Recent years have seen a dramatic intensification in molecular biological studies of P. infestans, including the development of novel tools for transformation and gene silencing and the resources for genetical, transcriptional and physical mapping of the genome. This review will focus on the increasing efforts to use these resources to discover the genetic bases of pathogenicity, avirulence and host‐specificity.

Taxonomy:
Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary—Kingdom Chromista, Phylum Oomycota, Order Peronosporales, Family Peronosporaceae, Genus Phytophthora, of which it is the type species.

Host range: Infects a wide range of solanaceous species. Economically important hosts are potato, tomato, eggplant and some other South American hosts (tree tomato and pear melon) on which it causes late blight.

Disease symptoms: Infected foliage is initially yellow, becomes water soaked and eventually blackens. Leaf symptoms comprise purple‐black or brown‐black lesions at the leaf tip, later spreading across the leaf to the stem. Whitish masses of sporangia develop on the underside of the leaf. Tubers become infected later in the season and, in the early stages, consist of slightly brown or purple blotches on the skin. In damp soils the tuber decays rapidly before harvest. Tuber infection is quickly followed by secondary fungal or bacterial infection known as ‘wet rot’.

Useful web sites:
http://www.ncgr.org/pgc/; http://www.oardc.ohio‐state.edu/phytophthora/.
Mycosphaerella graminicola: latent infection, crop devastation and genomics
Authors: Palmer Claire‐Louise , Skinner Wendy
Published: March 2003

summary

Mycosphaerella graminicola is an important pathogen of wheat, causing septoria leaf blotch disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge on disease development and control of the fungus, and discusses how molecular tools and genomics are being employed to uncover the genetic basis of pathogenicity.

Taxonomy: Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) J. Schröt. in Cohn (anamorph: Septoria tritici Roberge in Desmaz.). Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Loculoascomycetes (filamentous ascomycetes), Order Dothideales, Genus Mycosphaerella, Species graminicola.

Host range: Bread and durum wheat (Triticum aestivum L. and T. turgidum ssp. durum L.) Disease symptoms: Initiating with the appearance of chlorotic flecks on leaves that develop into irregular sunken necrotic lesions peppered with tiny black spots (pycnidia). In addition to the necrotic tissue, the disease results in early leaf tissue senescence and therefore reduced photosynthetic capacity.

Useful websites: , , .
Home‐based care of the terminally ill in Botswana: knowledge and perceptions
Authors: Ndaba‐Mbata R. D. , Seloilwe E. S.
Published: March 2003

Knowledge deficit is a common factor among caregivers in the home, despite efforts initiated to disseminate information on home care. Many districts in Botswana are just beginning to initiate a more structured home‐based programme, including counselling, pastoral care and training, to involve the community in providing care for their ill relatives at home. In spite of such endeavours, statistics indicate an alarming rate of readmission to hospital of patients with numerous complications, suggesting poor quality care at home. In addition, there have been anecdotal records of elderly caregivers being diagnosed as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, indicating that transmission might have occurred during the process of care giving. This report outlines the steps in conducting a descriptive qualitative study, using grounded theory techniques, which assessed the level of knowledge available to families giving care to their terminally ill relatives at home, in a village called Mogoditshane. A sample of 15 families was selected. The inclusion criterion was that the family must have provided care for at least a 3‐month period in the home. Findings indicated that families lacked knowledge and skills for providing appropriate care, they were not aware of the resources available and they lacked professional and material support. The study recommended that a good referral and follow‐up system should be in place for effective implementation of home‐based care, with appropriate procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
Worldwide overview of critical care nursing organizations and their activities
Authors: Williams G. , Chaboyer W. , Thornsteindóttir R. , Fulbrook P. , Shelton C. , Chan D. , Wojner A.
Published: March 2003

While critical care has been a specialty within nursing for almost 50 years, with many countries having professional organizations representing these nurses, it is only recently that the formation of an international society has been considered. A three‐phased study was planned: the aim of the first phase was to identify critical care organizations worldwide; the aim of the second was to describe the characteristics of these organizations, including their issues and activities; and the aim of the third was to plan for an international society, if international support was evident. In the first phase, contacts in 44 countries were identified using a number of strategies. In the second phase, 24 (55%) countries responded to a survey about their organizations. Common issues for critical care nurses were identified, including concerns over staffing levels, working conditions, educational programme standards and wages. Critical care nursing organizations were generally favourable towards the notion of establishing a World Federation of their respective societies. Some of the important issues that will need to be addressed in the lead up to the formation of such a federation are now being considered.
The roles of embodiment, emotion and lifeworld for rationality and agency in nursing practice
Authors: Benner Patricia
Published: March 2003

Abstract Nursing practice invites nurses to embody caring practices that meet, comfort and empower vulnerable others. Such a practice requires a commitment to meeting and helping the other in ways that liberate and strengthen and avoid imposing the will of the caregiver on the patient. Being good and acting well (phronesis) occur in particular situations. A socially constituted and embodied view of agency, as developed by Merleau‐Ponty, provides an alternative to Cartesian and Kantian views of agency. A socially constituted, embodied view of agency is less mechanistic and less deterministic than Descartes' and Kant's radical separation of mind and body, and more responsive and generative than Kant's vision of moral agency as constituted by autonomous choice makers who are uninfluenced by emotion. The role of emotion in perception and judgement is explored in this paper. Distinctions between techne and phronesis are drawn. The role of emotion in market relationships and procedural ethics drawn for the abstract, general other are strategies for exchange of goods and services, but these same market relationships are dependent on well‐functioning nonmarket relations of noncalculated giving and receiving.
A case for the ‘middle ground’: exploring the tensions of postmodern thought in nursing
Authors: Stajduhar Kelli I. , Balneaves Lynda , Thorne Sally E.
Published: March 2003

AbstractDiverse beliefs about the nature and essence of scientific truth are pervasive in the nursing literature. Most recently, rejection of a more traditional and objective truth has resulted in a shift toward an emphasis on the acceptance of multiple and subjective truths. Some nursing scholars have discarded the idea that objective truth exists at all, but instead have argued that subjective truth is the only knowable truth and therefore the one that ought to govern nursing's disciplinary inquiry. Yet, there has been relatively little critical debate or dialogue about the implications of adopting subjective and multiple truths as a maxim to govern the discipline. In this paper we examine what it might mean to adopt subjective forms of truth as the only knowable truths for nursing, and to accept the possibility of multiple co‐existing realities. We understand the implications of such a philosophical stance for the epistemological basis of a practice science to be considerable, therefore we consider what it might mean for a practice‐based discipline such as nursing to remain ambiguous on the question of truth, and examine the implications of failing to achieve consensus on what constitutes a truth claim. On the basis of this examination, we urge a cautious approach to the extremes of either position and argue for a more thoughtful and rigorous dialogue about ‘truth’ and knowledge in nursing practice, education, and research.
Women's health, women's health care: complicating experience, language and ideologies
Authors: McDonald Carol , McIntyre Marjorie
Published: March 2003

Increasingly, research in women's health and healthcare foregrounds women's experience. Despite the contribution that explorations of women's ‘lived life’ makes to our understandings, the concern of these feminist authors is the absence of in‐depth analysis of the complexity of experience and the contexts in which women's experiences of health are constituted. In this paper, authors extend current understandings of the lived life by complicating notions of knowledge, experience, language and ideologies. These ideas challenge taken‐for‐granted assumptions that underlie current women's healthcare practices, disrupting the reinscription of patriarchal ideologies and generating new possibilities for nursing practice.
Capillary electrophoresis as analytical method for active ingredient determination in cosmetic matrices
Authors: BRANDOLINI V. , MENZIANI E. , ZANOTTI F. , BADER S. , GUARNERI M.
Published: March 2003

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged as an important technique applied to analytical chemistry and quality control. In the cosmetic field ascorbic acid is important for soothing, bleaching and for its scavenger activity. Ascorbic acid is responsible for great number of physiological oxidations in electron transfer reactions. Many natural substances have a functional activity which is very difficult to preserve or even to prolong with the requested and expected treatment. This paper reports the study of capillary electrophoresis for the characterization of ascorbic acid as the active ingredient in a new delivery system that is able to preserve stability and to prolong release of ascorbic acid according to the concentration needs of a cosmetic formulation. Resume L'electrophorese capillaire (EC) est devenue une technique importante appliquee a la chimie analytique et au controle qualite. Dans le domaine cosmetique, l'Acide Ascorbique joue un grandrole comme calmant, decolorant, et pour son activite de piege. Il est a l'origine d'un grand nombre d'oxydations physiologiques dans des reactions de transfert electronique. De nombreuses substances naturelles ont une activite physiologique qui est difficile a maintenir ou meeme a prolonger pour effectuer le traitement requis et attendu. Cet article decrit l'etude de l'Electrophorese Capillaire pour la caracterisation d'Acide Ascorbique comme principe actif dans un nouveau systeme de vecteur capable de maintenir la stabilite et de prolonger la liberation d'Acide Ascorbique aux besoins de concentration d'une formulation cosmetique.
Oxidative Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Human Skin
Authors: Egawa M. , Kohno Y. , Kumano Y.
Published: March 2003

The oxidative effects of cigarette smoke on the human skin were investigated. A remarkable increase in the conversion ratio of squalene (SQ) to squalene monohydroperoxide (SQHPO) due to exposure to cigarette smoke was observed using a CL‐HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography with a chemiluminescence detector) system. The results showed that cigarette smoke caused lipid peroxidation. We also found that the addition of chain‐breaking‐type antioxidants, such as oolong tea extract, inhibited the peroxidation. When cultured human skin fibroblasts were exposed to cigarette smoke, this increased the intensity of ultraweak chemiluminescence (CL), leading us to assume that cigarette smoke caused oxidation in cultured human skin fibroblasts. When the cultured human skin fibroblasts were treated with antioxidants such as glutathione, thiotaurine, hypotaurine and ascorbic acid there was little increase in CL, meaning that oxidation had been prevented in the human skin fibroblasts. We also exposed the human forearm to cigarette smoke and obtained sebum using cotton immersed in acetone in order to measure hydroperoxide levels by means of a CL‐HPLC system. The exposure of skin to the smoke caused a dose‐dependent increase in hydroperoxides derived from cigarette smoke. Further exposure of the forearm to cigarette smoke increased the intensity of CL, but pretreating the skin with antioxidants such as glutathione, thiotaurine and hypotaurine inhibited this increase. From these results, we concluded that cigarette smoke had an oxidative effect on SQ, cultured human skin fibroblasts and the surface of the human skin. The application of antioxidants prevented the cigarette smoke‐induced oxidation. We consider that these oxidative effects on the skin could be a cause of skin disorders and skin aging.
Some Challenges in Modern Hair Colour Formulations
Authors: Wis‐Surel Gabriela M.
Published: March 2003

Formulation of hair coloring product involves two stages, first a development of product base followed by formulation of desired shade. During that process a special consideration needs to be given to a whole range of product characteristics such as dye stability in the product medium, colour wearability on hair, light fading and finally rheology of the product. This paper reviews improvement in permanent coloring products as it relates to dye and base composition. Examples are shown where a reduction or elimination of certain dyes, m‐phenylenediamine or sodium picramate, improves long term stability and product performance on hair. In cases when only reduction of the dyes was carried out, improvement in stability was achieved through their use as secondary colour contributors and not as primary ones.

There are also other composition aspects that impact colour performance of the final product. For example, pH of the coloring mixture has a pronounced effect on the final colour developed in hair. It is shown that a shift in tonality caused by pH change can be predicted for finished product using a simple system composed of the main coupler‐intermediate pair employed in the product. The colour response to pH change of this simple system was found to mirror that of the product. This predictability can be used as a formulation tool to develop more efficient dye systems. Effects of some functional materials on colour result such as propylene glycol, ascorbic acid or silicone are also shown.
The antidandruff efficacy of a shampoo containing piroctone olamine and salicylic acid in comparison to that of a zinc pyrithione shampoo
Authors: Lodén  , Wessman
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Dandruff (pityriasis capitis) is a chronic scalp condition characterized by scaling and sometimes itching and redness. Shampoos containing antifungal agents are used to control the scaling condition. In the present study, two shampoos with different actives are compared in a double‐blind, randomised and bilateral study on 19 subjects. One shampoo contained piroctone olamine (0.75%) combined with salicylic acid (2%) and the other contained zinc pyrithione (1%) as active ingredient. The subjects were treated twice weekly with the shampoos for almost 4 weeks. Before each treatment the degree of dandruff was evaluated.

Both shampoos were highly effective in reducing the dandruff. The combination of piroctone olamine and salicylic acid appeared to be slightly more effective than zinc pyrithione in reducing the severity and area affected by the scaling.

Résumé

L’état pelliculaire pityraisis capitis est une maladie chronique du cuir chevelu, caractérisée par des desquamations et dans certain cas des démangeaisons et des rougeurs. Les shampooings contenant des agents antifongiques sont utilisés pour contrôler l’état du cuir chevelu. Dans cette étude, deux shampooings aux actifs differents sont comparés dans un test bilatéral en double aveugle et au hasard sur 19 sujets. Un des shampooings contient de la piroctone olamine (0,75%) combinée avec de l’acide salicylique (2%). L’autre shampooing contient de la pyrithione zinc (1%) comme actif. Les sujets sont traités avec les shampooings deux fois par semaine pendant quatres semaines. Avant chaque traîtement, le degré de l’état pelliculaire a étéévalué.

Les shampooings ont réduit de façon significative l’état pelliculaire dans les deux cas. Toutefois la combinasion piroctone olamine/acide salicylique semble être plus efficace que la pyrithione zinc tant au niveau de la severité de la maladie et de la surface affectée par la desquamation.
Glyceridic esters of p‐methoxycinnamic acid. A new sunscreen of the cinnamate class
Authors: Freitas Z.M.F. , Gonçalves J.C.S. , Santos E.P. , Vergnanini A.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The aim of this work was to investigate whether a 1,3‐diacylglycerol moiety can act as enhancer of the photoprotecting action of a new sunscreen of the cinnamate class, owing to its affinity with skin constituents and lower susceptibility to hydrolysis at C‐2. The sun protection factors (SPF) for 1,2,3‐propanetriol 1,3‐dipalmitate‐2‐p‐methoxycinnamate and 1,2,3‐propanetriol 1,3‐dioctanoate‐2‐p‐methoxy‐cinnamate (2.0, 4.5 and 7.5%) were determined. The sunscreen preparations presented SPF values between 4.7 and 16. The results show that although glyceridic esters present higher lipophilicity and are more stable towards enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro, the synthesized triacylglycerols and the standard sunscreen 2‐ethylhexyl p‐methoxycinnamoyl (EHPM) showed equivalent SPF values for both methods.

Résumé

L’objectif de ce travail a été l’évaluation du groupe 1,3‐diacylglycérol en tant qu’un agent d’intensification de la propriété photoprotectrice d’un nouveau filtre solaire de la classe cinnamate, en considérant l’affinité de cet groupe avec les matériels constitutifs de la peau et leur stabilité vis‐à‐vis l’hydrolyse enzymatique sur la position C‐2. Les facteurs de protection solaire (FPS) des produits 1,2,3‐propanetriol 1,3‐dipalmitate‐2‐ρ‐methoxy‐cinnamate et 1,2,3‐propanetriol 1,3‐dioctanoate‐2‐ρ‐methoxy‐cinnamate ont étéévalués (2.0, 4.5 et 7.5)., Selon la concentration des produits, les préparations ont les valeurs de FPS entre 4.7 et 16. Les produits synthétisés ont les FPS équivalents au filtre solaire utilisé comme référence (ρ‐methoxy‐cinnamate 2‐ethylhexyl). Néanmoins, ils ont une plus important lipophilie et une plus grande stabilité vis‐à‐vis l’hydrolyse enzymatique in vitro.
Skin surface patterns of xerotic legs: the flexural and accretive types
Authors: Piérard‐Franchimont C , Petit L , Piérard G. E.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The dry skin appearance of the legs is a common complaint in winter. We studied such a condition using a multi‐pronged approach combining video recording under ultraviolet light, cyanoacrylate skin surface stripping and squamometry X. Two main distinct patterns of alteration of the skin surface were identified. Flexural xerosis corresponded to cracking in parallel primary lines of the stratum corneum. Accretive xerosis referred to hyperkeratosis of the plateaux delineated by the criss‐cross pattern of the skin surface creases. Two distinct commercially available formulations aiming to treat dry skin yielded almost similar efficacy. For both products, flexural xerosis responded more rapidly than accretive xerosis.

Résumé

L’aspect de peau sèche des jambes est une situation fréquente en hiver. Nous l’avons étudiée par une approche diversifiée combinant l’examen par video en lumière ultraviolette, la biopsie de surface au cyanoacrylate et la squamométrie X. Deux types principaux et distincts d’altérations de la couche cornée ont été identifiés. La xérose flexurale correspond à la fracture de la couche cornée dans des lignes primaires orientées parallèlement les unes aux autres. La xérose par accumulation désigne l’hyperkératose des plateaux délimités par le réseau des lignes primaires. Deux formulations pour peaux sèches disponibles sur le marché ont apporté des résultats bénéfiques comparables. Pour les deux produits, la xérose flexurale a répondu plus rapidement que la xérose d’accumulation.
Risk perception and risk communication about food safety issues
Authors: Frewer Lynn
Published: March 2003

The increasing public concern about risks associated with food, and ever more complex information about appropriate nutrition, both indicate how necessary it is to communicate effectively to consumers about risk. This paper discusses the different psychological factors that influence public perceptions of risk, and how individuals between and within different countries and groups respond to, and process, information about food and nutrition.
The Nutrition Society: developments in professionalisation
Authors: Buttriss Judy , Landman Jackie
Published: March 2003

Summary The purpose of this article is to provide an update on developments within the Nutrition Society in relation to professional development, and in particular, those relating to registration.