bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State‐level variation in conservation investment by a major nongovernmental organization
Authors: Fishburn Isla S. , Kareiva Peter , Gaston Kevin J. , Evans Karl L. , Armsworth Paul R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFew empirical studies examine how conservation organizations distribute the resources that they have available for habitat conservation, despite numerous theoretical studies that recommend how these resources should be directed. Here we examine the distribution of conservation investments made over 49 years by a major conservation nongovernmental organization (NGO), The Nature Conservancy (TNC). We measured the level of conservation effort across U.S. states by the area protected and the upfront cost of protection, accounting for easements and land acquisitions. While correlated, we show that two measures of conservation effort (area and amount invested) cannot be used as reliable proxies for one another. The distributions of both measures of conservation effort are explained by combinations of one biological (species richness) and three socioeconomic (land price, rate of development and action of other NGOs) factors, revealing a generally strategic pattern of investment by TNC. Finally, we identify examples of underinvestment in particular states by TNC.
Reassessing the value of nursery areas to shark conservation and management
Authors: Kinney Michael John , Simpfendorfer Colin Ashley 
Published: December 2008

AbstractConcern over declining shark populations has led to an intense interest in their conservation and management. Due to the difficulties involved in managing adult sharks, focus has been placed on young juvenile and neonate age classes that inhabit discrete inshore nursery areas. However, past confusion over what qualifies as a nursery habitat has led to the identification of vast coastal areas as nurseries, making conservation unfeasible. With the establishment of more discerning criteria for nursery area identification such concerns have been somewhat alleviated, but while effort has been put into defining, identifying, mapping, and in some cases protecting nursery areas, little attention has been paid to the practical value of nurseries for the recovery of exploited shark populations. Often neonate and young juveniles are considered the most critical age classes in terms of population stability/recovery, but evidence is mounting that suggests life stages outside the nursery may be more important in this regard. While nursery area protection should remain a component in shark management strategies it will be critical to link early life stage conservation with management strategies that encompass older individuals residing outside nurseries if effective management is to be achieved.
Establishment of a three‐dimensional co‐culture system by porcine hepatocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Gu Jinyang , Shi Xiaolei , Zhang Yue , Chu Xuehui , Hang Hualian , Ding Yitao 
Published: December 2008

Aim:  The application of porcine hepatocytes in liver support systems has been hampered by the short‐term survival. Co‐cultivation of hepatocytes with non‐parenchymal cells may be beneficial for optimizing cell functions via heterotypic interactions. In this study, we present a new cultivation system of porcine hepatocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a randomly distributed co‐culture manner.Methods:  Mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirate of swines (n = 3) by density gradient centrifugation. MSCs were characterized by flow cytometry with CD29, CD44, CD45 and CD90, respectively. Then freshly isolated hepatocytes were simultaneously inoculated with MSCs in a hepatocyte dominant manner. The morphological and functional changes of heterotypic interactions were characterized.Results:  Ninety percent MSCs of passage 3 were positive for CD29, CD44 and CD90, but negative for CD45. A rapid attachment and self‐organization of three‐dimensional hepatocyte aggregates were encouraged. The cell ultrastructure indicating heterotypic junctions remained similar to that of hepatocytes in vivo. Fluorescence microscopy further verified that MSCs served as a feeder layer for hepatocyte aggregates. Hepatocyte performance levels such as albumin secretion, urea synthesis and CYP3A1 induction were all significantly enhanced in co‐culture group compared with hepatocyte homo‐culture (P < 0.05). The best hepatic function levels were achieved on day 2 and moderately decreased in the following co‐culture days. Moreover, the cell cycle of hepatocytes manifested the same trend in parallel to the enhancement of hepatocyte functionality.Conclusions:  A three‐dimensional co‐culture system by porcine hepatocytes and bone marrow MSCs was for the first time established in vitro. Enhanced liver‐specific functions make such a co‐culture system a promising tool for tissue engineering, cell biology, and bioartificial liver devices.
Selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR141716A, attenuates liver injury induced by Concanavalin A
Authors: Kojima Midori , Kato Naoto , Hirano Daisuke , Ochi Takashi , Nii Aisuke , Shinjo Katsuhiro , Eda Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of a selective cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, SR141716A, in a Concanavalin A (Con A)‐induced mouse liver injury model and to determine whether SR141716A has an effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines induced by Con A.Results:  Injection of Con A (20 mg/kg) to mice developed hepatitis determined by plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation and necrosis in the liver. Pretreatment with SR141716A (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma AST and ALT level, protected against necrosis in the liver, and significantly reduced plasma cytokine and chemokine levels, including TNFα, IFN‐γ, CXCL9, MIP1‐α, and IL‐10 and no change decreased in IL‐4.Conclusions:  The selective CB1 antagonist, SR141716A, exerts a hepatoprotective effect on Con A‐induced liver injury in mice by attenuating the increase in cytokine and chemokine levels and inhibiting hepatocyte injury. These findings raise the possibility of using CB1 antagonists as anti‐inflammatory drugs for treating hepatitis as well as other inflammatory diseases.
Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces CpG‐induced IgM production in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Kikuchi Kentaro , Hsu Willy , Hosoya Naomi , Moritoki Yuki , Kajiyama Yusuke , Kawai Toshihiro , Takai Atsuko , Hayami Eriko , Selmi Carlo , Gershwin M. Eric , Miyakawa Hiroshi 
Published: December 2008

Aim:  Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment reduces IgM serum levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) without affecting serum antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) titers. We previously reported that PBC‐associated hyper‐IgM is secondary to a disease‐specific hyperproduction following bacterial stimulation by B cells.Methods:  We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with PBC and controls and evaluated whether bacterial CpG challenge in the presence of UDCA at concentrations consistent with those achieved in treated patients led to changes in total IgM, IgG‐AMA, and IgM‐AMA production. Further, p65 phosphorylation and CD38 cell expression were analyzed as measures of activation of the NF‐kB signaling pathway and B cell subsets, respectively.Results:  UDCA significantly reduced CpG‐induced total IgM and IgM‐AMA production, but had no impact on IgG‐AMA production. UDCA also significantly reduced the activation ofnaïve and IgM memory, but not IgG memory, B cells, as represented by CD38 expression levels. Further, p65 phosphorylation was significantly reduced in the presence of UDCA.Conclusion:  UDCA reduces total and IgM‐AMA production in PBMC from patients with PBC by downregulating B cell activation and NF‐kB signaling. These data ultimately suggest novel mechanisms of action for UDCA in chronic autoimmune cholestasis.
Immunosuppressive effect of IDO on T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B*
Authors: Chen Yong‐bing , Li Si‐dan , He Yi‐ping , Shi Xian‐jie , Chen Yong , Gong Jian‐ping 
Published: December 2008

Aim:  Recently indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) has drawn considerable attention as a mechanism of immune regulation. Our study was to observe the role of IDO in immune tolerance of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), so as to provide a novel approach for reestablishment of active immunity.Methods:  Peripheral venous blood samples were taken from 50 CHB patients and HBV viral load, T lymphocyte subsets as well as the mRNA, protein and activity of IDO were detected. The correlations between HBV viral load, T lymphocyte subsets and IDO were statistically analyzed. Blood samples from 50 healthy people were tested as a control group.Results:  In CHB patients, the mRNA, protein and activity of IDO were all significantly more than those in control group (mRNA:[2.11 ± 0.615] × 103 vs. [0.143 ± 0.026] × 103; protein: 0.22 ± 0.06 vs. 0.02 ± 0.0017; activity: 26.07 ± 8.12 vs. 4.98 ± 1.65; P < 0.05) and IDO mRNA was positively correlated with HBV viral load (r = 0.502, P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.65, P < 0.01). Furthermore, IDO mRNA, protein and activity were negatively correlated with CD4(+) T cells (r = −0.622, −0.682, −0.549 respectively, P < 0.05), CD8 (+) T cells (r = −0.487, −367, −294 respectively, P < 0.05) and the ratio of CD4/CD8 (r = −0.426, −0.533, −0.397 respectively, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  IDO closely correlates with HBV viral load and is responsible for immunotolerance against HBV. Suppression of IDO could be a novel approach to break tolerance in CHB.
Hematologic abnormalities and flow cytometric immunophenotyping results in dogs with hematopoietic neoplasia: 210 cases (2002–2006)
Authors: Tasca Silvia , Carli Erika , Caldin Marco , Menegazzo Lucia , Furlanello Tommaso , Gallego Laia Solano 
Published: December 2008

Background:Growing interest in veterinary oncohematology has facilitated the recent development and advancement of new techniques, such as flow cytometry, for immunophenotyping hematopoietic neoplasia in animals.Objective:The aim of this retrospective study was to characterize hematologic abnormalities and flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) results in cases of hematopoietic neoplasia in dogs.Methods:Signalment, CBC data, and FCI results were obtained for 210 dogs with blood samples submitted to our laboratory. Immunophenotyping was carried out using an Epics XL‐MCL flow cytometer and a panel of 10 antibodies (CD45, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD79, CD21, CD14, CD34, CD41/61, CD61). The prevalence and severity of hematologic abnormalities was determined for the different types of hematopoietic neoplasms.Results:Based on cell morphology and phenotype, cases were classified as: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL,n=51), acute myeloid leukemia (AML,n=33), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL,n=61), and leukemic high‐grade lymphoma (L‐HGL,n=65). Most cases of ALL (47/51) and L‐HGL (41/65) had a B‐cell phenotype, while most cases of CLL (54/61) had a T‐cell phenotype, with a high prevalence of the large granular lymphocyte subtype (49/61). Anemia was found in 85% of all cases and was significantly more severe in ALL and AML compared with CLL and L‐HGL. Neutropenia was seen in 64–78% of acute leukemias (AML and ALL) in contrast to no cases of CLL and 11% of L‐HGL. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 88–90% of acute leukemias in contrast to 15% of CLL and 40% of L‐HGL. Thrombocytopenia was more prevalent (71% vs 22%) and significantly more severe in T‐cell vs B‐cell L‐HGL.Conclusion:A standard CBC is useful in suggesting the type of hemoproliferative disorder and may also help to predict the phenotype, especially in cases of L‐HGL.
Serum protein concentrations from clinically healthy horses determined by agarose gel electrophoresis
Authors: Riond Barbara , Wenger‐Riggenbach Bettina , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regina , Lutz Hans 
Published: December 2008

Background:Serum protein electrophoresis is a useful screening test in equine laboratory medicine. The method can provide valuable information about changes in the concentrations of albumin and α‐, β‐, and γ‐globulins and thereby help characterize dysproteinemias in equine patients. Reference values for horses using agarose gel as a support medium have not been reported.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to establish reference intervals for serum protein concentrations in adult horses using agarose gel electrophoresis and to assess differences between warm‐blooded and heavy draught horses. In addition, the precision of electrophoresis for determining fraction percentages and the detection limit were determined.Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 126 clinically healthy horses, including 105 Thoroughbreds and 21 heavy draught horses of both sexes and ranging from 2 to 20 years of age. The total protein concentration was determined by an automated biuret method. Serum protein electrophoresis was performed using a semi‐automated agarose gel electrophoresis system. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were calculated for within‐run and within‐assay precision. Data from warm‐blooded and draught horses were compared using the Mann–WhitneyUtest.Results:Within‐run and within‐assay CVs were <5% for all protein fractions. No significant difference was found between warm‐blooded and heavy draught horses and so combined reference intervals (2.5–97.5%) were calculated for total protein (51.0–72.0 g/L), albumin (29.6–38.5 g/L), α1‐globulin (1.9–3.1 g/L), α2‐globulin (5.3–8.7 g/L), β1‐globulin (2.8–7.3g/L), β2‐globulin (2.2–6.0 g/L), and γ‐globulin (5.8–12.7 g/L) concentrations, and albumin/globulin ratio (0.93–1.65).Conclusion:Using agarose gel as the supporting matrix for serum protein electrophoresis in horses resulted in excellent resolution and accurate results that facilitated standardization into 6 protein fractions.
Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Liquid Formulation of L‐Thyroxine for Once Daily Treatment of Dogs with Hypothyroidism
Authors: Le Traon G. , Brennan S.F. , Burgaud S. , Daminet S. , Gommeren K. , Horspool L.J.I. , Rosenberg D. , Mooney C.T. 
Published: December 2008

Background:A liquid solution of levothyroxine (L‐T4) is available for treatment of canine hypothyroidism.Hypothesis:Once daily oral administration of a liquid L‐T4 solution is effective and safe for controlling hypothyroidism in dogs.Animals:Thirty‐five dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism.Methods:Dogs received L‐T4 solution PO once daily at a starting dosage of 20 μg/kg body weight (BW). The dose was adjusted every 4 weeks, based on clinical signs and peak serum total T4 (tT4) concentrations. Target peak serum tT4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations, 4–6 hours posttreatment, were 35–95 nmol/L and < 0.68 ng/mL, respectively. Dogs were followed for up to 22 weeks after establishment of the maintenance dose.Results:Clinical signs of hypothyroidism improved or resolved in 91% of dogs after 4 weeks of L‐T4 treatment at 20 μg/kg once daily. The maintenance dose was established in 76, 94, and 100% of dogs after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively. This was 20 μg L‐T4/kg BW for 79% of the dogs, 30 μg/kg BW for 15%, and 10–15 μg/kg BW in the remaining 6%, once daily. Thereafter, median peak tT4 and TSH concentrations were 51 nmol/L and 0.18 ng/mL, respectively, and remained stable during the 22‐week follow‐up; clinical signs did not recur.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:All of the hypothyroid dogs had rapid clinical and hormonal responses to supplementation with the PO‐administered L‐T4 solution. The starting dosage of 20 μg L‐T4/kg BW once daily was suitable for 79% of dogs.
Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Retired Racing Greyhounds
Authors: LaVecchio D. , Marin L.M. , Baumwart R. , Iazbik M.C. , Westendorf N. , Couto C.G. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a polypeptide found specifically in cardiac muscle tissue that has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of cardiomyopathy. Increases in cTnI are associated with myocardial pathologic processes. However, high serum cTnI concentrations have been observed in normal Greyhounds.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that Greyhounds have cTnI concentrations higher than non‐Greyhound dogs, and that a separate reference range should be established for Greyhounds.Animals:Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from a group of 20 healthy Greyhound blood donors.Methods:Analysis of serum cTnI was performed with an immunoassay system with a detection level of 0.01 ng/mL, as described previously. The Greyhound values were compared with 2 groups of Boxers with and without arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and to a group of non‐Boxer control dogs from a previous study.Results:The mean cTnI concentration in Greyhounds was significantly higher (P< .0001) than that in non‐Greyhound control dogs, although not significantly different from normal Boxers (P= .50), or Boxers with ARVC (P= .58). Greyhound serum cTnI concentrations were in the range found in Boxers with ARVC. The proposed reference range for cTnI in Greyhounds is 0.05–0.16 ng/mL.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Greyhounds have a reference range for serum cTnI concentrations that differs from that of other previously published reference ranges for dogs of other breeds. Until a broader database and more precise reference range can be established, caution should be exercised in interpreting serum cTnI concentrations in Greyhounds with suspected cardiac disease.
Adenohypophyseal Function in Dogs with Primary Hypothyroidism and Nonthyroidal Illness
Authors: Diaz‐Espiñeira M.M. , Mol J.A. , Rijnberk A. , Kooistra H.S. 
Published: December 2008

Background:A recent study of dogs with induced primary hypothyroidism (PH) demonstrated that thyroid hormone deficiency leads to loss of thyrotropin (TSH) hypersecretion, hypersomatotropism, hypoprolactinemia, and pituitary enlargement with large vacuolated “thyroid deficiency” cells that double‐stained for growth hormone (GH) and TSH, indicative of transdifferentiation of somatotropes to thyrosomatropes.Hypothesis:Similar functional changes in adenohypophyseal function occur in dogs with spontaneous PH as do in dogs with induced PH, but not in dogs with nonthyroidal illness (NTI).Animals:Fourteen dogs with spontaneous PH and 13 dogs with NTI.Methods:Adenohypophyseal function was investigated by combined intravenous administration of 4 hypophysiotropic releasing hormones (4RH test), followed by measurement of plasma concentrations of ACTH, GH, luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and TSH. In the PH dogs this test was repeated after 4 and 12 weeks of thyroxine treatment.Results:In 6 PH dogs, the basal TSH concentration was within the reference range. In the PH dogs, the TSH concentrations did not increase with the 4RH test. However, TSH concentrations increased significantly in the NTI dogs. Basal and stimulated GH and PRL concentrations indicated reversible hypersomatotropism and hyperprolactinemia in the PH dogs, but not in the NTI dogs. Basal and stimulated LH and ACTH concentrations did not differ between groups.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Dogs with spontaneous PH hypersecrete GH but have little or no TSH hypersecretion. Development of hyperprolactinemia (and possible galactorrhea) in dogs with PH seems to occur only in sexually intact bitches. In this group of dogs with NTI, basal and stimulated plasma adenohypophyseal hormone concentrations were not altered.
Calprotectin in Myeloid and Epithelial Cells of Laminae from Horses with Black Walnut Extract‐Induced Laminitis
Authors: Faleiros R.R. , Nuovo G.J. , Belknap J.K. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Laminar inflammation is one of the earliest events in equine laminitis. Calprotectin (CP), a Damage‐Associated Molecular Pattern protein, is overexpressed in inflammatory conditions of human skin.Hypothesis:CP is overexpressed in the laminar epidermis of horses with black walnut extract (BWE)‐induced laminitis.Animals:Twenty adult horses.Methods:Experimental study. Horses were allocated to one of 4 groups. BWE was administered to horses in 3 groups, which were sampled 1.5, 3, and 12 hours (LAM) later. CP was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Laminar leukocyte counts and intensity of laminar epithelial staining were scored for all animals and statistically analyzed.Results:Laminar epidermal CP signal was significantly increased (P= .02) at the LAM time point, compared with other groups. Rare leukocytes were detected in laminae with CP staining in CON group, but there were marked increases in number of leukocytes in BWE‐treated groups (P= .003). Sequential hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that the majority of CP‐positive leukocytes were perivascular polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) at each of the developmental time points. CP‐positive PMN and mononuclear cells were detected in perivascular locations and close to the epidermal basement membrane in the LAM group.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:CP expression in the laminar epidermis occurs after extravasation of leukocytes, indicating that leukocyte emigration might be an initiating factor in laminar epithelial stress and inflammation in BWE‐induced laminitis. These results indicate a possible role of CP in laminitis pathophysiology and laminar failure.
Characterization of Reference Materials for Human Antiserum to Pertussis Antigens by an International Collaborative Study
Authors: Xing Dorothy , Wirsing von König Carl Heinz , Newland Penny , Riffelmann Marion , Meade Bruce D. , Corbel Michael , Gaines-Das Rose 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been widely used to evaluate antibody responses to pertussis vaccination and infection. A common reference serum is essential for the standardization of these assays. However, no internationally recognized reference serum is available. At the request of the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) of the World Health Organization (WHO), a set of four candidate international standards has been prepared. These candidate materials have been assessed for suitability and compared to the widely used U.S. reference pertussis antiserum (human) lot 3, lot 4, and lot 5 by 22 laboratories from 15 countries in an international collaborative study. Laboratories measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibodies to pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (Fim2&3) using their established immunoassays. The results of this study showed each of the four candidates to be suitable as an international standard. With the agreement of the participants, a recommendation has been made to the ECBS that the candidate material coded 06/140 be established as the First International Standard for pertussis antiserum (human), with the following assigned international units (IU): IgG anti-PT, 335 IU/ampoule; IgA anti-PT, 65 IU/ampoule; IgG anti-FHA, 130 IU/ampoule; IgA anti-FHA, 65 IU/ampoule; IgG anti-PRN, 65 IU/ampoule; and IgA anti-PRN, 42 IU/ampoule. No formal units have been proposed for anti-Fim2&3 because most assays used a mixture of fimbrial antigens. In addition, the candidate material coded 06/142 has been proposed as a WHO working preparation for characterization of assay systems.