Effect of gentle physical contact on behavioural indicators in sheep.

The available literature provides ample evidence for the importance of gentle treatment and handling of farm animals for the establishment of relationships with humans. The present study is an attempt to verify the assumption that massage can be a tool for building sheep-human relationships and to determine the impact of this technique on the behaviour of lambs. In total, 40 3-week-old lambs (20 ewes of the synthetic prolific-meat line (BCP) and 20 Swiniarka breed ewes) were assigned to two control groups (BCP, Swiniarka) and two experimental groups (BCP, Swiniarka). The lambs from the experimental groups received modified Shantala massage. During each session, the zoophysiotherapists massaged the chest, forelimbs, abdomen, hindlimbs, back, and face always in the same way and the same order. The massage was applied three times a day (at fixed times) for 21 consecutive days. Based on the behaviour manifested by the lambs during the massage sessions, a 2-point scale was developed for assessment of the animals from the research groups. After the massage, behavioural tests with the participation of a human, a dog, and a novel object were carried out for three consecutive days. Behaviours indicating curiosity (frequency of interaction, time of direct contact, latency) and fear (frequency of climbing and attempts to escape, duration of vocalisation) were assessed. The behavioural tests revealed significant differences in the behaviour of massaged and non-massaged lambs of both breeds, which confirms that the massage has a modifying effect on the behaviour of these animals. The influence of the applied technique was reflected by an increase in curiosity and a reduced level of fear.

Metallic and insulating oxide interfaces controlled by electronic correlations.

The formation of two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) at complex oxide interfaces is directly influenced by the oxide electronic properties. We investigated how local electron correlations control the 2DEG by inserting a single atomic layer of a rare-earth oxide (RO) [(R is lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), or yttrium (Y)] into an epitaxial strontium titanate oxide (SrTiO(3)) matrix using pulsed-laser deposition with atomic layer control. We find that structures with La, Pr, and Nd ions result in conducting 2DEGs at the inserted layer, whereas the structures with Sm or Y ions are insulating. Our local spectroscopic and theoretical results indicate that the interfacial conductivity is dependent on electronic correlations that decay spatially into the SrTiO(3) matrix. Such correlation effects can lead to new functionalities in designed heterostructures.

Plasma fibrinogen concentration in pediatric patients treated with an elimination diet based on soy proteins and casein hydrolyzate.

PURPOSE: Fibrinogen is one of the most discussed new risk factors of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between fibrinogen concentration and classic risk markers of atherosclerosis in a group of children aged from 2 to 6 with or without a family history of circulatory system diseases (FHCAD) (American Academy of Pediatrics--AAP criteria). The study also considered the impact of allergies/food intolerance treatment with elimination diets on the concentration of atherosclerosis markers specially fibrinogen. INCLUSION CRITERIA: a) family history of early occurrence of circulatory system diseases (FHCAD+) according to AAP standards; b) the type and duration of elimination diet continued in infancy and early childhood. 134 of 388 children were included in the investigation. RESULTS: The analysis of data relating to the so-called classic biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis (total cholesterol--TC, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose) did not reveal any differences between the tested groups. It was found that in the FHCAD+ group the concentration of fibrinogen was statistically higher than in the group with a negative family history. It was discovered that the type of elimination diet had no effect on fibrinogen level in the FHCAD+ group. In the group of children with negative family history the concentration of fibrinogen was statistically lower in the group on casein hydrolysate than in children treated with soy formula. CONCLUSIONS: The initial interview in pediatrics should include information on the patient's family history of atherosclerosis. In case of a positive family history, fibrinogen, as one of atherosclerosis risk factors, should be monitored.

[Diagnostic usefulness of cystatin C measurement]. / Przydatnosc diagnostyczna oznaczania cystatyny C.

Cystatin C is a new endogenous marker of renal function whose serum concentration correlates better with glomerular filtration rate than creatinine. Cystatin C has been suggested to be a marker of renal function). Cystatin C is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor. It is produced at a constant rate in all investigated nucleated cells, its gene is a housekeeping type. Cystatin C is freely filtered in the renal glomeruli and reabsorbed and catabolised in the proximal tubules. Reference intervals have been determined for cystatin C in adults and in children older than one year without gender differences. Several studies including adults and children with different renal diseases with various kidney function have suggested serum cystatin C to be a better marker of GFR than serum creatinine. Fully automated assays using particle-enhanced turbidimetry (PETIA) or particle-enhanced nephelometry (PENIA) are available and the assays are precise, rapid and usable in clinical routine practice.

[Analysis of glaucoma therapy costs in Poland. I--population of the Mazovian District]. / Analiza kosztów leczenia jaskry w Polsce. Czesc I--Populacja mazowiecka.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to estimate and evaluate costs of glaucoma therapy in Poland in 1998-2000 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 315 patients (591 eyes) including 364 POAG eyes and 227 PACG eyes were evaluated. Progression of the disease was measured in two modes: by changes in the optical nerve disc (c/d) and by IOP level. Duration of the study was 12 months. Total costs (e.g. number of visits, amount of medications used, surgical and laser procedures performed) were calculated on 100 eyes/12 months. RESULTS: Pharmacological therapy constitutes 40-50% of the total costs in both glaucoma types. Timolol was the mostly prescribed drug in POAG, while pilocarpine led in PACG group. Dorzolamide was on the third place, but it generated the biggest part of total costs. Patients with advanced forms of the disease more frequently saw doctor on visits (average 6 visits per year); patients with elevated IOP (> 21 mm Hg) underwent surgical procedures more commonly than these with optical nerve disc changes (c/d > 0.6). The total costs of the therapy of non-advanced cases amounted 70.243 PLN on the average, while in advanced cases it reached the average of 155.230 PLN. CONCLUSION: 1. The total cost of glaucoma therapy depends on progression of the disease. 2. The most cost-generating part is the pharmacological therapy of glaucoma.

[The influence of 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol on intraocular pressure and systemic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, expiratory capacity in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma]. / Wplyw 0,85% RS-timololu i 0,5% S-timololu na wysokosc cisnienia sródgalkowego oraz na cisnienie ogólne krwi, tetno, EKG i pojemnosc oddechowa pluc u chorych z nadcisnieniem ocznym i z jaskra pierwotna otwartego kata.

PURPOSE: Analysis of local and systemic effects of RS-timolol enantiomer and S-timolol in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma: evaluation of Risk/Benefit Ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 19 patients (38 eyes) receiving 0.85% RS-timolol and 10 patients (20 eyes) receiving 0.5% S-timolol were evaluated using a double-blank test. Intraocular pressure, heart rate, systemic arterial blood pressure, ECG and spirometry were recorded before and 2 hours after drugs administration and after 7 days of treatment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between intraocular pressure-lowering effects of RS-timolol and S-timolol. In patients receiving both medicines bradycardia was detected 2 hours after drugs administration. Patients receiving RS-timolol showed increased expiratory capacity in comparison to those receiving S-timolol. There was no detectable influence of both medicines on ECG and systemic arterial blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol produced comparable intraocular pressure-lowering effects. 0.85% RS-timolol exerted less severe influence on respiratory system.

[The influence of RS-Timolol in comparison with R-Timolol and S-Timolol on the intraocular pressure in water-loaded rabbits]. / Wplyw racematu RS-timololu w porównaniu z enancjomerami S-timololu i R-timololu na cisnienie sródgalkowe królików w modelu obciazenia wodnego.

PURPOSE: It is assumed that S-timolol can produce more severe systemic adverse reactions than R-timolol. The aim of this study was to estimate the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of RS-timolol in comparison to R-timolol and S-timolol in water-loaded rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ocular hypertension was provoked in rabbits by orogastric water loading. Topical administration of one of three timolol solutions: 0.85%, RS-timolol, or 3% R-timolol, or 0.5% S-timolol was performed to the right eyes 40 min before starting the water loading procedure. Left eyes served as a control group. Intraocular pressure was measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120 min after the water loading. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of all three timolol solutions was comparable. CONCLUSION: RS-timolol can be effective for lowering intraocular pressure in rabbits.

[A case of Jodassohn-Lewandowsky syndrome]. / Przypadek zespolu Jadassohna-Lewandowsky'ego.

A case of a 25-year-old female patient with reduction of visual acuity, strabismus convergence with corneal scars and paralimbal neovascularisation of her left eye with skin changes of linear skin naevus type is presented. The diagnosis of Jadassohn-Lewandowsky syndrome was based on characteristic skin and eye disturbances. There are also typical changes in mucous membranes and central nervous system. The treatment is difficult and a certain role may be played by cosmetic and repair surgery.

[Use of 0.1% dipivefrine chloride for treatment of patients with open angle glaucoma]. / Zastosowanie preparatu 0.1% dipivefrine chloride do leczenia chorych na jaskre z szerokim, otwartym katem przesaczania.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of eye drops Dipivefrine chloride 0.1% produced by WZF "Polfa". MATERIAL AND METHODS: Drug influence on the level of intraocular pressure and outflow facility coefficient was examined, as well as general blood pressure and pulse in patients with open angle glaucoma. Effectiveness of the drug was compared with its analogue produced abroad. The drug was tested in 2 groups of patients, 30 eyes in each. Statistic analysis of examined parametres we done after 2 weeks administration. RESULTS: Significant decrease of intraocular pressure was found after the administration of 0.1% Dipivefrine Chloride, especially in combined treatment with 0.5% Oftensin. No significant differences were found in outflow facility, and in comparison with the foreign analogue of the drug.

[Polymer ocular implants for controlled release of drugs. I. Animal testing of the materials]. / Polimerowe wkladki do oka z kontrolowanym uwalnianiem leku. I. Badanie materialów na zwierzetach.

Presented are the results of trials with hydrogel inserts received by radiation method and applied into the conjunctival sac of rabbits. In the future they can serve for incorporation of some definite drugs.

[Glaucoma attacks in Weill-Marchesani syndrome]. / Napady jaskry w zespole Weilla-Marchesaniego.

Presented is a case of Weill-Marchesani syndrome complicated by acute attacks not responding to conservative treatment. The authors discuss a correct procedure in these cases and indications for a surgical intervention.

[Vision disorders as the first symptom of cerebrovascular insufficiencycaused by the changes in the carotid arteries. Studies using the transcranial Doppler ultrasonic apparatus TC2-64B]. / Zaburzenia widzenia jako pierwszy objaw niedostatecznosci ukrwienia mózgu spowodowanego zmianami w tetnicach szyjnych. Badania przy zastosowaniu transcranial Doppler TC2-64-B.

Investigations were carried out in 25 patients with carotid arteries changes. A 2 MHz head was used. Direction of the flow, the average speed and index of pulsation were determined. The results were compared with examinations in 13 healthy subjects. Disturbances of vision were shown by 11 patients (44 p.c.). A normal direction of blood perfusion was observed in 8 arteries (25 p.c.), a reversed one in 22 (69 p.c.), in 2 patients no Doppler's signal could be obtained. In arteries with a reversal flow of blood the authors observed the maximal mean speed and the lowest pulsation index. In neither case did the ophthalmological examinations reveal any embolic material. It seems that visual disturbances in patients with carotid arteries changes may be caused by a change of direction of the blood flow from a normal to a reversed one.

[Simple glaucoma--when to operate?]. / Jaskra prosta--kiedy operowac?

An analysis of visual field changes in 105 patients treated conservatively and in 57 patients treated surgically is presented. Both groups have been observed for 5 years. It was established that the surgical procedure should be undertaken before the development of the changes in the visual field.

[Late results of the surgical treatment of primary glaucoma]. / Odlegle wyniki leczenia operacyjnego jaskry pierwotnej.

The paper presents the results of surgical treatment of 171 eyes with primary glaucoma. Evaluated was the visual acuity, the visual fields, the coefficient of the aqueous outflow and the mean values of the IOP, 5, 3 and below 3 years since operation. The pharmacological treatment was included in 18% of the operated patients.