bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience of two teratology information services in Europe
Authors: Garbis Johanna M. , Robert Elisabeth , Peters Paul W. J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTeratology Information Services (TIS) are started in different countries in Europe in order to gather available data on exogenous agents, to evaluate their pertinence to human subjects, and to apply this knowledge to specific cases. Most European centers can only be consulted by medical professionals. The experience of two such services (Lyon, France, and Bilthoven, The Netherlands) is described. Attention is given to the task of TIS, risk evaluation, operational methods, and functioning and future developments.
Effects of chemically induced maternal toxicity on prenatal development in the rat
Authors: Chernoff Neil , Setzer R. Woodrow , Miller Diane B. , Rosen Mitchell B. , Rogers John M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe hypothesis that chemically induced overt maternal toxicity induces a characteristic syndrome of adverse developmental effects in the rat was investigated. Pregnant animals (Sprague‐Dawley strain) were dosed by oral gavage with one of a series of compounds on days 6–15 of gestation. These chemicals were diquat (DIQ), ethylene‐bis‐isothiocyanate (EBIS), toxaphene (TOX), styrene (STY), 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol (2,4,5‐Tr), triphenyl tin hydroxide (TPTH), and cacodylic acid (CAC). The compounds were chosen because they exhibited little or no developmental toxicity in previous studies. Dosage levels producing maternal weight loss and/ or lethality were determined from preliminary toxicity studies. Significant maternal weight reductions were noted during the course of treatment with all compounds except CAC and 2,4,5‐Tr. Maternal lethality was produced by EBIS, TOX, 2,4,‐D, and 2,4,5‐Tr. The main treatment‐related developmental toxicity noted in litters at term consisted of increased lethality (EBIS, TPTH) and decreased fetal weight (EBIS and CAC). Treatment‐related anomalies were seen in litters treated with 2,4‐D and TOX (supernumerary ribs) and with EBIS and STY (enlarged renal pelvis). No significant developmental effects were produced with DIQ, or 2,4,5‐Tr. This study indicates that overt maternal toxicity as defined by weight loss or mortality is not always associated with the same defined syndrome of adverse developmental effects in the rat.
Genetically determined transient edema found in the WB/ReJ mouse strain in a teratogenic survey with acetazolamide
Authors: Biddle Fred G. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA continuing survey of the genetic variability of different mouse strains to acetazolamide teratogenesis demonstrated the WB/ReJ strain expresses a high frequency of induced subcutaneous edema in day 15 fetuses. In treated WB/ReJ fetuses, the probability of expression of edema is independent of the expression of forelimb ectrodactyly and, with the dosage regime, there is no significant increase in acetazolamide‐induced resorption. It was surprising to find a high frequency of spontaneous edema on day 15 in untreated WB/ReJ fetuses. The spontaneous edema is a transient trait with maximum expression (56%) on day 14, and it is resolved by day 17 without apparent consequence to the survival of previously affected fetuses. There is no sex dimorphism in the liability to express the transient edema. Preliminary genetic crosses to investigate the spontaneous edema were made between WB/ReJ and the C57BL/6J strain, which historically had not be observed to express spontaneous edema. A low frequency of spontaneous edema was observed on day 14 in both C57BL/6J and the reciprocal F1 fetuses. The trait is not additive because there is dominance deviation of the BC1 fetuses in the direction of the F1 fetuses. The data were fitted to a threshold model suggesting that the developmental liability to express the difference in transient edema is determined by more than one gene, but the data can be interpreted by a minimum of two loci with duplicate epistasis. The observed differences in frequencies of edema suggest the genetic model can be tested with relatively few test crosses.
Compensatory renal growth in human fetuses with unilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Hartshorne Nikolas , Shepard Thomas , Barr Mason 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTo determine whether compensatory growth of the kidney occurs during fetal life we studied 20 human specimens with a unilateral kidney as an isolated defect. The mean combined kidney weight to body weight ratio × 100 in controls was 0.76 ± 0.14 (SD) and in the solitary kidney cases (after doubling the kidney weight) was 1.26 ± 0.35 (SD). This significant increase leads us to hypothesize that the increased weight may be due to an induced negative feedback system involving a renotropic factor. From histologic studies a uniform increase in all nephron elements was found. Why should a fetus with adequate placental clearance of metabolic wastes need increased renal size?
Anencephaly and maternal common cold
Authors: Kurppa Kari , Holmberg Peter C. , Kuosma Eeva , Aro Timo , Saxén Lauri 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTo study the risk of anencephaly related to common cold during pregnancy, a case‐control study was made. The series comprised 393 Finnish mothers of anencephalic children and their time‐area‐matched controls in the period 1964 through 1982. Seventy mothers of anencephalic infants and 17 controls had reported common cold in the first trimester [adjusted odds ratio 4.5; 95% confidence interval (2.2–9.1)]. Reported common cold in the second trimester was not associated with anencephaly. As suggested by our previous cohort study in the same population, a true viral influenza resembling “common cold” might not explain the observed association.
Developmental regulation of heat shock protein synthesis and HSP 70 RNA accumulation during postimplantation rat embryogenesis
Authors: Mirkes Philip E. , Grace Richard H. , Little Sally A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractExposure of postimplantation rat embryos on days 9, 10, 11, and 12 of gestation to an in vitro heat shock of 43°C for 30 min results in the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in day 9 and 10 embryos, a severely attenuated response in day 11 embryos, and no detectable response in day 12 embryos. The heat shock response in day 9 embryos (presomite stage) is characterized by the synthesis of HSPs with molecular weights of 28–78 kDa. In heat shocked day 10 embryos, two additional HSPs are induced (34 and 82 kDa). In addition, two HSPs present on day 9 are absent on day 10. In day 11 heat shocked embryos, only three HSPs (31, 39, and 69 kDa) are induced, while in day 12 embryos no detectable HSPs are induced. Northern blot analysis of HSP 70 RNA levels indicates that the accumulation of this RNA, but not actin RNA, varies depending on developmental stage at the time of exposure to heat as well as the duration of the heat shock. Day 9 embryos exhibit the most pronounced accumulation of HSP 70 RNA while embryos on days 10–12 exhibit an increasingly attenuated accumulation of HSP 70 RNA, particularly after the more acute exposures (43°C for 30 or 60 min). Thus, the ability to synthesize HSP 70 and to accumulate HSP 70 RNA changes dramatically as rat embryos develop from day 9 to day 12 (presomite to 31–35 somite stages).
Visceroatrial heterotaxy syndrome in the NOD mouse with special reference to atrial situs
Authors: Morishima Masae , Ando Masahiko , Takao Atuyoshi 
Published: June 2005

AbstractFollowing the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the NOD mouse, diabetic dams have many offspring with severe anomalies, especially with visceroatrial heterotaxy syndrome. The purpose of the present study is to analyze this syndrome with special reference to atrial situs. The fetuses from a colony of NOD mice in our laboratory were divided into two study groups: Group A included fetuses from dams before the onset of DM and group B included fetuses from dams with overt DM before day 8 of pregnancy. The fetuses which had cardiac anomalies with viscero‐atrial heterotaxy were classified into four subtypes according to the atrial morphology, i.e., “incomplete situs solitus” (or solitus‐like), “incomplete situs inversus” (inversus‐like), right isomerism, and left isomerism. Group A (671 fetuses) included only one case with right isomerism (0.15%) and four cases with left isomerism (0.6%). Group B (158 fetuses) had 57 fetuses with heterotaxy syndrome (36.1%), including 20 cases with solitus‐like, 6 with inversus‐like, 30 with right isomerism, and one with left isomerism. A tendency for right isomerism to occur was found in fetuses with solitus‐like and inversus‐like anomalies. These results show that the maternal DM in this mouse had an influence upon the morphological mechanism determining right isomerism of visceroatrial heterotaxy syndrome. Thus this syndrome in the NOD mouse is equivalent to asplenia in humans, and it may be useful in elucidating the mechanism of the human syndrome.
Pathogenesis of ethanol‐induced limb reduction defects in mice
Authors: Kotch L. E. , Dehart D. B. , Alles A. J. , Chernoff N. , Sulik K. K. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAcute administration of dosages of 2.5, 2.8, or 2.9 g/kg of ethanol to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on gestational day 9¼ resulted in major malformations of the forelimb including postaxial ectrodactyly, preaxial syndactyly, and reduction defects involving intermediate digits. The incidence and severity of these defects was positively correlated with dosage. Sidedness of the defects was also dose‐dependent. In affected embryos, excessive amounts of cell death were notable within 5–9 hr of treatment initiation in selected cell populations. Cell death was primarily distributed in two regions of the developing limb bud—a ventrodistal ectodermal cell population (apical ectodermal ridge) and a proximal mesenchymal cell population. The patterns of cell death observed appear to be pathogenically related to the limb defects noted at later stages. In particular, it would appear that the deficiencies in the apical ectodermal ridge resulting from ethanol‐induced cell death can account for virtually all the subsequent limb defects. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal zinc and fetal neural tube defects
Authors: Milunsky Aubrey , Morris J. Steven , Jick Hershel , Rothman Kenneth J. , Ulcickas Marianne , Jick Susan S. , Shoukimas Polly , Willett Walter 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAmong the factors implicated in the heterogeneous etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs) is the trace element zinc (Zn). In a case‐control study, we collected midtrimester maternal toenail samples for multiple trace element analyses, including Zn, which were assayed by neutron activation analysis. We studied 17 women with NTD offspring and 1,787 controls. The crude OR for NTD comparing Zn values >normal range to normal Zn values was 3.2 (95% CI 1.1,9.7). These results were not materially affected when adjustment was made for folic acid supplementation. An overall increased risk for NTD associated with increasing toenail Zn was also evident. A matched subset of 17 cases and 73 controls yielded a crude OR of 3.1 (95% CI 0.9,10.3) when cases with elevated Zn (≥120 ppm) were compared to those with normal Zn. Matched analyses controlling for folic acid supplements, family history of NTD, assay batch, age of mother and year of delivery yielded an OR of 5.0 (95% CI 1.1,21.6). This study reveals an association between increased toenail Zn in the second trimester of pregnancy and the risk of having a child with an NTD. Whether Zn sequestration has resulted in relative Zn deficiency at the site of neural tube closure remains uncertain. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin as a regulator of craniofacial morphogenesis: Site specific malformations following exposure to serotonin uptake inhibitors
Authors: Shuey Dana L. , Sadler Thomas W. , Lauder Jean M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDuring craniofacial development in the mouse embryo (days 9–12 of gestation; plug day = day 1), transient expression of serotonin (5‐HT) uptake in epithelial structures of this region correlates with critical morphogenetic events (Lauder et al., '88; Shuey, '91; Shuey et al., '89, '92). The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the possible functional significance of these uptake sites by examination of patterns of dysmorphology following exposure of embryos to selective 5‐HT uptake inhibitors. Exposure of mouse embryos in whole embryo culture to sertraline, at a concentration (10 μM) which produced no evidence of general embryotoxicity, caused craniofacial malformations consistent with direct action at 5‐HT uptake sites. Two other 5‐HT uptake inhibitors, fluoxetine and amitriptyline, produced similar defects. The critical period of sertraline exposure occurred on days 10–11. The observed craniofacial defects were associated with decreased proliferation and extensive cell death in mesenchyme located 5–6 cell layers deep from the overlying epithelium. In contrast, the subepithelial mesenchymal layers showed normal or elevated levels of proliferation. From these results it appears that inhibition of 5‐HT uptake into craniofacial epithelia may produce developmental defects by interference with serotonergic regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions important for normal craniofacial morphogenesis. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproduction of the mongoose lemur (Lemur mongoz) in captivity
Authors: Schaaf C. D. , Stuart M. D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractResponses to questionnaires sent to 20 institutions holding Lemur mongoz did not reveal which aspects of management or husbandry could account for reproductive failure in the captive population, but allowed some qualitative comparisons with data compiled for captive and wild animals. In general, reproduction has occurred initially among wild‐caught specimens before tapering off, and rarely occurs in the captive F1 generation. Data compiled by the International Species Inventory System and the International Zoo Yearbook revealed an aging captive population with no recent reproduction. No aspect of group composition, activity patterns, seasonal light regime, reproductive cycles, or diet could be linked to the lack of reproduction; and among lemurs subjected to the same conditions, some were known to reproduce while others did not. Lack of knowledge about this species and the threat of extinction for both captive and wild populations make an investigation of reproductive biology imperative. Recommendations for a research program are given.
Breeding of the cotton‐top tamarin Saguinus oedipus oedipus: A comparison with the common marmoset
Authors: Evans Siân 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA colony experienced in the successful breeding of thecommon marmoset acquired 15 cotton‐top tamarins for breeding purposes over a period of 2 yrs. Data are presented on the breeding of the cotton‐top and compared with the breeding of the common marmoset. The tamarins did not breed as successfully as the common marmosets. There were several reasons for this: Cotton‐tops took longer to produce young on initial pairing, had a longer birth interval, and showed a high incidence of suspected infanticide and parental neglect. These factors are thought to be largely responsible for the relatively low reproductive potential of the cotton‐top in captivity.
An electrified enclosure of 650 m2 designed for rearing baboons (Papio papio)
Authors: Fabre Jean‐Claude , Pallaud Berthille , Fady Jean‐Claude 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA system for an electrified enclosure designed for baboons is described. Live wires were alternated with grounded wires in order to increase the likelihood of electric shock if an animal tried to escape. A sinusoidal current of 50‐Hz frequency, 650‐V voltage, and 10 mA was used and proved to be quite efficient and not dangerous. In order to make the apparatus more reliable the electric main sources were connected to an automatic control system which monitored irregularities in the supply and switches to an emergency circuit if necessary.
The millenium ark: How long a voyage, how many staterooms, how many passengers?
Authors: Soulé Michael , Gilpin Michael , Conway William , Foose Tom 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBarring holocausts, demographic forecasts suggest a “demographic winter” lasting 500–1,000 years and eliminating most habitat for wildlife in the tropics. About 2,000 species of large, terrestrial animals may have to be captively bred if they are to be saved from extinction by the mushrooming human population. Improvements in biotechnology may facilitate the task of protecting these species, but it probably will be decades at least before cryotechnology per se is a viable alternative to captive breeding for most species of endangered wildlife. We suggest that a principle goal of captive breeding be the maintenance of 90% of the genetic variation in the source (wild) population over a period of 200 years. Tables are provided that permit the estimation of the ultimate minimum size of the captive group, given knowledge of the exponential growth rate of the group, and the number of founders. In most cases, founder groups will have to be above 20 (effective) individuals.
Selection in captive populations
Authors: Frankham R. , Hemmer H. , Ryder O. A. , Cothran E. G. , Soulé M. E. , Murray N. D. , Snyder M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe have briefly reviewed types of genetic variation and selection in the wild as contrasted with selection in captive populations, along with the objectives of captive breeding programs, before recommending selection procedures for the genetic management of captive populations.Although some inadvertent selection for tameness and adaptation to captive environments is inevitable in captive populations, any selection that is actively applied to captive populations should have clearly defined objectives.Much of the apparent disagreement about genetic management of captive populations probably stems from the varying objectives of different captive breeding programs. Objectives differ depending on whether the populations are: (1) common species for display, (2) endangered species for long‐term conservation, (3) rare species being multiplied for immediate release back into the wild, or (4) rare species not yet capable of self‐sustaining reproduction in captivity.For all categories of populations we recommend selection to keep the genetic load under control.Populations in category 1 can be selected for adaptation to captive breeding, ease of handling, and for classic species phenotype.Populations in categories 2 and 3 should have no deliberate selection applied to them, apart from that to control the genetic load, so that the probability of successful release back into the wild is maximized.Populations in category 4 may require selection for captive breeding success until they attain self‐sustaining status. Once this has been achieved they should be managed as under category 2.The special cases of species that have been subjected to introgression are discussed. The multidisciplinary nature of captive population management is stressed.
Pedigree analysis by computer simulation
Authors: MacCluer Jean W. , VandeBerg John L. , Read Bruce , Ryder Oliver A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractComputer simulation is a valuable tool in the genetic management of captive populations. It can be used to assess the extent of genetic variability in a colony, to predict the risk of future loss of variability, or to identify likely ancestral sources of traits of interest. “Gene dropping” is a simulation procedure in which hypothetical alleles are assigned to each colony founder, and a genotype is created for each descendant by Mendelian segregation of parental alleles. The gene dropping method is applied to analyses of four populations: (1) a colony of small South American marsupials, Monodelphis domestica; (2) Speke's gazelles, Gazella spekei; (3) Przewalski's horses, Equus przewalskii; and (4) American Standardbred horses.
Genetic effects of a maximal harvest schedule
Authors: Dyke Bennett , Gage Timothy B. , Mamelka Paul M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA mathematical method of maximizing the reproductive efficiency of captive populations is evaluated for its efficacy in very small breeding groups and for its effect on the loss of genetic variability. The evaluation consists of comparing reproductive performance of simulated populations having demographic characteristics similar to a small troop of rhesus kept at the Vilas Park Zoo in Madison, WI, under two age‐specific removal strategies. It was found that a “maximal harvest schedule” (in which a portion of the animals reaching age 1, and all animals age 19, were removed) resulted in a higher rate of reproduction than did a “random harvest schedule” that removed a fixed proportion of all age classes. Little or no difference between the two removal strategies was found in between‐locus variance calculated for 40 simulated genetic loci. From these results we conclude that a maximal harvest strategy may be an effective way to increase reproductive efficiency in small captive populations, and that such a strategy per se may not accelerate the loss of genetic variability.
Visitor behavior in the National Zoo's reptile house
Authors: Marcellini Dale L. , Jenssen Thomas A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractVisitor behavior was evaluated in the National Zoo's reptile house. Nearly 600 visitors were tracked; time spent in the house and time spent looking at exhibits were noted. These parameters were investigated by sex, age, and type of visitor grouping. The most looked‐at exhibits were determined. For 573 visitors, the mean time in the reptile house was 14.7 minutes. Only about 8 minutes was spent looking at exhibits, and this time was strikingly similar for age, sex, and group type. Time spent looking at exhibits was negatively correlated with visitor density. Amphibians and lizards were looked at for less time than snakes and turtles. Crocodilians were looked at longer than the other taxonomic groups, while larger animals in all groups were looked at longer than smaller ones. This study and other similar studies imply that the public does not respond to exhibits with the expected interest and enthusiasm. It is hoped that with a better understanding of the public through research, zoo staff can improve visitor interest in the exhibits.
Training zoo biology in tropical countries: A report on a method and progress
Authors: Wemmer Chris , Pickett Charles , Teare J. Andrew 
Published: June 2005

AbstractIn 1987 the National Zoological Park inaugurated a Zoo Biology training program for developing country zoos, particularly those in the tropics where the threats to biological diversity are greatest. The program last 2 to 4 weeks, is targeted to mid‐level zoo managers, and aspires to improve the care and management of wildlife in zoos through in situ training. A host zoo in the foreign country is responsible for selecting and inviting trainees from other zoos in the country or region. Training activities include daily lectures, demonstrations, quizzes, problem solving exercises, and class projects. In addition, the class participates in creating an animal inventory for the host zoo, and endemic species are identified for studbook compilation and captive propagation projects. Most mid‐level zoo managers in tropical developing countries are college‐educated men in their thirties, and have on average less than 10 years of zoo experience. We evaluate our program, and discuss the problems confronting tropical zoos in the developing world. Finally, we suggest ways that zoos in developed countries can influence tropical conservation through training and education.