Ibandronate for prevention of femoral head deformity after ischemic necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis in immature pigs.

Background: Femoral head deformity is the most serious sequela of ischemic necrosis of the immature femoral head. The purpose of this study was to determine if a highly potent antiresorptive agent, ibandronate, can inhibit bone resorption during the repair of the infarcted femoral head and thus alter the repair process. We hypothesized that preservation of the trabecular framework by inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption would minimize the development of deformity in a piglet model of ischemic necrosis.

An immunocompromised BALB/c mouse model for respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes bronchiolitis in infants and children, which can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients. The BALB/c mouse, currently used as a model for studying RSV immunopathology, is semi-permissive to the virus. A mouse model that more closely mimics human RSV infection is needed.

Increased VEGF expression in the epiphyseal cartilage after ischemic necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis.

Unlabelled: Ischemic injury to the immature femoral head produces epiphyseal cartilage damage and cessation of endochondral ossification. This study suggests that VEGF facilitates the repair of the necrotic epiphyseal cartilage, which is essential for restoration of endochondral ossification and re-establishment of the growth of the immature femoral head after ischemic necrosis.

Introduction: Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood form of osteonecrosis that produces growth arrest of the secondary center of ossification.