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Journal of Neuropathology and... Oct 2021Spinal cord ischemic injury and paralysis are devastating complications after open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Preclinical models have been...
Spinal cord ischemic injury and paralysis are devastating complications after open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Preclinical models have been developed to simulate the clinical paradigm to better understand the neuropathophysiology and develop therapeutic treatment. Neuropathological findings in the preclinical models have not been comprehensively examined before. This systematic review studies the past 40 years of the histological findings after open surgical repair in preclinical models. Our main finding is that damage is predominantly in the grey matter of the spinal cord, although white matter damage in the spinal cord is also reported. Future research needs to examine the neuropathological findings in preclinical models after endovascular repair, a newer type of surgical repair used to treat aortic aneurysms.
Topics: Animals; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Constriction; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Gray Matter; Humans; Mice; Papio; Rabbits; Rats; Reperfusion Injury; Sheep; Species Specificity; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Injuries; Swine
PubMed: 34534333
DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab084 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2020Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disease that primarily affects about 10% of the world's population over 60 years old. The purpose of this study is to...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disease that primarily affects about 10% of the world's population over 60 years old. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the preclinical studies regarding sex differences in OA, with particular attention to the molecular aspect and gene expression, but also to the histopathological aspects. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were screened for eligible studies. In vitro and in vivo papers written in English, published in the last 11 years (2009-2020) were eligible. Participants were preclinical studies, including cell cultures and animal models of OA, evaluating sex differences. Independent extraction of articles and quality assessments were performed by two authors using predefined data fields and specific tools (Animals in Research Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guideline and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool). Twenty-three studies were included in the review: 4 in vitro studies, 18 in vivo studies, and 1 both in vitro and in vivo study. From in vitro works, sex differences were found in the gene expression of inflammatory molecules, hormonal receptors, and in responsiveness to hormonal stimulation. In vivo research showed a great heterogeneity of animal models mainly focused on the histopathological aspects rather than on the analysis of sex-related molecular mechanisms. This review highlights that many gaps in knowledge still exist; improvementsin the selection and reporting of animal models, the use of advanced in vitro models, and multiomics analyses might contribute to developing a personalized gender-based medicine.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Male; Mice; Osteoarthritis; Papio; Rats; Sex Characteristics; Sex Factors; Swine
PubMed: 32456298
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103696 -
Archives of Oral Biology Jan 2020The aim of this study was to quantify the heritability of periodontitis via a systematic appraisal of the existing evidence derived from animal studies.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to quantify the heritability of periodontitis via a systematic appraisal of the existing evidence derived from animal studies.
DESIGN
A search was conducted through the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Open Grey, Google Scholar and ResearchGate, complemented by a hand search, for studies reporting measures of heritability of periodontitis. After full-text reading, 7 studies conducted on animal models met the inclusion criteria. Six studies carried out experimental periodontitis models in mice, while one study assessed bone loss in dry skulls of baboons with known pedigrees.
RESULTS
Heritability of 'naturally-occurring bone loss' (3 studies, non-experimental conditions) was estimated at 0.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.64) with virtually no heterogeneity (I = 0%, p = 0.97). Heritability of experimental periodontitis in mice (6 studies) was 0.43 (0.28-0.58) with considerable heterogeneity (I = 96%, p < 0.01). There was no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Over a third of the phenotypic variance of periodontitis in animal studies is due to genetic factors, somewhat higher than the estimate from human studies. It can be argued that, under the strictly-controlled experimental conditions of laboratory-induced periodontitis, the relative role of heritable factors predisposing to periodontitis and bone loss may be stronger compared with human studies.
Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Humans; Mice; Papio; Periodontitis
PubMed: 31706108
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.104592 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty May 2019Reports of natural infections of Schistosoma mansoni in a number of species of nonhuman primates (NHPs) in Africa, coupled with the substantial overlap of NHP habitats... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Reports of natural infections of Schistosoma mansoni in a number of species of nonhuman primates (NHPs) in Africa, coupled with the substantial overlap of NHP habitats and human schistosomiasis endemic areas, has led to concerns about the role of NHPs in the transmission of human schistosomiasis. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to describe the current scope of knowledge for Africa, for the NHP species implicated, their geographical distribution, infection rates with S. mansoni, and to discuss the implications for public health and conservation.
MAIN TEXT
A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the World Health Organization (WHO) library database, World Cat, and ScienceDirect without any language restriction. Studies examining S. mansoni infection of any African NHP species were included. Study types, primate species, their geographical distribution, and parasite diagnostic techniques reported in the studies were qualitatively summarized. Data for species with sample sizes ≥10 were included in the meta-analysis. We assessed the reported infection rate, and used a random-effects model to estimate the summary infection rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed heterogeneity among studies using the I statistics. Twenty-nine publications, from 1960 to 2018, were identified and included in the review. The studies examined a total of 2962 primates belonging to 22 species in 11 genera across ten countries (Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe), and S. mansoni infections were found in nine species of five genera in all countries. When we excluded studies with sample sizes < 10, data from 24 studies on 11 species of primates in three genera in ten countries remained in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of infection rate was 10% (95% CI: 6-16%) with high heterogeneity (I = 94.77%) across countries and species/genera. Among the three genera, Pan had the highest infection rate of 15% (95% CI: 0-55%), followed by Papio at 11% (95% CI: 6-18%), and Cercopithecus at 5% (95% CI: 0-14%). The association between NHP and human infections was positive, but not significant, due to low study sample matches and high variation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that S. mansoni infection rate is high in African NHPs, with substantial heterogeneities across species/genera and countries in Africa. Given the evidence for potential spillover and spillback of S. mansoni between African NHPs and humans, further research is urgently needed to understand ecology and mechanisms of transmission of the parasite between NHP and human hosts, in order to inform control strategies of this important neglected tropical disease.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Disease Reservoirs; Geography; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Primates; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni
PubMed: 31077256
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0543-7 -
Cartilage Jul 2019Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions are a relevant problem that affects the long-term prognosis of young patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the...
OBJECTIVE
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions are a relevant problem that affects the long-term prognosis of young patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the evidence on potential and indications of nonsurgical treatment strategies for knee OCD.
DESIGN
The search was conducted on 3 medical electronic databases according to PRISMA guidelines, including reports of any level of evidence dealing with the conservative management of knee OCD. Of 1688 identified records, 55 full-text articles were screened: 27 studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 908 knees, and were used for the analysis.
RESULTS
No high-level studies were found: 24 articles were case series and 3 case reports, reporting on different treatments summarized in (1) restriction of physical activity, (2) physiokinesitherapy and muscle-strengthening exercises, (3) physical instrumental therapies, (4) limitation of weightbearing, and (5) immobilization. The analysis showed an overall healing rate of 61.4%, with large variability (10.4%-95.8%). A conservative treatment based on restriction of sport and strenuous activities seems a favorable approach, possibly combined with physiokinesitherapy. Negative prognostic factors were also identified: larger lesion size, more severe lesion stages, older age and skeletal maturity, discoid meniscus, and clinical presentation with swelling or locking.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature on conservative treatments for knee OCD is scarce. Among different non-surgical treatment options, strenuous activity restriction seems a favorable approach, whereas there is no evidence that physical instrumental therapy, immobilization, or weightbearing limitation could be beneficial. However, further studies are needed to improve treatment potential and indications for the conservative management of knee OCD.
Topics: Adolescent; Cartilage; Child; Child, Preschool; Conservative Treatment; Exercise; Female; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Physical Therapy Modalities; Prevalence; Prognosis; Resistance Training; Young Adult
PubMed: 29468901
DOI: 10.1177/1947603518758435 -
Stroke Mar 2015Because the new era of preclinical stroke research demands improvements in validity and generalizability of findings, moving from single site to multicenter studies... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Because the new era of preclinical stroke research demands improvements in validity and generalizability of findings, moving from single site to multicenter studies could be pivotal. However, the conduct of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in stroke remains ill-defined. We sought to assess the variability in the use of MRI for evaluating lesions post stroke and to examine the possibility as an alternative to gold standard histology for measuring the infarct size.
METHODS
We identified animal studies of ischemic stroke reporting lesion sizes using MRI. We assessed the degree of heterogeneity and reporting of scanning protocols, postprocessing methods, study design characteristics, and study quality. Studies performing histological evaluation of infarct size were further selected to compare with corresponding MRI using meta-regression.
RESULTS
Fifty-four articles undertaking a total of 78 different MRI scanning protocols met the inclusion criteria. T2-weighted imaging was most frequently used (83% of the studies), followed by diffusion-weighted imaging (43%). Reporting of the imaging parameters was adequate, but heterogeneity between studies was high. Twelve studies assessed the infarct size using both MRI and histology at corresponding time points, with T2-weighted imaging-based treatment effect having a significant positive correlation with histology (; P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Guidelines for standardized use and reporting of MRI in preclinical stroke are urgently needed. T2-weighted imaging could be used as an effective in vivo alternative to histology for estimating treatment effects based on the extent of infarction; however, additional studies are needed to explore the effect of individual parameters.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Diagnostic Imaging; Disease Models, Animal; Histological Techniques; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mice; Papio; Rats; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Stroke
PubMed: 25657177
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.114.007560 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2009High plasma concentrations of cholesterol are a principal risk factor for atherogenesis and thus a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Animal and epidemiological... (Review)
Review
High plasma concentrations of cholesterol are a principal risk factor for atherogenesis and thus a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Animal and epidemiological evidence suggest that exposures acting in early life may play a role in cardiovascular disease risk, and infant nutrition is one early-life factor that has generated much interest amongst lifecourse researchers in recent years. A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that mean total cholesterol levels in adults were 0.18 mmol/L (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.30) lower amongst those who had been breastfed compared with those who received formula milk. Experimental evidence from the follow-up into adolescence of nutritional manipulation trials in preterm infants provides support for the hypothesis that breast milk may programme a beneficial lipid profile in later life. However, data in term infants are largely observational and so residual confounding can never be excluded, and there is little consistent evidence that any effect of breastfeeding on lipids translates into a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. The mechanistic basis for a programming effect of breastfeeding on adult cholesterol levels remains to be established in humans.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Breast Feeding; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Lipids; Middle Aged; Papio; Young Adult
PubMed: 19536661
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-9173-5_4 -
Xenotransplantation Sep 2002There are almost no prospective, controlled and randomized clinical trials comparing different approaches towards hepatic assist. In order to create a basis for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There are almost no prospective, controlled and randomized clinical trials comparing different approaches towards hepatic assist. In order to create a basis for comparing the value of the existing different hepatic assist methods this article offers a systematic review of the world experience with allogeneic or xenogeneic extracorporeal liver perfusion (ECLP).
METHODS
An Internet-assisted search was conducted in the international literature published from 1964 to 2000. Only articles with a clear description of methodology and outcome of patients were included. For multivariate analysis of variance the general linear method (GLM) procedure was used. Differences within the groups were analyzed by chi-square test. Data of 198 patients were included into the statistical analysis for systematic review.
RESULTS
The long-term survival rate (SVR) of these patients was 26%, thus not exceeding published data concerning SVR under standard intensive care. Age below 40 years (P<0.029), coma stage lower than III-IV (P<0.003), total perfusion time over 10 hours (P<0.024), hepatitis B as cause for acute liver failure (ALF) (P<0.05) as well as use of baboon and human livers (P<0.02) were identified as independent positive prognostic markers for improved survival. ECLP as bridging therapy to liver transplantation was successful in 12 of 14 patients.
CONCLUSION
ECLP using pig livers did not surpass the success of conventional intensive care treatment. An additional effect of transgenic expression of human regulators of complement regulation in porcine livers has not yet been proven. ECLP with human livers not suitable for liver transplantation might prove effective and practicable for temporary hepatic support. Bridging to liver transplantation by long-term ECLP using porcine and human livers appears to have comparable efficacy as bioartificial support methods.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Cattle; Child; Critical Care; Extracorporeal Circulation; Female; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Humans; Liver Circulation; Liver Diseases; Liver Failure; Liver Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Papio; Perfusion; Severity of Illness Index; Species Specificity; Survival Rate; Swine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 12199863
DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3089.2002.01076.x -
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology Jan 2001Various surgical procedures may cause temporary interruption of spinal cord blood supply and may result in irreversible ischemic injury and neurological deficits. The... (Review)
Review
Various surgical procedures may cause temporary interruption of spinal cord blood supply and may result in irreversible ischemic injury and neurological deficits. The cascade of events that leads to neuronal death following ischemia may be amenable to pharmacological manipulations that aim to increase the tolerable duration of ischemia. Many agents have been evaluated in experimental spinal cord ischemia (SCI). In order to investigate whether an agent is available that justifies clinical evaluation, the literature on pharmacological neuroprotection in experimental SCI was systematically reviewed to assess the neuroprotective efficacy of the various agents. In addition, the strength of the evidence for neuroprotection was investigated by analyzing the methodology. The authors used a systematic review to conduct this evaluation. The included studies were analyzed for neuroprotection and methodology. In order to be able to compare the various agents for neuroprotective efficacy, relative risks and confidence intervals were calculated from the data in the results sections. A total of 103 studies were included. Seventy-nine different agents were tested. Only 14 of the agents tested did not afford protection at all. A large variation was observed in the experimental models to produce SCI. This variation limited comparison of the individual agents. In 48 studies involving 31 single agents, the relative risks and confidence intervals could be calculated. An analysis of the methodology revealed poor temperature management and lack of statistical power in the majority of the 103 studies. The results suggest that numerous agents may protect the spinal cord from transient ischemia. However, poor temperature management and lack of statistical power severely weakened the evidence. Consequently, clinical evaluation of pharmacological neuroprotection in surgical procedures that carry a risk of ischemic spinal cord damage is not justified on the basis of this study.
Topics: Animals; Body Temperature; Dogs; Ischemia; Neuroprotective Agents; Papio; Rabbits; Rats; Regional Blood Flow; Spinal Cord; Swine
PubMed: 11145475
DOI: 10.1097/00008506-200101000-00002