bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results of surgical treatment of colic in miniature breed horses: 11 cases
Authors: HUGHES KJ , DOWLING BA , MATTHEWS SA , AJ DART 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo report on the outcome of surgical treatment of acute abdominal crises in miniature breed horses.DesignRetrospective case series of miniature horses presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Camden with an acute abdominal crisis.MethodsHospital records of all miniature horses that underwent ventral midline laparotomy for acute abdominal crisis between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed. The signalment, history, clinical signs, results of ancillary diagnostic procedures, location and type of intestinal lesion, treatment and outcome were retrieved from each case record. Long term survival was determined by telephone interview of owners.ResultsEleven miniature horses including five females and six males underwent ventral midline laparotomies for acute abdominal crisis during the study period. Ages ranged between 1 month and 19 years. Surgical findings included faecalith obstruction (seven horses), enterolith (one horse), strangulating lipoma of the descending colon (one horse), jejunal infarction (one horse), and caecal infarction (one horse). Long term survival rate (minimum 12 months post surgery) was 55%. Six of eight horses with simple intraluminal obstructions survived, while the three horses with gastrointestinal lesions associated with vascular compromise were euthanased either at surgery (caecal infarction), or postoperatively, due to complications (strangulating lipoma of the descending colon, jejunal infarction). Postoperative complications in this study included impaction of the descending colon (two horses), diarrhoea (two horses), peritonitis (one horse), hyperlipaemia (two horses), incisional infection (two horses) and abdominal adhesions (one horse). Hyperlipidaemia was present in five of seven horses in which serum triglycerides were measured at presentation.ConclusionsSimple intraluminal obstructions of the large intestine were frequently encountered during exploratory laparotomy in miniature horses presented for acute abdominal crises, and their surgical treatment was associated with a good prognosis. In contrast, this study suggested that abdominal pain associated with vascular compromise of gastrointestinal tissues in miniature horses was associated with a poorer prognosis, consistent with reports in other horse breeds. Possible contributing factors to faecalith formation, including poor quality roughage, dental disease, and inadequate water consumption, should be recognised and avoided in miniature horses. Serum triglyceride concentrations should be measured in miniature horses presented for acute abdominal pain. If elevated, nutritional supplementation should be provided.
Quantification of termite attack on lying dead wood by a line intersection method in the Kabili‐Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: BERGE LENE , BIGNELL DAVID E. , RAHMAN HOMATHEVI , BURSLEM DAVID F. R. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A line intersection method was used to estimate abundance (technically linear abundance: m1 m−2), biovolume (m3 ha−1) and size class distribution (defined by diameter) of lying dead wood in tropical forest. Additional semi‐quantitative protocols assessed decay state (4 classes), termite attack (5 classes) and live termite occupancy (3 classes).Three forest types (kerangas, alluvial and sandstone) were sampled in the Kabili‐Sepilok Forest Reserve of Eastern Sabah, using plots of 30 × 30 m. Approximately 50 man‐hours were required per site, at a replication of three plots per site and three well‐separated sites per forest type.Mean biovolume of lying dead wood exceeded 8 × 103 m3 ha−1in kerangas (= heath) forest, with lower values in other types. Large items (> 19 cm diameter) were less than 10% of total abundance, but represented the largest biovolume, exceeding (alluvial) or equalling (kerangas) the total biovolumes of smaller categories combined. Most items (not less than 75%) were present as small wood (< 10 cm diameter). Items in the highest decay class had the highest biovolume.Termite attack was greater in the kerangas, where nearly 90% of items showed evidence of consumption, compared with 58% in the alluvial and 40% in the sandstone forests. Over 40% of items in the kerangas contained live termites compared with 25% in the alluvial and 15% in the sandstone. Items in the highest attack class (= almost total internal destruction) represented about one‐half of the total biovolume available in the alluvial and kerangas forest types, and about one‐third in the sandstone.
THE USE OF INTRADIALYTIC PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN ACUTELY ILL HAEMODIALYSED PATIENTS
Authors: Korzets Asher , Azoulay Odile , Ori Yaacov , Zevin Dina , Boaz Mona , Herman Michal , Chagnac Avri , Gafter Uzi 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYBackground: Protein/caloric malnutrition is a problem in chronically haemodialysed patients, and is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in these patients. Objectives: To assess the safety and efficiency of intradialytic parenteral nutritional (IDPN) as nutritional support in acutely ill haemodialysis patients. Methods: Twenty‐two haemodialysis patients received IDPN after either major surgical or medical illnesses. Parameters measured included possible complications of IDPN, dialysis adequacy, patients' weight, protein catabolic rate (PCR) and serum levels of albumin, pre‐albumin, creatinine, cholesterol, c‐reactive protein (c‐RP) and haemoglobin. After the end of the study all patients were followed‐up for a further 6 months.Results: Patients received IDPN for 1.5–48 months. Eighteen patients received IDPN < 6 months. IDPN was safe for all patients. Throughout this period dialysis remained adequate. Weight loss in all patients ceased after approximately 2 months of IDPN. PRC, serum albumin, pre‐albumin, cholesterol and creatinine levels all increased significantly. c‐RP dropped from 77 ± 86 mg/l to 9 ± 10 mg/l. Conclusions: IDPN can be safely used in haemodialysed patients who are acutely ill and are unable to meet daily nutritional requirements with an oral intake. All studied parameters of nutrition and inflammation improved significantly while patients were treated with IDPN.
Efficacies of Ceftobiprole Medocaril and Comparators in a Rabbit Model of Osteomyelitis Due to Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yin Li-Yan , Calhoun Jason H. , Thomas Jacob K. , Shapiro Stuart , Schmitt-Hoffmann Anne 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

The pharmacokinetics and distribution into bone tissue of ceftobiprole in uninfected New Zealand White rabbits were determined after subcutaneous administration of the prodrug ceftobiprole medocaril. Serum exposure (maximum concentration of the drug in serum, trough concentration, area under the concentration-time curve) to ceftobiprole at 20 and 80 mg/kg was dose proportional, and there was no accumulation of ceftobiprole following repeated (every 6 h [q6h]) injections of the antibiotic. Ceftobiprole titers in the tibial matrix and marrow were 3.2 ± 1.3 μg/g and 11.2 ± 6.5 μg/g, respectively, in uninfected animals treated with 20 mg/kg of the antibiotic and 13.4 ± 7.3 μg/g and 66.3 ± 43.2 μg/g, respectively, in uninfected animals treated with 80 mg/kg of the antibiotic. No differences in ceftobiprole titers were observed between right and left tibiae for either bone matrix or marrow. The efficacies of 4 weeks of treatment with ceftobiprole (40 mg/kg administered subcutaneously [s.c.] q6h), vancomycin (30 mg/kg administered s.c. q12h), or linezolid (60 mg/kg administered orally q8h) were compared, using a rabbit model of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
tibial osteomyelitis. After treatment with ceftobiprole, the bacterial titers in all infected left tibiae from evaluable rabbits were below the level of detection, whereas only 73% of infected left tibiae from vancomycin- or linezolid-treated animals had bacterial titers below the level of detection; the mean titers of ceftobiprole were 3 to 5 times higher in infected left tibiae than in uninfected right tibiae. These results indicate that ceftobiprole provided effective parenteral treatment of osteomyelitis in this rabbit model.
Mouse Beta-Defensin-14, an Antimicrobial Ortholog of Human Beta-Defensin-3
Authors: Hinrichsen Kerstin , Podschun Rainer , Schubert Sabine , Schröder Jens M. , Harder Jürgen , Proksch Ehrhardt 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Searching the database for mouse homologs of the antimicrobial peptide human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) revealed highest identity (69%) to mouse beta-defensin-14 (mBD-14). Recombinant mBD-14 exhibited broad-spectrum, nanomolar microbicidal activity. Treatment of keratinocytes with gamma interferon or transforming growth factor alpha increased mBD-14 gene expression. These data suggest that mBD-14 is the functional ortholog of hBD-3.
Development of a Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Screening Algorithm for Discovery and Preclinical Testing of Topical Microbicides
Authors: Lackman-Smith Carol , Osterling Clay , Luckenbaugh Katherine , Mankowski Marie , Snyder Beth , Lewis Gareth , Paull Jeremy , Profy Albert , Ptak Roger G. , Buckheit Robert W. , Watson Karen M. , Cummins James E. , Sanders-Beer Brigitte E. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Topical microbicides are self-administered, prophylactic products for protection against sexually transmitted pathogens. A large number of compounds with known anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) inhibitory activity have been proposed as candidate topical microbicides. To identify potential leads, an in vitro screening algorithm was developed to evaluate candidate microbicides in assays that assess inhibition of cell-associated and cell-free HIV-1 transmission, entry, and fusion. The algorithm advances compounds by evaluation in a series of defined assays that generate measurements of relative antiviral potency to determine advancement or failure. Initial testing consists of a dual determination of inhibitory activity in the CD4-dependent CCR5-tropic cell-associated transmission inhibition assay and in the CD4/CCR5-mediated HIV-1 entry assay. The activity is confirmed by repeat testing, and identified actives are advanced to secondary screens to determine their effect on transmission of CXCR4-tropic viruses in the presence or absence of CD4 and their ability to inhibit CXCR4- and CCR5-tropic envelope-mediated cell-to-cell fusion. In addition, confirmed active compounds are also evaluated in the presence of human seminal plasma, in assays incorporating a pH 4 to 7 transition, and for growth inhibition of relevant strains of lactobacilli. Leads may then be advanced for specialized testing, including determinations in human cervical explants and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells against primary HIV subtypes, combination testing with other inhibitors, and additional cytotoxicity assays. PRO 2000 and SPL7013 (the active component of VivaGel), two microbicide products currently being evaluated in human clinical trials, were tested in this in vitro algorithm and were shown to be highly active against CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 infection.
The Antimicrobial Peptide NK-2, the Core Region of Mammalian NK-Lysin, Kills Intraerythrocytic
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Gelhaus Christoph , Jacobs Thomas , Andrä Jörg , Leippe Matthias 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

In a time of dramatically increasing resistance of microbes to all kinds of antibiotics, natural antimicrobial peptides and synthetic analogs thereof have emerged as compounds with potentially significant therapeutical applications against human pathogens. Only very few of these peptide antibiotics have been tested against protozoan pathogens that are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in large parts of the world. Here, we studied the effect of NK-2, a peptide representing the cationic core region of the lymphocytic effector protein NK-lysin, on the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
. Whereas noninfected red blood cells were hardly affected, human erythrocytes infected with the parasite were rapidly permeabilized by NK-2 in the micromolar range. Loss of plasma membrane asymmetry and concomitant exposure of phosphatidylserine upon infection appears to be the molecular basis for the observed target preference of NK-2, as can be demonstrated by annexin V binding. The peptide also affects the viability of the intracellular parasite, as evidenced by the drop in DNA content of cultured parasites. Accumulated evidence derived from permeabilization assays using parasites and liposomes as targets and from fluorescence microscopy of infected erythrocytes treated with fluorescently labeled NK-2 indicates that the positively charged peptide electrostatically interacts with the altered and negatively charged plasma membrane of the infected host cell and traverses this membrane as well as the parasitophorous vacuole membrane to reach its final target, the intracellular parasite. The apparent affinity for foreign membranes that resulted in the death of a eukaryotic parasite residing in human host cells makes NK-2 a promising template for novel anti-infectives.
Antibacterial Efficacy of R-Type Pyocins towards
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in a Murine Peritonitis Model
Authors: Scholl Dean , Martin David W. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

R-type pyocins are high-molecular-weight bacteriocins carried within the chromosomes of some bacterial species, such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and almost certainly evolved from lysogenic bacteriophages of the
Myoviridae
family. They contain no head structures and no DNA and are used as defense systems, usually against other strains of the same bacterial species. They bind with their tail fibers to targeted bacterial surface molecules and then kill by inserting a core or needle that dissipates the bacterial membrane potential. Their mechanism of action, high bactericidal potency (one pyocin particle can kill one bacterium), and focused spectrum suggest that R-type pyocins could be developed as antibacterial agents. In a lethal mouse peritonitis model, submicrogram quantities of pyocin prevent death from 90% lethal dose inocula of a pyocin-sensitive, clinical isolate of
P. aeruginosa
. We show here the dose response curves, treatment windows, or periods of response after infection and the several-log-unit acute reduction of bacterial load in blood and spleen samples, suggesting that R-type pyocins have several characteristics that one would expect from an effective therapeutic.
Efficacy of Benzoxazinorifamycins in a Mouse Model of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Lung Infection
Authors: Campbell Lee Ann , Kuo Cho-Chou , Suchland Robert J. , Rothstein David M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of rifalazil and other benzoxazinorifamycins was tested in a mouse model of lung infection against
Chlamydia pneumoniae
. Rifalazil and six related new chemical entities all showed efficacy after one dose per day for 3 days at either 3 or 1 mg/kg of body weight.
Anamnestic Protective Immunity to
Bacillus anthracis
Is Antibody Mediated but Independent of Complement and Fc Receptors
Authors: Harvill Eric T. , Osorio Manuel , Loving Crystal L. , Lee Gloria M. , Kelly Vanessa K. , Merkel Tod J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

The threat of bioterrorist use of
Bacillus anthracis
has focused urgent attention on the efficacy and mechanisms of protective immunity induced by available vaccines. However, the mechanisms of infection-induced immunity have been less well studied and defined. We used a combination of complement depletion along with immunodeficient mice and adoptive transfer approaches to determine the mechanisms of infection-induced protective immunity to
B. anthracis
. B- or T-cell-deficient mice lacked the complete anamnestic protection observed in immunocompetent mice. In addition, T-cell-deficient mice generated poor antibody titers but were protected by the adoptive transfer of serum from
B. anthracis
-challenged mice. Adoptively transferred sera were protective in mice lacking complement, Fc receptors, or both, suggesting that they operate independent of these effectors. Together, these results indicate that antibody-mediated neutralization provides significant protection in
B. anthracis
infection-induced immunity.
Functional Analysis of Effector and Regulatory T Cells in a Parasitic Nematode Infection
Authors: Rausch Sebastian , Huehn Jochen , Kirchhoff Dennis , Rzepecka Justyna , Schnoeller Corinna , Pillai Smitha , Loddenkemper Christoph , Scheffold Alexander , Hamann Alf , Lucius Richard , Hartmann Susanne 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTParasitic nematodes typically modulate T-cell reactivity, primarily during the chronic phase of infection. We analyzed the role of CD4-positive (CD4+) T effector (Teff) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells derived from mice chronically infected with the intestinal nematodeHeligmosomoides polygyrus. Different CD4+T-cell subsets were transferred into naïve recipients that were subsequently infected withH. polygyrus. Adoptive transfer of conventional Teffcells conferred protection and led to a significant decrease in the worm burdens ofH. polygyrus-infected recipients. Roughly 0.2% of the CD4+T cells wereH. polygyrusspecific based on expression of CD154, and cells producing interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 were highly enriched within the CD154+population. In contrast, adoptive transfer of Tregcells, characterized by the markers CD25 and CD103 and the transcription factor Foxp3, had no effect on the worm burdens of recipients. Further analysis showed that soon after infection, the number of Foxp3+Tregcells temporarily increased in the inflamed tissue while effector/memory-like CD103+Foxp+Tregcells systemically increased in the draining lymph nodes and spleen. In addition, Tregcells represented a potential source of IL-10 and reduced the expression of IL-4. Finally, under in vitro conditions, Tregcells from infected mice were more potent suppressors than cells derived from naïve mice. In conclusion, our data indicate that small numbers of Teffcells have the ability to promote host protective immune responses, even in the presence of Tregcells.
Murine Model for Assessment of
Plasmodium falciparum
Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Using Transgenic
Plasmodium berghei
Parasites Expressing the Target Antigen Pfs25
Authors: Mlambo Godfree , Maciel Jorge , Kumar Nirbhay 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Currently, there is no animal model for
Plasmodium falciparum
challenge to evaluate malaria transmission-blocking vaccines based on the well-established Pfs25 target antigen. The biological activity of transmission-blocking antibodies is typically assessed using an assay known as the membrane feeding assay (MFA). It is an in vitro method that involves mixing antibodies with cultured
P. falciparum
gametocytes and feeding them to mosquitoes through an artificial membrane followed by assessment of infection in the mosquitoes. We genetically modified
Plasmodium berghei
to express Pfs25 and demonstrated that the transgenic parasites (TrPfs25Pb) are susceptible to anti-Pfs25 antibodies during mosquito-stage development. The asexual growth kinetics and mosquito infectivity of TrPfs25Pb were comparable to those of wild-type parasites, and TrPfs25Pb displayed Pfs25 on the surface of ookinetes. Immune sera from nonhuman primates immunized with a Pfs25-based vaccine when passively transferred to mice blocked transmission of TrPfs25Pb to
Anopheles stephensi
. Furthermore, mice immunized with Pfs25 DNA vaccine and challenged with TrPfs25Pb displayed reduced malaria transmission compared to mice immunized with wild-type plasmid. These studies describe development of an animal malaria model alternative to the in vitro MFA and show that the model can facilitate
P. falciparum
transmission-blocking vaccine evaluation based on the target antigen Pfs25. We believe that an animal model to test transmission-blocking vaccines would be superior to the MFA, since there may be additional immune factors that synergize the transmission-blocking activity of antibodies in vivo.
Interleukin-1β Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Epithelial Cells
Authors: Eskan Mehmet A. , Benakanakere Manjunatha R. , Rose Beate G. , Zhang Ping , Zhao Jiawei , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Fujioka Daisuke , Kinane Denis F. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Periodontitis is a chronic human inflammatory disease initiated and sustained by dental plaque microorganisms. A major contributing pathogen is
Porphyromonas gingivalis
, a gram-negative bacterium recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, which are expressed by human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). However, it is still unclear how these cells respond to
P. gingivalis
and initiate inflammatory and immune responses. We have reported previously that HGECs produce a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β. In this study, we show that IL-1β has a special role in the modulation of other inflammatory cytokines in HGECs challenged with
P. gingivalis
. Our results show that the increased production of IL-1β correlates with the cell surface expression of TLR4, and more specifically, TLR4-normal HGECs produce fourfold more IL-1β than do TLR4-deficient HGECs after challenge. Moreover, blocking the IL-1β receptor greatly reduces the production of “secondary” proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 or IL-6. Our data indicate that the induction of IL-1β plays an important role in mediating the release of other proinflammatory cytokines from primary human epithelial cells following challenge with
P. gingivalis
, and this process may be an inflammatory enhancement mechanism adopted by epithelial cells.
Breadth and Magnitude of Antibody Responses to MultiplePlasmodium falciparumMerozoite Antigens Are Associated with Protection from Clinical Malaria
Authors: Osier Faith H. A. , Fegan Gregory , Polley Spencer D. , Murungi Linda , Verra Federica , Tetteh Kevin K. A. , Lowe Brett , Mwangi Tabitha , Bull Peter C. , Thomas Alan W. , Cavanagh David R. , McBride Jana S. , Lanar David E. , Mackinnon Margaret J. , Conway David J. , Marsh Kevin 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTIndividuals living in areas where malaria is endemic are repeatedly exposed to many different malaria parasite antigens. Studies on naturally acquired antibody-mediated immunity to clinical malaria have largely focused on the presence of responses to individual antigens and their associations with decreased morbidity. We hypothesized that the breadth (number of important targets to which antibodies were made) and magnitude (antibody level measured in a random serum sample) of the antibody response were important predictors of protection from clinical malaria. We analyzed naturally acquired antibodies to five leadingPlasmodium falciparummerozoite-stage vaccine candidate antigens, and schizont extract, in Kenyan children monitored for uncomplicated malaria for 6 months (n= 119). Serum antibody levels to apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and merozoite surface protein antigens (MSP-1 block 2, MSP-2, and MSP-3) were inversely related to the probability of developing malaria, but levels to MSP-119and erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA-175) were not. The risk of malaria was also inversely associated with increasing breadth of antibody specificities, with none of the children who simultaneously had high antibody levels to five or more antigens experiencing a clinical episode (17/119; 15%;P= 0.0006). Particular combinations of antibodies (AMA1, MSP-2, and MSP-3) were more strongly predictive of protection than others. The results were validated in a larger, separate case-control study whose end point was malaria severe enough to warrant hospital admission (n= 387). These findings suggest that under natural exposure, immunity to malaria may result from high titers antibodies to multiple antigenic targets and support the idea of testing combination blood-stage vaccines optimized to induce similar antibody profiles.