bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of trot kinetics between dogs with stifle or hip arthrosis
Authors: Huneault L. , Moreau M. , Dupuis J. , Madore E. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe purposes of this study were: 1) to describe and compare the trotting gait of normal and lame dogs secondary to stifle (GONOA) or hip (COXOA) osteoarthritis (OA) using multiple ground reaction forces (GRF) parameters, and 2) to pinpoint any characteristic in gait profile (‘signatures’) which could help to discriminate a lameness secondary to GONOA or COXOA. Fifty-one large breed dogs with OA (19 GONOA, 32 COXOA) and 22 normal dogs were included in the study. The vertical and cranio-caudal (braking-propelling) GRF were collected. The total stance time, and for each orthogonal vector, the peak force, impulse, time to peak, and the rate of limb loading were recorded. Vertical and craniocaudal forces were found to be significantly decreased in both OA groups compared to normal dogs. Vertical, cranial and caudal limb loading were also most often lower for both OA groups. In addition, the vertical and cranial forces were significantly lower in dogs with GONOA compared to COXOA and normal dogs. This study has demonstrated that, at a trotting gait, OA dogs secondary to GONOA and COXOA load their affected limb, brake and propel earlier during the stance phase, but generally with less magnitude than normal dogs. Dogs affected by GONOA also present more severe gait alterations than dogs with COXOA. The vertical and braking specific GRF alterations described may be kinetic ‘signatures’ linked more to lame dogs secondary to GONOA versus COXOA. Finally, this study has also provided useful baseline GRF data for further clinical and research investigations.
3D kinematics of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint at walk and trot
Authors: Sha D. , Stick J. , Elvin N. , Clayton H. M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and its supporting soft tissues are common sites of injury in athletic horses. Equine gait analysis has focused on 2D analysis in the sagittal plane and little information is available which describes 3D motions of the MCP joint and their possible role in the development of injuries. The aim was to characterize the 3D rotations of the equine MCP joint during walking and trotting. Three-dimensional trajectories of marker triads fixed rigidly to the third metacarpus and proximal phalanx of the right forelimb of healthy horses were recorded at walk (n=4) and trot (n=6) at 120 Hz using eight infra-red cameras. Kinematics of the MCP joint were calculated in terms of helical angles between the two segments using singular-value decomposition and spatial attitude methods. The ranges of motion were: flexion/extension: 62 ± 7° at walk, 77 ± 5° at trot; adduction/abduction: 13 ± 7° at walk, 18 ± 7° at trot; and axial rotation: 6 ± 3° at walk, 9 ± 5° at trot. Flexion/extension had a consistent pattern and amplitude in all horses and appeared to be coupled with adduction/abduction, such that stance phase extension was accompanied by abduction and swing phase flexion was accompanied by adduction. Axial rotation was small in amount and the direction varied between horses but was consistent within an individual for the two gaits.
Conversion of platelets from a proaggregatory to a proinflammatory adhesive phenotype: role of PAF in spatially regulating neutrophil adhesion and spreading
Authors: Kulkarni Suhasini , Woollard Kevin J. , Thomas Stephen , Oxley David , Jackson Shaun P. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The ability of platelets to provide a highly reactive surface for the recruitment of other platelets and leukocytes to sites of vascular injury is critical for hemostasis, atherothrombosis, and a variety of inflammatory diseases. The mechanisms coordinating platelet-platelet and platelet-leukocyte interactions have been well defined and, in general, it is assumed that increased platelet activation correlates with enhanced reactivity toward other platelets and neutrophils. In the current study, we demonstrate a differential role for platelets in supporting platelet and neutrophil adhesive interactions under flow. We demonstrate that the conversion of spread platelets to microvesiculated procoagulant (annexin A5–positive [annexin A5+ve]) forms reduces platelet-platelet adhesion and leads to a paradoxical increase in neutrophil-platelet interaction. This enhancement in neutrophil adhesion and spreading is partially mediated by the proinflammatory lipid, platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF production, unlike other neutrophil chemokines (IL-8, GRO-α, NAP-2, IL-1β) is specifically and markedly up-regulated in annexin A5+ve cells. Physiologically, this spatially controlled production of PAF plays an important role in localizing neutrophils on the surface of thrombi. These studies define for the first time a specific proinflammatory function for annexin A5+ve platelets. Moreover, they demonstrate an important role for platelet-derived PAF in spatially regulating neutrophil adhesion under flow.
A novel role for HMGB1 in TLR9-mediated inflammatory responses to CpG-DNA
Authors: Ivanov Stanimir , Dragoi Ana-Maria , Wang Xin , Dallacosta Corrado , Louten Jennifer , Musco Giovanna , Sitia Giovanni , Yap George S. , Wan Yinsheng , Biron Christine A. , Bianchi Marco E. , Wang Haichao , Chu Wen-Ming 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCpG-DNA or its synthetic analog CpG-ODN activates innate immunity through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). However, the mechanism of TLR9 activation by CpG-DNA remains elusive. Here we have identified HMGB1 as a CpG-ODN–binding protein. HMGB1 interacts and preassociates with TLR9 in the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), and hastens TLR9's redistribution to early endosomes in response to CpG-ODN. CpG-ODN stimulates macrophages and dendritic cells to secrete HMGB1; in turn, extracellular HMGB1 accelerates the delivery of CpG-ODNs to its receptor, leading to a TLR9-dependent augmentation of IL-6, IL-12, and TNFα secretion. Loss of HMGB1 leads to a defect in the IL-6, IL-12, TNFα, and iNOS response to CpG-ODN. However, lack of intracellular TLR9-associated HMGB1 can be compensated by extracellular HMGB1. Thus, the DNA-binding protein HMGB1 shuttles in and out of immune cells and regulates inflammatory responses to CpG-DNA.
The oxidase activity of vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) induces endothelial E- and P-selectins and leukocyte binding
Authors: Jalkanen Sirpa , Karikoski Marika , Mercier Nathalie , Koskinen Kaisa , Henttinen Tiina , Elima Kati , Salmivirta Katriina , Salmi Marko 
Published: June 2007

AbstractLeukocyte migration from the blood into tissues is pivotal in immune homeostasis and in inflammation. During the multistep extravasation cascade, endothelial selectins (P- and E-selectin) and vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), a cell-surface–expressed oxidase, are important in tethering and rolling. Here, we studied the signaling functions of the catalytic activity of VAP-1. Using human endothelial cells transfected with wild-type VAP-1 and an enzymatically inactive VAP-1 point mutant, we show that transcription and translation of E- and P-selectins are induced through the enzymatic activity of VAP-1. Moreover, use of VAP-1–deficient animals and VAP-1–deficient animals carrying the human VAP-1 as a transgene show a VAP-enzyme activity–dependent induction of P-selectin in vivo. Up-regulation of P-selectin was found both in high endothelial venules in lymphoid tissues and in flat-walled vessels in noninflamed tissues. VAP-1 activity in vivo led to increased P-selectin–dependent binding of lymphocytes to endothelial cells. These data show that the oxidase reaction catalyzed by VAP-1 alters the expression of other molecules involved in the leukocyte extravasation cascade. Our findings indicate cross-talk between adhesion molecules involved in the tethering and rolling of leukocytes and show that VAP-1–dependent signaling can prime the vessels for an enhanced inflammatory response.
Interventions for increasing chlamydia screening in primary care: a review
Authors: Ginige Samitha , Fairley Christopher K , Hocking Jane S , Bowden Francis J , Chen Marcus Y 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Despite guidelines recommending opportunistic chlamydia screening of younger women, screening rates in some countries remain low. Our aim was to review the evidence for specific interventions aimed at increasing chlamydia screening rates in primary care.

Methods
A Medline search was conducted for controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving chlamydia screening rates in primary health care settings. The Medline search was done for studies in English published prior to December 2005 using the following key words: chlamydia, screening, intervention, primary care and GPs. In addition, the references cited in the articles were reviewed. Studies in English published prior to December 2005 were reviewed.

Results
Four controlled studies met the inclusion criteria – 3 were randomized studies and one was not. Strategies to increase screening rates included the use of educational packages targeting primary care physicians and the correction of barriers to screening within clinic systems. In 3 studies, the intervention was associated with an increase in screening rates of between 100% and 276% (p < 0.04). In the fourth study, the intervention was associated with a significant attenuation in declining screening rates over time (4% versus 34% decline, p = 0.04).

Conclusion
There are only a limited number of randomized or controlled studies that demonstrate improved chlamydia screening of younger women in primary care.
Production of surfactin from Bacillus subtilis MZ-7 grown on pharmamedia commercial medium
Authors: Al-Ajlani Muaaz Mutaz , Sheikh Muhammad Abid , Ahmad Zeeshan , Hasnain Shahida 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundCommercial medium (Pharmamedia) was investigated for the production of surfactin byBacillus subtilisMZ-7. Different media (defined, semi-defined, and complex media) were compared for the production of surfactin after fixing the least influential variables in standardized fermentation conditions. Carbohydrate and nitrogen supplements were also tried to improve production in Pharmamedia.ResultsSurfactin production was confirmed using PCR along with other analytical techniques and monitored by RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF-MS. We found that optimized and brain heart infusion media were best for production of surfactin (280 mg/L) and a relatively comparable production with Pharmamedia (220 mg/L), however, supplementing Pharmamedia with Fe+(4.0 mM) and sucrose (2 g/L) leads to a maximum production of about (300 mg/L).ConclusionCottonseed-derived medium proved to be a suitable substrate for the production of bioactive substances including surfactin, a useful compound in both medical and biotechnological fields. The medium provided not only higher product accumulations but at considerably lower cost with potential for large scale industrial applications.
A Bleeding Kiss: intramural haematoma secondary to balloon angioplasty
Authors: Shirodaria Cheerag , Van Gaal William J , Banning Adrian P 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Intramural coronary haematoma following percutaneous coronary intervention in the absence of coronary dissection is a rare phenomenon.

Case presentation
A 69 year old lady with previous prosthetic aortic valve replacement underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the left mainstem to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and kissing balloon inflations to the LAD and circumflex (Cx) arteries. Although intravascular ultrasound examination (IVUS) of both the LAD and Cx showed both vessels to be widely patent at the end of the procedure, she developed ischaemic chest pain six hours later. Repeat coronary angiography revealed a significant stenosis in the proximal Cx vessel, which was confirmed on IVUS to be intramural haematoma.

Conclusion
In patients taking warfarin in addition to standard antiplatelet therapy, kissing balloon inflations should be carried out with caution.
Role of inhibin and activin in the modulation of gonadotropin- and steroid-induced oocyte maturation in the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Petrino Teresa R , Toussaint Gesulla , Lin Yu-Wai P 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Activin and inhibin are glycoproteins structurally related to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. These peptides were first described as factors that regulate the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at the pituitary level. The possible role of inhibin and activin, at the ovarian level, in mediating the stimulatory actions of a Fundulus pituitary extract (FPE) and 17alpha,20beta-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) on oocyte maturation was investigated in this study.

Methods
In vitro culture of ovarian follicles and induction of oocyte maturation were carried out in 75% Leibovitz L-15 medium. Follicles or denuded oocytes were exposed to FPE, inhibin, activin, ethanol vehicle (control group), or DHP. The competence of the follicles or denuded oocytes to respond to the hormones was assessed by scoring germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) used as an indication of the reinitiation of meiosis or oocyte maturation. DHP level was measured by radioimmunoassay.

Results
Addition of FPE promoted the synthesis of DHP by the granulose cells of fully grown ovarian follicles and thus stimulated GVBD in the oocyte. Presence of porcine inhibin did not hinder the synthesis of DHP stimulated by FPE, although it did inhibit the subsequent GVBD in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the action of inhibin was at the oocyte level. Similarly to the findings with FPE, inhibin also blocked the DHP-induced GVBD in intact follicles, as well as the spontaneous and steroid-induced GVBD of denuded oocyte. Inhibin straightforwardly blocked the response to a low dose of DHP throughout the culture period, while higher doses of the steroid appeared to overcome the inhibitory effect especially at later times. In contrast to inhibin, recombinant human activin A significantly enhanced DHP-induced GVBD in a dose-dependent manner after 48 hr, although activin alone was not able to induce GVBD without the presence of the steroid.

Conclusion
Taking together with our previous studies that demonstrate the presence of activin/inhibin subunits in the ovary of F. heteroclitus, these in vitro findings indicate that inhibin and activin are local regulators in the teleost ovary and have opposing effects in modulating oocyte maturation.
The focal adhesion protein Hic-5 is highly expressed in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy and labour and co-localizes with FAK
Authors: Croke Jenn M , Pike Luke RG , MacPhee Daniel J 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Myometrial growth and remodeling of the cytoskeleton and focal adhesions during late pregnancy may be critical aspects of myometrial activation and thus labour. Yet our understanding of these aspects is inhibited by the paucity of information concerning the components of focal adhesions in the myometrium. The focal adhesion protein h ydrogen peroxide-i nducible c lone-5 (Hic-5) has recently been found in mononuclear smooth muscle but was not examined in the myometrium during pregnancy. Thus, the goal of this study was to characterize Hic-5 mRNA and protein expression in the rat myometrium during pregnancy and labour.

Methods
Rat myometrium samples were obtained from non-pregnant animals, pregnant animals on days (d) 6, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 (active labour) and 1 day postpartum (PP). In addition, myometrium samples were collected from rats within a progesterone-delayed labour paradigm. Hic-5 mRNA expression was analyzed by Northern blot analysis while Hic-5 protein expression was examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results
Hic-5 mRNA expression on d15, d19 and d21 was found to be significantly elevated compared to d6 and d12 of pregnancy and expression on d23 was significantly elevated over d6 (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that detection of Hic-5 protein in the circular muscle layer appeared to increase from d17 onwards, except PP, and Hic-5 was detectable in the cell cytoplasm and more continuously associated with myometrial cell membranes. In the longitudinal muscle layer Hic-5 was readily detectable by d15 and thereafter and primarily associated at myometrial cell membranes. Co-immunofluorescence analysis of potential Hic-5 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) association in situ demonstrated a limited level of co-localization on d19, d23 and PP in the circular muscle layer while in the longitudinal muscle layer Hic-5 and FAK were readily co-localized at myometrial cell membranes.

Conclusion
Hic-5 is highly expressed in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy and labour and co-localizes with FAK in situ. Our results are consistent with a potential role for Hic-5 in focal adhesion remodeling in the rat myometrium during late pregnancy.
Progress on quality management in the German health system – a long and winding road
Authors: Breckenkamp Juergen , Wiskow Christiane , Laaser Ulrich 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The interest in quality management in health care has increased in the last decades as the financial crises in most health systems generated the need for solutions to contain costs while maintaining quality of care. In Germany the development of quality management procedures has been closely linked with health care reforms. Starting in the early nineties quality management issues gained momentum in reform legislation only 10 years later.
This review summarizes recent developments in medical quality management as related to the federal reform legislation in Germany. It provides an overview on the infrastructure, actors and on the current discussion concerning quality management in medical care.
Germany had to catch up on implementing quality management in the health system compared to other countries. Considerable progress has been made, however, it is recognized that the full integration of quality management will require long-term commitment in developing methods, instruments and communication procedures. The most ambitious project at present is the development of a comprehensive comparative quality management system for hospitals at national level, including public reporting. For the time being medical quality management in Germany is dealt with as a technical and professional issue while the aspects of patient orientation and transparency need further advancement.
Efficient replication of pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) in a mouse macrophage cell line
Authors: Dyer Kimberly D , Schellens Ingrid MM , Bonville Cynthia A , Martin Brittany V , Domachowske Joseph B , Rosenberg Helene F 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPneumonia virus of mice (PVM; familyParamyxoviridae, subfamilyPneumovirinae) is a natural respiratory pathogen of rodent species and an important new model for the study of severe viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia. However, despite high virus titers typically detected in infected mouse lung tissuein vivo, cell lines used routinely for virus propagationin vitroare not highly susceptible to PVM infection. We have evaluated several rodent and primate cell lines for susceptibility to PVM infection, and detected highest virus titers from infection of the mouse monocyte-macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. Additionally, virus replication in RAW 264.7 cells induces the synthesis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines relevant to respiratory virus disease, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β) and the functional homolog of human IL-8, mouse macrophage inflammatory peptide-2 (MIP-2). Identification and characterization of a rodent cell line that supports the replication of PVM and induces the synthesis of disease-related proinflammatory mediators will facilitate studies of molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis that will complement and expand on findings from mouse model systems.
Nuclear import of influenza A viral ribonucleoprotein complexes is mediated by two nuclear localization sequences on viral nucleoprotein
Authors: Wu Winco WH , Sun Ying-Hua B , Panté Nelly 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
The influenza A virus replicates in the nucleus of its host cell. Thus, entry of the influenza genome into the cell nucleus is necessary for establishing infection. The genome of the influenza A virus consists of eight single-stranded, negative-sense RNA molecules, individually packed with several copies of the viral nucleoprotein (NP) into ribonucleoprotein particles (vRNPs). These vRNPs are large, rod-shaped complexes containing a core of NP, around which the RNA is helically wrapped. The vRNPs are the entities that enter the nucleus, and their nuclear import must be mediated by nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) exposed on the vRNPs. NP contains at least two putative NLSs, one at the N-terminus (NLS1) and one in the middle (NLS2) of the protein. These NP NLSs have been shown to mediate the nuclear import of recombinant NP molecules. However, it remains to be determined which NLS mediates the nuclear import of influenza vRNP complexes.

Results
To directly track the nuclear import of the influenza A genome, we developed an experimental assay based on digitonin-permeabilized cells and fluorescently-labeled vRNPs isolated from the influenza A virus. We used this assay to determine the contribution of the two proposed NLSs on NP to the nuclear import of influenza vRNP complexes. Peptides that mimic each of the two NLSs on NP were used to compete with vRNPs for their nuclear import receptors. In addition, antibodies against the two NP NLSs were used to block the NLSs on the vRNP complexes, and thereby inhibit vRNP nuclear import. Both peptide competition and antibody inhibition of either sequence resulted in decreased nuclear accumulation of vRNPs. The two sequences act independently of each other, as inhibition of only one of the two NLSs still resulted in significant, though diminished, nuclear import of vRNPs. Furthermore, when both sequences were blocked, vRNP nuclear import was almost completely inhibited. Antibody inhibition studies further showed that NLS1 on NP is the main contributor to the nuclear import of vRNPs.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that both NLS1 and NLS2 on NP can mediate the nuclear uptake of influenza A vRNPs.
Beyond behavioural intentions: Planning mediates between intentions and physical activity
Authors: Scholz Urte , Schüz Benjamin , Ziegelmann Jochen P. , Lippke Sonia , Schwarzer Ralf 
Published: June 2007

Objectives Health‐behaviour change is not predicted well by behavioural intentions alone. Action planning and coping planning are two self‐regulatory strategies that may help bridge the gap between intentions and behaviour. Action planning comprises the when, where and how of implementing a behaviour. Coping planning involves the anticipation of barriers and ways to overcome them. The study examines whether the inclusion of these two planning constructs would improve the overall prediction of physical activity. The main research question is which kind of planning would be beneficial for the initiation of behaviour and which one for its maintenance. Moreover, it is examined whether intentions moderate the planning–behaviour relationship.Methods A 5‐week longitudinal on‐line study was conducted with 354 participants. Differences in prediction patterns between formerly active and formerly inactive individuals were compared using multigroup structural equation modelling. Moderating effects of intentions were tested by means of latent interactions.Results Inclusion of the two planning factors accounted for substantially more behaviour variance than intention alone did. Coping planning mediated the intention–behaviour relationship only in formerly active, but not in formerly inactive participants. Moreover, intentions moderated the effects of both types of planning on behaviour.Conclusions Action planning appears to predict behaviour only when intentions are high. For actors, coping planning represents a critical self‐regulation strategy to maintain their physical activity levels.