bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential CD4+ T‐cell memory responses induced by two subsets of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Bajaña Sandra , Herrera‐González Norma , Narváez Juana , Torres‐Aguilar Honorio , Rivas‐Carvalho Amaranta , Aguilar Sergio R. , Sánchez‐Torres Carmen 
Published: June 2007

SummaryDendritic cells (DC) are powerful inducers of primary T‐cell responses, but their role in secondary responses has not been extensively analysed. Here, we address the role of two DC subsets derived from human CD16+ (16+ mDC) or CD16– (16– mDC) monocytes on the reactivation of memory responses. CD4+ CD45RA– memory T cells were obtained from adult blood donors, and central (TCM) and effector (TEM) memory T cells were isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting with anti‐CCR7 antibodies. The 16+ mDC and 16– mDC were cocultured with autologous lymphocytes, either unpulsed or loaded with purified protein derivatives of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPD) or tetanus toxoid (TT), and were analysed for up to 8 days. Over a range of doses, 16+ mDC drove stronger T‐cell proliferative responses against both antigens. Overall, antigen‐specific memory cells tended to acquire a phenotype of TEM at later time‐points in the culture, whereas cells that had completed fewer cycles of division were similar to TCM. The 16+ mDC induced higher rates of proliferation on both TCM and TEM lymphocytes than 16– mDC. This phenomenon was not related to the ability of both DC to induce CD25 expression on T cells, to lower secretion of interleukin‐2, or to raise production of interleukin‐10 during T‐cell/16– mDC cocultures. The induction of TCM effector capacity in terms of interferon‐γ production was faster and more pronounced with 16+ mDC, whereas both DC had similar abilities with TEM. In conclusion, these data might reveal new potentials in vaccination protocols with 16+ mDC aimed at inducing strong responses on central memory T cells.
Evidence for a trade‐off between early growth and tooth wear in Svalbard reindeer
Authors: VEIBERG VEBJØRN , MYSTERUD ATLE , BJØRKVOLL EIRIN , LANGVATN ROLF , LOE LEIF EGIL , IRVINE R. JUSTIN , BONENFANT CHRISTOPHE , COUWELEERS FRED , STENSETH NILS CHR. 
Published: June 2007

Summary

Ruminants depend on efficient physical degradation of forage through chewing to increase the surface area of the food particles presented to the microflora. Fossil evidence suggests that increased molar height is an adaptation for wear tolerance in dry ecosystems with sparse vegetation, but no study has shown selection pressure for hypsodonty in contemporary ruminants.
We explored the relationships between particle size in rumen, tooth wear (scanned molar occlusal topography), age and body mass of female Svalbard reindeer living in an arctic desert at 78° latitude on Svalbard.
We predicted that (H1) if the rumen particle size is determined mainly by constraints due to tooth wear, and if tooth wear is mainly a function of age, average particle size in rumen should increase with age. From allometric relations it is known that larger individuals can survive on a lower‐quality diet, we therefore predicted (H2) larger particle sizes with increases in (ln) body mass, irrespective of age and wear. Lastly, if there is a trade‐off between growth and tooth wear in dry ecosystems (a selection pressure for hypsodonty), we predicted (H3) that teeth of heavier animals should be more worn than those of lighter animals of the same age.
The proportion of small particles (<1·0 mm) decreased rapidly with increasing age (consistent with H1). Heavier females within an age class had more worn teeth (consistent with H3) than lighter ones. A close‐to‐isometric relationship between particle size and body mass suggested that heavier animals partly compensated for reduced tooth efficiency by chewing more.
We provide the first evidence of a trade‐off between fast early growth and wear (a somatic cost) of a senescence‐related trait – the structure and height of the molar – in a wild ruminant inhabiting an arctic desert where selection pressure for increased tooth height is expected. This suggests that foraging conditions are more extreme than the environment in which the species originally evolved.
Spatial patterns of kangaroo density across the South Australian pastoral zone over 26 years: aggregation during drought and suggestions of long distance movement
Authors: POPLE ANTHONY R. , PHINN STUART R. , MENKE NORBERT , GRIGG GORDON C. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , McALPINE CLIVE 
Published: June 2007

Summary

Wildlife surveys usually focus on estimating population size, and management actions such as commercial harvesting, culling and poison baiting are referenced commonly to population size alone, without taking into account the way in which those animals are distributed. This paper outlines how point‐based aerial survey data can be converted to continuous density surfaces using spatial analysis techniques. Using this approach, we describe and explore the spatial patterns of density of two species of kangaroos in an area exceeding 200 000 km2 in South Australia over a 26‐year period.
Densities of red and western grey kangaroos were estimated in 2 km2 segments along aerial survey transect lines, yielding point density estimates. Universal kriging provided an unbiased interpolation of these data using the spatial autocorrelation structure described by the semi‐variogram. The Getis statistic identified clusters of high and low kangaroo density.
Considerable year‐to‐year variation in the spatial patterns of kangaroo density was observed. In many cases, annual rates of increase over large areas were too high to be explained by vital rates alone, implying immigration from surrounding areas. These large shifts in distribution were occasionally to areas that had received better rainfall than the surrounding areas. For both species, there was no obvious local spatial autocorrelation pattern or clustering of kangaroo density beyond that described by average density and the present set of management regions, suggesting the latter are appropriate divisions for harvest management.
Data for both species fitted the power law relationship extremely well. During dry times, red kangaroos, but not western grey kangaroos, were more aggregated, supporting past ground observations at a fine spatial scale.
Synthesis and applications. Kriged density surfaces enable estimation of kangaroo density on individual properties, which are the management units at which harvest quotas or culling approvals are allocated. These estimates will be marked improvements over systematic sampling estimates when sampling intensity is low. Predictions of shifts in kangaroo distribution using rainfall or satellite imagery will allow more accurate allocation of harvest quotas. Similarly, predictions of more even kangaroo dispersion following high rainfall will allow managers to anticipate downturns in harvest rate.
The comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefpodoxime sodium and oral cefpodoxime proxetil in beagle dogs
Authors: BROWN S. A. , BOUCHER J. F. , HUBBARD V. L. , PROUGH M. J. , FLOOK T. F. 
Published: June 2007

The pharmacokinetic properties of cefpodoxime, and its prodrug, cefpodoxime proxetil, were evaluated in two separate studies, one following intravenous (i.v.) administration of cefpodoxime sodium and the second after oral (p.o.) administration of cefpodoxime proxetil to healthy dogs. After cefpodoxime administration, serial blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A single i.v. administration of cefpodoxime sodium at a dose of 10 mg cefpodoxime/kg body weight resulted in a cefpodoxime average maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 91 (±17.7) μg/mL, measured at 0.5 h after drug administration, an average half‐life (t1/2) of 4.67 (±0.680) h, an average AUC0−∞ of 454 (±83.1) h·μg/mL, an average Vd(ss) of 151 (±27) mL/kg, an average ClB of 22.7 (±4.2) mL/h/kg and an average MRT0−∞ of 5.97 (±0.573) h. When dose normalized to 10 mg cefpodoxime/kg body weight, cefpodoxime proxetil administered orally resulted in Cmax of 17.8 ± 11.4 μg/mL for the tablet formulation and 20.1 ± 6.20 μg/mL for the suspension formulation and an average AUC0‐LOQ of 156 (±76.1) h·μg/mL for the tablet formulation and 162 (±48.6) h·μg/mL for the suspension formulation. Relative bioavailability of the two oral formulations was 1.04 (suspension compared with tablet), whereas the absolute bioavailability of both oral formulations was estimated to be approximately 35–36% in the cross‐study comparison with the i.v. pharmacokinetics. Combined with previous studies, these results suggest that a single daily oral dose of 5–10 mg cefpodoxime/kg body weight as cefpodoxime proxetil maintains plasma concentrations effective for treatment of specified skin infections in dogs.
Role of sugars in surface microbe–host interactions and immune reaction modulation
Authors: Lloyd David H. , Viac Jacqueline , Werling Dirk , Rème Christophe A. , Gatto Hugues 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSugars in the form of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and glycoconjugates (glycoproteins, glycolipids) are vital components of infecting microbes and host cells, and are involved in cell signalling associated with modulation of inflammation in all integumental structures. Indeed, sugars are the molecules most commonly involved in cell recognition and communication. In skin, they are essential to epidermal development and homeostasis. They play important roles in microbial adherence, colonization and biofilm formation, and in virulence. Two groups of pathogen recognition receptors, C‐type lectins (CTL) and their receptors (CTLR), and the Toll‐like receptors enable the host to recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are mainly glycolipids. The CTLs can recognize a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and parasites and are important in phagocytosis and endocytosis. TLRs are expressed on the surfaces of a variety of cells, including keratinocytes, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages; they play a major role in innate immunity. Interaction of TLRs with PAMPs initiates a cascade of events leading to production of reactive oxygen intermediates, cytokines and chemokines, and promotes inflammation. Exogenous sugars can block carbohydrate receptors and competitively displace bacteria from attachment to cells, including keratinocytes. Thus sugars may provide valuable adjunctive anti‐inflammatory and/or antimicrobial treatment. A promising approach is the use of a panel of carbohydrate derivatives with anti‐adhesive efficacy against bacteria frequently involved in diseases affecting skin and other epithelia. More complete characterization of sugar receptors and their ligands will provide further keys to use of carbohydrates in immunomodulation and infection control in skin.
Paraneoplastic alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in a cat
Authors: Marconato Laura , Albanese Francesco , Viacava Paolo , Marchetti Veronica , Abramo Francesca 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA 15‐year‐old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical signs, which had commenced 6 months previously, included loss of appetite, loss of weight, and depression. As reported by the owner, the cat developed alopecia a week before referral. The hair loss was localized to the ventral aspect of the thorax and abdomen, medial aspect of front and hind limbs, and ventral aspect of the tail, and was associated with histological features consistent with paraneoplastic alopecia. At necropsy, multiple hepatic nodules were observed, and subsequent histopathological investigation showed cords and sheets of hepatocyte‐like neoplastic cells positive for the hepatocyte marker (Hep Par 1), thereby demonstrating the hepatocellular origin of the tumour, which was diagnosed as a hepatocellular carcinoma. This is the first report of feline paraneoplastic alopecia associated with hepatocellular carcinoma confirmed by the Hep Par 1 marker.
Regional parasite density in the skin of dogs with symptomatic canine leishmaniosis
Authors: Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Koutinas Alexander F. , Olivry Thierry , Dunston Stan M. , Farmaki Rania , Koutinas Christos K. , Petanides Theodoros 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn canine leishmaniosis, the parasitic density of the skin may be important for the infection of sandflies, and increased accumulation of inflammatory cells infected with Leishmania is believed to occur in dermal areas subjected to mechanical trauma. Parasite density and inflammatory responses in the upper and lower dermis of three body sites: flank (control site), dorsal muzzle (sandfly feeding site), and footpads (mechanical stress sites) were thus investigated in 15 dogs with symptomatic leishmaniosis. Parasite density did not differ between the control and tested sites or between the upper and lower dermis, apart from the footpads where it was higher in the upper dermis, and there was no correlation with severity of the macroscopic lesions or inflammatory infiltrate, except for the lower footpad dermis. No selective accumulation of the parasite in the muzzle that would favour its transmission to sandflies occurred, and the mechanical stress imposed on the footpads was not associated with increased parasitic density, or with inflammatory infiltrate.
Detection of papillomaviral sequences in feline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma using consensus primers
Authors: Munday John S. , Kiupel Matti , French Adrienne F. , Howe Laryssa , Squires Richard A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFeline Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC) is a rare disease that presents as multiple discrete plaques of epidermal hyperplasia and dysplasia. Two studies using immunohistochemistry revealed papillomaviral antigens in 11% and 47% of BISCs. Additionally, a recent study detected papillomaviral DNA in 24% of BISC lesions. To further investigate the association between papillomaviruses and BISC, polymerase chain reaction using consensus primers was used to detect papillomaviral DNA in 18 formalin‐fixed samples of BISC. Papillomaviral DNA was amplified from 11 of the samples but from none of the controls. Six amplicons were sequenced; one was homologous with a papillomavirus from a human patient with multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and the other five showed weak homology to human papillomavirus type 17. These five sequences were > 96% homologous over a 235 bp sequence, indicating the presence in all five BISCs of one papillomavirus type distinct from any previously sequenced and more closely related to human than animal papillomaviruses. The results confirm an association between BISC and papillomaviruses, and as all six papillomavirus sequences identified are closely related to human papillomaviruses, it is possible that the virus is transmitted from humans to cats or vice versa.
Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy
Authors: Foust Abby L. , Marsella Rosanna , Akucewich Lisa H. , Kunkle Gail , Stern Amy , Moattari Syamak , Szabo Nancy J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study determined the residual concentration of terbinafine in cat hair after 14 days of oral treatment. Ten clinically normal cats were administered terbinafine orally at a daily dose of 34–45.7 mg kg−1for a total of 14 days. Areas of 15 cm2were shaved on the lateral thorax at day 0 and weekly for 8 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. The hair samples were analysed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography to determine the persistence of terbinafine over time. The mean terbinafine concentration in hair was 2.30 ng mg−1after 14 days of therapy. The half life was 1.84 weeks after the last dose of terbinafine. With a 99% confidence interval, the concentration of terbinafine remained in the cat hair at or above 0.03 ng mg−1(minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)90 = 0.03 µg mL−1) for 5.3 weeks. Slight deviations in the complete blood cell count and serum chemistry values were not attributed to terbinafine. Four cats experienced vomiting during the terbinafine treatment; two of these cats also experienced intense facial pruritus followed by a macular to papular skin reaction 7–14 days after the discontinuation of terbinafine. In summary, terbinafine persists in hair at concentrations above the MIC for several weeks after stopping medication, even after short‐term therapy (14 days). These results suggest that pulse therapy of terbinafine should be further researched and potentially considered as a treatment modality for feline dermatophytosis, an approach that would decrease treatment duration while maintaining effectiveness.
Do people want to be autonomous patients? Preferred roles in treatment decision‐making in several patient populations
Authors: Deber Raisa B. , Kraetschmer Nancy , Urowitz Sara , Sharpe Natasha 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground  What role do people want to play in treatment decision‐making (DM)?Objective  Examine the role patients indicate they would prefer in making treatment decisions across multiple clinical settings in Ontario, Canada.Design  Secondary analysis of a series of survey/interview‐based studies measuring preferred role, conducted in 12 different populations.Setting and participants  Respondents were outpatients, largely but not entirely attending outpatient clinics in large teaching hospitals in urban settings in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The subgroups and sample sizes were: breast cancer (202), prostate disease (202), fractures (202), continence (46), orthopaedic (111), rheumatology (56), multiple sclerosis (22), HIV/AIDS (431), infertility (454), benign prostatic hyperplasia (678) and cardiac disease (300), plus 50 healthy nursing students (for scale validation).Measurements  All studies categorized preferred role using the Problem‐Solving Decision‐Making (PSDM) scale with one or both of the Current Health condition and Chest Pain vignettes.Results  Few respondents preferred an autonomous role (1.2% for the current health condition vignette and 0.7% for the chest pain vignette); most preferred shared DM (77.8% current health condition; 65.1% chest pain) or a passive role (20.3% current health condition; 34.1% chest pain). Familiarity with a clinical condition increases desire for a shared (as opposed to passive) role. Preferences for passive vs. shared roles varied across settings; older and less educated individuals were most likely to prefer passive roles.Conclusions  Despite consumerist rhetoric among some bioethicists, very few respondents wish an autonomous role. Most wish to share DM with their providers.
Cost of prophylaxis in the management of cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Oppenheimer Federico , Gonzalez‐Molina Miguel , Rubio Marta 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Limited economic data exist on the use of valganciclovir for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We compared the economics of sequential i.v. and oral ganciclovir prophylaxis vs. oral valganciclovir prophylaxis alone in high‐risk (D+/R−) SOT patients.Methods:  A cost‐minimization analysis was performed from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System comparing the cost of sequential ganciclovir prophylaxis (induction with i.v. ganciclovir 10 mg/kg daily for 14 d followed by oral ganciclovir 1 g t.i.d. for 3 months) vs. oral valganciclovir prophylaxis (900 mg once daily for 100 d). Resource utilization data for both regimens were obtained from the literature and from clinical records of 83 patients in nine Spanish hospitals. Results were expressed as average cost per patient treated.Results:  The average cost per patient treated with sequential ganciclovir or valganciclovir prophylaxis was €3715.51 and €3295.90, respectively. The higher cost of ganciclovir therapy was due to concomitant administration of anti‐CMV immunoglobulin (€313.73), drug administration costs (€401.45), catheter culture tests (€13.64) and adverse events associated with catheter use (€3.30). Following a sensitivity analysis, taking into account dose and duration of drug, concomitant medications and adverse events, costs for valganciclovir and sequential therapy were similar.Conclusions:  Valganciclovir prophylaxis is as economical as sequential ganciclovir prophylaxis in high‐risk D+/R− SOT patients. In addition, the once‐daily dosing regimen of valganciclovir is more convenient, and avoids the complications associated with catheter use.
Leptin in autoimmunity: many questions, some answers
Authors: Matarese G. , Leiter E. H. , La Cava A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIt has recently become apparent that several molecules involved in the control of metabolism also play an important function in the regulation of immune responses. Among those molecules, the adipocyte‐derived cytokine leptin has been shown to significantly influence innate and adaptive immune responses both in normal and in pathological conditions. For example, levels of leptin are typically low in infection and high in autoimmunity, both systemically and at the site of inflammation. Moreover, in addition to its long‐known effects on the promotion of T helper 1 immune responses and cell‐mediated immunity, leptin has more recently been found capable to constrain proliferation of regulatory T cells. As such, leptin represents not only a link between metabolism and immune responses in general but also a pivotal modulator of the magnitude of selected mechanisms of peripheral immunity in relation to body fat mass. We review here the most recent advances on the role of leptin in the control of immune tolerance and critically discuss how strategies aimed at neutralizing the leptin axis could represent innovative tools for the therapy of autoimmune disorders.
The role of the selenoprotein S (SELS) gene −105G>A promoter polymorphism in inflammatory bowel disease and regulation of SELS gene expression in intestinal inflammation
Authors: Seiderer J. , Dambacher J. , Kühnlein B. , Pfennig S. , Konrad A. , Török H.‐P. , Haller D. , Göke B. , Ochsenkühn T. , Lohse P. , Brand S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecently, a −105G>A promoter polymorphism coding for selenoprotein S (SELS) has been shown to increase proinflammatory cytokine expression. We, therefore, analyzed SELS expression and potential phenotypic consequences of the −105G>A polymorphism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). SELS mRNA was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines and in human colonic biopsies of IBD patients as well as in murine models of ileitis and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) colitis. Genomic DNA from 563 individuals (Crohn’s disease: n = 205; ulcerative colitis: n = 154; controls: n = 204) was analyzed for the presence of the SELS−105G>A polymorphism and the three nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐containing protein 2 (NOD2)/caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 15 (CARD15) variants p.Arg702Trp, p.Gly908Arg and p.Leu1007fsX1008. SELS mRNA expression was increased in IEC after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines, while its expression was not significantly altered in murine ileitis and MCMV colitis and in inflamed ileal and colonic lesions in IBD patients compared with normal controls. The SELS−105G>A polymorphism was observed with similar frequencies in IBD patients and controls and was not associated with a certain disease phenotype or serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) levels in these patients. Medium serum TNF‐α was 1.27 pg/ml in IBD patients, while none of the controls had TNF‐α concentrations above the detection threshold (P < 0.0001). SELS mRNA expression is upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines in IECs but the SELS−105G>A polymorphism is not associated with IBD susceptibility and does not contribute to a certain disease phenotype or increased TNF‐α levels in IBD patients.