bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equine laminitis model: Cryotherapy reduces the severity of lesions evaluated seven days after induction with oligofructose
Authors: Van Eps A. W. , Pollitt C. C. 
Published: November 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: A previous preliminary study demonstrated the potential of distal limb cryotherapy (DLC) for preventing laminitis. Clinically, DLC must be effective for periods longer than 48 h and the preventive effect must extend beyond its discontinuation. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of DLC, applied during the developmental phase of induced laminitis, on the severity of clinical laminitis and lamellar histopathology 7 days after dosing. Methods: Eighteen normal Standardbred horses were divided into 3 groups of 6. Continuous cryotherapy was applied for 72 h to the distal limbs of the first group. The second and third groups were administered laminitis inducing doses of oligofructose and 72 h of cryotherapy applied (immediately after dosing) to the second group. After clinical assessment all horses were subjected to euthanasia 7 days after dosing and hoof lamellar tissues were harvested and analysed. Results: In the laminitis induced horses clinical lameness and laminitis histopathology was significantly reduced in horses that underwent 72 h of DLC compared with untreated controls. Cryotherapy alone produced no significant lameness or other ill effect. Conclusions: Continuous, medium‐ to long‐term (72 h) cryotherapy applied to the distal limbs of horses safely and effectively ameliorates the clinical signs and pathology of acute laminitis. Potential relevance: Pre‐emptive distal limb cryotherapy is a practical method of ameliorating laminitis in ill horses at risk of developing the disease.
Effect of ‘tongue tie’ use on racing performance of Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom
Authors: Barakzai S. Z. , Finnegan C. , Boden L. A. 
Published: November 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: There is contradictory published evidence on the potential efficacy of ‘tongue ties’ (TTs) for treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) in racehorses. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of TTs on racing performance in Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK using a retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data on individual horses' lifetime racing performance and TT use were retrieved from the Racing Post Online Database. Exposed cases were horses that ran with a TT in randomly chosen race meetings on one of 60 randomly chosen dates from 2001–2003. Unexposed (control) horses were matched to each exposed horse. Various measures of racing performance were analysed both within and between exposed and unexposed groups. Subsets of exposed horses that ran for 3 or 5 consecutive starts wearing TTs and their matched controls were analysed separately to examine the effect of repeated TT use. Results: The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 108 horses. The odds ratio for ‘improvement’ in race earnings between exposed and unexposed horses was 1.85 for horses that ran at least once with a TT, and 3.60 and 4.24, respectively, for horses that ran in 3 or 5 consecutive races wearing a TT. After instigation of TT use, horses that ran in 3 or 5 consecutive races wearing a TT had a significant increase in earnings when they ran wearing a TT compared to their pre‐TT races. Conclusions and potential relevance: The use of a TT appears to have a beneficial effect on racing performance in a selected population of Thoroughbred racehorses.
Radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of spondylosis in the equine thoracolumbar spine: A retrospective study
Authors: Meehan L. , Dyson S. , Murray R. 
Published: November 2009

Summary Reasons for performing study: Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic signs associated with spondylosis of the equine thoracolumbar spine have been poorly documented. Objectives: To establish an objective radiographic and scintigraphic grading system for spondylosis lesions; to estimate the prevalence of spondylosis in a population of horses with back pain; and to compare the results of radiography and scintigraphy Methods: Radiographic images of the thoracolumbar spine from 670 horses with clinical signs of back pain were graded. Scintigraphic images from horses with spondylosis lesions underwent subjective and objective analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy for detection of spondylosis relative to radiography for identification of spondylosis were calculated, and Chi‐squared analysis was performed to test for an association between location and severity of lesions. Results: Twenty‐three of 670 horses (3.4%) with back pain had radiographic evidence of spondylosis. Of these horses, 14 (61%) had more than one lesion and 44% (n = 22) of lesions occurred between T11‐T13 vertebral bodies. Only 33% (n = 28) of locations with radiographic changes had increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Conclusion: Spondylosis occurs at a low prevalence in horses with back pain. It may be present alone or in association with other osseous abnormalities. The clinical significance of spondylosis needs further investigation. Potential relevance: Spondylosis is uncommon but may be a contributor to back pain in the horse.
The Rate of Missed Test Results in an Emergency Department
Authors: Paoloni R. , Georgiou A. , Prgomet M. , Westbrook J. , Callen J. 
Published: November 2009

Summary
Objectives: 1) To measure the incidence and impact of missed radiology and microbiology test results in an emergency department with an electronic test order and results viewing system, and 2) to assess the average times from test order to test availability.
Methods: The study was conducted in the emergency department (ED) of a 370-bed metropolitan teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. A computerised provider order entry (CPOE) system was used to order all diagnostic tests and view all test results. For microbiology and radiology tests electronic results were then printed for ED patients not admitted to the hospital to allow ED physicians to document follow-up. All radiology (n = 197) and microbiology (n = 66) tests ordered and results received for discharged ED patients were collected for a seven-day period. We measured the: 1) proportion of radiology and microbiology test results without follow-up for discharged patients; 2) impact of non follow-up on patient outcomes; 3) average time from radiological examination and microbiology specimen collection to reporting of results; and 4) average time from reporting of results to follow-up.
Results: Two radiology (1.0%) and two microbiology reports (3.0%), all of which had negative findings, were never followed-up. Review of these patients’ medical records indicated there was no impact on patient outcomes or management. The average time from radiological examination to reporting of a result was 1.5 days, and from microbiology specimen collection to reporting was 2.5 days. Eighty-nine percent of radiology and 68% of microbiology results were followed-up on the same day that they were available to physicians.
Conclusions: Our rates of missed test results are lower than those reported from studies where paper ordering and reporting systems were used. This suggests that the availability of CPOE systems may reduce the risk of these events. Electronic result delivery, with electronic endorsement to allow documentation of follow-up of test results, may provide additional efficiency benefits and further reduce the risk of test results which are not followed up.
Development of a System for Measurement and Analysis of Tremor Using a Three-axis Accelerometer
Authors: Iizuka T. , Takeuchi A. , Shirataka M. , Ikeda N. , Mamorita N. 
Published: November 2009

Summary
Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop a low-cost and compact system for analysis of tremor using a three-axis accelerometer (the Wii Remote (Nintendo)). To analyze tremor, we hypothesized that the influence of gravitational acceleration should be separated from that of movement. This hypothesis was tested experimentally and we also attempted to record and analyze tremor using our system in a clinical ward.
Methods: A system for tremor measurement and analysis was developed using the three-axis accelerometer built into the Wii Remote. The frequency and amplitude of mechanical oscillation were calculated using methods for frequency analysis of the axis of largest variance and an estimation of tremor amplitude.
Results: The system consists of a program for measurement and analysis of Wii Remote acceleration (Tremor Analyzer), a Wii Remote, a Bluetooth USB adapter and a Web camera. The Tremor Analyzer has a GUI (graphical user interface) that is divided into five segments. The sampling period of the analyzer is 30 msec. To confirm the hypothesis, mechanical oscillations were fed to the Wii Remote. The peak frequency of the power spectrum and the frequency of the oscillation generator were in good agreement, except at 1 Hz (0.01 G) and 2 Hz (0.02 G). With a change in the sum of squares of the three axes from 1.0 to 1.8 (G), the estimated and generated amplitude (0.3 cm) were in close agreement.
Conclusions: This system using a Wii Remote is capable of analyzing frequency and estimated amplitude of tremor between 3 Hz and 15 Hz.
Female and Male Sex Hormones Differentially Regulate Expression ofIfi202, an Interferon-Inducible Lupus Susceptibility Gene within theNba2Interval
Authors: Panchanathan Ravichandran , Shen Hui , Bupp Melanie Gubbels , Gould Karen A. , Choubey Divaker 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIncreased expression of IFN-inducible Ifi202 gene in certain strains of female mice is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although, the development of SLE is known to have a strong sex bias, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here we report that in vivo treatment of orchiectomized (NZB × NZW)F1 male mice with the female sex hormone 17β-estradiol significantly increased steady-state levels of Ifi202 mRNA in splenic cells, whereas treatment with the male hormone dihydrotestosterone decreased the levels. Moreover, increased expression of Ifi202 in B6.Nba2 B cells and reduced expression in T cells were associated with increased levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and androgen receptor, respectively. Furthermore, the steady-state levels of Ifi202 mRNA were higher in splenic cells from C57BL/6, B6.Nba2, NZB, and (NZB × NZW)F1 female mice as compared with males. 17β-estradiol treatment of B cells and WT276 cells increased Ifi202 mRNA levels, whereas treatment with dihydrotestosterone decreased the levels. Interestingly, overexpression of ERα in WT276 cells increased the expression of Ifi202 and stimulated the activity of the 202-luc-reporter through the c-Jun/AP-1 DNA-binding site. Accordingly, ERα preferentially associated with the regulatory region of the Ifi202 gene in female B6.Nba2 B cells than in males. Furthermore, Ifi202 mRNA levels were detectable in splenic cells of wild-type (Esr1+/+), but not null (Esr1−/−), (NZB × NZW)F1 female mice. Collectively, our observations demonstrate that the female and male sex hormones differentially regulate the expression of Ifi202, thus providing support for the role of Ifi202 in sex bias in SLE.
Natural Occurring IL-17 Producing T Cells Regulate the Initial Phase of Neutrophil Mediated Airway Responses
Authors: Tanaka Shinya , Yoshimoto Takayuki , Naka Tetsuji , Nakae Susumu , Iwakura Yo-ichi , Cua Daniel , Kubo Masato 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Effector Th17 cells are a major source of IL-17, a critical inflammatory cytokine in autoimmune diseases and in host defenses during bacterial infections. Recently, splenic lymphoid tissue inducer-like cells have been reported to be a source of T cell independent IL-17. In this study, we report that the immune system contains a unique set of natural occurring IL-17 producing cell, “natural” Th17 (nTh17), which are a memory-like T cell subset. The nTh17 cells can develop in the absence of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling axis required by inducible Th17 cells. The nTh17 cell population is distinct from conventional inducible Th17 cells, since nTh17 cells express substantial amounts of IL-17A (IL-17), but not IL-17F, under the control of the master regulator, RORγt. The nTh17 cells simultaneously produce IFN-γ. DO11.10 transgenic mice with a Rag−/− background (DO11.10 Rag−/−) lack nTh17 cells, and, following intranasal administration of OVA, IL-17-dependent neutrophil infiltration occurs in DO11.10 transgenic mice, but not in DO11.10 Rag−/− mice. The impaired neutrophil-dependent airway response is restored by adaptive transfer of nTh17 cells into DO11.10 Rag−/− mice. These results demonstrate that a novel T cell subset, nTh17, facilitates the early phase of Ag-induced airway responses and host defenses against pathogen invasion before the establishment of acquired immunity.
Increased Inflammation, Impaired Bacterial Clearance, and Metabolic Disruption after Gram-Negative Sepsis in Mkp-1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Frazier W. Joshua , Wang Xianxi , Wancket Lyn M. , Li Xiang-An , Meng Xiaomei , Nelin Leif D. , Cato Andrew C. B. , Liu Yusen 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
MAPKs are crucial for TNF-α and IL-6 production by innate immune cells in response to TLR ligands. MAPK phosphatase 1 (Mkp-1) deactivates p38 and JNK, abrogating the inflammatory response. We have previously demonstrated that Mkp-1−/− mice exhibit exacerbated inflammatory cytokine production and increased mortality in response to challenge with LPS and heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus. However, the function of Mkp-1 in host defense during live Gram-negative bacterial infection remains unclear. We challenged Mkp-1+/+ and Mkp-1−/− mice with live Escherichia coli i.v. to examine the effects of Mkp-1 deficiency on animal survival, bacterial clearance, metabolic activity, and cytokine production. We found that Mkp-1 deficiency predisposed animals to accelerated mortality and was associated with more robust production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, greater bacterial burden, altered cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS expression, and substantial changes in the mobilization of energy stores. Likewise, knockout of Mkp-1 also sensitized mice to sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture. IL-10 inhibition by neutralizing Ab or genetic deletion alleviated increased bacterial burden. Treatment with the bactericidal antibiotic gentamicin, given 3 h after Escherichia coli infection, protected Mkp-1+/+ mice from septic shock but had no effect on Mkp-1−/− mice. Thus, during Gram-negative bacterial sepsis Mkp-1 not only plays a critical role in the regulation of cytokine production but also orchestrates the bactericidal activities of the innate immune system and controls the metabolic response to stress.
Inhibition of RANK Expression and Osteoclastogenesis by TLRs and IFN-γ in Human Osteoclast Precursors
Authors: Ji Jong-Dae , Park-Min Kyung-Hyun , Shen Zenxin , Fajardo Roberto J. , Goldring Steven R. , McHugh Kevin P. , Ivashkiv Lionel B. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
TLRs have been implicated in promoting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption associated with inflammatory conditions. TLRs also activate homeostatic mechanisms that suppress osteoclastogenesis and can limit the extent of pathologic bone erosion associated with infection and inflammation. We investigated mechanisms by which TLRs suppress osteoclastogenesis. In human cell culture models, TLR ligands suppressed osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting expression of receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), thereby making precursor cells refractory to the effects of RANKL. Similar but less robust inhibition of RANK expression was observed in murine cells. LPS suppressed generation of osteoclast precursors in mice in vivo, and adsorption of LPS onto bone surfaces resulted in diminished bone resorption. Mechanisms that inhibited RANK expression were down-regulation of RANK transcription, and inhibition of M-CSF signaling that is required for RANK expression. TLRs inhibited M-CSF signaling by rapidly down-regulating cell surface expression of the M-CSF receptor c-Fms by a matrix metalloprotease- and MAPK-dependent mechanism. Additionally, TLRs cooperated with IFN-γ to inhibit expression of RANK and of the CSF1R gene that encodes c-Fms, and to synergistically inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Our findings identify a new mechanism of homeostatic regulation of osteoclastogenesis that targets RANK expression and limits bone resorption during infection and inflammation.
Ineffective Vaccination against Solid Tumors Can Be Enhanced by Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Filatenkov Alexander , Müller Antonia M. S. , Tseng William Wei-Lin , Dejbakhsh-Jones Sussan , Winer Daniel , Luong Richard , Shizuru Judith A. , Engleman Edgar G. , Strober Samuel 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Vaccination with tumor Ags has not been an effective treatment for solid tumors. The goal of the current study was to determine whether a combination of vaccination and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can effectively treat primary, disseminated, or metastatic CT26 and MC38 murine colon tumors. Vaccination of tumor-bearing mice with irradiated tumor cells and CpG adjuvant failed to alter progressive tumor growth. However, mice bearing primary, disseminated lung, or metastatic liver tumors were uniformly cured after administration of total body irradiation, followed by the transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and T cells from syngeneic, but not allogeneic vaccinated donors. Requirements for effective treatment of tumors included irradiation of hosts, vaccination of donors with both tumor cells and CpG, transfer of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells along with progenitor cells, and ability of donor cells to produce IFN-γ. Irradiation markedly increased the infiltration of donor T cells into the tumors, and the combined irradiation and HCT altered the balance of tumor-infiltrating cells to favor CD8+ effector memory T cells as compared with CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T regulatory cells. The combination of vaccination and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation was also effective in treating tumors. In conclusion, these findings show that otherwise ineffective vaccination to solid nonhematologic tumors can be dramatically enhanced by HCT.
Sex Steroid Ablation Enhances Hematopoietic Recovery following Cytotoxic Antineoplastic Therapy in Aged Mice
Authors: Dudakov Jarrod A. , Goldberg Gabrielle L. , Reiseger Jessica J. , Vlahos Katerina , Chidgey Ann P. , Boyd Richard L. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy is widely used in the clinic as a treatment for malignant diseases. The treatment itself, however, leads to long-term depletion of the adaptive immune system, which is more pronounced in older patients, predominantly due to thymic atrophy. We and others have previously shown that withdrawal of sex steroids is able to regenerate the aged thymus and enhance recovery from autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. In this study we have examined the effects of sex steroid ablation (SSA) on the recovery of lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow (BM) and thymus following treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide (Cy) in middle-aged and old mice. Furthermore, we have also examined the impact of this regeneration on peripheral immunity. SSA enhanced the recovery of BM resident hematopoietic stem cells and lymphoid progenitors and promoted lymphopoiesis. Interestingly, Cy alone caused a profound increase in the recently described common lymphoid progenitor 2 (CLP-2) population in the BM. In the thymus, SSA caused a profound increase in cellularity as well as all intrathymic T-lineage progenitors including early T-lineage progenitors (ETPs) and non-canonical T cell progenitors such as the CLP-2. We also found that these transferred into numerical increases in the periphery with enhanced B and T cell numbers. Furthermore, these lymphocytes were found to have an enhanced functional capacity with no perturbation of the TCR repertoire. Taken together, these results provide the basis for the use of SSA in the clinic to enhance treatment outcomes from cytotoxic antineoplastic therapy.
The Cutaneous Biochemical Redox Barrier: A Component of the Innate Immune Defenses against Sensitization by Highly Reactive Environmental Xenobiotics
Authors: Pickard Chris , Louafi Fethi , McGuire Carolann , Lowings Kelly , Kumar Pawan , Cooper Hywel , Dearman Rebecca J. , Cumberbatch Marie , Kimber Ian , Healy Eugene , Friedmann Peter S. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Contact allergy to environmental xenobiotics is a common and important problem, but it is unclear why some chemicals are potent sensitizers and others weak/nonsensitizers. We explored this by investigating why similar chemicals, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and 2,4-dinitrothiocyanobenzene (DNTB), differ in their ability to induce contact hypersensitivity (CHS). DNCB induced CHS in humans, whereas at similar doses DNTB did not. However, following DNCB sensitization, DNTB elicited CHS in vivo and stimulated DNCB-responsive T cells in vitro, suggesting that differences in response to these compounds lie in the sensitization phase. In contrast to DNCB, DNTB failed to induce emigration of epidermal Langerhans cells in naive individuals. Examination for protein dinitrophenylation in skin revealed that DNCB penetrated into the epidermis, whereas DNTB remained bound to a thiol-rich band within the stratum corneum. DNTB reacted rapidly with reduced glutathione in vitro and was associated with a decrease in the free thiol layer in the stratum corneum, but not in the nucleated epidermis. By contrast, DNCB required GST facilitation to react with gluthathione and, following penetration through the stratum corneum, depleted thiols in the viable epidermis. Chemical depletion of the thiol-rich band or removing it by tape stripping allowed increased penetration of DNTB into the epidermis. Our results suggest that the dissimilar sensitizing potencies of DNCB and DNTB in humans are determined by a previously undescribed outer epidermal biochemical redox barrier, a chemical component of the innate immune defense mechanisms that defend against sensitization by highly reactive environmental chemicals.
Intranasal Immunization Promotes Th17 Immune Responses
Authors: Zygmunt Beata M. , Rharbaoui Faiza , Groebe Lothar , Guzman Carlos A. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Th17 cells are a lineage of CD4+ T cells characterized by IL-17 secretion, which plays a crucial role in immune responses against important respiratory pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, we demonstrated that intranasal (i.n.) immunization leads per se to Th17-biased immune responses, regardless of the adjuvant used. The activated CD4+ T cells also showed an up-regulated expression of the chemokine receptor CCR6, which is a marker for murine Th17 cells. These results have important implications in the context of optimizing rational vaccine design, since i.n. immunization appears to be the strategy of choice for situations where the induction of a Th17 phenotype would be beneficial.