bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal condition of vitrification method for cryopreservation of human ovarian cortical tissues
Authors: Chang Hye Jin , Moon Jeong Hee , Lee Jung Ryeol , Jee Byung Chul , Suh Chang Suk , Kim Seok Hyun 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  In order to find the optimal exposure time of cryoprotectant, we performed a comparison of vitrification versus slow freezing according to the degree of normal morphology and apoptosis of human ovarian follicles.Materials and Methods:  Eleven patients aged 20–41 years who underwent operative laparoscopy for benign ovarian cysts or cesarean section were enrolled in this study. We carried out a prospective parallel comparison of survival and morphology of follicles after freezing (slow freezing and vitrification) and thawing. The ovarian strips were vitrified with two‐step exposure to equilibration and vitrification solutions at room temperature. After various exposure times of cryoprotectant solution (5 min, 10 min, and 20 min, respectively), cryoprotectant‐filled cryovials with pretreated cortical tissues were immediately plunged into liquid nitrogen.Results:  In total, 336 follicles were analyzed by light microscopy to assess the morphology. The distribution of follicles was as follows: primordial, primary, and secondary follicles were 55.7% (187/336), 36.9% (124/336), and 7.4% (25/336), respectively. Vitrification in the 10‐min exposure group preserved the follicles most effectively (ratio of grade 1 follicle: 3.6%, 34.7%, 13.8%, and 20.0% in the 5‐min, 10‐min, 20‐min, and slow‐freezing groups, respectively). Fewer terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl‐transferase‐dUTP‐nick‐end‐labeling‐positive cells were found in vitrification in the 10‐min equilibrium group compared with the other cryopreserved–thawed groups (52.1%, 31.5%, 53.1%, and 46.7% in the 5‐min, 10‐min, 20‐min, and slow‐freezing groups, respectively). The stromal cells were also better preserved in the 10‐min group than the others (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The 10‐min exposure group for vitrification showed better results compared with other conditions and the slow‐freezing group.
Circulating levels of copeptin, a novel biomarker in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Zulfikaroglu Ebru , Islimye Mine , Tonguc Esra Aysin , Payasli Ahmet , Isman Ferruh , Var Turgut , Danisman Nuri 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAims:  Increasing evidence supports the participation of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Copeptin is co‐synthesized with vasopressin and is a new and promising novel marker of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Our aim was to investigate copeptin levels in normotensive pregnant, mild and severe pre‐eclamptic women.Materials and Methods:  We included 96 pregnant women who received antenatal and obstetric care at the perinatology clinic of our hospital. They were divided into three groups: women with normal ongoing pregnancy (n = 32), those with mild pre‐eclampsia (n = 32) and those with severe pre‐eclampsia (n = 32). Doppler velocimetry measurements of the uterine and umbilical arteries were performed for each patient. Plasma levels of copeptin were quantified with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  Plasma levels of copeptin were 0.31 ± 0.09 ng/mL in the normotensive pregnant group, 0.62 ± 0.16 ng/mL in the mild pre‐eclamptic group and 0.85 ± 0.18 ng/mL in the severe pre‐eclamptic group (P < 0.001). Copeptin levels in pre‐eclamptic patients with abnormal Doppler velocimetry were significantly higher than in those with normal Doppler velocimetry.Conclusions:  These results suggest that increased maternal levels of copeptin may be involved in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia and it may be useful in the assessment of the severity of the disease.
Striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) knockout mice have enhanced hippocampal memory
Authors: Venkitaramani Deepa V. , Moura Paula J. , Picciotto Marina R. , Lombroso Paul J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractStriatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is a brain‐specific phosphatase that opposes synaptic strengthening by the regulation of key synaptic signaling proteins. Previous studies suggest a possible role for STEP in learning and memory. To demonstrate the functional importance of STEP in learning and memory, we generated STEP knockout (KO) mice and examined the effect of deletion of STEP on behavioral performance, as well as the phosphorylation and expression of its substrates. Here we report that loss of STEP leads to significantly enhanced performance in hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory tasks. In addition, STEP KO mice displayed greater dominance behavior, although they were normal in their motivation, motor coordination, visual acuity and social interactions. STEP KO mice displayed enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular‐signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), the NR2B subunit of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and proline‐rich tyrosine kinase (Pyk2), as well as an increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 substrates. Concomitant with the increased phosphorylation of NR2B, synaptosomal expression of NR1/NR2B NMDARs was increased in STEP KO mice, as was the GluR1/GluR2 containing α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptors (AMPARs), providing a potential molecular mechanism for the improved cognitive performance. The data support a role for STEP in the regulation of synaptic strengthening. The absence of STEP improves cognitive performance, and may do so by the regulation of downstream effectors necessary for synaptic transmission.
A Survey of ocular abnormalities in Miniature Horses
Authors: Plummer Caryn E. , Ramsey David T. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To determine the incidence of ocular abnormalities in Miniature Horses.Design Descriptive study.Animals studied Fifty‐three Miniature Horses.Procedure Ophthalmic examinations were performed using diffuse and focal illumination, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Coat color, mane and tail color, age and gender were recorded with results of ophthalmic examination.Results Ocular abnormalities detected most frequently consisted of cysts arising from the posterior iris, ciliary body, and peripheral retina, curvilinear streaks of retinal pigmented epithelium extending from the peripheral temporal retina, and retinal dysplasia (folds). One Miniature Horse also had multiple ocular abnormalities (cornea globosa, goniosynechiae, decreased or absent and pupillary light reflexes, miotic and dyscoric pupils, iris hypoplasia, and epinuclear cataract). Ocular abnormalities were observed in horses that had a flaxen or white mane and tail color and a chocolate coat color.Conclusions Abnormal ocular phenotype detected in eyes of Miniature Horses was similar to multiple congenital and hereditary ocular abnormalities reported in the Rocky Mountain Horse. Phenotypic ocular developmental abnormalities and coat, mane and tail color were most compatible with a heterozygous or homozygous effect of the Silver Dapple locus.
Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctival provocation tests in atopic dogs
Authors: Lourenço‐Martins Ana Mafalda , Delgado Esmeralda , Neto Isabel , Peleteiro Maria Conceição , Morais‐Almeida Mário , Correia José Henrique Duarte 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntroduction  Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a very common disease, but little is known about eye involvement. The conjunctival provocation test (CPT) is used in human to study the ocular response to allergenic stimuli and to evaluate anti‐allergic therapy. To our knowledge it has not been used in dogs.Objectives  To evaluate the prevalence of ocular signs in a population of atopic dogs and relate these with clinical cAD scores; and the usefulness of CPT for dust mites in atopic dogs with itchy eyes.Procedures  Sixty cAD patients were evaluated for (i) ocular signs of allergic conjunctivitis including conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, epiphora, ocular discharge, pruritus and corneal involvement, graded 0 to 3 according to severity, and (2) cAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐03). Additionally, CPTs for Dermatophagoides farinae (n = 12) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (n = 12) were performed in sensitized atopic dogs and 24 control dogs.Results  Periocular and ocular signs of allergy were present in 60% (36/60) of cases. Conjunctival hyperemia (90%) was the most common sign. Severity of ocular signs was significantly correlated with eye pruritus (rs = 0.690, P = <0.001) and skin lesions score for head region (rs = 0.261, P = 0.04). A highly significant difference (P < 0.001, Fisher test) was found in CPTs between the test and the control groups.Conclusion  Allergic conjunctivitis signs associated with cAD seem under valuated so these patients would benefit from an ophthalmologic evaluation. Furthermore, we found CPT to be a reliable, easy to perform and safe test for the etiologic diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis in the dog.
Equine Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA) syndrome inPMEL17(Silver) mutant ponies: five cases
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Rowlan Jessica S. , La Croix Noelle C. , Mangan Brendan G. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To describe the clinical phenotype and genetics of equine Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA) syndrome inPMEL17(Silver) mutant ponies.Animals studied Five presumably unrelated ponies.Procedures The ponies were examined under field conditions in their barn by slit lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and applanation tonometry. Blood was collected and genomic DNA extracted forMCOAgenotyping using thePMEL17ex11marker.Results One pony solely presented with temporal ciliary body cysts, suggestive of the less severeCystphenotype of MCOA; the animal was heterozygous at theMCOAlocus. Multiple bilateral anterior segment anomalies were identified in four ponies, consistent with the more severeMCOAphenotype characterized by cornea globosa, iris hypoplasia, encircling granula iridica along the pupillary ruff, and cataracts. These animals were homozygous for the mutantMCOAallele. Four of the ponies had a silver dapple or chocolate coat color with white or flaxen manes and tails. Silver dappling was masked by the palomino coloring of a 5th pony that was homozygous at theMCOAlocus.Conclusions The MCOA syndrome can be seen in ponies. The results of both clinical evaluation and genotyping resembled the previously described MCOA of both Rocky Mountain and Kentucky Mountain Saddle horses.
Comparison of a rebound and an applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure in normal rabbits
Authors: Pereira Fabiana Quartiero , Bercht Bernardo Stefano , Soares Mírian Gomes , da Mota Maurício Grillo Bittencourt , Pigatto João Antonio Tadeu 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made on healthy adult rabbits without the effect of tranquilizers using the new applanation tonometer, Tono‐Pen Avia®, and the rebound tonometer Tonovet®.Methods Intraocular pressure was measured throughout the day (6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00 h) in 38 adult New Zealand White rabbits (76 eyes). The animals were 20 males and 18 females, with a mean weight of 3.5 kg and an average age of 6 months. A complete ocular exam (including Schirmer tear test, fluorescein staining, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and direct ophthalmoscopy) was performed on all animals at the beginning of the trial. Rebound tonometry was performed, and after 10 min, anesthetic drops were instilled and applanation tonometry was carried out. IOP values obtained using the two techniques were analyzed statistically.Results The mean IOP was 9.51 ± 2.62 mmHg with Tonovet®, and 15.44 ± 2.16 mmHg with the Tono‐Pen Avia®. Significant differences between measurements with the two tonometers were observed (P < 0.001). The linear regression equation describing the relationship between the two tonometers wasy = 0.4923x + 10.754 (y = Tonovet®andx = Tono‐Pen Avia®). High IOPs were recorded in the early measurements (6:00), but the average IOPs from both devices were statistically similar throughout the day (P = 0.086). The correlation coefficient wasr2 = 0.357. No significant difference in IOP regarding gender was observed.Conclusion The Tono‐Pen Avia®recorded higher levels of IOP compared with the Tonovet®. Early in the day, the IOP of rabbits was higher than later in the day, regardless of the tonometer used.
Evaluation of topical nalbuphine or oral tramadol as analgesics for corneal pain in dogs: a pilot study
Authors: Clark Jason S. , Bentley Ellison , Smith Lesley J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To evaluate the effectiveness of topical nalbuphine or oral tramadol in the treatment of corneal pain in dogs.Animals studied Fourteen male Beagle dogs.Procedures Dogs were divided into three treatment groups and sedated with dexmedetomidine (5 μ/kg IV). A 4 mm corneal epithelial wound was created in the right eye (OD) of all dogs. Sedation was reversed with atipamazole IM. All dogs received pre/post ophthalmic examinations. Post operatively, Group NB (n = 5) received topical 1% preservative‐free nalbuphine OD q8 h and an oral placebo PO q8 h. Group TR (n = 5) received tramadol (4 mg/kg) PO q8 h and topical sterile saline OD q8 h. Group CNTRL (n = 4) received topical sterile saline OD q8 h and an oral placebo q8 h. All dogs received topical 0.3% gentamicin OD TID until healed. Dogs were pain scored using a pain scoring system modified from the University of Melbourne pain scale at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h, then every 6 h by observers masked to treatment, until corneal wounds were healed. Treatment failure was recorded if cumulative pain scores were above a minimum threshold of acceptable pain and rescue analgesia of morphine (1.0 mg/kg IM) was administered subsequently.Result Four dogs in Group NB, one dog in Group TR, and two dogs in Group CNTRL required rescue analgesia. There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment failure between groups (P = 0.184). Mean time to rescue was 9.16 h. All corneal wounds were healed by 84 h.Conclusions The results of this study suggest tramadol rather than nalbuphine should be further investigated for the treatment of corneal pain.
Cryptococcus gattii chorioretinitis in a ferret
Authors: Ropstad Ernst‐Otto , Leiva Marta , Peña Teresa , Morera Neus , Martorell Jaime 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBilateral exudative chorioretinitis was diagnosed in an 18‐month‐old male neutered ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with a generalized Cryptococcus gattii infection confirmed by PCR. The animal was referred to the Ophthalmology Service of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (VTH‐UAB) for acute onset blindness. Complete ophthalmic examination revealed absent menace response and dazzle reflex in both eyes (OU), as well as subretinal edema located in the tapetal fundus. At that time, the clinical ophthalmologic diagnosis was bilateral exudative chorioretinitis. Treatment with prednisone (0.5 mg/kg PO q24 h) was instituted in addition to the ongoing treatment with fluconazole (10 mg/kg PO q24 h). The following rechecks revealed secondary cataracts with subsequent lens subluxation and panretinal degeneration OU. Despite being blind and the poor prognosis of disseminate cryptococcosis, the patient remained active and in good body condition during 6 months after the initial diagnosis. At that time, the ferret showed ataxia, incontinence, and generalized pain. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed a mass affecting the spine. The owners declined further investigations and the ferret was humanely euthanized. The postmortem histopathology confirmed the initial diagnosis of cryptococcosis and the presence of intraretinal Cryptococcus spp. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Cryptococcus spp. induced exudative chorioretinitis in a ferret.
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) assessment of the healthy female canine retina and optic nerve
Authors: Hernandez‐Merino Elena , Kecova Helga , Jacobson Samantha J. , Hamouche Karl N. , Nzokwe Richard N. , Grozdanic Sinisa D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective  To provide normative data for canine whole retinal thickness (WRT), nerve fiber layer thickness (NFL), photoreceptor layer thickness (PR), and outer nuclear layer thickness (ONL) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Animal studied: Twelve healthy adult intact female beagles.Procedure  Horizontal volume scans through the area dorso‐temporal from the optic nerve (superior retina), and the area ventro‐temporal from the optic nerve (inferior retina) were used to evaluate the thickness of retinal NFL, PR, ONL, and WRT. Peripapillary circular scans were used to evaluate NFL thickness. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the thickness of the individual layers between the superior and inferior retina (paired t‐test). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the thickness of peripapillary NFL between the superior, inferior, temporal and nasal quadrants of the circle scan.Results  The WRT, PR, and NFL thickness were greater in the superior than in the inferior retina (198.7 ± 9.6 μm vs. 164.4 ± 6.4 μm, P < 0.0001; 95.5 ± 6.5 μm vs. 78.8 ± 7.4 μm, P < 0.0001; and 26.4 ± 1.6 μm vs. 25.0 ± 1.9 μm, P = 0.0236, respectively). No statistical difference was found between the ONL thickness of the superior and inferior retina (50.1 ± 6.4 μm vs. 44.3 ± 3.6, P = 0.0578). Peripapillary NFL thickness showed a similar tendency as the linear scans, with the superior quadrant having the greatest thickness (91.26 ± 7.0 μm) and the inferior quadrant being the thinnest (76.42 ± 9.2 μm) (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Results of our in vivo studies showed significant differences between thickness values for the superior (tapetal) and inferior (nontapetal) retinal regions.
Measurement of corneal sensitivity in 20 ophthalmologically normal alpacas
Authors: Welihozkiy Anja , Bedenice Daniela , Price Lori Lyn , Pizzirani Stefano , Pirie Christopher G. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective To determine corneal sensitivity in 20 healthy adult alpacas (40 eyes) in order to establish reference values.Design Prospective study.Animals Twenty healthy, adult alpacas.Procedures Corneal sensitivity was determined by the corneal touch threshold (CTT) using a Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer. Five different regions of the cornea were evaluated (nasal, ventral, lateral, dorsal, and central).Results Corneal touch threshold values (in mm filament length) obtained from five corneal regions demonstrated varying corneal sensitivities. The central region (34.5 ± 7.1 mm) was the most sensitive, followed by the ventral (29.5 ± 7.2 mm), medial (29.3 ± 7.3 mm), dorsal (25.6 ± 6.3 mm), and lateral (21.8 ± 5.7 mm) regions. All pairwise comparisons of regional differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for the comparison between the ventral and medial regions (P = 0.88). Evaluation of the CCT while controlling for age (2–5 years vs. 6–10 years) demonstrated an increased CTT with an increasing age for the central, ventral, medial and lateral regions. A decrease in the CTT of the dorsal region was noted with increasing age.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Corneal touch threshold values in 40 eyes of 20 healthy adult alpacas were determined using a Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer. This study demonstrated the central corneal region to be most sensitive. Values obtained may serve as reference values in subsequent studies.
Clinical utility of a complete diagnostic protocol for the ocular evaluation of free‐living raptors
Authors: Labelle Amber L. , Whittington Julia K. , Breaux Carrie B. , Labelle Philippe , Mitchell Mark A. , Zarfoss Mitzi K. , Schmidt Stephanie A. , Hamor Ralph E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective: To describe a protocol for the examination of free‐living raptors and report the ophthalmic examination findings of seven raptor species native to central Illinois, namely the barred owl, Cooper’s hawk, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, American kestrel, red‐tailed hawk, and turkey vulture and to determine if the findings relative to visual prognosis affected eligibility for future release.Animals studied: Seventy‐nine free‐living raptors.Procedures: Under manual restraint, complete ophthalmic examination including slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and indirect funduscopy, applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry, ocular morphometrics, B‐mode ultrasound, and electroretinography (ERG) were performed on each bird. Histopathology of enucleated globes was performed after euthanasia or death in selected cases.Results: The examination protocol was easily performed using manual restraint alone on all birds. Ocular lesions were detected in 48.1% of birds, with 47.3% affected unilaterally and 52.6% affected bilaterally. Ocular lesions were considered to be vision threatening in 29.0% of the unilaterally affected birds and 29.0% of the bilaterally affected birds. The most common case outcomes were discharge from hospital to rehabilitation facility (45.6%) followed by euthanasia (43.0%). The presence of an ocular lesion or a vision‐threatening ocular lesion was not significantly associated with outcome. Reference ranges are reported for B‐mode ultrasound, ocular morphometrics, and horizontal corneal diameter in all species.Conclusion: Complete ophthalmic examination can be supplemented by the use of ocular morphometrics, ultrasound, and ERG in the manually restrained raptor. These advanced diagnostic techniques may be useful in developing more objective criteria for evaluating eligibility for release following rehabilitation of free‐living birds of prey.
Congenital stationary night blindness is associated with the leopard complex in the miniature horse
Authors: Sandmeyer Lynne S. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Archer Sheila , Bauer Bianca S. , Nelson Janelle , Forsyth George , Grahn Bruce H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective  To determine if congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) exists in the miniature horse in association with leopard complex spotting patterns (LP), and to investigate if CSNB in the miniature horse is associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of TRPM1 that are highly associated with CSNB and LP in Appaloosas.Animals studied  Three groups of miniature horses were studied based on coat patterns suggestive of LP/LP (n = 3), LP/lp (n = 4), and lp/lp genotype (n = 4).Procedures  Horses were categorized based on phenotype as well as pedigree analysis as LP/LP, LP/lp, and lp/lp. Neurophthalmic examination, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and scotopic flash electroretinography were performed on all horses. Hair samples were processed for DNA analysis. Three SNPs identified and associated with LP and CSNB in the Appaloosa were investigated for association with LP and CSNB in these Miniature horses.Results  All horses in the LP/LP group were affected by CSNB, while none in the LP/lp or lp/lp groups were affected. All three SNPs were completely associated with LP genotype (χ2 = 22, P << 0.0005) and CSNB status (χ2 = 11, P < 0.0005).Conclusions  The Miniature Horse breed is affected by CSNB and it appears to be associated with LP as in the Appaloosa breed. The SNPs tested could be used as a DNA test for CSNB until the causative mutation is determined.