bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synovial Lesions in Experimental Canine Lyme Borreliosis
Authors: Susta L. , Uhl E. W. , Grosenbaugh D. A. , Krimer P. M. 
Published: November 2011

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, which is mainly characterized by lameness in dogs. More than 95% of naturally infected dogs are asymptomatic or subclinical; however, in experimental studies, histologic synovial lesions are consistently observed in asymptomatic dogs inoculated with B. burdgorferi. This study investigates the ability of a synovial histopathologic scoring system, clinicopathologic data, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to differentiate between B. burgdorferi–infected and uninfected dogs. Eighteen 18-week-old beagles were subject to challenge with B. burgdorferi–infected wild-caught ticks ( Ixodes scapularis), and 4 uninfected dogs served as controls. Infection was confirmed by serology (ELISA) and PCR amplification of B. burgdorferi–specific DNA of skin biopsies taken at the tick attachment site. A synovial scoring system from human medicine was adapted and implemented on postmortem synovial samples to discriminate infected and noninfected animals. Application of this system to elbows and stifles with a cumulative joint score cutoff > 4 showed a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 100%, with a positive likelihood ratio of infinity and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.12. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, urine protein:creatinine, urine PCR, synovial and lymph node cytology, and synovial PCR were evaluated but were not reliable indicators of clinical disease.
Transfusion in the absence of inflammation induces antigen-specific tolerance to murine RBCs
Authors: Smith Nicole H. , Hod Eldad A. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Zimring James C. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Most human transfusion recipients fail to make detectable alloantibodies to foreign RBC antigens (“nonresponders”). Herein, we use a murine model to test the hypothesis that nonresponders may be immunologically tolerant. FVB mice transfused with RBCs expressing transgenic human glycophorin A (hGPA) antigen in the absence of inflammation produced undetectable levels of anti-hGPA immunoglobulins, unlike those transfused in the presence of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid–induced inflammation. Mice in the nonresponder group failed to produce anti-hGPA after subsequent transfusions in the presence of polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, whereas anti-hGPA levels increased in the responder group. This tolerance was antigen specific, because nonresponders to hGPA produced alloantibodies to RBCs that expressed a different transgenic antigen. This tolerance was not an idiosyncrasy of the hGPA antigen nor of the recipient strain, because B10.BR mice transfused with membrane-bound hen egg lysozyme antigen–transgenic RBCs also demonstrated induced nonresponsiveness. These data demonstrate that RBCs transfused in the absence of inflammation can induce tolerance.
Association of an ACSL1 gene variant with polyunsaturated fatty acids in bovine skeletal muscle
Authors: Widmann Philipp , Nuernberg Karin , Kuehn Christa , Weikard Rosemarie 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The intramuscular fat deposition and the fatty acid profiles of beef affect meat quality. High proportions of unsaturated fatty acids are related to beef flavor and are beneficial for the nutritional value of meat. Moreover, a variety of clinical and epidemiologic studies showed that particularly long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from animal sources have a positive impact on human health and disease.

Results
To screen for genetic factors affecting fatty acid profiles in beef, we initially performed a microsatellite-based genome scan in a F2 Charolais × German Holstein resource population and identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for fatty acid composition in a region on bovine chromosome 27 where previously QTL affecting marbling score had been detected in beef cattle populations. The long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) gene was identified as the most plausible functional and positional candidate gene in the QTL interval due to its direct impact on fatty acid metabolism and its position in the QTL interval. ACSL1 is necessary for synthesis of long-chain acyl-CoA esters, fatty acid degradation and phospholipid remodeling. We validated the genomic annotation of the bovine ACSL1 gene by in silico comparative sequence analysis and experimental verification. Re-sequencing of the complete coding, exon-flanking intronic sequences, 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) and partial promoter region of the ACSL1 gene revealed three synonymous mutations in exons 6, 7, and 20, six noncoding intronic gene variants, six polymorphisms in the promoter region, and four variants in the 3' UTR region. The association analysis identified the gene variant in intron 5 of the ACSL1 gene (c.481-233A>G) to be significantly associated with the relative content of distinct fractions and ratios of fatty acids (e.g., n-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, trans vaccenic acid) in skeletal muscle. A tentative association of the ACSL1 gene variant with intramuscular fat content indicated that an indirect effect on fatty acid composition via modulation of total fat content of skeletal muscle cannot be excluded.

Conclusions
The initial QTL analysis suggested the ACSL1 gene as a positional and functional candidate gene for fatty acid composition in bovine skeletal muscle. The findings of subsequent association analyses indicate that ACSL1 or a separate gene in close proximity might play a functional role in mediating the lipid composition of beef.
Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in morocco: clinico -epidemiological study at the national institute of oncology
Authors: Errihani Hassan , Berrada Narjisse , Raissouni Soundouss , Rais Fadoi , Mrabti Hind , Rais Ghizlane 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundClassic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) is a rare disease likely associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) infection, and occurs predominantly in Jewish, Mediterranean and middle eastern men .There is a dearth of data in Moroccan patients with CKS regarding epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcomes. This report examines a cohort of patients with CKS evaluated at the national institute of oncology over 11-year period.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients referred to the national institute of oncology with classical Kaposi sarcoma, between January 1998 and February 2008, was performed. Reviewed information included demographics, clinical and pathological staging, death or last follow-up.ResultsDuring the study period, 56 patients with a diagnosis of CKS have been referred to our hospital. There were 11(19,7%) females and 45 (80,3%) males (male-to-female ratio: 4:1). Mean age at diagnosis was 61,7 ± 15 (range: 15- 86 years). Nodules and/or plaques were the most frequent type of lesion. The most common location was the lower limbs, particularly the distal lower extremity (90%). In addition to skin involvement, visceral spread was evident in 9 cases. The most common visceral involvement sites were lymph nodes (44%), lung (22%), and gastrointestinal tract (22%). Associated lymphoedema was seen in 24 (42%) of the patients. There were 18 stage I patients (32,14%), 8: stage II (14,28%), 21 stage III(37,5%) and 9 stage IV (16,07%). A second primary malignancy was diagnosed in 6 cases (10,7%), none of the reticuloendothelial system.With a median follow-up of 45 months, 38 (67,8) patients are alive, of whom 25 (65,78%) patients with stable disease, five with progressive disease currently under systemic chemotherapy and 8(21,05%) are alive and free of disease, over a mean interval of 5 years.ConclusionThis is the largest reported series in our context. In Morocco, CKS exhibits some special characteristics including a disseminated skin disease at diagnosis especially in men, a more common visceral or lymph node involvement and a less frequent association with second malignancies.
The chronic care for age-related macular degeneration study (CHARMED): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Frei Anja , Woitzek Katja , Wang Mathyas , Held Ulrike , Rosemann Thomas 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in people 50 years of age or older in the developed world. As in other chronic diseases, several effective treatments are available, but in clinical daily practice there is an evidence performance gap. The Chronic Care Model represents an evidence-based framework for the care of chronically ill patients and aims at closing that gap. However, no data are available regarding patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods/Design
CHARMED is a multicenter randomized controlled trial. The study challenges the hypothesis that the implementation of core elements of the Chronic Care Model (patient empowerment, delivering evidence based information, clinical information system, reminder system with structured follow up and frequent monitoring) via a specially trained Chronic Care Coach in Swiss centres for neovascular age-related macular degeneration results in better visual acuity (primary outcome) and an increased disease specific quality of life (secondary outcome) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. According to the power calculation, a total sample size of 352 patients is needed (drop out rate of 25%). 14 specialised medical doctors from leading ophtalmologic centres in Switzerland will include 25 patients. In each centre, a Chronic Care Coach will provide disease specific care according to the Chronic Care Model for intervention group. Patients from the control group will be treated as usual. Baseline measurements will be taken in month III - XII, starting in March 2011. Follow-up data will be collected after 6 months and 1 year.

Discussion
Multiple studies have shown that implementing Chronic Care Model elements improve clinical outcomes as well as process parameters in different chronic diseases as osteoarthritis, depression or e.g. the cardiovascular risk profile of diabetes patients. This study will be the first to assess this approach in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. If our hypothesis will be confirmed, the implementation of this approach in routine care for patients with with neovascular age-related macular degeneration should be considered.

Trial Registration
Current controlled trials ISRCTN32507927.
Molecular imaging of potential bone metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer: a case report
Authors: Sandu Nora , Pöpperl Gabriele , Toubert Marie-Elisabeth , Arasho Belachew , Spiriev Toma , Orabi Mikael , Schaller Bernhard J 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Molecular imaging of the spine is a rarely used diagnostic method for which only a few case reports exist in the literature. Here, to the best of our knowledge we present the first case of a combination of molecular imaging by single photon emission computer tomography and positron emission tomography used in post-operative spinal diagnostic assessment.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 50-year-old Caucasian woman experiencing progressive spinal cord compression caused by a vertebral metastasis of a less well differentiated thyroid cancer. Following tumor resection and vertebral stabilization, total thyroidectomy was performed revealing follicular thyroid carcinoma pT2 pNxM1 (lung, bone). During follow-up our patient underwent five radioiodine therapy procedures (5.3 to 5.7 GBq each) over a two-year period. Post-therapeutic I-131 scans showed decreasing uptake in multiple Pulmonary metastases. However, following an initial decrease, stimulated thyroglobulin remained at pathologically increased levels, indicating further neoplastic activity. F18 Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, which was performed in parallel, showed remaining hypermetabolism in the lungs but no hypermetabolism of the spinal lesions correlating with the stable neurological examinations. While on single photon emission computer tomography images Pulmonary hyperfixation of I-131 disappeared (most likely indicating dedifferentiation), there was persistent spinal hyperfixation at the operated level and even higher fixation at the spinal process of L3. Based on the negative results of the spinal F18 fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, a decision was made not to operate again on the spine since our patient was completely asymptomatic and the neurological risk seemed to be too high. During further follow-up our patient remained neurologically stable.

Conclusions
Molecular imaging by F18 fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography helps to exclude metabolically active spinal metastases and to spare further risky surgery.
Macrophage-elicited osteoclastogenesis in response toBrucella abortusinfection requires TLR2/MyD88-dependent TNF-α production
Authors: Delpino M Victoria , Barrionuevo Paula , Macedo Gilson Costa , Oliveira Sergio Costa , Di Genaro Silvia , Scian Romina , Miraglia M Cruz , Fossati Carlos A , Baldi Pablo C , Giambartolomei Guillermo H 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTOsteoarticular complications are common in human brucellosis, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are largely unknown. In this manuscript, we described an immune mechanism for inflammatory bone loss in response to infection by Brucella abortus. We established a requirement for MyD88 and TLR2 in TNF-α-elicited osteoclastogenesis in response to B. abortus infection. CS from macrophages infected with B. abortus induced BMM to undergo osteoclastogenesis. Although B. abortus-infected macrophages actively secreted IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, osteoclastogenesis depended on TNF-α, as CS from B. abortus-infected macrophages failed to induce osteoclastogenesis in BMM from TNFRp55–/– mice. CS from B. abortus-stimulated MyD88–/– and TLR2–/– macrophages failed to express TNF-α, and these CS induced no osteoclast formation compared with that of the WT or TLR4–/– macrophages. Omp19, a B. abortus lipoprotein model, recapitulated the cytokine production and subsequent osteoclastogenesis induced by the whole bacterium. All phenomena were corroborated using human monocytes, indicating that this mechanism could play a role in human osteoarticular brucellosis. Our results indicate that B. abortus, through its lipoproteins, may be involved in bone resorption through the pathological induction of osteoclastogenesis.
Technical Advance: In vitro production of distinct dendritic-like antigen-presenting cells from self-renewing hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Hinton Rebecca A , O'Neill Helen C 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTA novel CD11cloCD11bhiMHC-II–CD8α– dendritic-like cell (L-DC) develops in cocultures of bone marrow over splenic stroma. L-DCs are distinct from other DC subsets and have potential importance in spleen for immunity to blood-borne antigens. As production is maintained in cultures for &gt;12 months, L-DC development evidently depends on self-renewing progenitors. To improve this culture system, highly purified HSCs were sorted from bone marrow and used to establish cocultures. Nonadherent cells produced were analyzed for surface marker expression and capacity to activate/inhibit T cells. Cocultures produced a pure population of L-DCs for up to 12 months, which were strong activators of CD8+ T cells. The in vitro production of a pure population of L-DCs from HSCs—in numbers amenable to in vitro assays of function and development—therefore represents an important advance.
BMP3 Suppresses Osteoblast Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells via Interaction with Acvr2b
Authors: Kokabu Shoichiro , Gamer Laura , Cox Karen , Lowery Jonathan , Tsuji Kunikazu , Raz Regina , Economides Aris , Katagiri Takenobu , Rosen Vicki 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Enhancing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling increases bone formation in a variety of settings that target bone repair. However, the role of BMP in the maintenance of adult bone mass is not well understood. Targeted disruption of BMP3 in mice results in increased trabecular bone formation, whereas transgenic overexpression of BMP3 in skeletal cells leads to spontaneous fracture, consistent with BMP3 having a negative role in bone mass regulation. Here we investigate the importance of BMP3 as a mediator of BMP signaling in the adult skeleton. We find that osteoblasts (OBL) and osteocytes are the source of BMP3 in adult bone. Using in vitro cultures of primary bone marrow stromal cells, we show that overexpression of BMP3 suppresses OBL differentiation, whereas loss of BMP3 increases colony-forming unit fibroblasts and colony-forming unit OBL. The ability of BMP3 to affect OBL differentiation is due to its interaction with activin receptor type 2b (Acvr2b) because knockdown of endogenous Acvr2b in bone marrow stromal cells reduces the suppressive effect of BMP3 on OBL differentiation. These findings best fit a model in which BMP3, produced by mature bone cells, acts to reduce BMP signaling through Acvr2b in skeletal progenitor cells, limiting their differentiation to mature OBL. Our data further support the idea that endogenous BMPs have a physiological role in regulating adult bone mass.
99mTc-N-IFC: a new isoniazid derivative for Mycobacterium diagnostic
Authors: Essouissi Imen , Malek Saied Nadia , Bernard Serge , Guizani Sihem , Mejri Najoua , Barc Celine , Ben Hamouda Salem , Asmi Amin , Saidi Mouldi 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We present in this work a new technetium-99m-labeled derivative from isoniazid. The labeling was achieved with a double-ligand transfer through the use of a ferrocene derivative. A further referred to as 99mTc-N-IFC (N-Isonicotinamide ferrocene carboxamide labeled with 99mTc), targeting infections in experimental animals, has been synthesized. The N-IFC was chemically synthesized and then labeled with technetium-99m. It has been confirmed through this work that it was obtained with high radiolabelling yield (95%). Radiochemical analyses of 99mTc-N-IFC revealed that the molecule was efficiently labeled with a little free pertechnetate in the preparations containing purified compound. Only 1–2% of the tracer was leached out from the complex at 24 h when incubated in serum at 37 ºC confirmed its high stability. The radiolabeled complex was found to be 10% bound to blood protein, which corresponds to a fast retention advantage. Biodistribution study showed the renal route of excretion and has also demonstrated that our radiolabeled compound is rapidly and significantly accumulated (P<0.5) at infection sites. Thigh model of localized infection was prepared in mice by injecting of BCG (pGFM-11) (fluorexcente BCG) live bacteria in growing phase. The confirmation of the bacteria presence in infection sites has been established through its fluorescence characteristic. The comparison of the 99mTc-N-IFC accumulation at sites of BCG (pGFM-11) infected animals, which is expressed as target-to-non-target ratio, (3.14) with other radiotracers was discussed. This allowed us to consider that 99mTc-N-IFC could be a good radiotracer for mycobacterial infections. Obtained results were in good and encourage to undergo a similar labeling for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis as perspective of this work.
Investigation of Peri-Implant Bone Healing Using Autologous Plasma Rich in Growth Factors in the Canine Mandible After 12 Weeks: A Pilot Study
Authors: Birang Reza , Tavakoli Mohammad , Shahabouei Mohammad , Torabi Alireza , Dargahi Ali , Soolari Ahmad 
Published: November 2011

Introduction:
Faster reconstruction of patients’ masticatory systems is the aim of modern dentistry. A number of studies have indicated that application of growth factors to the surface of a dental implant leads to accelerated and enhanced osseointegration. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of plasma rich in growth factors on peri-implant bone healing.

Materials and Methods:
For the purpose of this study, two healthy, mixed-breed canines were selected, and the premolars were extracted from both sides of the mandible. Three months after premolar removal, 12 implants, each 5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, were placed in osteotomy sites on both sides of the mandible. Prior to placement, plasma rich in growth factors was applied to the surfaces of six implants, while the other six were used without plasma rich in growth factors. The implants were removed after 12 weeks along with the bone surrounding the sites using a trephine bur. One mesiodistal section containing the surrounding bone from each implant block, 50 µm in diameter, was prepared for histologic and histomorphometric investigation with an optical microscope.

Results:
The sites with implants treated with plasma rich in growth factors showed more bone-to-implant contact compared to control sites. Also, higher values for bone trabecular thickness and bone maturity were recorded for the PRGF-treated sites than for the control sites.

Conclusion:
Application of plasma rich in growth factors to the surface of an implant may enhance the bone healing process as well as bone-to-implant contact, thereby helping to achieve faster osseointegration.
Continuity in the Provider of Home-Based Physical Therapy Services and Its Implications for Outcomes of Patients
Authors: Russell David , Rosati Robert J. , Andreopoulos Evie 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundA growing body of research suggests that greater continuity of health care is positively associated with improved outcomes of patients. However, few studies have examined this issue in the context of physical therapy.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the level of continuity in the provider (provider continuity) of physical therapy services was related to outcomes in a population of patients receiving home health care.DesignThis was a retrospective observational study.MethodsClinical and administrative records were retrieved for a population of adult patients receiving physical therapy services from a large, urban, not-for-profit certified home health care agency in 2009. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were used to examine how the level of provider continuity, calculated by use of a formula that models dispersion in contact between the patient and the providers of physical therapy services, varied across characteristics and outcomes of patients.ResultsLogistic regression analyses indicated that patients with lower levels of provider continuity had significantly higher odds of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]=2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.90–2.23) and lower odds of improvements in the number of activity limitations (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.80–0.92) and in the severity of activity limitations (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.78–0.93) between the beginning and the end of the home health care episode.LimitationsBaseline clinical characteristics associated with continuity of care suggest some level of indication bias. Outcome measures for activities of daily living were limited to patients who were not hospitalized during their home health stay.ConclusionsThese findings build upon research suggesting that continuity in the patient-provider relationship is an important determinant of outcomes of patients.