bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of B7 molecules in the cell contact-mediated suppression of T cell mitogenesis by immunosuppressive macrophages induced with mycobacterial infection
Authors: SHIMIZU T , SANO C , TOMIOKA H 
Published: February 2004

SUMMARYWe found previously that immunosuppressive macrophages (Mφs) induced by Mycobacterium intracellulare infection (MI-Mφs) transmitted their suppressor signals to target T cells through cell contact with target T cells. In this study, we examined what kinds of Mφ surface molecules are required for such cell–to–cell interaction. First, it was found that a B7-1-like molecule (B7–1LM) recognizable with one of three test clones of anti-B7-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was required for expression of the Mφ suppressor activity. Neither anti-B7-2, anti-ICAM-1, nor anti-VCAM-1 mAb blocked the Mφ suppressor activity. Second, MI-Mφs increased the expression of B7–1LM in parallel with the acquisition of the suppressor activity. Moreover, MI-Mφs bound with target T cells in a B7–1LM-dependent fashion. Third, mAb blocking of CTLA-4 on target T cells did not reduce the suppressor activity of MI-Mφs, suggesting the role of a putative molecule on target T cells other than CTLA-4 as the receptor for B7–1LM of MI-Mφs. Fourth, concanavalin A (Con A) stimulation of MI-Mφs was needed for effective cell contact with target T cells and subsequent expression of the suppressor activity of MI-Mφs. Fifth, the Con A-induced increase in the suppressor activity of MI-Mφs was inhibited by KN-62 but not by herbimycin A, H-7, nor H-88, indicating that Con A-induced up-regulation of MI-Mφ function is mediated by calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II or ATP/P2Z receptors, but independent of protein tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C, and protein kinase A. These findings indicate that a B7/CTLA-4-independent mechanism is needed for the transmission of the suppressor signals from MI-Mφs to target T cells.
Differential expression of mRNA for Th1 and Th2 cytokine-associated transcription factors and suppressors of cytokine signalling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: ARAKAWA S , HATANO Y , KATAGIRI K 
Published: February 2004

SUMMARYAtopic dermatitis is characterized by Th2-dominant immunity. Recently many intracellular molecules have been reported to regulate cytokine expression and T cell differentiation. GATA-3 and T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet) are transcription factors that play a critical role in the development of Th2 and Th1 immunity, respectively. Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 and SOCS-5, are negative regulators of the cytokine signalling induced by IL-12 and IL-4, respectively. Txk is a transcription factor that activates IFN-γ gene directly. The present study was designed to identify intracellular molecules that are responsible for the pathogenesis and the imbalance of cytokines in atopic dermatitis. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without any stimulation the levels of mRNA for GATA-3 and SOCS-3 were elevated, the levels of mRNA for Txk were depressed and the levels of mRNA for T-bet and SOCS-5 were comparable in patients with atopic dermatitis as compared with healthy controls. In addition, successful therapy normalized levels of mRNA for GATA-3 and Txk, although those for the others including IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ did not change. Levels of Txk mRNA correlated with those of IFN-γ, while the mRNA levels of the other regulators did not correlate with those of any of the cytokines. These results suggest GATA-3 and Txk might be involved in skin lesions, while SOCS-3 might be associated with an imbalance of cytokines that is difficult to normalize in atopic dermatitis.
An analysis of canine hair re‐growth after clipping for a surgical procedure
Authors: Diaz Sandra F. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Dunstan Robert W. , Lekcharoensuk Chalermpol 
Published: February 2004

Abstract  Hair growth and replacement have been studied extensively in humans, sheep and laboratory rodents, but in dogs and other mammalian species few studies have been published. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the time required for the hair to re‐grow in dogs after clipping for a surgical procedure; (2) to define whether the season of the year influenced the period of time required for re‐growth and; (3) to determine if season might influence the telogen: anagen ratio. Eleven Labrador retrievers were recruited during spring, 10 during summer, six during autumn and 10 during winter. Hairs re‐grew to their preclipped length in 14.6 weeks, 14.5 weeks, 13.6 weeks and 15.4 weeks when shaved in the spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The differences in these values were not significant suggesting that season has no effect on the rate of hair re‐growth in Labrador retrievers housed indoors (P = 0.12). The mean values for the telogen: anagen ratio in each season were: 5.2 (spring), 6.1 (summer), 9.5 (autumn), and 5.3 (winter). The differences in these values also were not significant (P = 0.89). The percentage of hairs in telogen was over 80% in all four seasons.
The tear film and ocular mucins
Authors: Davidson Harriet J. , Kuonen Vanessa J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe trilaminar tear film, composed of the lipid, aqueous and mucin layers, has many functions including defending the ocular surface. The aqueous layer has several soluble antimicrobial factors that protect the ocular surface. Ocular mucins have recently been studied with regard to their role in the defense of the eye as well as in dry eye syndromes. To date, 15 mucin genes have been identified, and six of these mucin genes are localized to or secreted by ocular glands or epithelia. Understanding the production, secretion and function of ocular mucins will aid in the treatment of dry eye syndromes and ocular surface microbial infections.
Basic concepts in statistics for veterinary ophthalmologists
Authors: Montiani‐Ferreira F. , Cardoso F. F. , Petersen‐Jones S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis review article provides a comprehensive coverage of basic statistical procedures commonly used in biologic experiments and is intended to be a basic guide to the selection of appropriate tests and also to aid the reader in the evaluation of published studies. The focus is on the use, interpretation and presentation of the main statistical tests and their key concepts for the practicing veterinary ophthalmologist. Several examples derived from actual ophthalmic research are presented in the text. Lastly, the article discusses computer‐based statistical analysis, provides a list of different software available and gives a practical example of a ‘real life’ statistical analysis.
Change in intraocular pressure during maturation in Labrador Retriever dogs
Authors: Mughannam Albert J. , Cook Cynthia S. , Fritz Curtis L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjective To measure intraocular pressure (IOP) in a group of dogs as puppies and young adults to determine if there is any change during maturation.Animals studied Thirty‐two healthy Labrador Retriever dogs.Procedures Intraocular pressure was measured using a Tonopen XL initially at approximately 6 weeks of age (T1), then again approximately 1 year later (T2). Exact ages were known based on whelp date.Results The dogs had marginally higher IOP OU at T2 (mean = 14.9 mmHg) compared to T1 (mean = 13.4 mmHg). However, the difference was not statistically significant. No differences were seen based on sex and litter. Intraocular pressure OD was statistically greater than OS at T1 but not at T2.Conclusions Normal values for intraocular pressure are the same in puppies and adults. The results of this study do not support the previously suggested theory that younger dogs have sustained increased IOP as a requirement to drive growth of the globe. However, it does not rule out the possibility that a dynamic relationship between intraocular pressure and expansion of the globe may exist.
Lens morphometry determined by B‐mode ultrasonography of the normal and cataractous canine lens
Authors: Williams David L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPurpose To determine axial lens thickness, anterior chamber depth and axial globe length in canine eyes with normal lenses and in eyes with immature, mature, congenital, posterior polar and diabetic cataract.Methods B‐mode ultrasonography was performed in 50 normal dogs and, as a prephacoemulsification screening procedure, in 100 dogs with cataract. Axial B‐mode ultrasonograms were used to determine lens thickness, anterior chamber depth and globe diameter. Statistical comparisons between groups were made by analysis of variance and multivariate analysis, with a significance level ofP< 0.05.Results Axial globe lengths were not statistically significantly different between groups apart from the smaller globes in younger dogs with congenital cataract. Axial lens thickness in diabetics (8.4 ± 0.9 mm) was statistically significantly different from the lens thickness in normal eyes (6.7 ± 1.0 mm), eyes with immature cataract (6.4 ± 0.8 mm) and eyes with mature cataract (7.4 ± 0.9 mm) although these groups, while varying in thickness, were not statistically significantly different from each other. Anterior chamber depth was statistically significantly reduced in eyes with diabetic cataract (2.9 ± 0.1 mm) from that in normal eyes (3.8 ± 0.1 mm), eyes with immature cataract (3.5 ± 0.1 mm) and eyes with mature cataract (3.2 ± 0.6 mm) although these groups, while varying in chamber depth, were not statistically significantly different from each other.Conclusions Lenses with diabetic cataracts were significantly increased in axial thickness compared to lenses in other eyes, although lenses with mature cataracts showed a trend towards increased axial thickness and immature cataracts demonstrated a trend towards reduced thickness. While previous studies on cataract pathobiology have suggested a reduction in lens thickness in immature cataract through lens protein loss and an increase in thickness in mature cataracts through intumescence, this study is the first to document these changes in the canine lens.
Prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs in North America
Authors: Gelatt Kirk N. , MacKay Edward O. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjective To determine the prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America that participate in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB).Materials and methods In this retrospective study, age of first diagnosis, breed, and gender data for all breeds of dogs were collected from the VMDB with the clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma (glaucoma‐NOS) at 5–10 year intervals from 1964 to 2002. The prevalence for each breed (affected dogs compared to all dogs of each breed), any changes over the 38 years, and any gender differences for these glaucomas were determined.Results The prevalence of the primary breed‐related glaucomas has gradually increased from 0.29% (1964–1973); 0.46% (1974–1983); 0.76% (1984–1993); to 0.89% (1994–2002). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest 10 for glaucoma prevalence from four different periods (1964 to 2002) included American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, and Boston Terrier. During the last observation period (1994–2002), 22 different breeds had 1% or higher prevalence of the glaucomas. The highest prevalence of glaucomas in 1994–2002 by breed included: American Cocker Spaniel (5.52%); Basset Hound (5.44%); Chow Chow (4.70%); Shar‐Pei (4.40%); Boston Terrier (2.88%); Wire Fox Terrier (2.28%); Norwegian ElkHound (1.98%); Siberian Husky (1.88%); Cairn Terrier (1.82%); and Miniature Poodle (1.68%). A predominance of females with glaucoma occurred in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and perhaps the Siberian Husky, and a predominance of males in the Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard. Age affected the time for first presentation of the glaucomas in the pure‐bred dog. In the majority of breeds the glaucomas were presented for initial diagnosis in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age.Conclusion Breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs are frequently presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America. The prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in the dog appears similar to humans, and in some breeds exceeds that in humans. In many breeds the high prevalence of the glaucomas suggests a genetic basis.
Morphologic changes of the anterior corneal epithelium caused by third eyelid removal in dogs
Authors: Saito A. , Watanabe Y. , Kotani T. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMorphologic changes of corneal epithelium after third eyelid removal were observed in six normal Beagle dogs. The observation was conducted on the 17th, 35th and 72nd week after the removal. Morphologic changes were observed on corneal epithelium layers at 17 and 35 weeks post excision of the third eyelid but they were limited to minor changes including abnormal intercellular adhesion and further exfoliation of superficial cells at 72 weeks. The reduced BUT and evidence of vital positive staining correspond with these morphologic changes. Therefore, these changes are thought to be important findings from a morphologic view point in identifying pathologic symptoms of the cornea using clinical evaluation methods such as BUT and vital staining method. Grossly, no clinical indication of ocular disease was indicated by slit‐lamp biomicroscopic observation; however, the BUT shortage and positive finding of vital staining indicated that the corneal epithelium layers after third eyelid removal lacked the essential barrier function. Thus, it would seem appropriate to consider that such a condition of the ocular surface would worsen with excessive exposure of the ocular surface, palpebration disorders and other exogenous factors.
Multiple eyelid apocrine hidrocystomas in two Persian cats
Authors: Cantaloube Brice , Raymond‐Letron Isabelle , Regnier Alain 
Published: February 2004

AbstractTwo middle‐aged Persian cats were presented for evaluation of periocular masses. On examination, multiple pigmented nodules, 2–10 mm in diameter, were found in the periocular skin. Excisional biopsy revealed unilocular cystic lesions derived from apocrine sweat glands and resembling apocrine hidrocystomas of the eyelids described in humans. Immunostaining for Ki67 identified actively proliferating epithelial cells and demonstrated, for the first time, that these cystic lesions are adenomatous proliferative tumors (cystadenomas) rather than retention cysts. In both cases, additional lesions appeared within 6 to 9 months at affected and previously unaffected sites on the eyelids.
Diagnostic ultrasonography of equine lens and posterior segment abnormalities
Authors: Scotty N. C. , Cutler T. J. , Brooks D. E. , Ferrell E. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPurpose  To define the indications for equine ocular ultrasonography and to provide representative ultrasonographic images of lens and posterior segment diseases.Methods  Retrospective study. Equine medical records dating from January 1983 to March 2001 were reviewed. All cases that: (1) had a lens and/or posterior segment abnormality; and (2) received a complete ophthalmic examination and ocular ultrasonography were included.Results  Forty‐three cases (n = 64 eyes) out of 112 total cases of equine lens and/or posterior segment abnormalities qualified. The following conditions were identified ultrasonographically in order of decreasing frequency: cataracts, vitreal opacities, retinal detachment, lens luxation, endophthalmitis, microphthalmos, choroiditis, lens rupture, lenticonus, buphthalmos and phthisis bulbi. Ultrasonography often enabled diagnoses to be made in the presence of anterior opacities in both surgical (pre and/or postoperatively) and nonsurgical cases. Additional ocular conditions were identified in adults with cataracts more frequently than in foals with cataracts.Conclusions  Cataracts were the most common lens abnormality identified in horses that received ocular ultrasound examination. Cataracts were commonly found in association with other ocular abnormalities. Ultrasonography was a practical and effective method of evaluating the lens and posterior segment, particularly in cases with anterior opacities. Ultrasonography also provided critical information with regard to the potential for surgical removal of cataracts and was a valuable component of postsurgical follow‐up.
Can leakage at the vesico‐urethral anastomosis be predicted after radical retropubic prostatectomy?
Authors: Ramsden A.R. , Chodak G.W. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVESTo determine if low‐risk patients can be identified in whom cystography is unnecessary to assess the integrity of the vesico‐urethral anastomosis after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and thus who can have early catheter removal.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 275 RRPs by one surgeon were analysed retrospectively; the surgical technique, blood loss and comorbidity were recorded. Cystograms were taken 8 days after RRP to assess vesico‐urethral integrity before catheter removal.RESULTSOf the 275 patients, 75% and 89% had cystography before 8 and 10 days after RRP, respectively; 71% of patients had no leak on cystography and were catheter‐free at 8 days. Eighty‐four leaks were identified, of which 25 (9.6%) were moderate or large. Previous transurethral prostatectomy, ischaemic heart disease, blood loss, mucosal eversion and preservation of the prostatic urethra were significant risk factors for developing a leak and were used to create a nomogram to assess the relative risk of leakage. However, none of the variables assessed, either alone or combined, could be used to predict which leaks were clinically significant.CONCLUSIONSLeakage cannot be reliably predicted at the vesico‐urethral anastomosis. Cystograms are necessary to identify clinically significant leaks at 8 days and should be taken if early catheter removal is being considered.
Renal damage in vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Caione P. , Ciofetta G. , Collura G. , Morano S. , Capozza N. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo detect the different extent of renal parenchymal involvement in primary vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR), and to evaluate the relationship between VUR grade, patient age and different patterns of parenchymal damage.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis blinded retrospective study included 197 consecutive children (mean age 4.26 years, range 1 month to 13 years) with primary VUR detected by voiding cysto‐urethrography (VCUG), 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; 120 MBq/1.73 m2) renal scintigraphy, with scanning for 3 h after intravenous injection. An abnormal DMSA scan was classified into three subtypes: cortical defects as a single scar (SS), multiple cortical scarring (MS) and diffuse reduced uptake with small renal size. Renal absolute uptake (AU), and split‐kidney relative uptake were evaluated in refluxing and nonrefluxing renal units, and correlated with parenchymal damage and patient age. Student's t‐test and the chi‐square test were used for the statistical analysis.RESULTSIn all, 282 refluxing and 112 nonrefluxing units were assessed. Renal damage was detected in 188 of 282 units with VUR (67%) and in 18 of 112 (16%) contralateral nonrefluxing kidneys. The mean AU was 18.7% in kidneys with VUR and 29% in nonrefluxing units (P < 0.001). The mean (sd) AU decreased from lower to higher grades of VUR, i.e. grade 0 VUR (group A), 28.97 (9.71); grade 1–3 (group B), 21.28 (8.33); grade 4–5 (group C), 14.78 (8.02). The differences were statistically significant (A vs B, B vs C, both P < 0.001). Renal damage was differently distributed in the three groups: 69 of 109 kidneys (63%) in group C (MS prevalent), 39 of 173 (22.5%) in group B (SS prevalent) and 17 of 112 (15.2%) in group A. There was no significant difference in the distribution of renal damage subtypes in patients aged < or > 2 years (SS 19.6% vs 17.9%, MS 29.6% vs 30.1%, small size 48.2% vs 46.3%). The VUR was severe (group C) in 65% of patients aged < 2 years and in 46% aged > 2 years (chi‐square, P= 0.016).CONCLUSIONSVUR is commonly associated with renal damage. Age (< or > 2 years) did not significantly influence the kidney lesion subtype. Reduced parenchymal function (AU) progressively decreased with the severity of VUR. Focal MS, reduced size and relative uptake were significantly more common in severe VUR, leading to multifocal lesions and hypo‐dysplasia. Renal scarring was present in up to 15% of contralateral nonrefluxing kidneys. Severe VUR behaved differently from lesser VUR in the renal scan parenchymal uptake.
A comparison of the effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on neurally evoked increases in bladder neck and seminal vesicle pressure in rats
Authors: Giuliano F. , Bernabe J. , Droupy S. , Alexandre L. , Allard J. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists alfuzosin and tamsulosin on the physiological events associated with ejaculation in the rat, because when these drugs are used for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men they may affect ejaculation by impairing bladder neck closure and seminal vesicle contraction.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn clinical trials the incidence of ejaculatory disorders in men is typically < 1% with alfuzosin and 4–18% with tamsulosin. The effects of tamsulosin and alfuzosin on bladder neck and seminal vesicle pressures (BNP and SVP) in the rat were analysed. Increases in BNP and SVP were induced in urethane‐anaesthetized Wistar rats by electrical stimulation (ES) of the hypogastric nerve (HN) before and after an intravenous injection with vehicle, 3 or 10 µg/kg of tamsulosin or alfuzosin (10 rats/group). The mean amplitude and area under the curve (AUC) of the BNP and SVP were expressed as the percentage of the response to ES of HN before the treatment.RESULTSThe amplitude and AUC of the SVP were significantly decreased by both doses of tamsulosin, and marginally decreased by the same doses of alfuzosin. The amplitude of the BNP was significantly decreased by 3 and 10 µg/kg of tamsulosin and 10 µg/kg alfuzosin, and marginally decreased by 3 µg/kg alfuzosin. The AUC of the BNP was significantly decreased by both doses of tamsulosin, but barely affected by alfuzosin at the same doses.CONCLUSIONOver the doses assessed, alfuzosin had significantly less deleterious effect on increases in BNP and SVP induced by ES of the HN than had tamsulosin.
Social Capital and Knowledge Integration in an ERP Project Team: The Importance of Bridging AND Bonding
Authors: Newell Sue , Tansley Carole , Huang Jimmy 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA project team, set up to design and implement a large‐scope IT system, is essentially tasked with integrating distributed knowledge. This suggests that the social capital of members will be organizationally important. However, we suggest that in understanding the relationship between social capital and knowledge integration within a project team, it is necessary to distinguish between two forms of social capital – external bridging social capital and internal bonding social capital. We argue that for the effective mobilization of ‘weak’ social capital bridges for collective purposes, there is first a need to create ‘strong’ social capital bonds within the project team so that it becomes a cohesive social unit that will be able to effectively integrate knowledge that is acquired through members' bridging activity.