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Biomedical subjects

W Jacobs

Publications and source records attributed to W Jacobs.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Mobile bearing vs fixed bearing prostheses for total knee arthroplasty for post-operative functional status in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The polyethylene insert in a total knee replacement (TKR) can be fixed to the tibial plateau or it can have freedom of rotation and / or translation. It is not yet clear whether there are differences in functional or clinical results between the two prosthesis types. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this review is to assess if a mobile bearing total knee prosthesis provides a better range of motion (ROM) and a better functional outcome than a fixed bearing prosthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Library (issue 2002-3), Current contents (1996 to September 2002), and MEDLINE (1966 to September 2002). Reference lists of selected articles were also included. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials or controlled clinical trials were selected which used a functional or clinical outcome measure comparing mobile (rotating and/or sliding) with fixed bearing types. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data was collected on relevant demographic data and functional outcome measures like Range of Motion, specific measures of activities with daily tasks, and composite knee scores such as Knee Society Score, Hospital for Special Surgery score and similar scores. Only controlled studies comparing a fixed bearing with a mobile bearing type of TKP were considered. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomised studies were encountered evaluating the difference in functional or clinical outcome of the two prosthesis types. The methodological quality of the studies was low. The study with the best quality found no difference in ROM, but found a superiority of the mobile bearing on Knee Society Score and Oxford Knee Score and the pain sub scores of these clinical measures. The second study found no differences. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: We could find no evidence of superiority for one of the two prosthesis types with regard to ROM or functional performance of the patients. The majority (96%) of patients in the 2 included studies had OA. Therefore, the results reflect primarily results in OA patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2003

The TB structural genomics consortium: a resource for Mycobacterium tuberculosis biology.

The TB Structural Genomics Consortium is an organization devoted to encouraging, coordinating, and facilitating the determination and analysis of structures of proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Consortium members hope to work together with other M. tuberculosis researchers to identify M. tuberculosis proteins for which structural information could provide important biological information, to analyze and interpret structures of M. tuberculosis proteins, and to work collaboratively to test ideas about M. tuberculosis protein function that are suggested by structure or related to structural information. This review describes the TB Structural Genomics Consortium and some of the proteins for which the Consortium is in the progress of determining three-dimensional structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Teardrop-femoral head distance after shelf acetabuloplasty for Perthes' disease.

Shelf acetabuloplasty is an accepted treatment for Perthes' disease. Favourable outcomes have been reported. This study aimed at determining whether changes in femoral head subluxation after shelf acetabuloplasty occur and whether they predict outcome. We assumed that reduction of subluxation after shelf acetabuloplasty would improve the long-term outcome. During follow-up, growth presented as a source of error when comparing the amount of absolute subluxation. Correction for growth was achieved by calculating a subluxation index. This index showed a significant reduction during follow-up. There was no correlation between clinical and radiological outcome, but the fact that the subluxation index showed a decreasing trend could be promising regarding outcome. This might be one of the reasons why shelf acetabuloplasty produces its effect. Following shelf acetabuloplasty the enlarged acetabulum could possibly direct the growth of the femoral head to a better-contained joint. This could result in better joint congruity and lesser tendency to degenerative arthritis.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2001

Isolated non-compaction of the left ventricle: a rare indication for transplantation.

This report describes the diagnostic difficulty encountered in a young female patient presenting with neurologic symptoms, atrial fibrillation and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, eventually leading to cardiac transplantation. The scrutiny used in the evaluation of the particular aspect of the left ventricle, and the integration of the information obtained from echocardiography, angiography and magnetic resonance imaging, led to the diagnosis of a rare and mostly unknown cause of cardiac failure. The correct identification of this entity is mandatory because enhanced risk of thromboembolism and malignant arrhythmia should be anticipated. A review of the literature revealed only 6 patients in whom isolated non-compaction of the left ventricle was treated by heart transplantation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Schistosoma mansoni infection causing diffuse enteric inflammation and damage of the enteric nervous system in the mouse small intestine.

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a major health problem, mainly occurring in developing countries. A large proportion of infected individuals suffers from motility-related gastrointestinal problems. In the present study, the diffuse inflammatory response in the small bowel wall, as compared to the egg-induced granulomatous inflammation, was investigated. For this purpose, OF1 mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni 8-16 weeks prior to the experiment, and uninfected control mice were studied. The ileum showed both a diffuse mucosal inflammation as well as a granulomatous reaction. The diffuse mucosal inflammation caused an increase in the thickness of the mucosa, with blunting of the villi. A significant, transient increase of thickness of the muscularis propria after 12 weeks of infection was noted. There was an infection-related mast cell infiltrate in the muscularis propria, consisting of formalin fixation-insensitive connective tissue mast cells. Ganglionitis of the myenteric plexus was noted. Rarely, ganglia of the myenteric plexus contained apoptotic cells. A general pharmacological set of experiments showed a significant increase in intestinal contractility, both to exogenously administered, as well as to endogenously released neurotransmitters. Our results demonstrate that S. mansoni infection in the mouse ileum leads to diffuse specific enteric inflammation that is associated with an enhanced response to contractile agents.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Study of the distribution pattern of Schistosoma haematobium egg antigens recognised by six different monoclonal antibodies in the parasite and the host.

Recently a new panel of monoclonal antibodies was developed against soluble egg antigens in the hatching fluid of Schistosoma mansoni. These antibodies have been used to develop an improved ELISA for the detection of circulating soluble egg antigens in serum and urine that would have a higher sensitivity in the immunodiagnosis of S. mansoni infections. Although these antibodies showed no improvement in the immunodiagnosis of S. mansoni infections compared with egg antigen-based ELISAs already described (Nourel Din et al., 1994a), they may have a potential role in the identification of S. haematobium infections. This study has looked into the immunolocalisation of S. haematobium egg antigens in both the parasite and the host as recognised by four newly developed monoclonal antibodies (290-2D9-A, 290-2E6-A, 290-2H12-A and 290-4A8-A) and two already described antibodies (114-5B1-A and 114-4D12-A). The antibodies 114-5B1-A and 114-4D12-A appeared to have in S. haematobium eggs a similar staining pattern when compared to S. mansoni eggs. The antibodies prepared against the hatching fluid showed a characteristic signal, especially 290-2E6-A. These antibodies recognised a component originating from the lateral glands of the miracidium. In the host a similar immunohistochemical tissue localisation pattern (mainly phagocytising reticulo-endothelial cells) was seen as previously described for S. mansoni infected hamsters.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Schistosomal granuloma modulation. I. Schistosoma mansoni worm antigens CAA and CCA prime egg-antigen-induced hepatic granuloma formation.

Adult Schistosoma mansoni worms can positively modulate soluble egg antigen (SEA)-induced granulomas formed around SEA-coupled beads implanted in the liver. In this study, our aim was to further unravel the immunopathological characteristics of S.mansoni-worm-derived antigens in vivo. (a) Adult worm antigen (AWA)-coupled Sepharose beads, implanted into the liver, induced granulomas, containing numerous eosinophilic granulocytes and elicited marked periparticular fibrosis (composed of interstitial matrix proteins and basement membrane components). (b) Quantitative morphological analysis demonstrated that in naive mice, AWA-induced hepatic granuloma formation peaked in volume 16 days after injection of the beads. An accelerated response against AWA-coupled particles (peak volume at 8 days) was observed in mice carrying a single-sex, male S. mansoni infection. (c) When the granuloma volume induced by SEA-coupled beads in unisexually S. mansoni infected mice was compared to granulomas induced by beads laden with both SEA and AWA in unsensitized mice, no significant differences in granuloma volume were seen, indicating the existence of in vivo egg/worm antigen cross-sensitization. (d) Naive mice, sensitized with the worm antigens circulating anodic antigen (CAA) or circulating cathodic antigen (CCA), mounted a strongly accelerated response towards SEA-coupled beads implanted in the liver. We infer that, in vivo, worm antigens cross-sensitize with egg antigens and have both granulomogenic and fibrogenic characteristics. The S. mansoni soluble worm antigens CCA and CAA prime hepatic egg-antigen-induced granuloma formation possibly through the presence of immunogenic carbohydrates. These mechanisms lead to an accelerated response against SEA.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Schistosomal granuloma modulation. II. Specific immunogenic carbohydrates can modulate schistosome-egg-antigen-induced hepatic granuloma formation.

To further investigate the factors involved in the modulation of the schistosomal granuloma, mice were primed with immunogenic carbohydrates which were common to soluble egg antigen (SEA) and adult worm antigen. Mice sensitized with LewisX trisaccharide or lacto-N-fucopentaose-III (LNFP-III) displayed an increased cellular response towards SEA-coupled beads implanted in the liver by mesenteric injection, resulting in the formation of larger periparticular granulomas. When animals were sensitized with bovine serum albumin or a structurally related carbohydrate, an accelerated response was not seen. Since LNFP-III is built up of LewisX molecules, and LewisX carbohydrates are common to SEA and worm antigens such as the gut-secreted antigens CCA and CAA (two antigens that could prime egg-antigen-induced granuloma formation), this may explain why adult, live Schistosoma mansoni worms positively modulate egg-antigen-induced hepatic granuloma formation in the murine host. These observations provide new insights into the role of carbohydrates in parasite-host immunity and may yield important implications for choosing worm-derived antigens for the development of anti-schistosome vaccines.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Schistosomal granuloma modulation. III. Schistosma haematobium worms accelerate S. mansoni soluble egg antigen-induced hepatic granuloma formation in vivo.

Recurrent experimental evidence indicates that schistosomal egg granuloma formation at least in the murine model results from a host response generated against both egg- and worm-derived antigens. Further experiments aimed at identifying the existence in vivo of cross-sensitization between Schistosoma haematobium worms and S. mansoni-derived egg antigens were performed with respect to S. mansoni egg antigen-induced granuloma formation and fibrogenesis in the liver. Male OF1 mice bisexually infected with S. haematobium or S. mansoni were hepatically challenged (cecal vein injection) with S. mansoni SEA (soluble egg antigen)-coupled Sepharose beads at the end of prepatent infection (8-10 days prior to the start of egg deposition). The mean granuloma volume (MGV) of in-vivo-generated synchronized hepatic granulomas (8 days old) and the fibrotic response were estimated. Just like S. mansoni-infected rodents, mice carrying an S. haematobium infection generated an accelerated hepatic granulomogenesis [respective MGVs 4.72 +/- 0.56 and 5.41 +/- 0.75 x 10(6) microm3; P < 0.0001 versus unsensitized (MGV 3.00 +/- 0.40 x 10(6) microm3) mice] and an enhanced fibrotic response against S. mansoni SEA. They also had significantly enlarged spleens (P < 0.0001) and moderately enlarged livers (P = 0.02) as compared with S. haematobium-infected mice that were not challenged with SEA. From these observations we infer that in vivo, S. haematobium worms can positively modulate S. mansoni egg antigen-induced granuloma formation and hepatic fibrogenesis, resulting in more severe liver pathology.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Proximal segment position after distraction with the MD-DOS device.

We investigated cephalometrically the movement of the proximal segment in the sagittal plane in patients treated with distraction (MD-DOS device) for mandibular lengthening. The proximal segment was anteriorly rotated, whilst the distal segment was posteriorly rotated after the lengthening procedure. Thus the angle of the jaw was advanced half the distance of the advancement of the distal segment. One possible reason for the anterior rotation of 3.3 degrees on average is the repositioning of the proximal segment during application of the anterior fixation unit in the cases where mobilization was complete. Another more plausible reason is the anterior pull by the masticatory muscles and elastic bands being greater than the reactive distraction vector component in concert with a flexible telescopic distraction module and a single posterior screw anchorage. The positional movements of both distal and proximal segments were similar to those observed after mandibular advancement with bilateral sagittal split osteotomies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Control of the identity of blood samples for the surveillance of research on swine vesicular disease and Aujeszky's disease].

A surveillance programme for swine vesicular disease (SVD) and Aujeszky disease was set up in 1993 in the Netherlands. Blood samples are taken from pigs by local veterinarians to enable testing for the presence of antibodies against these viruses. A programme to guarantee the identity of pigs tested for these diseases has been in operation since late 1995. In this programme, pigs are identified on the basis of the DNA profiles of blood and hair samples. The hair samples are collected by the department of Animal Health Control. Analysis proves whether blood and hair samples are from the same animal. A total of 655 animals have been tested from 94 farms. In 38.6% of these farms differences were found between blood and hair samples.

Animal Identification Systems↗
PubMed1998

Syndecan-1 expression in malignant mesothelioma: correlation with cell differentiation, WT1 expression, and clinical outcome.

Syndecan-1 binds basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), modulates neovascularization, plays a role in epithelial differentiation and is up-regulated by WT1. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is one of the most aggressive tumours known and expresses high levels of angiogenic growth factors. This study has analysed syndecan-1 expression in mesothelioma tumours and cell lines by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, using anti-syndecan-1 antibody directed against the core protein, and has examined its relation to morphology, bFGF, WT1, and intra-tumoural microvascular density (IMD). Shedding of syndecan-1 in the conditioned medium of mesothelioma cell lines was detected in variable amounts. These studies indicate that (1) there is no correlation of syndecan-1 with either bFGF expression or IMD in mesotheliomas in vivo; (2) syndecan-1 is strongly expressed in the epithelial type of mesothelioma and in the epithelial component of biphasic mesotheliomas and the expression is reduced or lost in sarcomatoid differentiation; together with the finding that (3) syndecan-1 correlates with WT1 immuno-expression, this suggests that syndecan-1 might relate to the differentiation state of mesothelial/mesothelioma cells; and (4) syndecan-1-positive tumours are associated with a longer survival (p = 0.02) than mesotheliomas with no or little syndecan-1 expression, on univariate analysis. These findings therefore indicate that syndecan-1 can be an important prognostic indicator in mesotheliomas and its loss may be important in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of mesothelioma cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Adhesion molecules in intestinal Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Adhesion molecules constitute essential elements in inflammation, mediating various cellular interactions. We investigated the expression of adhesion molecules mediating cell-cell [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)] and cell-matrix interactions [very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), VLA-6, and syndecan-1] in intestinal granulomas of mice infected with the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Up-regulation of ICAM-1, LFA-1, and VLA-4 was seen in ileal and colonic granulomas, at both the acute (8 weeks postinfection) and the chronic stage (13-16 weeks postinfection). Up-regulation of VLA-6 was absent in all intestinal granulomas. Syndecan-1 immunoreactive (antigen-driven) B-lymphocytes were seen in the proximity of egg-antigen-laden macrophages in the inner part of ileal and colonic granulomas, although B-cells are considered to be absent in ileal granulomas. Estimation of intestinal granuloma volumes demonstrated the lack of down-modulation observed in ileal granulomas. From our results we infer that adhesion molecules constitute important elements in schistosomal intestinal granuloma formation. Organ-related differences between hepatic and intestinal granulomas exist (e.g., granuloma volume), but these differences are not morphologically reflected in a differential expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, LFA-1, and VLA-4. Syndecan-1 immunoreactive B-lymphocytes also appear to be involved in ileal granuloma formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Transforming growth factor-beta, basement membrane components and heparan sulphate proteoglycans in experimental hepatic schistosomiasis mansoni.

In an attempt to elucidate further the immunopathological pathways that underlie fibrogenesis induced by Schistosoma mansoni, we have studied the distribution of basement membrane compounds, heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG) and the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in two models of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni (experimental murine infection and synchronous granulomas induced by injection of egg-antigen-coupled beads into the caecal vein). Deposition of the basement membrane proteins type IV collagen, laminin and entactin in schistosomal granulomas was seen 3 days after the implantation of egg-antigen-coupled beads in the liver and persisted over time (32 days). Up-regulation of the membrane-bound HSPG syndecan-1 was observed in the schistosomal granuloma. These syndecan-1-immunoreactive cells represented a distinct subpopulation of granuloma cells; they were different from both mature, unstimulated B-cells (CD40-positive) and endothelial cells (CD105-positive). Deposition of the matrix HSPG perlecan within the granuloma was most prominent 8-16 days after injection. TGF-beta expression was observed in acute (8 weeks) and chronically (13 weeks) infected mice, mainly at the periphery of the schistosomal granuloma and on Kupffer cells in the liver parenchyma. From these observations, we infer that schistosomal fibrosis is composed of various groups of matrix components and that TGF-beta, which is secreted by granuloma cells, is one of the fibrogenic mediators in schistosomal fibrogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Morphometrical and immunopathological dissection of the hepatic Schistosoma haematobium granuloma in the murine host.

This paper presents the results of a study aimed at identifying the immunopathological and morphometrical characteristics of liver granulomas induced by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium. The OF1 mouse is a susceptible host for experimental infection with the Egyptian NAMRU-3 strain of S. haematobium. Formation of liver granulomas started after 13-14 weeks of infection. These hepatic granulomas reached a maximum volume after 20 weeks of infection (MGV: 1.82 +/- 0.15 x 10(7) micron 3) and regressed thereafter (1.55 +/- 0.16 x 10(7) micron 3 after 24 weeks). Strong cellular upregulation of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1, LFA-1, syndecan-1, VLA-4, but not VLA-6 is seen, both in acute and chronic granulomas. Finally, pathological differences exist between hepatic S. mansoni and S. haematobium granulomas particularly at the level of extracellular matrix deposition. S. haematobium induced peri-ovular deposition of mainly fibronectin and to a lesser extent type I and IV collagen.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Temporomandibular disorders: clinical and laboratory analyses for risk assessment of criteria for surgical therapy, a pilot study.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a broad category involving dysfunction of the skeletomuscular structures of the head and neck, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A total of 66 patients, 54 with TMD, participated in this study. Group 1 (G1) had 31 patients suffering from early to intermediate stage disease, and no prior surgeries. G1 patients had arthrotomy/meniscectomy performed on the diseased joint(s). Group 2 (G2) consisted of 23 patients with late stage disease. All G2 patients had previously had unsuccessful TMJ surgery and were treated with either a partial or total joint prosthesis. Group 3 (G3) consisted of 12 patients who were clinically and radiographically asymptomatic. Medical histories including inflammatory bowel disease, headaches, vertigo, tinnitus and anemia, as well as surgical tonsillectomies, appendectomies and cholecystectomies, were significantly greater in G1 and G2 when compared to G3. Serological testing included HLA subtype, positive (ANA) antinuclear antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anemia profile, hormonal levels of prolactin and estradiol, and rheumatoid factor (RF). HLA frequencies, as well as some serological analyses, were significantly different among the three groups. These findings suggest that surgical failure may be secondary to autoimmune dysfunction with a predisposition to multisystem disease. The utilization of genetic markers, serological testing, and thorough medical and surgical histories should allow the clinician to determine which patients are potentially better surgical risk candidates for treatment of TMD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Mandibular distraction using a dynamic osteosynthesis system: MD-DOS. Concepts and surgical technic].

MD-DOS (mandibular distraction with a dynamic osteosynthesis system) is an intra-oral mandibular distractor that can be placed via the oral route, enabling application under local anesthesia. The aim of the article is to describe the technical-surgical aspects of the treatment concept, based on an initial experience of 35 cases. The device is characterised by a single horizontal posterior fixation screw-implant, a vertical hinge that copes with the lateral force vector in the condyles, a telescopic distraction module, and an anterior fixation unit that is fixed with monocortical screws. The main indication was mandibular lengthening in Angle Class II, deep bite cases. The third molars could be removed in the same session. Of importance was the horizontal placement of the posterior fixation unit (PFU), together with the distraction module, in order not to interfere with lateral jaw movements and with the lower sulcus. Equally important was the use of at least one 7.5 mm long osteosynthesis screw together with at least three 5.5 mm screws. Near complete mobilisation of the segments, firmly blocking the posterior fixation unit with the vertical hinge in a perpendicular position, and placing MD-DOS as close as possible to the dental arch, were also important parameters for success.

Anesthesia, Dental↗