bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase as a prognostic indicator in canine lymphoma
Authors: Wiedemann A. L. , Charney S. C. , Barger A. M. , Schaeffer D. J. , Kitchell B. E. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To examine the incidence of elevated corticosteroidinduced alkaline phosphatase (sALP) in dogs with lymphoma and to determine if sALP is a reliable prognostic indicator in canine lymphoma.Methods: The medical records of 62 canine lymphoma patients treated with a combination chemotherapy protocol from 1994 to 2003 at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital were examined. Variables assessed with respect to response rate and remission duration included age, bodyweight, sex, breed, World Health Organization stage (I to V), substage (a or b), pretreatment administration of corticosteroid, and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, sALP and alanine aminotransferase.Results: sALP was not statistically significant with respect to response rate or duration of remission, nor was preinduction glucocorticoid administration. Stage was significant with respect to achieving remission.ClinicalSignificance: It was found that sALP is not a useful prognostic indicator for response rate and remission duration in dogs with lymphoma.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions in 73 brachycephalic dogs with upper respiratory syndrome
Authors: Poncet C. M. , Dupre G. P. , Freiche V. G. , Estrada M. M. , Poubanne Y. A. , Bouvy B. M. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions in brachycephalic dogs with upper respiratory tract disease.Methods: The gastrointestinal tract and respiratory disorders of 73 brachycephalic dogs presented with upper respiratory signs were evaluated. Clinical signs and endoscopic and histological anomalies of the upper digestive tract were analysed.Results: A very high prevalence of gastrointestinal tract problems brachycephalic dogs presented with upper respiratory problems was observed clinically, endoscopically and histologically. Endoscopic anomalies of the upper digestive tract were present even in dogs without digestive clinical signs. Furthermore, histological evaluation of the digestive tract sometimes showed inflammatory lesions not macroscopically visible at endoscopy. Statistical analysis showed a relationship between the severity of the respiratory and digestive signs. This was significant in French bulldogs, males and heavy brachycephalic dogs.Clinical Significance: These observations show a correlation between upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract problems in brachycephalic breeds with upper respiratory disease. Surgical treatment of respiratory disease could improve the digestive clinical signs, and/or gastro‐oesophageal medical treatment could improve the outcome for surgically treated brachycephalic dogs.
Evaluation of elbow incongruency using reconstructed CT in dogs suffering fragmented coronoid process
Authors: Gemmill T. J. , Mellor D. J. , Clements D. N. , Clarke S. P. , Farrell M. , Bennett D. , Carmichael S. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate elbow joint congruency in dogs suffering fragmented coronoid process (FCP).METHODS: Based on clinical, radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) examinations, elbows were divided into control and FCP groups. Standardised CT reconstructions were formatted in the frontal and sagittal planes. Humeroradial and humeroulnar joint space measurements were obtained from the images and incongruencies were calculated by comparing the two measurements.Results: Forty‐two FCP and 29 control elbows were identified. No incongruencies were noted at the coronoid base. At the level of the coronoid apex, FCP elbows exhibited a significant radioulnar incongruency compared with controls (P<0·0001), though incongruency was not identified in all cases. Comparing FCP and control elbows at the level of the apex, the humeroradial joint space was increased in FCP elbows (P=0·0006) whereas no difference was noted in the humeroulnar space.ClinicalSignificance: This study supports the hypothesis that joint incongruency is associated with FCP in dogs, though is not present in every case at the time of diagnosis. The precise mechanism of development of this incongruency cannot be determined from these data.
Thoracic high‐resolution computed tomographic findings in dogs with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Johnson V. S. , Corcoran B. M. , Wotton P. R. , Schwarz T. , Sullivan M. 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To identify features of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) using high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and to correlate these features with clinical stages of the disease.Methods: Ten dogs with signalment, history and clinical signs highly suggestive of CIPF were investigated. Thoracic radiography, haematology and biochemistry profiles, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage and HRCT were performed in each case. The dogs were classified as having mild, moderate or severe stages of the disease based on their clinical presentation and radiographic signs. Features identified by HRCT were correlated with these disease stages.Results: HRCT showed a spectrum of pulmonary changes and it was possible to match some of these to the stage of CIPF.Clinical Significance: HRCT is used extensively in humans in the diagnosis and treatment planning of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This preliminary study identifies the high‐resolution computed tomographic features of CIPF in a small group of dogs. With further work it may be possible to use HRCT as a non‐invasive tool for diagnosing, staging and therapeutically monitoring CIPF.
POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE OF COASTAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) IN THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS
Authors: Parsons Kim M. , Durban John W. , Claridge Diane E. , Herzing Denise L. , Balcomb Kenneth C. , Noble Les R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractPopulation substructure has important implications for a species' ecology and evolution. As such, knowledge of this structuring is critical for the conservation and management of natural populations. Among marine mammals, many examples exist of species that enjoy a broad geographical distribution, yet are characterized by fine‐scale population subdivisions. Coastal bottlenose dolphins have been studied extensively in a few regions globally, and these studies have highlighted a great diversity in both social strategies and demographic isolation. Here we use molecular genetic markers to examine the degree of population subdivision among three study sites separated by less than 250 km on Little Bahama Bank in the northern Bahamas. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation and microsatellite genotypes were used to assess partitioning of genetic variance among 56 individually recognized coastal ecotype bottlenose dolphins. Although resolved levels of genetic differentiation suggest gene flow among the three study sites, both nuclear and mitochondrial data indicate a significant degree of subdivision within the Little Bahama Bank population, and sex‐based analyses suggest that patterns of dispersal may not be strictly biased toward males. These results corroborate the site fidelity documented through long‐term photo‐identification studies in the NE Bahamas, and highlight the need to consider independent subpopulation units for the conservation and management of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas.
CAN NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY BE USED TO IMPROVE ASSESSMENT OF MARINE MAMMAL DIETS VIA FECAL ANALYSIS?
Authors: Kaneko Hitomi , Lawler Ivan Robert 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe investigated the utility of Near Infrared Spectroscopy as a means to quantify the diet of seals via analysis of feces. A pilot study showed that we could accurately determine the proportion of each species in a mixture of flesh of two species of fish and one squid. Having done so, we then assessed whether the same capacity existed for fecal material. Again we used two species of fish and one squid as the diet components offered to two captive seals (a California sea lion and an Australian fur seal). Five of the six calibrations could accurately and precisely quantify how much of a given diet component the seal had eaten the previous day from an NIR scan of the feces. NIR spectroscopy is theoretically a viable way to quantify seal diets. We discuss the logistical requirements for development of calibration equations for application to a field study. These may be prohibitive in many cases, but in others may be offset by the particular circumstances or objectives of the study. Adoption of NIRS may confer significant benefits in these circumstances.
ABUNDANCE OF RINGED SEALS (PUSA HISPIDA) IN THE FJORDS OF SPITSBERGEN, SVALBARD, DURING THE PEAK MOLTING PERIOD
Authors: Krafft Bjørn A. , Kovacs Kit M. , Andersen Magnus , Aars Jon , Lydersen Christian , Ergon Torbjørn , Haug Tore 
Published: February 2006

AbstractRinged seal (Pusa hispida) abundance in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, was estimated during the peak molting periodviaaerial, digital photographic surveys. A total of 9,145 images, covering 41.7%–100% of the total fast‐ice cover (1,496 km2) of 18 different fjords and bays, were inspected for the presence of ringed seals. A total of 1,708 seals were counted, and when accounting for ice areas that were not covered by images, a total of 3,254 (95% CI: 3,071–3,449) ringed seals were estimated to be hauled out during the surveys. Extensive behavioral data from radio‐tagged ringed seals (collected in a companion study) from one of the highest density fjords during the molting period were used to create a model that predicts the proportion of seals hauled out on any given date, time of day, and under various meteorological conditions. Applying this model to the count data from each fjord, we estimated that a total of 7,585 (95% CI: 6,332–9,085) ringed seals were present in the surveyed area during the peak molting period. Data on interannual variability in ringed seal abundance suggested higher numbers of seals in Van Keulenfjorden in 2002 compared to 2003, while other fjords with very stable ice cover showed no statistical differences. Poor ice conditions in general in 2002 probably resulted in seals from a wide area coming to Van Keulenfjorden (a large fjord with stable ice in 2002). The total estimated number of ringed seals present in the study area at the time of the survey must be regarded as a population index, or at least a minimum estimate for the area, because it does not account for individuals leaving and arriving, which might account for a considerable number of animals. The same situation is likely the case for many other studies reporting aerial census data for ringed seals. To achieve accurate estimates of population sizes from aerial surveys, more extensive knowledge of ringed seal behavior will be required.
ABUNDANCE OF IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS (ORCAELLA BREVIROSTRIS) AND GANGES RIVER DOLPHINS (PLATANISTA GANGETICA GANGETICA) ESTIMATED USING CONCURRENT COUNTS MADE BY INDEPENDENT TEAMS IN WATERWAYS OF THE SUNDARBANS MANGROVE FOREST IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Smith Brian D. , Braulik Gill , Strindberg Samantha , Ahmed Benazir , Mansur Rubaiyat 
Published: February 2006

AbstractIndependent observer teams made concurrent counts of Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris and Ganges River dolphins Platanista gangetica gangetica in mangrove channels of the Sundarbans Delta in Bangladesh. These counts were corrected for missed groups using mark‐recapture models. For Irrawaddy dolphins, a stratified Lincoln‐Petersen model, which incorporated group size and sighting conditions as covariates, and a Huggins conditional likelihood model, which averaged models that individually incorporated group size, sighting conditions, and channel width as covariates, generated abundance estimates of 397 individuals (CV = 10.2%) and 451 individuals (CV = 9.6%), respectively. For Ganges River dolphins, a stratified Lincoln‐Petersen model, which incorporated group size as a covariate, and a Huggins conditional likelihood model, which averaged the same models described above, generated abundance estimates of 196 individuals (CV = 12.7%) and 225 individuals (CV = 12.6%), respectively. Although the estimates for both models were relatively close, the analytical advantages of the Huggins models probably outweigh those of the Lincoln‐Petersen models. However, the latter should be considered appropriate when simplicity is a priority. This study found that waterways of the Sundarbans support significant numbers of Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins, especially compared to other areas where the species have been surveyed.
USING CARBON AND NITROGEN ISOTOPE VALUES TO INVESTIGATE MATERNAL STRATEGIES IN NORTHEAST PACIFIC OTARIIDS
Authors: Newsome Seth D. , Koch Paul L. , Etnier Mike A. , Aurioles‐Gamboa David 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe examine the utility of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope variations to characterize the length of the nursing/lactation period and age at weaning for two northern Pacific otariid species, the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). We used two sampling strategies to measure ontogenetic trends in isotope value, and compared our results to observational data on the reproductive strategies used by these otariids. For Zalophus, we found evidence for 15N enrichment and 13C‐depletion in bone collagen representing the first and second year of growth, which is consistent with the ∼12–14‐mo weaning age in this population after a suitable turnover rate for bone collagen is considered. Analysis of individual tooth annuli from a different suite of Zalophus specimens suggests that half of the individuals were weaned at ∼12 mo of age, and half were dependent on milk for a portion of their second year. For Callorhinus, bone collagen for age classes that contain pre‐weaned individuals were 15N‐enriched, but values were significantly lower in specimens between 6 and 20 mo of age. These 15N‐enriched values, presumably acquired during nursing between 0 and 4 mo of age in Callorhinus, were not present in specimens older than 12 mo of age. Thus complete bone collagen turnover in young‐of‐the‐year occurs in 8–10 mo. 15N enrichment is evident in the first annulus of female Callorhinus individuals, but is not detectable in males. Analyses of Callorhinus tooth annuli show no ontogenetic trends in δ13C values. Our study indicates that nitrogen, and in some cases carbon, isotopes can be used to assess reproductive strategies in marine mammals. When coupled with accurate age estimates based on bone growth regressions, this isotopic technique can be applied to historical or fossil otariids to gain insight into the flexibility of maternal strategies within and across species.
Recognition of Stage-Specific Mycobacterial Antigens Differentiates between Acute and Latent Infections with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Demissie Abebech , Leyten Eliane M. S. , Abebe Markos , Wassie Liya , Aseffa Abraham , Abate Getahun , Fletcher Helen , Owiafe Patrick , Hill Philip C. , Brookes Roger , Rook Graham , Zumla Alimuddin , Arend Sandra M. , Klein Michel , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Andersen Peter , Doherty T. Mark ,   the VACSEL Study Group
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is estimated to infect 80 to 100 million people annually, the majority of whom do not develop clinical tuberculosis (TB) but instead maintain the infection in a latent state. These individuals generally become positive in response to a tuberculin skin test and may develop clinical TB at a later date, particularly if their immune systems are compromised. Latently infected individuals are interesting for two reasons. First, they are an important reservoir of
M. tuberculosis
, which needs to be considered for TB control. Second, if detected prior to recrudescence of the disease, they represent a human population that is making a protective immune response to
M. tuberculosis
, which is very important for defining correlates of protective immunity. In this study, we show that while responsiveness to early secretory antigenic target 6 is a good marker for
M. tuberculosis
infection, a strong response to the 16-kDa Rv2031c antigen (HspX or α-crystallin) is largely restricted to latently infected individuals, offering the possibility of differential immunodiagnosis of, or therapeutic vaccination against, TB.
Cytokine Response to Antigen Stimulation of Whole Blood from Patients with
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Disease Compared to That from Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Phillips R. , Horsfield C. , Kuijper S. , Sarfo S. F. , Obeng-Baah J. , Etuaful S. , Nyamekye B. , Awuah P. , Nyarko K. M. , Osei-Sarpong F. , Lucas S. , Kolk A. H. J. , Wansbrough-Jones M. 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium ulcerans
disease (Buruli ulcer) is a skin-ulcerating infection common in some parts of the tropics. We have investigated cytokine secretion after stimulation of whole blood from Buruli ulcer (BU) patients in a region of endemicity in Ghana with
M. ulcerans
sonicate or culture filtrate antigens to investigate the development of the response over time and its specificity by comparison with the response to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
sonicate in human immunodeficiency virus-negative tuberculosis patients. Significant gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in response to whole-blood stimulation with
M. ulcerans
sonicate was detected in patients with ulcers, which was higher than that in patients with nodules but similar to subjects with healed BU. The mean IFN-γ response in household contacts of BU patients was not significantly different from that in healthy control subjects from an area of nonendemicity. Results in patients with untreated, smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis patients on treatment for more than 2 weeks showed that BU patients responded better to
M. ulcerans
antigens than tuberculosis patients. In contrast, interleukin-10 results were higher in patients with active
M. ulcerans
disease than in those with healed lesions, but the pattern of response was similar to that seen in tuberculosis. A similar pattern of cytokine secretion was found using
M. tuberculosis
sonicate as an antigen. Neither of the two culture filtrate antigens of
M. ulcerans
appeared to be more specific than
M. ulcerans
sonicate. In the early stages of
M. ulcerans
disease there was a mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine response, but the Th1 response emerged as the dominant type.
A Divergent Transcription Factor TFIIB in Trypanosomes Is Required for RNA Polymerase II-Dependent Spliced Leader RNA Transcription and Cell Viability
Authors: Palenchar Jennifer B. , Liu Wenzhe , Palenchar Peter M. , Bellofatto Vivian 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

Transcription by RNA polymerase II in trypanosomes deviates from the standard eukaryotic paradigm. Genes are transcribed polycistronically and subsequently cleaved into functional mRNAs, requiring
trans
splicing of a capped 39-nucleotide leader RNA derived from a short transcript, the spliced leader (SL) RNA. The only identified trypanosome RNA polymerase II promoter is that of the SL RNA gene. We have previously shown that transcription of SL RNA requires divergent trypanosome homologs of RNA polymerase II, TATA binding protein, and the small nuclear RNA (snRNA)-activating protein complex. In other eukaryotes, TFIIB is an additional key component of transcription for both mRNAs and polymerase II-dependent snRNAs. We have identified a divergent homolog of the usually highly conserved basal transcription factor, TFIIB, from the pathogenic parasite
Trypanosoma brucei. T. brucei
TFIIB (TbTFIIB) interacted directly with the trypanosome TATA binding protein and RNA polymerase II, confirming its identity. Functionally, in vitro transcription studies demonstrated that TbTFIIB is indispensable in SL RNA gene transcription. RNA interference (RNAi) studies corroborated the essential nature of TbTFIIB, as depletion of this protein led to growth arrest of parasites. Furthermore, nuclear extracts prepared from parasites depleted of TbTFIIB, after the induction of RNAi, required recombinant TbTFIIB to support spliced leader transcription. The information gleaned from TbTFIIB studies furthers our understanding of SL RNA gene transcription and the elusive overall transcriptional processes in trypanosomes.
The Pb
MDJ1
Gene Belongs to a Conserved
MDJ1/LON
Locus in Thermodimorphic Pathogenic Fungi and Encodes a Heat Shock Protein That Localizes to both the Mitochondria and Cell Wall of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Batista Wagner L. , Matsuo Alisson L. , Ganiko Luciane , Barros Tânia F. , Veiga Thiago R. , Freymüller Edna , Puccia Rosana 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACT

J-domain (DnaJ) proteins, of the Hsp40 family, are essential cofactors of their cognate Hsp70 chaperones, besides acting as independent chaperones. In the present study, we have demonstrated the presence of Mdj1, a mitochondrial DnaJ member, not only in the mitochondria, where it is apparently sorted, but also in the cell wall of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
, a thermodimorphic pathogenic fungus. The molecule (PbMdj1) was localized to fungal yeast cells using both confocal and electron microscopy and also flow cytometry. The anti-recombinant PbMdj1 antibodies used in the reactions specifically recognized a single 55-kDa mitochondrial and cell wall (alkaline β-mercaptoethanol extract) component, compatible with the predicted size of the protein devoid of its matrix peptide-targeting signal. Labeling was abundant throughout the cell wall and especially in the budding regions; however, anti-PbMdj1 did not affect fungal growth in the concentrations tested in vitro, possibly due to the poor access of the antibodies to their target in growing cells. Labeled mitochondria stood preferentially close to the plasma membrane, and gold particles were detected in the thin space between them, toward the cell surface. We show that Mdj1 and the mitochondrial proteinase Lon homologues are heat shock proteins in
P. brasiliensis
and that their gene organizations are conserved among thermodimorphic fungi and
Aspergillus
, where the genes are adjacent and have a common 5′ region. This is the first time a DnaJ member has been observed on the cell surface, where its function is speculative.