bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mode of anti‐arthritic peptide delivery impacts on the severity and outcome of adjuvant induced arthritis
Authors: KUROSAKA Nozomu , ALI Marina , BYTH Karen , MANOLIOS Nicholas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim:  A synthetic nonapeptide (core peptide [CP]) was tested as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute onset arthritis. Differing modes of delivery (subcutaneous [SCI]vs. intraperitoneal [IP]) and lipid conjugation of CP were examined.Methods:  Wistar rats aged 9–12 weeks were injected SCI in the tail with 1 mg of heat‐killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to bring about adjuvant induced arthritis. After development of arthritis (day 12), 6 mg of CP, 6 mg of CP‐lipid conjugate (LP), or 1.2 mg cyclosporin A (Csp; 3 mg/kg) in 100 µL of diluent were given SCI or IP for 4 consecutive days. Severity of arthritis was assessed by changes in body weight, paw thickness, paw and ankle width, and the total number of arthritic joints involved up to 7 days after the first onset of arthritis and the commencement of treatment.Results:  Core peptide and LP given either SCI or IP were effective in the treatment of acute adjuvant induced arthritis. IP administration of LP was significantly better than that of control and CP‐treated rats (P < 0.05) when examined at two separate time points, day 4 and day 7, after commencement of treatment. The effectiveness of IP‐administered LP was comparable to cyclosporin.Conclusions:  CP‐lipid conjugate and CP have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of acute arthritis. The mode of delivery and lipid conjugation of CP influences the efficacy and outcome of arthritis.
Prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis and the impact of life style factors on bone mineral density
Authors: BENER Abdulbari , HAMMOUDEH Mohammed , ZIRIE Mahmoud 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of osteoporosis and the impact of life style factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in premenopausal and postmenopausal Qatari women.Methods:  This is a cross‐sectional study. A total of 821 healthy Qatari women aged 20–70 years had given consent and participated and the study was conducted from June 2005 to December 2006 at the Rumaillah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, State of Qatar. All subjects completed a questionnaire on reproductive and life style factors. Height and weight were measured. All subjects underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) to determine factors influencing BMD of the spine and femur. The main outcome measures were menopausal status, socio‐demographic and lifestyle factors and BMD measurements.Results:  The prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women was 12.3%. BMI was significantly higher among postmenopausal women (P < 0.001) when compared to premenopausal women. The subjects who regularly consumed dairy products had better BMD at spine, neck and ward sites (P < 0.05). Those doing regular household work for 3–4 h a week had higher BMD at all sites compared to those who did not do their own household work. Multiple regression analysis showed that education level and body mass index were strong positive predictors showing high significance.Conclusion:  The relation between lifestyle and BMD were explored in Qatari women. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Qatari women is comparable to other countries. BMD values were higher in women who were taking diary products regularly, and were involved with household work.
Prevalence of Behcet's disease in Iran: a WHO‐ILAR COPCORD stage I study
Authors: DAVATCHI Fereydoun , JAMSHIDI Ahmad‐Reza , BANIHASHEMI Arash Tehrani , GHOLAMI Jaleh , FOROUZANFAR Mohammed Hossein , MORADI Maziar , AKHLAGHI Ma'ssoomeh , KHABAZI Ali‐Reza , SALARI Amir‐Hossein , SALESSI Mansoor , KARIMIFAR Mansoor , ESSALAT‐MANESH Kamal , HADJ‐ALILOO Mehrzad , ARABZADEH Bozorgmehr , ALIPOUR Behrang , SHAHRAM Farhad , NADJI Abdolhadi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim:  To elucidate the prevalence of Behcet's disease (BD) during the World Health Organization‐International League of Associations for Rheumatology Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disease study in Iran. The old estimate was 16 per 100,000 inhabitants, but this was just an estimation and a more precise figure was required.Materials and methods:  Tehran, the capital of Iran with 1/10th of Iran's population, was selected as the field for the COPCORD study. The population of Iran is of mixed ethnicity (Caucasians 75.4%, Turks 22%, and Semites 2.6%). The same distribution was found in Tehran's general population. Tehran has 22 districts; 50 clusters were randomly selected from them. Interviewers passed an exam by interviewing 20 subjects. The observed agreement was 0.96. The chance expected agreement was 0.531325. The kappa coefficient was 0.919 (standard error: 0.112). The z‐score was 8.19. The one tailed P‐value was < 0.0001. Rheumatologists were selected from the ‘Rheumatology Subspecialty’, that is, those who were scheduled to become a rheumatology professor in one of Iran's medical schools.Results:  The response rate was 75%. From 10,291 subjects interviewed all subjects with positive questionnaires were examined; seven had definitive BD and five probable BD. The prevalence was calculated on the seven definitive cases. It was 68 for 100,000 inhabitants. The confidence interval was 33.5–137. Four patients were female and three were male. All had oral and genital aphthosis, four had ocular lesions, three had pseudo‐folliculitis, and one had joint manifestations.Conclusions:  The prevalence of BD in Iran is 68 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is the second highest prevalence after Turkey (80–370) in the world, and far behind comes Saudi Arabia with 20, China 14, and Japan 13.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Coexistance of Sjogren's syndrome and familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: KOBAK Senol , KOBAK Arzu Celebi , AKSU Kenan , KESER Gokhan , OKSEL Fahrettin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent, self‐limited attacks of fever usually accompanied by polyserositis. Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth and musculoskeletal system involvement. To our knowledge, coexistence of FMF and SS has not been reported before in the literature. We report a patient being followed up with the diagnosis of FMF over 20 years and later developing SS.
Leflunomide‐induced nodulosis in a case of Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: ARUL RAJAMURUGAN P. S. , PANCHAPAKESA RAJENDRAN C. , RUKMANGATHARAJAN S. , RAJESWARI S. , RAVICHANDRAN R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe herein report accelerated nodulosis in a 49‐year‐old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who was treated with methotrexate and leflunomide. She developed multiple pulmonary and subcutaneous nodules 2 years after the addition of leflunomide to methotrexate. The nodules developed when the rheumatoid arthritis was in remission. The pulmonary nodules regressed following the institution of hydroxychloroquine after stopping leflunomide.
Takayasu arteritis: burnt out or not?
Authors: MICALLEF Maree , HIEW Chin , NEWMAN Robert , TRAVERS Richard , LIM Keith 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe report a case of a 57‐year‐old woman with Takayasu arteritis. She had a long history of poorly controlled hypertension and now suffers from severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and lower limb claudication. She did not receive immunosuppressive treatment as there were no signs of inflammation clinically or biochemically. Inspite of the latter, her symptoms have progressed. This case highlights the importance of improved modes of detecting inflammation as well as the need for strict management of vascular risk factors to control atherosclerosis, which has an increased incidence in patients with Takayasu arteritis.
Use of amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Mermet Isabelle , Pottier Nathalie , Sainthillier Jean Marie , Malugani Carole , Cairey‐Remonnay Sandrive , Maddens Stéphane , Riethmuller Didier , Tiberghien Pierre , Humbert Philippe , Aubin François 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAmniotic membrane (AM), the most internal placental membrane, has unique properties including antiadhesive effects, bacteriostatic, wound protection and pain‐reduction properties, as well as epithelialization initialization capacities. Furthermore, AM is widely available and less costly than other bioengineered skin substitutes. In a prospective pilot study, we evaluated the safety, feasibility, and the effects on healing of AM graft in 15 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. AM grafts were prepared from placentas harvested during cesarean section. All grafted AM had adhered to the wound bed 7 days after being applied with a 100% engraftment rate. The percentage of granulation tissue increased significantly (from 17% on day 0 to 69% on day 14, p<0.0001), along with a significant decrease of fibrinous slough (from 36% at day 0 to 16% at day 14, p<0.001). A significant clinical response occurred in 12 patients (80%) including complete healing (20%) in three during the 3‐month follow‐up period. The ulcer surface area decreased significantly from a mean value (±standard deviation) of 4.59±2.49 cm2 at baseline to 2.91±2.01 cm2 on day 30 (p<0.001). All patients experienced a significant reduction of ulcer‐related pain rapidly after AM transplantation. No adverse events were recorded. AM transplantation seems to function as a safe substrate, promoting proper epithelialization while suppressing excessive fibrosis. Further advantages of biotherapy with AM are its easy and low‐cost production, and that it can be applied as an ambulatory treatment without immobilization. AM transplantation may thus be considered to be an alternative method for treating chronic leg ulcers.
The venous leg ulcer quality of life (VLU‐QoL) questionnaire: development and psychometric validation
Authors: Hareendran Asha , Doll Helen , Wild Diane J. , Moffatt Christine J. , Musgrove Elaine , Wheatley Carolyn , Franks Peter J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTTo develop and validate a disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) measure, based on the conceptual model of the SKINDEX‐29 for patients with a chronic venous leg ulcer (VLU), in‐depth interviews, and focus groups of patients (n=36) with VLU were used to generate VLU‐specific items. These items were added to selected SKINDEX‐29 items that were adapted for use in VLU. Further samples of VLU patients were used for item reduction (n=124) and to assess the psychometric properties of the new tool (n=120). The final VLU‐QoL contained 34 items: 17 items adapted from the SKINDEX‐29 and 17 VLU‐specific items. Factor analysis of the items confirmed the existence of three hypothesized domains: Activities (12 items), Psychological (12 items), and Symptom Distress (10 items). Reliability in terms of internal consistency and test–retest reliability was found to be good. The measure was also found to be valid and responsive to clinical change. The VLU‐QoL has good psychometric properties. The instrument's sensitivity to differences in clinical outcome and responsiveness to change in clinical parameters makes it a useful tool to assess the outcomes of treatment from the patients' perspective.
Expression profile of proteins involved in scar formation in the healing process of full‐thickness excisional wounds in the porcine model
Authors: Ulrich Magda M. W. , Verkerk Michelle , Reijnen Linda , Vlig Marcel , Van Den Bogaerdt Antoon J. , Middelkoop Esther 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTScar formation in deep dermal wounds is associated with excessive collagen deposition and contraction. Increased collagen synthesis and decreased collagen degradation are the mechanisms through which this form of fibrosis can occur. Another factor might be a different kind of collagen cross‐linking seen in fibrotic skin diseases. This type of cross‐linking is dependent on the enzyme lysyl hydroxylase‐2b. In this study, we examined the expression profile of the potential key players in scar formation in time in healing of acute wounds. Collagen types I and III, lysyl hydroxylase‐2b, α‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor βs, and the matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitor mRNA levels were determined. All genes examined show distinct expression patterns over time. The expression of lysyl hydroxylase‐2b peaks at day 7, and precedes collagen types I and III expression. Eight weeks after wounding, the scars showed an increased level of lysyl hydroxylase‐2b‐mediated collagen cross‐linking. This study shows that the fibrosis‐specific type of cross‐linking of collagen seen in human hypertrophic scarring also plays a role in this animal model of wound healing. Moreover, the expression of the putative gene responsible for this type of cross‐linking, the lysyl hydroxylase‐2b, is elevated during wound healing.
Characterization of wound drainage fluids as a source of soluble factors associated with wound healing: comparison with platelet‐rich plasma and potential use in cell culture
Authors: Aiba‐Kojima Emiko , Tsuno Nelson H. , Inoue Keita , Matsumoto Daisuke , Shigeura Tomokuni , Sato Takahiro , Suga Hirotaka , Kato Harunosuke , Nagase Takashi , Gonda Koichi , Koshima Isao , Takahashi Koki , Yoshimura Kotaro 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWound fluids, human serum from platelet‐poor and platelet‐rich plasma (SPPP and SPRP), contain various soluble factors involved in cell growth and proliferation. Levels of cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in drainage fluids (DFs) harvested from subcutaneous wounds, punctured fluids (PF) from seroma, and SPPP were measured. SPPP and SPRP from four healthy volunteers were also subjected to the analysis. Biochemical profiles of DF reflected the sequential stages of wound healing. Early‐phase DF contained high concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor and EGF. The levels of keratinocyte growth factor, interleukin‐6, and MMP‐8 in DF peaked on days 2–3, while vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin‐8, and MMP‐1 increased over time during days 0–6. Punctured fluids contained high levels of TGF‐β1, keratinocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MMP‐1. Experiments using human adipose‐derived stem cells and dermal fibroblasts cultured in media containing various concentrations of DF and fetal bovine serum suggested that for some cell types, DF‐contained growth factors that are not obtained from SPRP could be used to supplement or substitute for serum in culture media. SPRP and DF are economical ready‐made mixtures of serum and autologous soluble factors, and may be differentially useful for regenerative therapies.
Fibrin as a delivery vehicle for active macrophage activator lipoprotein‐2 peptide: in vitro studies
Authors: Cole Marietta , Cox Steve , Inman Elizabeth , Chan Connie , Mana Miyeko , Helgerson Sam , Tawil Bill 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTFibrin sealants have been used in hemostasis and tissue sealing for over 25 years and recent studies have shown them to be an ideal delivery vehicle for cells and bioactive substances. We examined the use of fibrin as a delivery vehicle for the macrophage activator lipoprotein peptide (MALP)‐2. MALP‐2, secreted by mycoplasma, plays an important role in an early influx of leukocytes and infiltration by monocytes and their subsequent activation into macrophages as detected by their secretion of cytokines and chemoattractants. We first showed that MALP‐2 activated several monocytic cell lines by increasing the expression of cytokines and chemoattractants in these cells. Furthermore, using a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction approach, we found that MALP‐2 affected the gene expression of its own receptors: TLR2 and TLR4 in various cell types including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, the conditioned medium, containing secreted cytokines and chemoattractants, collected from monocytes treated with MALP‐2 enhanced fibroblast migration using a standard wound culture assay. Next, we examined MALP‐2's effect on the human monocyte cell line when it is mixed with fibrin. Monocytes seeded on three‐dimensional fibrin containing MALP‐2 secreted more cytokines such as interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and chemoattractants such as macrophage inflammatory protein 1 α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 when compared with monocytes seeded on three‐dimensional fibrin in the absence of MALP‐2. This study supports the use of fibrin to deliver MALP‐2, and possibly other peptides, in an active form that might enhance wound healing.
AlphaV beta3 (αvβ3) integrin inhibition reduces leukocyte–endothelium interaction in a pressure‐induced reperfusion model
Authors: Ichioka Shigeru , Sekiya Naomi , Shibata Masahiro , Nakatsuka Takashi 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe leukocyte–endothelium interaction is known to contribute to reperfusion injury, which is considered to participate in the pathophysiology of pressure ulcers, and integrin alphaV beta3 (αvβ3) has been shown to mediate the processes of cellular adhesion in various types of cells. This study aims to clarify leukocyte behavior in our original microcirculatory pressure‐induced reperfusion model, which can visualize the microcirculation in vivo. We also estimated the effect of αvβ3 integrin inhibition on the reduction of the leukocyte–endothelium interaction. Mice with dorsal skinfold chambers were divided into three groups: the baseline group (n=6), in which animals received no compression; the compression–reperfusion group (n=6), in which animals underwent 2‐hour compression of the dorsal skin, followed by release, and the inhibitor‐treated group (n=7), in which an αvβ3 inhibitor, CP4715, was administered in addition to the compression–release procedure. Staining with rhodamine 6G quantitatively visualized leukocyte behavior under the intravital fluorescent microscope. Compression–reperfusion induced a significant increase in rolling, sticking, and extravasation of the leukocytes. Treatment with the inhibitor strikingly reduced leukocyte sticking and extravasation. The present experiment has provided evidence that αvβ3 inhibition reduces leukocyte–endothelium interaction in our original pressure‐induced reperfusion model.
Differential cutaneous wound healing in thermally injured MRL/MPJ mice
Authors: Davis Thomas A. , Amare Mihret , Naik Shruti , Kovalchuk Alexander L. , Tadaki Douglas 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAdult wound repair occurs with an initial inflammatory response, reepithelialization, and the formation of a permanent scar. MRL/MpJ mice following ear‐hole punch biopsies display accelerated healing and tissue regeneration. In this study, we characterized the healing responses in both MRL/MpJ and BALB/c mice following a 15% total body surface area full‐thickness cutaneous burn injury. Macroscopic and histological observations show that delayed wound closure in MRL/MpJ mice is accompanied by an increase in edema, reduced neutrophil infiltration, and more prominent eschar. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling showed no defect in keratinocyte proliferation and migration (reepithelialization). In comparison with BALB/c mice, MRL/MpJ wounds had greater collagen deposition, less granulation tissue formation, and contained fewer α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive myofibroblasts. An observed reduction in dermal neutrophil infiltration and myofibroblast development correlated with enhanced angiogenesis. Overall, BALB/c wounds contracted sooner and to a larger degree, resulting in a significant decrease in scar formation. Interestingly, MRL/MpJ mice showed overt abnormalities in hair follicle proliferation, morphogenesis, and subsequent hair regrowth postburn injury. No substantial evidence of tissue regeneration was observed in either BALB/c or MRL/MpJ wounds. Our results convincingly demonstrate that MRL/MpJ skin burn wounds heal with scar formation with delays in two critical wound healing events: wound closure, and myofibroblast development.
Acute complex traumas of the lower limbs: a modern reconstructive approach with negative pressure therapy
Authors: Bollero Daniele , Carnino Riccardo , Risso Daniela , Gangemi Ezio N. , Stella Maurizio 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAcute traumas of the lower limbs cause complex functional damage for the association of skin loss with exposed tendons, bones, and/or vessels, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Once bone fixation and vascular repair have been carried out, the surgical treatment for skin damage is usually based on early coverage with conventional or microsurgical flaps. Negative pressure therapy can play a primary role in the management of the elderly or intensive care patients, where wounds are secondary to life‐threatening problems. A total of 35 patients with 37 acute traumatic wounds of the lower limbs were treated with vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC®) therapy for an average of 22 days (range 3–46 days). The sponge was applied the day after bone fixation, vascular repair, and surgical debridement of nonviable tissues, so as to obtain a better control of bleeding. After VAC® treatment, all patients quickly developed healthy granulation tissue and a significant reduction in both extent and depth of wounds. Split‐thickness skin grafts were used to cover granulation tissue in most of the cases (66%—24 cases), and then local flaps (13%—five cases) or direct sutures (8%—three cases). The wounds healed spontaneously without surgical management in four patients. One patient died during the treatment period for concomitant diseases. No relevant complications directly related to VAC® therapy were observed other than one case of severe pain in an amputated stump. The average follow‐up duration was 265 days (range 33–874 days). No further tegumentary reconstruction was required. VAC® therapy may represent a valid alternative to immediate reconstruction in selected cases of acute complex traumas of the lower limb and allows for a stable functional result, using a minimally invasive approach.
Conditions of wound healing and cutaneous growth affect metabolic performance of skin following plastic surgery
Authors: Lutz Norbert W. , Confort‐Gouny Sylviane , Casanova Dominique , Andrac‐Meyer Lucile , Magalon Guy , Cozzone Patrick J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe mechanical and structural properties of skin subjected to expansion have been widely investigated in the context of plastic surgery. To determine the actual metabolic state of skin following skin expander placement, we determined the basic biochemical parameters for various conditions of postsurgical wound healing and cutaneous growth. Studying, for the first time, comprehensive metabolic profiles (“metabolomics”) of the skin in a minipig model, we found that the lactate/alanine ratios were significantly increased (p<0.05) in skin attached to noninflated expanders vs. control skin, indicating increased anaerobic glycolysis. Furthermore, creatine/phosphocreatine ratios were decreased in skin from inflated vs. noninflated expanders, implying an improved energetic state for stretched skin. In contrast, no significant differences were detected for these parameters on comparing skin from four inflated expanders with different surface structures, even where the histologically determined capsule thickness was significantly different. Overall, the metabolic performance of skin recovering and growing under stretch was found to be superior to that of skin from noninflated expanders, and comparable to that of control skin. Our results are consistent with the assumptions of (i) major hypoxia/ischemia due to reduced perfusion in skin recovering from surgery without an appropriate supportive structure and (ii) minimal metabolic effects of expander surface structures.