bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Non‐Surgical Transfer of Horse Embryos to Mule Recipients
Authors: Camillo F , Vannozzi I , Rota A , Di Luzio B , Romagnoli S , Aria G , Allen WR 
Published: August 2003

ContentsMules, hybrids resulting from the mating of a horse mare (Equus caballus, 2n = 64) to a Jack donkey (E. asinus, 2n = 62), are generally infertile. Five horse embryos were transferred non‐surgically to two cyclic and one acyclic recipient mules. In the mares and cycling mules, oestrus and ovulation were induced with, respectively,d‐cloprostenol and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The acyclic mule, on the other hand, received oestradiol benzoate when the embryo donor was showing oestrus and progesterone after the donor had ovulated and until pregnancy diagnosis. Non‐surgical embryo collections were attempted on day 7 after ovulation and recovered embryos were transferred transcervically into the mules’ uteri. Mules that became pregnant were blood sampled serially for equine chorion gonadotrophin (eCG), progestagen and total conjugated oestrogen concentrations until around 6 months of gestation. The three embryos transferred to the acyclic mule did not produce any pregnancies whereas both embryos transferred to the cycling mules resulted in the birth of live foals. The peak concentration and duration of secretion of eCG differed markedly between the two pregnant mules, although both animals appeared to develop secondary corpora lutea beyond day 40 of gestation, as in normal intraspecies horse pregnancy. Moreover, the rise in serum oestrogen concentrations from around day 90 was also similar to that seen in normal pregnant mares. Parturition occurred spontaneously on day 348 of gestation in both mules and the resulting colt foals developed normally to weaning. Thus, cycling mules can carry a horse conceptus after non‐surgical embryo transfer and give birth to a normal mature foal.
Effect of Anticoagulants and Sampling Time on Results of Progesterone Determination in Canine Blood Samples
Authors: Thuróczy J , Wölfling A , Tibold A , Balogh L , Jánoki GA , Solti L 
Published: August 2003

ContentsThe concentration of plasma progesterone was measured by ELISA, in serum and samples prepared with three different anticoagulant agents – namely ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), heparine and sodium fluoride oxalate potassium(NaFK). Forty clinically healthy bitches were selected based on the signs of pro‐oestrus or oestrus. Values of progesterone concentration were significantly higher in serum than in EDTA‐plasma (p < 0.0005); heparin‐plasma (p < 0.05) and NaFK‐plasma (p < 0.005). During pro‐oestrus and oestrus until the time of ovulation, progesterone exhibited a conspicuous and statistically verified diurnal pattern (p < 0.05), its serum concentration being higher during 6.00–7.00 p.m. than 8.00–9.00 a.m. By the time of ovulation tendency of higher p.m. progesterone level reverses and from this point on the a.m. progesterone concentration is higher. The results of these experiments indicate that the concentration of canine progesterone assayed with ELISA may be affected by the time of collection and the method of preservation used.
Induced Lactation with a Dopamine Antagonist in Mares: Different Responses between Ovariectomized and Intact Mares
Authors: Guillaume D , Chavatte‐Palmer P , Combarnous Y , Duchamp G , Martinat N , Nagy P , Daels PF 
Published: August 2003

ContentsThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment with repeated injections of sulpiride (a dopamine D2antagonist) on prolactin secretion and induced lactation in ovariectomized and intact adult mares and to verify if this induction was possible at the beginning and at the end of the birth season. Two experiments were carried out in September [experiment (expt) 1], and in March (expt 2), in France (48°N). In expt 1, three groups of five mares were tested: intact‐control, intact‐treated and ovariectomized‐treated mares. In expt 2, mares previously subjected to artificial photoperiod were assigned in two groups: four intact‐control and five intact‐treated mares. The cyclicity of intact mares was previously synchronized with PGF2αinjections, then all the mares were in the follicular phase at the beginning of treatment. Sulpiride was intramuscularly injected (0.5 mg/kg of BW), twice a day. Mares were milked at 7:30, 11:45, 16:00 and 20:15 hours. Blood samples were collected every day during the treatment for progesterone, total oestrogen and prolactin assays. In the two experiments, only treated intact mares produced milk, with a large inter‐animal variability. Prolactin increase after sulpiride treatment was not so great in the ovariectomized‐treated mares as in the intact‐treated mares. The total correlations between prolactin, progesterone, oestrogen plasma concentrations and daily milk production were significant (0.57, 0.25, 0.17 respectively). This induction of lactation can be performed during the entire birth season in intact mares, but not in ovariectomized mares, indicating that steroids are necessary for this induction in mares treated by dopamine D2 antagonist.
Activation of Mouse Oocytes Following Intracytoplasmic Injection of Chicken Sperm Extract
Authors: Kim ST , Gye MC 
Published: August 2003

ContentsThe cytosolic factor from the sperm of a wide variety of species has been reported to induce [Ca2+]i increase and/or activation in oocytes. Although many species have been studied, there is no data available on the chicken sperm factor responsible for activation of oocytes. This study was aimed to verify the activation of mouse oocyte by intracytoplasmic injection of chicken sperm extract (CSE). Survival rate of oocytes without rupture or lytic degeneration following injection was greater than 80% regardless of the presence or absence of CSE. Among the intact oocytes, activation rates following injection were 27.5% (11 of 40) in the sham operation group. Injection of CSE resulted in significantly higher activation rates in the 1/10 dilution group (57.8%, 26 of 45) compared with the sham operation group (p = 0.0045). Calculated amount of injected sperm extract of 1/10 dilution of CSE was equivalent of 12 chicken sperm. When the 1/10 diluted mouse sperm extract (MSE) was injected, survival rate of injected oocytes and activation rate of the survived oocytes was 82% (41 of 50) and 78% (32 of 41), respectively. Activation rate of MSE‐injected oocytes was a little but significantly higher than that of CSE‐injected oocytes (p < 0.037). In conclusion, it suggests that CSE can activate the mouse oocyte and that oocyte activating sperm factor(s) may be common between avian and mammal.
Distribution of Cytochrome P450‐side Chain Cleavage in the Theca Interna Layers of Bovine Small Antral and Cystic Follicles
Authors: Isobe N , Nakao T , Yoshimura Y 
Published: August 2003

ContentsCystic follicle is anovulatory follicular structure that is caused by an endocrine imbalance. The activity of cytochrome P450‐side chain cleavage (P450scc) is essential for the initiation of steroidogenesis in the follicle. The present study was designed to compare the frequency of cells containing P450scc between healthy and atretic small antral follicles, and among several types (I, II and III, classified based on the presence of granulosa layer) of cystic follicles. Paraffin sections of healthy (2–5 mm in diameter), atretic (2–5 mm) and cystic follicles (>25 mm) were immunohistochemically stained with rabbit polyclonal antibody to bovine P450scc. The P450scc‐positive cells were counted in four different regions of the follicles from the apical to the basal side. In small antral follicles and cystic follicles, P450scc‐positive cells were localized in the theca interna layers but not granulosa layers. The P450scc‐positive cell populations decreased in the late atretic follicles compared with the early and advanced atretic follicles at all the regions of follicle. Type III cystic follicles showed significantly lower frequencies of P450scc‐positive cells than those in the types I and II cystic follicles. These results suggest that in both small and cystic follicles in cows, total loss of granulosa cells may be associated with the reduction of frequency of P450scc‐positive cells in theca interna layer.
Meiosis Resumption of Canine Oocytes Cultured in the Isolated Oviduct
Authors: Luvoni GC , Chigioni S , Allievi E , Macis D 
Published: August 2003

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of culture in isolated oviducts relative to meiotic maturation, the time required to resume meiosis and the viability of the canine oocytes. For this purpose, cumulus–oocyte complexes and isthmus–ampullar tracts of the oviducts were collected from bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomies and destined to two experiments of culture. In experiment 1, the oocytes were cultured for 24 or 30 h: (1) in 100 μl drops under oil; (2) on the mucosal epithelium of the open oviducts; (3) in the ligated oviducts. In experiment 2, oocytes were cultured in the ligated oviduct for 24, 30 and 48 h. A group of control oocytes was not cultured (0 h). The results showed that within 30 h of culture, a higher proportion of oocytes (p < 0.001) resumed meiosis in the ligated oviduct (63.8%) than in drop (20.4%) or in the open oviduct (27.1%). Moreover, 24 and 30 h of culture assured higher proportions of meiosis resumption than 48 h (69.2 and 59.1% vs 35.8%, p < 0.005). Oocyte resumption of meiosis was mainly determined by oocytes at meiotic stages preceding metaphase I, while stages between metaphase I and II in the ligated oviduct ranged between 12.5 and 31.9%. The extension of the culture time up to 48 h in the oviduct increased oocyte degeneration significantly (59.3%, p < 0.0001) compared with 24 and 30 h (18.7 and 27.3%, respectively) and the oviductal epithelium showed nuclear picnosis and degeneration following culture. The present study suggests that the close physical interaction between the canine oocytes and the oviductal tract positively affects oocyte maturation, and meiosis is resumed within 30 h of culture. Moreover, the oocyte survival is better preserved within 30 h in the ligated oviduct compared with the conventional culture in drop or to the culture in the open oviduct, but the ligated oviduct does not assure viability of the oocytes up to 48 h of culture.
Morphological Changes of the Endometrial Epithelium in the Bitch during Metoestrus and Anoestrus
Authors: Galabova G , Egerbacher M , Aurich JE , Leitner M , Walter I 
Published: August 2003

ContentsAlthough cyclic changes of the endometrium in dogs involving both stromal and glandular compartments have been described, the fate of the surface epithelium after progressive growth and secretion is still unclear. In the present study, uteri of 43 healthy bitches in metoestrus and anoestrus were examined macroscopically and histologically. Tissue biopsies were taken from three different locations (cranial and middle parts of uterine horns and bifurcation). The stage of the oestrous cycle was determined by evaluation of progesterone and oestradiol levels in plasma hormone and was also confirmed clinically. Crypts formed in the luteal phase were covered with a columnar epithelium which gradually underwent fatty degeneration. In addition, the stromal part of the crypts disappeared and finally, in early anoestrus, epithelial sheaths desquamated and shed off into the uterine lumen. The surface epithelium was replaced by new cuboidal cells proliferating and migrating from the glandular openings. These findings were confirmed by oil red O staining and immunohistochemical detection of proliferation with Ki‐67 marker.
Use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as an Outcome Measure in a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
Authors: Mathai John , Anderson Peter , Bourne Angela 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To examine the usefulness of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as an outcome measure for patients referred to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). Methods: This was a prospective study of new CAMHS attendees. Questionnaires were completed by clinicians, parents, teachers and children (if aged 11 years or older) at initial attendance and after approximately 6 months. Results: At 6-month follow up, positive change was detected on the SDQ. There was a significant reduction in the ‘total difficulties’ score as rated by parents, teachers and children. This positive change corresponded to a significant reduction in the clinician-rated Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) scores. Furthermore, there were lowered levels of perceived difficulties and burden on the SDQ impact supplement, and a decrease in the overall impact score. Conclusion: The SDQ is a useful outcome measure. The HoNOSCA and SDQ complement each other because they provide measures of change from the clinician, the parent and the child.
Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Inpatient Rehabilitation Programme for Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Denborough Paul , Kinsella Simon , Stevens John , Lubitz Lionel 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To examine the hypothesis that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with significant psychological and physical issues that can be improved by a multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation programme. Methods: A battery of psychometric instruments was administered to 39 adolescents with CFS. These instruments were administered prior to a 4 week inpatient admission as well as on discharge. The instruments were also administered to 19 adolescents at 6 month follow up. Results: The sample included 35 girls and four boys. The Beck Depression Inventory demonstrated high depression scores that improved after the 4 week programme (p < 0.001) and these improvements were maintained after 6 months (p < 0.038). Coopersmith self-esteem scores showed low self-esteem, which improved following the programme (p < 0.001) but there was some fall off at the 6 month follow up. Physical functioning scores improved significantly after the 4 week programme (p < 0.001) and were maintained at 6 months (p < 0.001); clinician ratings of functioning matched patient ratings. On Achenbach profiles the teenagers presented with internalizing problems, which significantly improved following admission (p < 0.001). Parents reported similar findings. Conclusion: These findings confirm the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of adolescents with CFS with improvements in emotional and physical functioning. Most of the improvements were maintained at 6 months follow up.
Is the Content of Delusions and Hallucinations Important?
Authors: Aschebrock Yasmin , Gavey Nicola , McCreanor Tim , Tippett Lynette 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To explore the level of interest among researchers and clinicians in the content of delusions and hallucinations. Methods: A survey of 58 mental health practitioners and researchers was conducted. The questionnaire included closed and open-ended questions about participants' views concerning the value of attending to the content of delusions and hallucinations. Results: Participants identified benefits (e.g. heightened understanding of clients' difficulties, enhanced therapeutic relationship, improved risk assessment) and drawbacks (e.g. waste of time, exacerbation of clients' distress, reinforcement of content, blurred distinction between reality and non-reality) associated with attending to content. Half of the participants suggested that their work would be enhanced, while approximately one-fifth felt that their work would be affected adversely, should they attend to content. Conclusions: Taken together, the data suggest that there is ambivalence towards the practice of attending to content. Participants identified deterrents to this practice that were not only pragmatic but were also related to the customary way in which delusions and hallucinations are conceptualized in the mental health field.
Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Australian States and Territories Between July 1995 and December 2001
Authors: Mond Jonathan , Morice Rodney , Owen Cathy 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To examine trends in the use of oral conventional, depot and atypical antipsychotic medications in Australian States and Territories between 1995 and 2001. Methods: For each 6 month interval between July 1995 and December 2001, prescription data obtained were converted into a measure of drug utilization expressed as the number of defined daily doses per thousand population per day (DDDs/1000/day). Data concerning the major specialty of the prescriber were available for the period 1996–2000. Results: In each State and Territory, use of atypical antipsychotic medications increased markedly while use of oral conventional and depot medications declined. Between July 2001 and December 2001, the proportion of total prescriptions for antipsychotic medications accounted for by prescriptions for atypical medications varied from 63.1% in South Australia to 76.1% in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Relative use of atypical medications was higher in the ACT than in other regions, while relative use of depot medications was higher in the Northern Territory than in other regions. During the year 2000, the proportion of prescriptions for oral conventional and depot medications written by general practitioners (GPs) exceeded 75% in all regions other than the ACT. Between 1996 and 2000, the proportion of prescriptions for atypical medications written by GPs increased markedly in all regions but remained lower than for oral conventional and depot medications. Conclusions: Atypical antipsychotic medications have replaced conventional medications as the first-line pharmacological treatment for psychotic disorders in all regions of Australia. Continued expansion of programmes designed to foster collaboration between GPs and mental health services will be essential in achieving optimal prescribing of antipsychotic medications.
Psychiatric Services in Israel: Need for a Continuum of Care Model
Authors: Jaworowski Sol , Barel Yair , Gropp Cornelius 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To highlight the need for a continuum of care model for the delivery of psychiatric services in Israel. Conclusion: Crisis assessment teams working in the community in collaboration with community mental health clinics and inpatient psychiatric units are required. The community clinics should have the capacity for providing assertive outreach including home visits as required. General hospital psychiatric units that are able to treat both voluntary and involuntary patients are also needed. The psychiatric service needs to be responsive to special needs groups with high morbidity such as those persons suffering from first-presentation psychosis and post-partum psychiatric illness. Two case vignettes are discussed that demonstrate the need for a continuum of care model.
Kraepelin, Alzheimer and Munich
Authors: Gupta Ramesh 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To provide a glimpse of psychiatry's past, which the author obtained during a recent sabbatical in Munich. Conclusions: An examination of Kraepelin's memoirs, his first address to Munich's Ludwig-Maxmilians University and Alzheimer's notes from publications reveal that the two were dedicated and observant clinicians who contributed to the scientific foundations of modern psychiatry.
A New Measure of Consumer Expectations, Perceptions and Satisfaction for Patients and Carers of Older People With Mental Health Problems
Authors: Spear Jonathan 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To describe the development and evaluation of the Consumer Expectations, Perceptions and Satisfaction Scale (CEPAS). Methods: The content of CEPAS was developed from a focus group of patients and carers. A total of 115 consecutive patients discharged from a community mental health service for older people and their carers was asked to complete a postal survey. Results: The CEPAS was appropriate for 49% of patients (56/115) and 51% of carers (59/115). The response rates were 69% (39/56) for patients and 76% (45/59) for carers. Overall satisfaction had a significant association with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The CEPAS was an adequate measure of patient and carer satisfaction in this setting and for this population. More research is needed to evaluate CEPAS in other settings and with other populations.
Premorbid Functioning, Welfare Issues and Ethics in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Cantor Chris , Neulinger Kerryn 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To assess former activity levels in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) subjects, identify differentiating variables and discuss ethical issues arising. Method: File review of 91 CFS patients from a private psychiatric practice, presenting multiple case reports, with limited case comparison data. Results: The CFS subjects appeared formerly more athletically inclined than controls. Other helpful differentiating variables included exercise intolerance, excessive need for sleep, hopefulness and subjective memory problems. Conclusions: Former exercise and other achievement levels warrant systematic research study and consideration in the assessment of CFS patients. Omissions of consideration of premorbid functioning in medicolegal evaluations raise ethical concerns.
Historical Overview of a Psychiatric Clinical Information System: ‘Peninsula Pathways’
Authors: Reilly John , Greenwood Annette , Dowling Rosemary 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To review the development of a psychiatric documentation suite and associated quality improvement processes, comparing suites historically with changes in service delivery and review. Conclusions: Changes to service delivery principles and frameworks have influenced trends to more comprehensive and modular documentation forms. Documentation of quality improvement processes will help ensure that psychiatry-specific needs for information are met during the transition to a more integrated health system and associated electronic records.
Development and Implementation of the ‘Clinical Assessment Summary’ for Providing Continuous Clinical Information
Authors: Reilly John , Greenwood Annette , Margis Samuel , Rudolph Devapriya 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To describe the development and implementation of a typed ‘continuous’ clinical summary, with a longitudinal formulation and modular episode-based summaries. Methods: Outline of rationale for this form of summary and the implementation process. Results: Despite identified technical and training difficulties, over 3000 clinical assessment summary documents have been created with successful implementation across a mental health service. Conclusions: A typed continuous summary offers many advantages over a traditional discharge summary and can be implemented in routine clinical practice.
The Indigenous Mental Health Worker
Authors: Parker Robert 
Published: August 2003

Objective: To provide background and context for the recent Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) statement on indigenous mental health workers. Conclusions: There are a number of difficulties facing indigenous mental health workers in Australia today. The RANZCP statement is one step in a move to increase recognition of these workers. National registration of Aboriginal mental health workers or the formation of a national association may further promote their identity.