Dromedary Camels and the Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an existential threat to global public health. The virus has been repeatedly detected in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Adult animals in many countries in the Middle East as well as in North and East Africa showed high (>90%) seroprevalence to the virus. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus isolated from dromedaries is genetically and phenotypically similar to viruses from humans. We summarize current understanding of the ecology of MERS-CoV in animals and transmission at the animal-human interface. We review aspects of husbandry, animal movements and trade and the use and consumption of camel dairy and meat products in the Middle East that may be relevant to the epidemiology of MERS. We also highlight the gaps in understanding the transmission of this virus in animals and from animals to humans.

Golimumab therapy of rheumatoid arthritis: an overview.

Golimumab is a new approved humanized antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This antibody belonging to biologic agents is raised against the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha playing an essential role in the initiation of RA. To date, Golimumab administration for patients with RA, as indicated by USA Food and Drug Administration, is subcutaneous combined with methotrexate (MTX). Here, we have reviewed current literature with a focus on characteristics of Golimumab and also have exposed the clinical trials either using MTX or not using MTX. We have also highlighted the incoming clinical trials on Golimumab and have proposed some indications for the future studies based on a setting of clinical data and post-marketing observational studies. These studies will advance rheumatologists' decisions in the beginning of RA therapeutic interventions to insure the best outcomes for patients with RA and to improve their quality of life.

Microscopic localization of active gelatinases in equine osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the equine joint. METHODS: Equine articular cartilage was obtained from normal (N = 8) and osteochondrotic (OCD) (N = 6) femoropatellar joints from horses at necropsy. The activity of gelatinase MMPs was determined in sections of cartilage by in situ gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Gelatinase activity was markedly increased in articular cartilage obtained from OCD samples and was particularly prominent in the deep cartilage zone. Activity was only seen in the pericellular area of chondrocytes. In addition, in OCD cartilage there were vertical lines of activity, starting from the deep zone and radiating towards the articular surface. In contrast, normal cartilage showed only a very small amount of gelatinolytic activity, which was not restricted to specific cartilage zones. Gelatin zymography of culture supernatants from isolated chondrocytes demonstrated increased production of MMP-2 and MMP-9 from OCD chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Sections of articular cartilage from OCD lesions revealed MMP activity, especially in the deep zone adjacent to the calcified subchondral bone. This MMP activity could account for the loss of cartilage integrity in the deep cartilage zone and the vertical lines of activity could represent areas of mechanical weakness, likely to result in fissures and the release of cartilage fragments into the joint space.