bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postnatal development of corneal curvature and thickness in the cat
Authors: Moodie K. L. , Hashizume N. , Houston D. L. , Hoopes P. J. , Demidenko E. , Trembly B. S. , Davidson M. G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective To evaluate the postnatal development of central corneal curvature and thickness in the domestic cat.Animals studied Six Domestic Short‐haired (DSH) kittens starting at 9 weeks of age and 6 adult cats.Procedures Kittens were evaluated biweekly to monthly for a 12‐month period, starting at age 9 weeks. Corneal development was monitored by hand‐held keratometry and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Standard regression analysis using a nonlinear least squares method was used to generate a formula that would predict corneal curvature as a function of age.Results Mean keratometry (K) values for the 9‐week‐old cats were 54.51 (±1.02) diopters (D) and these values steeply declined over the next 3 months to 44.95 (±0.90) D. Thereafter, K‐values gradually decreased to reach a plateau by 12–15 months of age of 39.90 (±0.42) D. Because K‐values still appeared to be slightly diminishing at this point, six other > 2‐year‐old cats were evaluated by keratometry and were found to have K‐values of 38.99 (±0.81). Two to four diopters of astigmatism was common in young kittens whereas adult cats had a low mean degree of astigmatism (< 1 D). A formula that predicted keratometry values in diopters (K) as a function of age in weeks (w) was established as follows: K = 39.83 + 26.87 exp(−0.074 w). The central cornea increased in thickness primarily during the first 4 months of life with 9 week‐old kittens having values of 0.379 (±0.012) mm; 16‐week‐old kittens, 0.548 (±0.021) mm and 67 week‐old cats, 0.567 (±0.012) mm.Conclusions The maturation process of the feline cornea proceeds over the first 1–2 years of life to attain an adult status that is characterized by a roughly spherical state of approximately 39 D corneal curvature, substantially flatter than the human cornea, and a central thickness similar to the human cornea. Research studies of the refractive or optical properties of the cornea in which cats are used as experimental animals should be conducted on animals greater than 18 months of age.
The relationship of cataract maturity to intraocular pressure in dogs
Authors: Leasure Jennifer , Gelatt Kirk N. , MacKay Edward O. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure, as measured by applanation tonometry, in dogs with cataracts, and compare these tonometric results to the different stages of cataract formation (incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature).Animals studied Retrospection study of canine clinical patients (86 dogs).Procedures All records of dogs presented from 1991 to 1996 to the university veterinary medical teaching hospital for diagnosis of cataracts and evaluation for cataract surgery were reviewed. The tonometric measurements from the initial ophthalmic examination were selected in cataractous and nonglaucomatous eyes either receiving no topical or no systemic medications. The stage of cataracts was based on the degree of opacification, tapetal reflection, clinical vision, and visibility of the ocular fundus by indirect ophthalmoscopy. The distribution of tonometric results were grouped by the cataract maturity, and compared byanovaand Tukey’s general linear tests.Results Intraocular pressure with incipient cataracts ranged from 9 to 17 mmHg (mean 12.7 ± 1.2 mmHg). Intraocular pressure with immature cataracts ranged from 3 to 27 mmHg (mean 13.6 ± 0.6 mmHg). For the mature cataracts, IOP ranged from 5 to 22 mmHg (mean 11.9 ± 0.7 mmHg). For the hypermature cataract group, IOP ranged from 4 to 23 mmHg (mean 10.8 ± 0.6 mmHg). Comparison of the tonometric results among the different stages of cataract formation indicated a significant difference (P = 0.0086) between only the immature and hypermature groups.Conclusions Intraocular pressure in lens‐induced uveitis (LIU) is lowered but the relationship to the stage of cataract maturity is less clear. Significant tonometric differences were present between the immature and hypermature cataract groups, but these differences are too small to be clinically useful. Decreased intraocular pressure of dogs with all stages of cataract formation suggests concurrent LIU during all stages of cataract formation, especially with the mature and hypermature stages. The average tonometric measurements in dogs with these cataracts were about two standard deviations below the mean IOP reported in normal dogs.
Changes in intraocular pressure associated with topical dorzolamide and oral methazolamide in glaucomatous dogs
Authors: Gelatt Kirk N. , MacKay Edward O. 
Published: March 2003

ObjectiveTo compare the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) by topical 2% dorzolamide to oral methazolamide (5 mg/kg) in dogs, and determine if the combination of both drugs would reduce IOP more than either drug administered alone.Animals studiedThirteen glaucomatous beagles.ProceduresMeasurements, including applanation tonometry, pupil size and heart rate, were obtained at 8 am, 12 noon, and 5 pm on days 1, 3 and 5. The 5‐day drug studies included placebo (0.5% methylcellulose); 2% dorzolamide administered in one eye twice daily (8 am and 5 pm), and repeated again in one eye three times (8 am, 12 noon and 5 pm) daily; methazolamide (5 mg/kg per os administered at 8 am and 5 pm); 2% dorzolamide instilled twice daily (5 days) combined with oral methazolamide on the last 3 days, and methazolamide (5 days) combined with 2% dorzolamide on the last 3 days and instilled twice daily. Statistical comparisons between drug groups included control (nondrug) eye and treated (placebo/drug) eyes for days 1, day 3 and 5.ResultsTopical 2% dorzolamide, administered twice and three times daily, significantly decreased IOP (mean ± SEM) in glaucomatous dogs on the first day (twice daily 7.6 ± 2.4 mmHg, and three times daily 16.4 ± 3.6 mmHg) that was even greater by day 5 (twice daily 10.4 ± 2.0 mmHg, and three times daily 13.9 ± 2.7). Oral methazolamide also significantly lowered IOP in both eyes. Oral methazolamide (administered from day 1 through to day 5) combined with 2% topical dorzolamide (instilled in the drug eye for day 3 through to day 5) also significantly lowered IOP of both eyes for all days, and for day 5 the mean ± SEM IOP was decreased by 7.9 ± 1.7 mmHg (methazolamide plus dorzolamide) and 7.5 ± 2.6 mmHg (methazolamide only). Topical dorzolamide (instilled in the drug eye for day 1 through to day 5) combined with oral methazolamide (administered from day 3 through to day 5) significantly lowered IOP in the drug eye on day 1 (5 pm: 9.6 ± 1.9 mmHg), for day 3 (11 am and 5 pm) and for all of day 5 for both eyes (5 pm: control eye 9.5 ± 1.8 mmHg; drug eye 9.2 ± 1.9 mmHg). Topical dorzolamide (2%) instilled three times daily produces similar IOP declines compared to the combination of oral methazolamide and 2% dorzolamide administered twice daily.ConclusionsDorzolamide (2%) instilled twice or three times daily causes significant decreases in IOP in glaucomatous dogs. Twice daily instillations caused progressive declines in IOP from day 1 to day 5. Dorzolamide (2%) combined with oral methazolamide (5 mg/kg per os twice daily) produces similar but not additional declines in IOP.
Feline leukemia virus detection in corneal tissues of cats by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Herring Ian P. , Troy Gregory C. , Toth Thomas E. , Champagne Erin S. , Pickett J. Phillip , Haines Deborah M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the corneas of FeLV‐infected cats.Animals studiedThirty‐four random source cats.ProceduresSeventeen cats were found positive for FeLV serum p27 antigen by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Twelve ELISA positive cats were also positive on peripheral blood samples by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) testing. Seventeen ELISA negative cats served as negative controls. Full thickness corneal specimens were collected from the left cornea of all cats and analyzed for FeLV proviral DNA and gp70 antigen by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) testing, respectively.ResultsEleven (64.7%) positive corneal PCR results were obtained from 17 ELISA positive cats. Of 12 cats that were both ELISA and IFA positive on peripheral blood, 10 (83.3%) had positive corneal PCR results. All corneal tissues from ELISA negative cats were PCR negative. IHC staining of corneal sections revealed the presence of FeLV gp70 in corneal tissues of nine (52.9%) ELISA positive cats. Of the 12 cats that were both ELISA and IFA positive on peripheral blood, eight (66.7%) had positive corneal IHC results. Positive IHC staining was localized to the corneal epithelium. Corneal tissues of all ELISA negative cats and all IFA negative cats were negative on IHC testing.ConclusionsFeLV antigens and proviral DNA are present in corneal tissues of some FeLV‐infected cats. Screening corneal donors for FeLV infection is warranted.
An improved DNA‐based test for detection of the codon 616 mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Authors: Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Entz David D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aim of the study was to develop an improved test to detect the codon 616 gene mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. We studied 10 control dogs of known genotype at codon 616 of the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene and 80 Cardigan Welsh Corgis of unknown genotype. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) utilizing a mismatched primer was designed so that it introduced a HinfI restriction enzyme digestion site into the PCR product only if the normal gene sequence was present, the restriction site was not introduced if the codon 616 mutation was present. An additional HinfI site present in the amplified section from both normal and mutant alleles acted as a positive control for restriction enzyme digestion. The PCR reliably amplified a portion of the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene spanning the codon 616 mutation site. Restriction enzyme digestion with HinfI and analysis on a suitable agarose gel reliably ascertained the genotype of the control dogs and was used to identify the genotype of a further 80 test dogs. An improved DNA‐based test for detection of the codon 616 mutation in the alpha cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase gene that causes progressive retinal atrophy in the Cardigan Welsh Corgi has been designed. This overcomes potential problems that could be associated with allele‐specific PCR tests such as that used previously in a diagnostic test for this gene mutation.
Examination of the rat eye at the early stage of development with osmium tetroxide staining
Authors: Inagaki Satoru , Kotani Tadao 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis communication describes the benefit of osmium tetroxide (OsO4) staining on the examination of the eye during the early stage of organogenesis of rat embryos. The embryos were obtained by laparotomy on embryonic day 12 (ED 12) and were stained with OsO4 for examination of the ocular tissues with a binocular stereo‐microscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope. At the binocular stereo‐microscopic level, the invaginated lens placode, lens pit and optic cup were clearly distinguished. The osmium‐stained lens placode and the optic cup were light brown and dark brown in color, respectively. Light microscopic examination revealed that OsO4 postfixation could provide superior paraffin‐embedded embryonic sections. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed the lens pit as a round opening between the lateral nasal prominence and maxillary prominence. Thus, a rapid technique by which the ocular tissues of rat embryos can be examined under a binocular stereo‐microscope was developed. This OsO4 staining method will provide a useful tool for research on organogenesis and ocular development.
Discovery of sympatric cryptic species within Gekko hokouensis (Gekkonidae: Squamata) from the Okinawa Islands, Japan, by use of allozyme data
Authors: Toda Mamoru , Hikida Tsutomu , Ota Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2003

An electrophoretic survey of samples of the gekkonid lizard, Gekko hokouensis, from the East Asian islands demonstrated that two genetically divergent, but morphologically almost identical, entities occur on five islands of the Okinawa Group, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. These entities, while sharing all of the external character states diagnostic of G. hokouensis, exhibited fixed allele differences at six to eight out of 30 loci examined and great overall genetic distances [Nei’s (1978)D = 0.489–0.654]. On Kumejima and Tonakijima Islands of the Okinawa Group, the two entities were collected together from identical microhabitats. These results indicate that the two entities represent separate biological species. Genetic comparisons of these two cryptic species from the Okinawa Group with ‘G. hokouensis’ from other island groups revealed that one occurs broadly in the insular region of East Asia, whereas the other is restricted to the Okinawa Group. Implications of the present findings for the morphological evolution of ‘G. hokouensis’ are also discussed.
Phylogenetic analysis based on the morphology of viviparous freshwater clams of the family Sphaeriidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Veneroida)
Authors: Korniushin Alexei V. , Glaubrecht Matthias 
Published: March 2003

The cosmopolitan viviparous bivalves of the family Sphaeriidae (fingernail clams) comprise not only some of the smallest freshwater molluscs, but also an abundant and ecologically important group that often dominates benthic communities of springs, ponds and swamps. The origin from marine ancestors and their subsequent evolution in limnic environments, in particular the development of distinct reproductive modes including complex parental care repertoires, are largely unresolved. This paper presents the results of a phylogenetic analysis of 69 morphological characters from 57 taxa (54 representing sphaeriids throughout the distribution area plus three outgroups). The heuristic search resulted in 753 most‐parsimonious trees of length 154 [consistency index (CI) = 0.682, retention index (RI) = 0.906, rescaled consistency index (RC) = 0.618]. OnlyPisidiumof the three traditionally regarded constituent genera is supported as a monophyletic group;SphaeriumandMusculiumin their traditional deliminations are found to be paraphyletic. Instead, the analysis supports a clade comprising all species ofMusculiumplusPisidiumas suggested by previous morphology‐based classifications. However, the shortest tree alternatively supporting aSphaerium + Musculiumclade suggested by molecular data is only one step longer. Some clades that correspond to the subgeneric divisions of the three traditionally recognized sphaeriid genera are supported. Exclusion is suggested of the taxon Euperidae (EuperaandByssodonta, both with ovo‐viviparous species) from the true Sphaeriidae that then comprises all species with eu‐viviparous reproductive mode, i.e. brooding and nourishing their embryos in specialized brood pouches in the gills. The implications for the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of Sphaeriidae and the availability of existing taxonomic names for the systematization suggested by the present analysis are discussed.
Genetic differentiation and biogeography in southern European populations of the genus Scardinius (Pisces, Cyprinidae) based on allozyme data
Authors: Ketmaier Valerio , Bianco Pier Giorgio , Cobolli Marina , De Matthaeis Elvira 
Published: March 2003

Levels of genetic differentiation and variability were assessed in several populations and species belonging to the primary freshwater fish genus Scardinius by means of electrophoretic analyses of 28 enzymatic loci. We studied one population of S. acarnanicus and one of S. graecus, both endemic to Greece, seven populations of S. erythrophthalmus from Greece, Slovenia, northern and central Italy, and the single extant population of S. scardafa, a species endemic to central Italy. Patterns of genetic relationships placed the Greek species basal in the neighbour‐joining (NJ) and maximum parsimony (MP) trees, S. scardafa and S. erythrophthalmus are sister species. Based on the molecular clock, the split between S. acarnanicus and S. graecus occurred around 4.3 Myr ago and the split between (S. acarnanicus, S. graecus) and (S. scardafa, S. erythrophthalmus) around 3.5 Myr ago, both after the Messinian lacustrine ‘Lago Mare’ phase of the Mediterranean. The separation between S. scardafa and S. erythrophthalmus was more recent (0.5 Myr ago) and was probably the result of confluences between adjacent river basins during the Pleistocene. Within S. erythrophthalmus, the Greek population showed a certain degree of genetic differentiation, whereas northern and central Italian populations were nearly indistinguishable. These findings demonstrate the impact of the artificial introduction of this species into central Italy, leading to the near extinction of the endemic S. scardafa.
Does an HIV clinical trial information booklet improve patient knowledge and understanding of HIV clinical trials?
Authors: Ives NJ , Troop M , Waters A , Davies S , Higgs C , Easterbrook PJ 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To evaluate the impact of an information booklet on HIV clinical trials, Clinical Trials in HIV and AIDS: Information For People Who Are Thinking About Joining a Trial, in addition to the standard trial information (SI) on patients' knowledge; understanding and attitudes about clinical trials; and to investigate patients' motivations and reasons for enrolling or not enrolling in a clinical trial.Methods Fifty HIV‐1 positive patients who attended the HIV clinic at a west London hospital were randomized to receive either SI alone (n = 27) or SI and a 16 page information booklet explaining the principles and procedures of HIV clinical trials (n = 23). A self‐administered questionnaire was used at baseline to assess past experience and attitudes to clinical trials (10 questions), knowledge and understanding of HIV treatments (8 questions) and clinical trials (11 questions). At 2–6 months after randomization, a second interviewer‐administered questionnaire addressed the patient's assessment of the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the information provided by the SI and information booklet, whether or not the patient had enrolled in a clinical trial and reasons for enrolling/not enrolling, knowledge of specific aspects of the trial protocol the patient was eligible to join (13 questions) and general knowledge of clinical trial procedures (repeat of 11 baseline questions). Changes in the attitudes and scores on knowledge and understanding of clinical trials were compared for the two groups.Results In both groups, patient knowledge of clinical trial procedures improved significantly over the study period. The median score increased from 30 at baseline to 35/44 at follow‐up (SI only) vs. 24–31/44 (SI plus booklet), but this did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, knowledge of the specific trial protocol was poor [median score 13/25, interquartile range (IQR) 8–14], and there was no difference in the scores for the two groups. The prime motivations for joining a clinical trial were to benefit personal health and to gain access to new treatments. Potential side‐effects were the main concern of prospective trial participants.Conclusions This small trial shows that, while the patients' general knowledge and understanding of clinical trials improved over time, this was not improved by the information booklet and recollection of the details of the relevant trial protocol remained poor.
The major Cu,Zn SOD of the phytopathogen Claviceps purpurea is not essential for pathogenicity
Authors: Moore Sabine , De Vries Onno M. H. , Tudzynski Paul 
Published: March 2003

summarySuperoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the biotrophic pathogen Claviceps purpurea, which causes the ergot disease on a wide range of host grasses, were examined in axenic and pathogenic cultures. Almost all SOD activity in axenic culture originated from a single Cu,Zn SOD; a substantial part of this activity could be separated from lyophilized intact mycelia by gentle washing, indicating that this protein is at least partially secreted. The corresponding gene (cpsod1) was cloned and characterized; like other fungal Cu,Zn SOD genes, it groups with the extracellular mammalian Cu,Zn SODs in a phylogenetic tree. Northern analyses showed that cpsod1 is strongly induced by copper and weakly induced by iron; superoxide generated by paraquat, or xanthine and xanthine oxidase, as well as hydrogen peroxide, had no effect on gene expression under axenic conditions. Analysis of the deletion mutant Δcpsod1 showed that, although growth in axenic culture was generally slower, sensitivity to paraquat was not increased in comparison to the wild‐type. Pathogenicity assays showed that this gene is not essential for parasitic growth in rye; no further soluble SOD activity is induced in the mutant.
Reproductive cloning and human health: an ethical, international, and nursing perspective
Authors: Sanchez‐Sweatman L. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHuman reproductive cloning came to the public’s attention when Dolly, a sheep, was cloned in Scotland in 1997. This news quickly spread around the world causing both excitement at the possibilities that cloning techniques could offer, as well as apprehension about the ethical, social and legal implications should human reproductive cloning become possible. Many international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the International Council of Nurses, and governments were concerned about the impact of human reproductive cloning on human health, dignity and human rights. To this end, many institutions have drafted resolutions, protocols and position statements outlining their concerns. This paper will outline some of the major ethical issues surrounding human reproductive cloning, the position of various international organizations and governments, and specifically the position of the International Council of Nurses.
International nursing faculty exchange model: a Chile–USA case
Authors: Lange I. , Ailinger R. L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInternational faculty‐exchange programmes can be cost‐effective methods for faculty development and enhanced student learning. Despite the increasing interest in international nursing exchanges, the literature on faculty exchanges is limited. This article examines a case study of a successful international nursing faculty‐exchange programme between a university in Chile and one in the United States of America (USA), based on a model for international faculty exchange. The model includes the components of pre‐exchange planning, academic activities, socio‐cultural events and evaluation of outcomes. Communication is at the centre of the model and ideally should be continuous, bilateral, flexible and technological. Examples from the case study illustrate teaching strategies and ongoing education of faculty. The article concludes with suggestions for successful international nursing faculty exchanges.
Contraception in Jordan: a cultural and religious perspective
Authors: Kridli S. Al‐Oballi , Libbus K. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis report provides a content analysis of studies conducted with Jordanian women on contraception. Factors such as pressure to have children, number and gender of children, location of residence, influence of religion, level of education, age, employment status, source of contraceptive services and method of contraception are discussed. Non‐demographic factors, such as social and psychosocial, were found to be only briefly investigated and discussed in the literature. Nursing implications discussed are conducting educational programmes, encouraging the participation of significant others and religious leaders, and using appropriate terminology when discussing contraception with Jordanian women.