STT Values Research Articles

Effects of Exposure Time and Temperature on Screw Driving Torques in Heat-Treated Anatolian Black Pine and Sessile Oak Wood

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of screw driving torques in heat-treated Anatolian black pine and sessile oak wood. The wood samples were subjected to heat under atmospheric pressure at three different temperatures (130, 180 and 230 °C) and two different exposure time levels (2 and 8 h). Screw driving torques of seating and stripping torque (SET and STT) was performed on all samples. The process of screw driving had two main torques, one of which was the seating torque defined as the torque required to clamp parts and the other one was the stripping torque defined as the maximum torque right before the screw strips in the material and the torque drops suddenly because of the formed screw threads being stripped in wood material. Results show that, in both wood species, the SET and STT values decreased due to the increase in heat treatment temperature and exposure time compared to the control groups.

EVALUATION OF TEAR SECRETION IN GOAT KIDS WITH COCCIDIOSIS BY SCHIRMER TEAR TEST

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species is common in 2–4 month old goats, are highly pathogenic in goat kids. The most common clinical findings are dehydration, weakness, weight loss, diarrhea and anemia. The aim of this study is to determinate of tear secretion in goats kids with coccidiosis and healthy ones by utilizing STT. A total of 20 pure hair goats kids aged between 2-4 months, among which 10 were with clinical coccidiosis (Group 1, n=10) and 10 were in the healthy conditions (Group 2, n=10), in a single farm located at Siirt, Turkey. Fecal samples were examined microscopically for concentrated flotation and the presence of oocysts. STT test was performed on both eyes of healthy and clinical coccidiosis and results were recorded. Group 1 Mean ± SD STT values for right and left eye were 5.8 ± 1.75 and 5.1 ± 1.66 mm/min and Group 2 Mean ± SD STT values for right and left eye were 13.4 ± 2.37 and 12.5 ± 2.12 mm/min, respectively. Comparison of STT values of the right eyes with left eyes did not differ significantly in both groups (P = 0.271, P = 0.235). Both eye’s STT results combined to compare groups. The mean of Group 1 (5.45 ± 1.7 mm/min) was found to be significantly lower than the mean of Group 2 (12.95 ± 2.24 mm/min) as a result (P < 0.001). As a result of this study, the amount of tear secretion was determined with the STT and there was statistically significant difference between healthy and goat kids clinical coccidiosis.

Mucociliary Clearance of Different Respiratory Conditions: A Clinical Study.

Introduction Mucociliary clearance (MCC) is the first line of defense of the pulmonary system. Mucociliary clearance impairment may lead to increased risk of respiratory infections, lung injury, pulmonary repair problems, chronic dysfunctions and progression of respiratory diseases. Objective To characterize the MCC of active and passive smokers and individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compare the MCC behaviors between men and women of different age groups. Methods Patients with COPD (current smokers and ex-smokers) and apparently healthy individuals (current smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers) were evaluated. All of the subjects underwent lung function and MCC evaluation (saccharin transport test [STT]). Smokers (with or without COPD) were questioned about the smoking history. Results A total of 418 individuals aged 16 to 82 years old, of both genders, were evaluated. The STT values of active and passive smokers were statistically higher than those of the control group ( p < 0.01). Men of the control group had lower values of STT than active smokers (9.7 ± 7.1 and 15.4 ± 10.1 minute, respectively, p < 0.01). In addition, higher MCC velocity was observed in women that are current smokers (11.7 ± 6.8 minute) compared with men (15.4 ± 10.1 minute) in this group ( p = 0.01). Among the younger age groups (< 50 years old), only passive smokers presented higher STT in relation to the control group. Conclusion Passive and active smoking are factors that influence negatively the MCC, and passive smokers may present losses of this mechanism at a younger age. Additionally, male smokers present worse MCC than male nonsmokers.

A retrospective evaluation of systemic and/or topical pilocarpine treatment for canine neurogenic dry eye: 11 cases.

To assess the response to topical and/or systemic pilocarpine in dogs with neurogenic dry eye. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with dry eye between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Cases were excluded if STT values were decreased bilaterally, if dogs were lost to follow-up, or if surgical measures (parotid duct transposition) were undertaken within thirty days of presentation. Dogs were on treatment with topical pilocarpine (0.1%, every 6hours) and/or oral pilocarpine (starting dose 2%, one drop per 10kg every twelve hours). Eleven cases were included in the study, seven females and four males with mean age of 10years. Seven cases had xeromycteria, two cases had facial nerve paralysis, and one case had Horner's syndrome. Seven cases (63.6%) had successful outcome following pilocarpine treatment, return to normal STT (15-25mm/minute), in an average of 24±5.1days. Of these cases, five had both systemic and topical treatment, one had just topical treatment, and one had just systemic treatment. The average time to normal tear production on treatment with topical pilocarpine±systemic was 23days (range 9-48days). The number of systemic drops until a positive response varied between individuals from 0.8drops/10kg to 7drops/10kg. Pilocarpine treatment (topical±systemic) is an effective therapy for unilateral dry eye disease in cases suspected to be neurogenic in origin. Most cases responded within 30days. Side effects included topical irritation to the ophthalmic solution and systemic effects from oral pilocarpine, such as diarrhea and regurgitation.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), as diagnosed by non-contact infrared Meibography, in dogs with ocular surface disorders (OSD): a retrospective study

BackgroundMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the possible conditions underlying ocular surface disorders (OSD). Prevalence of MGD in dogs affected by OSD has not yet been reported. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MGD among OSD canine patients, which had been assessed by non-contact infrared meibography and interferometry, and to identify MGD associated factors that might guide its diagnosis. Medical records of canine patients examined for OSD between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed. The frequency of MGD was evaluated within different categories (skull conformation, gender, eye and STT-1). The putative MGD risk factors and frequency of MGD within grades of interferometry were evaluated in a regression analysis model and reported as odd ratios (ORs).ResultsOne hundred fifty eyes from 81 dogs with OSD were included with median age 75 months (range 3–192) and female representation with 52%. MGD was present in 70% of the examined eyes. MGD risk was higher in males ORadj = 3.015 (95% CI: 1.395–6.514) (P = 0.005) and older patients ORadj = 1.207 (95% CI: 1.081–1.348) (P = 0.001). No significant differences were found between left and right eyes (P = 0.66) or between the two types of skull conformation (P = 0.477) and MGD presence. MGD was associated to the lowest lipid layer (LL) thickness, as assessed by interferometry (grade 0) OR = 16.00 (95% CI: 2.104–121.68) (P < 0.001). STT values were not significantly associated with the presence of MGD (P > 0.05).ConclusionsMGD is a common underlying pathology in OSD. Being male and higher age are risk factors for MGD. An interferometry grade 0 may guide OSD diagnosis towards MGD.

The Effect of Periocular Fatty Acids and 0.15% Hyaluronate Eye Drops Application on Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Dogs: An Exploratory Study

The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the efficacy of a periophthalmic cream of a pool of fatty acids (FAG®) in association with 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops in alleviating the clinical symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in a case series of dogs.The study was conducted on 10 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic KCS. All dogs had been previously treated with topical tobramycin alone, which had been ineffective in improving clinical signs. The affected eyes were treated with 2 applications daily of a periophthalmic cream of FAG® and 1 drop 3 times a day of 0.15% of hyaluronate eye drops for 8 weeks. Schirmer tear test I (STT I) values were recorded and ocular signs (conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, corneal opacity, vascularization and pigmentation, and discomfort level) were collected, scored on a 3-point scale (grade 0, grade 1, and grade 2). Differences between scores and STT data recorded at baseline and at 8 weeks of therapy were statistically analysed. The effect of treatment was pronounced (increase in STT values by more than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation) in 8/18 eyes; moderate (increase in STT values of 3-4 mm/min or mild improvement in signs of corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in 3/18 eyes; and unsatisfactory in 7 of 18 eyes. Median of STT values significantly improved compared with baseline levels, while statistically significant decreases in clinical-sign scores of conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, and discomfort were recorded. However, in moderate and advanced stages, reduction of neovascularization or corneal pigmentation was not observed throughout the treatment period. No noticeable adverse reactions were recorded. Preliminary results indicate that the application of periocular FAG and topical 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops may be a suitable treatment for KCS in dogs in selected cases. A larger comparative study is necessary to further confirm these findings.

Assessment of corneal and conjunctival metaplasia by impression cytology during the treatment of canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The purpose of this study was to assess the condition of cells in the conjunctiva and corneal epithelium prior to and during cyclosporine- or tacrolimusbased treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). The study was performed on 40 dogs with KCS. The dogs were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. In Group I, 0.75% cyclosporine eye drops were administered three times a day, while in Group II 0.02% tacrolimus eye drops were administered twice daily. Additionally, each group was subdivided into three subgroups based on the results of the Schirmer I tear test (STT I). Evaluation of cellular metaplasia in the cornea and the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva based on the Nelson-Adams scale was performed by impression cytology using Millipore round filters (Millipore VSWP 01300 DA) of 25 μm pore diameter applied to the studied area. Ophthalmological and cytological examinations were performed prior to the treatment as well as after one and two months of therapy. In both groups, a decrease in Nelson-Adams values was observed, corresponding to the increasing STT values [Rxy Spearman statistically significant correlation coefficient values between -0.75 (P < 0.001) and -0.45 (P < 0.01)]. The absence of goblet cells was observed in all dogs, regardless of the KCS stage. Goblet cells reappeared following both tacrolimus- and cyclosporine-based treatment in impression cytology specimens classified as 0 in the Nelson-Adams scale. The extent of corneal and conjunctival metaplasia in the course of tacrolimus- and cyclosporine-based treatment of KCS decreases with increasing STT values.

Tear ferning in normal dogs and dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

This study evaluates tear ferning as an ancillary technique for the evaluation of the canine tear film in normal eyes and eyes affected by keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Thirty dogs with KCS and 50 control dogs with normal tear film were evaluated with a full ophthalmoscopic examination and a Schirmer tear test type 1 (STT) determined before tear samples were obtained from the medial canthus with a microhaematocrit capillary tube. 10ul of tear was placed on a microscope slide and the time to first formation of a fern of crystallised tear solute was determined. The appearance of the ferning pattern was graded and correlated with the STT value. All eyes with KCS had abnormal ferning patterns while 39 out of the 50 normal dogs (78%) had so-called ‘normal’ ferning patterns. The mean STT for dogs showing ‘normal’ ferning patterns was 20.6mm/min for the left eye and 21.3mm/min for the right eye. STT values for eyes with ‘abnormal’ ferning patterns were 10.9mm/min and 12.4mm/min, these differing from the normal eyes with STT above 15mm/min significantly. These findings suggest that tear ferning could be a valuable technique for assessment of the tear film in dogs with KCS.

Measurement of tear production and intraocular pressure in ducks and geese.

The purpose of this study was to establish a reference value of tear production and intraocular pressure in clinically normal ducks and geese. The study population consisted of forty-eight ducks (24 males and 24 females) and fifty-two geese (26 males and 26 females). Birds were gently physically restrained in dorsoventral position without any pressure to the head and neck. Tear secretion and intraocular pressure were measured using 5-mm-wide Schirmer tear test strips and TonoVet® rebound tonometer, respectively. Overall mean ± 2SD STT and IOP values of all eyes were 6.2 ± 2.2 mm/min and 10.2 ± 2.2 mmHg, respectively, for the ducks; 5.5 ± 2.6 mm/min and 9.1 ± 2.0 mmHg, respectively, for the geese. There was no statistically significant difference in IOP between left eye and right eye or between males and females in ducks (P = 0.56, P = 0.63) and geese (P = 0.23, P = 0.22). Analysis of variance revealed that there were no significant differences in the STT and IOP between the breeds in ducks (P = 0.49, P = 0.68) and geese (P = 0.14, P = 0.26). Results of this study may be beneficial for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of ducks and geese affected with Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, glaucoma, and uveitis.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment of chronic autoimune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs

The paper is a five year retrospective study of the efficacy of 0.2% Cyclosporine A eye cream in the treatment of chronic autoimmunemediated KCS in dogs. 114 dogs of 32 breeds, both sexes, and different ages with chronic autoimmune-mediated KCS were treated with 0.2% Cyclosporine A in the form of eye cream (Optimmune®, Schering - Plough Animal Health) applied to the lower lid conjunctiva at a dose of 6 mm length of the cream strip every 12 hours, during 90 days. Dogs treated with CsA had an improved STT score, specially dogs which had STT values >5 mm/min at the start. Improvement of the clinical picture and healing of superficial corneal lesions were also recorded.

Efficacy of topically applied liposome‐bound tetracycline in the treatment of dry eye model

To evaluate the effects of liposome-bound tetracycline eye drops in a rabbit dry eye model evaluating their advantage of being less allergic, preservative free and prolonged action compared with other tear substitutes. New Zealand albino rabbits were equally divided into control group and dry eye induced groups. Dryness was induced in 24 eyes of 12 healthy adult male albino rabbits by instilling atropine sulfate eye drops 1% three times daily for 1 week, then animals were subdivided into four groups; group 1 (rabbits with dry eye model), groups 2, 3, and 4: rabbits with dry eye model treated for 7 days starting on 7th day of dryness induction with either tetracycline, empty liposome, or combined tetracycline with liposome as topical eye drops respectively. Schirmer (STT) test and tear break up time (TBUT) were assessed on days 0, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, and 14. Animals were sacrificed on day 14 and histopathological examination of the cornea and conjunctiva was performed. Tear break up time and STT test values were significantly improved in groups 2, 3, 4 as compared with group 1. The histopathological examination showed normal cytoarchitecture of corneas and conjunctivae in groups 2, 3, 4 against the dryness effect that continued to affect the cornea and conjunctival epithelium in group 1. There was a significant improvement in the group treated with liposome-bound tetracycline eye drops (group 4) as compared with tetracycline alone (group 2) and empty liposome (group 3). The use of liposome encapsulated tetracycline significantly improved STT and TBUT values as well as reverse surface ocular pathology.

Effect of topical 1% tropicamide on Schirmer tear test results in clinically normal horses

To observe the effect of topical 1% tropicamide on equine tear production as measured by Schirmer I tear test. Fourteen adult horses received one drop of 1% tropicamide ophthalmic solution in one eye and the opposite eye served as the control. The tear production in both eyes was tested at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after 1% tropicamide administration. Measurements made 1 h after treatment revealed a significant reduction in Schirmer tear test values in tropicamide treated eyes (P = 0.002). The observed decrease in tear production was maintained up to 4 h after treatment (P = 0.002). Although tropicamide-induced decrease in STT values was observed in the treated eyes, the contralateral eyes did not show significant changes in Schirmer tear test results. Single dose of topical 1% tropicamide resulted in statistically significant reduction in Schirmer tear test values in clinically normal horses.

Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats (Capra hicus)

To document normal ophthalmic findings and ocular abnormalities in captive adult pygmy goats. Ten healthy adult pygmy goats (five male, five female; 5-11 years of age; 26-45 kg body mass) underwent complete ophthalmic examinations. Direct illumination, diffuse and slit-beam biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, IOP measurements and Schirmer tear tests were performed. TonoVet rebound tonometry, followed by topical application of 0.5% ophthalmic proparacaine, and Tono-Pen XL applanation tonometry were performed in each eye to obtain estimates of IOP. Ophthalmic abnormalities included corneal scars and pigmentation, incipient cataracts, lenticular sclerosis, and vitreal veiling. Mean STT values were 15.8 mm/min, with a range of 10-30 mm/min. Mean IOP values were 11.8 mmHg for TonoVet-D, with a range of 9-14 mmHg; 7.9 mmHg for TonoVet-P, with a range of 6-12 mmHg; and 10.8 mmHg for Tono-Pen XL, with a range of 8-14 mmHg. Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats, including normal means and ranges for STT and IOP measurements, using applanation and rebound tonometry, are provided.

The fluctuation of tear production in the dog.

The fluctuation and variation in canine tear production were established by evaluating the results of daily Schirmer tear test I (STT I) and weekly STT I and Schirmer tear test II (STT II) conducted on healthy dogs. The objectives of the study were to determine the fluctuation in STT values in dogs and its significance on both a daily and weekly basis; to determine the magnitude of the measured differences; and to identify any factors that might influence the fluctuation in STT values or variations of normal values between different dogs. The results of the study indicate that fluctuations in the STT values occur on both a daily and weekly basis. The fluctuations were only biologically significant on a week-to-week basis. There are significant differences between STT I and STT II values in dogs. The results also indicate that weight has a significant effect on STT values, with higher values measured in dogs of increasing body weight.

Effects of experimentally induced hypothyroidism on the eye and ocular adnexa of dogs

Summary Schirmer tear test (stt), intraocular pressure (iop) measurement, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on 8 dogs with 131I-induced hypothyroidism and 4 euthyroid control dogs at weeks 0, 9, 13, 17, immediately prior to treatment with levothyroxine, after 5 weeks of levothyroxine administration (0.022 mg/kg of body weight, po, q 12 h), and at euthanasia 7 weeks after discontinuation of replacement therapy. Although the control group had higher baseline stt values than the hypothyroid group after randomization of dogs into the 2 groups (P &lt; 0.01), stt values remained unchanged from their respective baseline values at all time intervals for both groups. Hypothyroid and control dogs had significant (P &lt; 0.05) reduction in iop from baseline values at all subsequent time points, but differences were not observed when hypothroid dogs were compared with controls. Goblet cell indices determined from biopsy samples of the inferiornasal conjunctival fornix obtained before induction of hypothyroidism (baseline), immediately prior to and at conclusion of levothyroxine therapy, and at euthanasia were not significantly different when values for hypothyroid dogs were compared with their own baseline values or with values for control dogs. Histologic examination of the globes and adnexa at euthanasia also failed to indicate consistent qualitative differences between hypothyroid and control dogs. Marked reduction in serum thyroid hormone concentrations had little effect on the eye and ocular adnexa over the course of the study.