bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoptive transfer of dendritic cells from allergic mice induces specific immunoglobulin E antibody in naïve recipients in absence of antigen challenge without altering the T helper 1/T helper 2 balance
Authors: Chambers Stephen J. , Bertelli Eugenio , Winterbone Mark S. , Regoli Mari , Man Angela L. , Nicoletti Claudio 
Published: April 2004

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are important in the regulation of immune responses and it has been proposed that these cells play an important role in asthma; however, their role in food allergy is still largely unknown. Our aim was to study specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses in naïve recipients following adoptive transfer of myeloid DCs from allergic and control mice. The phenotypic features and lymphokine production of DCs were also investigated. CD11c+/hi B220− DCs isolated from spleen and Peyer's patches (PP) of cow's milk (CM) allergic and control mice were transferred intravenously (i.v.) into naïve syngeneic recipients, and IgE‐ and IgG‐specific responses were evaluated. Experiments were also carried out to determine the levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin (IL)‐4 produced by splenocytes from naïve recipients following the adoptive transfer, and CD40 ligand (CD40L)‐mediated IL‐10 production by DCs from allergic and control mice. DCs isolated from spleen and PP of allergic mice, but not control groups, induced CM‐specific IgG and IgE antibody production in naïve recipients in the absence of previous immunization, but did not modify the T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) balance. Furthermore, although no difference was observed in the expression of canonical DC surface markers, PP DCs from allergic mice produced less IL‐10 than DCs from controls. We interpret these data as showing that DCs play a pivotal role in allergen‐specific IgE responses and that a Th2‐skewed response may not be involved in the early phase of allergic responses. The identification of the mechanisms underlying these events may help to design novel strategies of therapeutic intervention in food allergy.
Inhibition of Fas‐mediated apoptotic cell death of murine T lymphocytes in a mouse model of immunosenescence in linkage to deterioration in cell membrane raft function
Authors: Yokoyama Toshihiro , Du Jun , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Haruhiko , Nakashima Izumi 
Published: April 2004

SummaryWe previously developed a transgenic mouse line into which a rabbit protein kinase Cα (PKCα) gene fused to a human CD2 promoter/enhancer was introduced, and we found that immunosenescence was facilitated in these transgenic mice. In this study, we found that along with age‐dependent increase in the level of protein expression of PKCα and its translocation to the membrane, activated T cells became less sensitive to apoptosis‐inducing anti‐Fas antibody. The capacity of T cells to express Fas antigen on their surfaces in response to anti‐CD3 and interleukin‐2 was impaired in PKCα‐transgenic mice of relatively advanced age, although background Fas expression levels on T cells from those mice were high. We then found that out of proportion to a high level of cell surface Fas expression the density of cholera toxin B (CTx)‐binding raft elements decreased in PKCα‐transgenic mice of relatively advanced age and to a lesser extent in normal mice of advanced age. Correspondingly, the expression level of raft‐associating Lck was decreased in these mice. These findings suggest for the first time that immunosenescence of T cells involves a decrease in density of cell surface CTx‐binding raft elements, which might underlie a deterioration in T‐cell signal pathway for either cell death or cell activation.
Conventional protein kinase C and atypical protein kinase Cζ differentially regulate macrophage production of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐10
Authors: Foey Andrew D. , Brennan Fionula M. 
Published: April 2004

SummaryIn chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, joint macrophages/monocytes are the major source of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Little is understood regarding the signalling pathways which determine the production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). Two pathways integral to macrophage function are the protein kinase C (PKC)‐ and the cAMP‐dependent pathways. In this report, we have investigated the involvement of PKC and cAMP in the production of TNF‐α and IL‐10 by peripheral blood monocyte‐derived macrophages. The utilization of the PKC inhibitors Go6983, Go6976 and RO‐32‐0432 demonstrated a role for conventional PKCs (α and β) in the production of TNF‐α in response to stimulation by lipopolysaccharide and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)/ionomycin. PKC stimulation resulted in the downstream activation of the p42/44 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which differentially regulates TNF‐α and IL‐10. The addition of cAMP however, suppressed activation of this MAPK and TNF‐α production. Cyclic‐AMP augmented IL‐10 production and cAMP response element binding protein activation upon stimulation by PMA/ionomycin. In addition, cAMP activated PKCζ; inhibition of which, by a dominant negative adenovirus construct, selectively suppressed IL‐10 production. These observations suggest that pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines are differentially regulated by PKC isoforms; TNF‐α being dependent on conventional PKCs (α and β) whereas IL‐10 is regulated by the cAMP‐regulated atypical PKCζ.
Neurons in the corpus callosum of the cat during postnatal development
Authors: Riederer Beat M. , Berbel Pere , Innocenti Giorgio M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe corpus callosum (CC) is a major telencephalic commissure containing mainly cortico‐cortical axons and glial cells. We have identified neurons in the CC of the cat and quantified their number at different postnatal ages. An antibody against microtubule‐associated protein 2 was used as a marker of neurons. Immunocytochemical double‐labelling with neuron‐specific enolase or γ‐aminobutyric acid antibodies in the absence of glial fibrillary acidic protein positivity confirmed the neuronal phenotype of these cells. CC neurons were also stained with anti‐calbindin and anti‐calretinin antibodies, typical for interneurons, and with an anti‐neurofilament antibody, which in neocortex detects pyramidal neurons. Together, these findings suggest that the CC contains a mixed population of neuronal types. The quantification was corrected for double counting of adjacent sections and volume changes during CC development. Our data show that CC neurons are numerous early postnatally, and their number decreases with age. At birth, about 570 neurons are found within the CC boundaries and their number drops to about 200 in the adult. The distribution of the neurons within the CC also changes in development. Initially, many neurons are found throughout the CC, while at later ages they become restricted to the boundaries of the CC, and in the adult to the rostrum of the CC close to the septum pellucidum or to the indusium griseum. Although origin and function of transient CC neurons in development and in adulthood remain unknown, they are likely to be interstitial neurons. Some of them have well‐developed and differentiated processes and resemble pyramidal cells or interneurons. An axon‐guiding function during the early postnatal period can not be excluded.
Expectation of caffeine induces dopaminergic responses in humans
Authors: Kaasinen Valtteri , Aalto Sargo , Någren Kjell , Rinne Juha O. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractRecent neuroimaging studies indicate that placebo treatments can induce clinically relevant neurobiological responses in patients with Parkinson's disease, depression and pain. The present study aimed to investigate neurotransmitter function in psychostimulant expectation, with the focus on dopaminergic effects of placebo caffeine in healthy human subjects. Eight habitual coffee drinkers were examined twice with [11C]raclopride positron emission tomography after no treatment and after oral placebo tablets in a counter‐balanced setting. During the placebo condition the subjects were instructed that they had a 50% chance of receiving caffeine, but all received placebo. As compared with no treatment, placebo induced a significant bilateral dopamine release in the thalamus, as reflected by a 15% reduction in thalamic [11C]raclopride binding (P < 0.001). The level of arousal after placebo correlated positively with the tracer binding in the putamen (r = −0.91, P = 0.004). The results indicate that caffeine expectation induces dopaminergic placebo effects, and that these effects are similar to previous findings with oral caffeine. The results therefore suggest that caffeine and placebo caffeine may share some dopaminergic mechanisms of action.
Optic nerve head morphology of the Eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis
Authors: Kuester Lindsay A. , Komáromy András M. , Brooks Dennis E. , Lewis Patricia A. , Bennett Fred , Chisholm Mae 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to characterize the morphology of the Eastern gray squirrel optic nerve head, using histochemical techniques and scanning electron microscopy, in order to make comparisons with other mammalian species. Eyes of three Eastern gray squirrels were enucleated, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and embedded in paraffin. Sections through the optic nerve head were made in the three different planes, and staining was accomplished with hematoxylin and eosin and Gomori's trichrome stain. Stained sections were examined using light microscopy. The surface of the optic nerve head and the peripapillary retina were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The anterior optic nerve head of the Eastern gray squirrel was found to be horizontally elongated and tapers to a more conventional round shape after it exits the eye. Retinal nerve fiber axons converge on the optic nerve head from all directions. Anterior to the lamina cribrosa, the mean (± SD) optic nerve axon bundle diameter was 27 ± 11 µm. The lamina cribrosa measured 363 µm dorsal to ventral and 3.60 mm nasal to temporal. The thickness of the lamina was 125 µm anterior to posterior with a mean (± SD) laminar pore size of 45 ± 12 µm. The optic nerve head measured 3.65 mm nasal to temporal and 330 µm dorsal to ventral. Trichrome staining indicated the presence of collagen in the lamina cribrosa. This is the first detailed description of the squirrel optic nerve head. It has an unusual shape among mammals with a dramatic horizontal elongation. The purpose of this shape is not apparent. The presence of collagen in the scleral lamina cribrosa indicates a similar extracellular matrix composition as in other species.
Early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France: preliminary observations
Authors: Chaudieu G. , Molon‐Noblot S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe objective of the study was to describe a form of early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France. Sixty‐two Bernese Mountain Dogs (38 males and 24 females), whose ages ranged from 2 months to 9 years, were examined over a period of 3 years. Visual behavior, pupillary light reflexes, menace responses and ocular fundi were evaluated in all animals. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed on six of the affected dogs after dark adaptation. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed on one affected dog. Whenever possible, the pedigrees of the affected dogs were evaluated. A histological examination of the retina was performed on one of the affected dogs. Eight dogs (seven males and one female) were diagnosed with retinopathy with an early onset of clinical signs. (Four dogs were aged between 3 months and 1 year, two dogs were aged 2 and 3.5 years, and one dog was 7 years old.) Night vision was impaired in most of the dogs. Retinopathy was characterized ophthalmoscopically by a bilateral, symmetrical horizontal zone of tapetal hyper‐reflectivity adjacent to and above the optic disc, and sometimes by peri‐papillary hyper‐reflectivity. ERG changes included a reduction in b‐wave amplitude varying from one case to another. Fluoroscein angiography demonstrated an ischemic‐type alteration with epitheliopathy opposite the hyper‐reflective zone. Pedigree examinations suggested a familial predisposition. The histological examination indicated photoreceptor degeneration that was more pronounced in the central tapetal zone. In France, retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog involves an early retinal degeneration that produces specific manifestations of the ocular fundus, night visual impairment or blindness, and has familial transmission.
Comparing the photopic ERG i‐wave in different species
Authors: Rosolen Serge G. , Rigaudière Florence , LeGargasson Jean‐François , Chalier Catherine , Rufiange Marianne , Racine Julie , Joly Sandrine , Lachapelle Pierre 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe i‐wave, a post b‐wave component of the human photopic electroretinogram (ERG), is claimed to originate at the level of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) or more distally. We investigated whether this wave is a feature common to all species. Photopic ERGs were obtained from the following species: Beagle dog, European cat, New Zealand white rabbit, Göttingen minipig, Cynomolgus monkey, Sprague–Dawley and brown Norway rats, Hartley guinea pig, and CD1 and C57BL6 mice. Results were compared with those obtained from normal human subjects. Except for rats and mice, all species yielded a well‐demarcated i‐wave, easily identifiable and separated from the a–b‐wave complex by ≈ 20 ms. Our sample suggests that the i‐wave is a feature common to the photopic ERG of most species including humans. In view of its suggested origin, the i‐wave would offer a unique opportunity to test, with the flash ERG, the functional integrity of the retinal ganglion cells in animals where use of a pattern stimulus is not always easily obtained.
Uveodermatologic syndrome in a Brazilian Fila dog
Authors: Laus José L. , Sousa Marlos G. , Cabral Vânia P. , Mamede Fabrício V. , Tinucci‐Costa Mirela 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA 5‐year‐old Brazilian Fila dog was presented with a history of vision loss, alopecia, and generalized depigmentation of the skin and hair. Clinical examination confirmed generalized depigmentation and pyodermitis. On ophthalmic examination there was depigmentation at the eyelid mucocutaneous junction, associated with anterior uveitis, and bilateral posterior synechia at 360°. Both the complete blood count and skin scraping were normal. Skin biopsy showed histiocytary lichenoid interface dermatitis with an absence of pigment within the queratinocytes, and a moderate lymphomononuclear infiltrate and predominance of histiocytes in the papilar derma suggestive of uveodermatologic syndrome. Clinical management consisted of oral and topical administration of prednisone, associated with 1% indometacine eye drops. Methylprednisone was also used twice via the subconjunctival route, at an interval of 15 days. To prevent the development of secondary glaucoma due to posterior synechiae, dorzolamide and timolol eye drops were indicated. Both dermatologic and ophthalmic signs showed good improvement, vision was preserved, and some repigmentation of the skin and hair occurred.
Morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Pigatto João A. T. , Andrade Marcos C. , Laus José Luiz , Santos Jaime M. , Brooks Dennis E. , Guedes Pedro M. , Barros Paulo S. M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the endothelial surface morphology and to perform morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis with regard to polygonality, mean cell area, cell density and coefficient of variation of mean cell area was performed. Cell areas were measured using image analysis software. The normal corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman consisted of polygonal cells of uniform size and shape with interdigitations of the cell borders. Microvilli appeared as protrusions on the cellular surface. The average cell area was 270 ± 24 µm2 and the endothelial cell density was 3704 ± 324 cells/mm2. The coefficient of variation of cell area was 0.22. This study demonstrates that the Yacare caiman corneal endothelium is similar to those described in other vertebrates.
Smoking is associated with reduced serum levels of the antioxidant enzyme, paraoxonase, in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Boemi M. , Sirolla C. , Testa R. , Cenerelli S. , Fumelli P. , James R. W. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAims  To analyse the association of smoking with paraoxonase (PON1) in Type 2 diabetic patients.Methods  Type 2 diabetic patients were recruited independently in two centres (Ancona, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland) and serum PON1 mass and activities were assayed. Current smoking status was established and its association with serum PON1 analysed.Results  Type 2 diabetic patients who smoked had significantly lower serum PON1 mass and activity. This was evident in both groups of patients, even though Swiss patients were composed of coronary patients. Multivariate analyses established that smoking was an independent determinant of serum PON1 status.Conclusions  Smoking is associated with reduced serum levels of the antioxidant enzyme, PON1, even against an already unfavourable background of diabetes and coronary disease. It suggests that a combination of smoking and diabetes may be particularly deleterious for PON1 and consequently for the anti‐oxidant capacity of high‐density lipoproteins.
A double‐blind study comparing 0.5% and 1% tropicamide for annual retinal screening in diabetic adolescents
Authors: Hassler‐Hurst J. , Wadham C. , Rayman G. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAims  To determine whether there is any difference between 0.5% and 1% tropicamide in ocular discomfort and mydriatic efficacy in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  In a double‐blind study, one drop of 0.5% tropicamide was instilled in one eye and one drop of 1% instilled in the other eye of 30 subjects aged 12–18 years. Drop strengths were randomized. Pupil size was measured before instillation, at 10, 20 and 30 min. Discomfort was measured using a recognized pain scale.Results  Irrespective of the concentration of tropicamide used, all pupils dilated to at least 6 mm at 30 min, sufficient for successful ophthalmoscopy. Pain was significantly less when the lower concentration of tropicamide was used; pain score for the 0.5% group [median (interquartile range)] 1.0 (0–2) and 2.0 (1–3) for the 1.0% group, P = 0.009 (Wilcoxon rank test).Conclusions  This minor change in practice significantly reduces the distress associated with drop instillation without compromising the clinical examination, and may thus be important in encouraging compliance at the yearly diabetic review.Diabet. Med. (2004)
Alanine infusion during hypoglycaemia partly supports cognitive performance in healthy human subjects
Authors: Evans M. L. , Hopkins D. , Macdonald I. A. , Amiel S. A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAim To investigate the potential for the non‐glucose metabolic substrate alanine to support brain function during glucose deprivation in man.Methods Seven healthy men were studied on two occasions using a hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp to lower arterialized plasma glucose to 2.5 mmol/l, in the presence of either 2 mmol/kg/h alanine infusion or saline, measuring counter‐regulatory hormonal responses, symptoms generated and cognitive function with a mini‐battery of tests sensitive to hypoglycaemia.Results Alanine infusion elevated plasma alanine (peak value 1481 ± 1260 vs. 138 ± 32 µmol/l,P = 0.02 alanine vs. saline) and lactate (peak value 3.09 ± 0.14 vs. 2.05 ± 0.12 mmol/l,P = 0.02). Cognitive function assessed by the Stroop word and colour subtests deteriorated less with alanine than saline (P < 0.01 for both). Other cognitive function tests deteriorated equally and counter‐regulatory hormones rose equally during hypoglycaemia in both studies (P > 0.34) except for increased glucagon with alanine (peak 260 ± 53 vs. 91 + 8 ng/l,P = 0.03). There was no significant effect of alanine on either autonomic or neuroglycopenic symptom scores.Conclusions Some, but not all, aspects of cognitive performance may be supported by an alanine infusion during hypoglycaemia. It is not clear whether alanine supports brain function directly or via increased availability of lactate. These data contribute to the growing evidence that regional metabolic differences exist in the brain's ability to use non‐glucose fuels during hypoglycaemia.Diabet. Med. (2004)
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A review of the evidence and its application in a UK setting
Authors: Davies M. J. , Tringham J. R. , Troughton J. , Khunti K. K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractType 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic, multifactorial disease, which affects the quality, quantity and style of life. People with T2DM have a life expectancy that can be shortened by as much as 15 years, with up to 75% dying of macrovascular complications. To reduce the impact of T2DM in the 21st century, we need an approach that not only optimally treats the person with established diabetes but also prevents diabetes from occurring in the first place. The best evidence for prevention of diabetes is for interventions that target individuals at highest risk. Targeting patients who have impaired glucose tolerance with lifestyle changes including physical activity and dietary factors has been shown to be effective in the Chinese, North American and Finnish populations. In order for such lifestyle interventions to be successful in other populations, they need to be culturally sensitive, individualized and sustained. Some pharmacological agents including metformin and acarbose have also been shown to be effective, although the profile of those who respond is different. There continues to be a need to develop and evaluate interventions that target communities and populations at risk in a UK setting.Diabet. Med. (2004)
Cost‐effectiveness of flexible intensive insulin management to enable dietary freedom in people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK
Authors: Shearer A. , Bagust A. , Sanderson D. , Heller S. , Roberts S. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAims  To determine the cost‐effectiveness of a structured treatment and teaching programme (STTP) combining dietary freedom with insulin adjustment for Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Incremental cost‐effectiveness analysis based on effectiveness data from three RCTs in Germany, Austria, and Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) in the UK, to model the long‐term microvascular complications of Type 1 diabetes.Results  The STTP approach yields effectiveness gains at a lower cost compared with current standard practice for treatment of Type 1 diabetes. STTPs are likely to save 0.05 life years, yield 0.12 EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) and 0.09 visual analogue scale (VAS) incremental quality‐adjusted life years, and save approximately £2200 per patient treated discounted over 10 years.Conclusions  Introducing STTPs as standard treatment for people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK may help to achieve the primary goal of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Diabetes by enabling individuals to manage their own lifestyle and condition. In doing so it could save valuable resources for the NHS and yield important morbidity and mortality gains.Diabet. Med. (2004)