bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of Juvenile Rainbow Trout Passing through a Francis Turbine
Authors: Dedual Michel
Published: February 2007

The immediate survival rate of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (fork length, 81 ± 1 mm) that passed through a Francis turbine at Hb Dam on the Hinemaiaia River in the central North Island of New Zealand was estimated at 95.6 ± 1.1% (mean ± SE). The survival rate decreased to 93.1 ± 1.4% after 24 h and remained unchanged after 96 h. The survival rate was derived using maximum likelihood estimators for a tag–recapture model involving three releases of 200 fish of similar average length, and the mortality due to handling was estimated using a control of 200 similarly sized fish. The high survival of juvenile rainbow trout (<80 mm) passing through the Francis turbine at Hb power station provides a safe route for fish migrating downstream from Hb Lake into the Hinemaiaia River and Lake Taupo.
Electrofishing Capture Probability of Smallmouth Bass in Streams
Authors: Dauwalter Daniel C. , Fisher William L.
Published: February 2007

Abundance estimation is an integral part of understanding the ecology and advancing the management of fish populations and communities. Mark–recapture and removal methods are commonly used to estimate the abundance of stream fishes. Alternatively, abundance can be estimated by dividing the number of individuals sampled by the probability of capture. We conducted a mark–recapture study and used multiple repeated-measures logistic regression to determine the influence of fish size, sampling procedures, and stream habitat variables on the cumulative capture probability for smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in two eastern Oklahoma streams. The predicted capture probability was used to adjust the number of individuals sampled to obtain abundance estimates. The observed capture probabilities were higher for larger fish and decreased with successive electrofishing passes for larger fish only. Model selection suggested that the number of electrofishing passes, fish length, and mean thalweg depth affected capture probabilities the most; there was little evidence for any effect of electrofishing power density and woody debris density on capture probability. Leave-one-out cross validation showed that the cumulative capture probability model predicts smallmouth abundance accurately.
Capecitabine
Authors: Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: February 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify the main toxicity profile associated with capecitabine therapy.Identify the main clinical indications for capecitabine therapy.Identify the populations at risk for severe toxicity from capecitabine therapy.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Salvage Therapy in Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Byrne Brian J. , Gockerman Jon P.
Published: February 2007

Hodgkin's disease is a rare malignancy that affects approximately 7,500 patients per year in the U.S., leading to an estimated 1,400 deaths. The relapse rate for this disease varies from around 5% for early-stage disease to 35% for patients with advanced disease. Patients who relapse after chemotherapy have about a 20% cure rate with conventional salvage chemotherapy. Two randomized phase III studies have shown an improved failure-free survival rate with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell support compared with conventional chemotherapy in relapsed patients. They failed to show any improvement in overall survival. For patients who experience failure with autologous transplant, the options of single-agent chemotherapy with gemcitabine, vinblastine, or vinorelbine can be used for palliation. Standard myeloablative allogeneic bone marrow transplant has a high mortality rate in this population. Allogeneic transplant regimens with reduced intensity are currently being studied in clinical trials. Further studies on the use of monoclonal antibodies and radiolabeled antibodies need to be conducted to define their role in the treatment of Hodgkin's disease.
Management of Gastroesophageal Tumors
Authors: Gee Denise W. , Rattner David W.
Published: February 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss the surgical management of carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and discuss the role of neoadjuvant multimodal therapy in the treatment of these tumors.Provide an overview of the classification of gastroesophageal tumors.Describe the latest developments in the diagnosis and staging of gastroesophageal tumors as well as newer options for palliative therapy.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
New, Expanded, and Modified Use of Approved Antineoplastic Agents in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Markman Maurie
Published: February 2007

Over the past several years, clinical research efforts in ovarian cancer employing a number of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antineoplastic agents have permitted the development of approaches that both improve the effectiveness and decrease the toxicities of systemic therapy of ovarian cancer. These initiatives, including prospective trials and retrospective examinations of large clinical experience, have involved agents previously approved by the FDA for use in ovarian cancer (e.g., cisplatin, paclitaxel, topotecan, and liposomal doxorubicin) and the development of new strategies for drugs approved for other malignant conditions (e.g., gemcitabine, docetaxel, etoposide, irinotecan, vinorelbine, and bevacizumab). It can be anticipated that future studies involving novel approved agents will further expand the oncologist's weapons against ovarian cancer.
Sorafenib and Sunitinib in the Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gridelli Cesare , Maione Paolo , Del Gaizo Filomena , Colantuoni Giuseppe , Guerriero Ciro , Ferrara Carmine , Nicolella Dario , Comunale Daniela , De Vita Alba , Rossi Antonio
Published: February 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the molecular mechanisms of action, safety profile, rationale for NSCLC treatment, and main current evidence in NSCLC treatment using the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib.Summarize the main clinical trials performed with sorafenib and sunitinib in the treatment of solid tumors.Describe the clinical trials performed with sorafenib and sunitinib in NSCLC and suggest the future clinical development of these two drugs in the treatment of NSCLC.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Genetic Polymorphisms of the Epidermal Growth Factor and Related Receptor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Araújo António , Ribeiro Ricardo , Azevedo Isabel , Coelho Ana , Soares Marta , Sousa Berta , Pinto Daniela , Lopes Carlos , Medeiros Rui , Scagliotti Giorgio V.
Published: February 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the role played by EGF and EGFR in lung carcinogenesis.Discuss how different polymorphic alleles from the EGF and EGFR genes may affect drug response.Evaluate the value of determining the presence of EGF and EGFR polymorphisms in NSCLC patients for daily clinical practice.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Understanding the New Genetics of Responsiveness to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Toschi Luca , Cappuzzo Federico
Published: February 2007

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Select a patient candidate for a tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.Describe the mechanism of action of gefitinib and erlotinib.Discuss the role of clinical and biological factors as determinants for sensitivity or resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer.

CME Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ at CME.TheOncologist.com
Fatigue Experiences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients During Six Weeks of Stereotactic Radiotherapy
Authors: Lai Yeur-Hur , Shun Shiow-Ching , Hsiao Ya-Li , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Wei Lin-Lin , Tsai Jo-Ting , Kao Chung-Yu
Published: February 2007

Purpose. To compare fatigue experiences and related factors during the first 6 weeks of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for liver cancer patients with and without fatigue before SRT.

Patients and Methods. Subjects (n = 91) were liver cancer patients receiving SRT at two teaching hospitals in northern Taiwan. Data were collected at seven times: the week before SRT (T0) and the end of each of the first 6 weeks of SRT (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6). Study variables were fatigue intensity, fatigue interference (with patients’ daily life), functional status, symptom distress, sleep disturbance, depressive status, radiation dose, stage of cancer, and selected laboratory data.

Results. Subjects were divided at T0 into two groups by fatigue level: those without (group 1, n = 32) and with (group 2, n = 59) pretreatment fatigue distress. Patients in group 2 had higher levels of fatigue intensity and interference than did patients in group 1. Both groups had similar patterns of fatigue interference, peaking at T5. However, patterns of average fatigue intensity differed slightly. In group 2, fatigue intensity remained constant until T3 and then increased to a peak at T5. In group 1, fatigue intensity increased to a peak between T4 and T5. Generalized estimating equation analysis showed significant differences between groups in fatigue intensity and interference across 6 weeks. Examination of factors related to fatigue after SRT indicated that sleep disturbance significantly predicted both fatigue intensity and interference in group 1, but depressive status, overall symptom distress, and education level predicted fatigue intensity and interference for group 2.

Conclusion. Liver cancer patients with or without fatigue before treatment had different fatigue experiences across 6 weeks of radiation therapy. Fatigue experiences of liver cancer patients receiving SRT can be better understood through future studies exploring patients’ long-term fatigue changes and responses to fatigue-management interventions.
Ion-pair chromatographic monitoring of photographic effluents
Authors: Kesiũnaitė Giedrė , Pranaitytė Birutė , Padarauskas Audrius , Dikčius Arvydas , Ragauskas Romas
Published: February 2007

Ion-pair chromatographic technique was developed for the rapid and simple determination of the main contaminants (bromide, iodide, sulphite, thiosulphate, thiocyanate, iron(III)-EDTA chelate, free EDTA, hydroquinone and phenidone) in spent photographic solutions. Free EDTA was converted into stable Ni(II)-EDTA chelate prior to analysis. The optimal mobile phase conditions were established by varying the concentrations of tetrabutylammonium (TBA) phosphate and acetonitrile, pH and ionic strength. Separation of five inorganic anions, two metal chelates and two neutral compounds was accomplished in about 30 min using a mobile phase containing 7.5 mmol/L TBA-phosphate, 10 mmol/L NaCl (pH 6.5) and 20% (v/v) acetonitrile. The detection limits (UV detection at 210 nm) ranged from 0.4 µmol/L for phenidone to 8 µmol/L for sulphite with a linearity of 2–2.5 orders of magnitude. The method was applied to the rapid monitoring of spent photographic solutions before and after decomposition. The recovery tests established for two samples were within the range 95–103%.
Quantization of gauge fields through fibre bundle multiconnectivity
Authors: Khalifa Ouassim , Gauthier Claude
Published: February 2007

A geometric model for the quantum nature of interaction fields is proposed. We utilize a trivial fibre bundle whose typical fibre has a multiconnectivity characterized by a discrete group Γ. By seeing Γ as a gauge group with global action on each fibre, we show that the corresponding field strength is non-zero only on the future part of the light cone whose vertex is at the interaction point. When the interaction is submitted to the symmetries of a Lie group G, we consider the gauge group G x Γ. The field strength of the gauge having this group includes a term expressing the quantization of the interaction field described by G. This geometric interpretation of quantization makes use of topological arguments similar to those applied to explain the Aharonov-Bohm effect. Two examples show how this interpretation applies to the cases of electromagnetic and gravitational fields.
Dynamic effects in iron phthalocyanine-like compounds
Authors: Amulevičius Arũnas , Mažeika Kęstutis , Remeikis Vidmantas , Undzėnas Algimantas
Published: February 2007

57Fe isotope-enriched iron phthalocyanine has been synthesized and studied by the Mössbauer spectroscopic method. The samples were investigated in the temperature range 100–350 K. Some peculiarities in atomic and molecular electronic structure fluctuations were observed. The intermediate Fe oxidation states are observed and it has been found that the rate of charge redistribution is temperature-dependent. The correlation between the temperature behavior of the isomeric shift and quadrupole splitting has been demonstrated. At elevated temperatures above 300 K, the Fe2+ oxidation number is quasistable. The alteration of Fe oxidation number is associated with fluctuations of electron charges, and the electron-accepting and electron-donating properties of surrounding ligands. The energy barriers separating Fe oxidation states have been determined. The possibility of modeling Mössbauer spectra of electron-transfer systems has been shown.
Hidden secrets of the Northern Adriatic: “Tegnúe”, peculiar reefs
Authors: Casellato Sandra , Masiero Luciano , Sichirollo Elena , Soresi Stefano
Published: February 2007

Research carried out over the last 40 years has underlined the scientific importance of the rocky outcrops scattered on the Northern Adriatic Sea bed sometimes referred to as “tegnúe”. The zoobenthic biocenoses developing over these peculiar geological formations are as extraordinary as they are unique. A study carried out for an entire year in two sampling stations, at different distances from the coast, revealed a very high number of zoobenthic species, including those which have now become rare and are therefore protected in Italian seas. The water turbidity of the northern Adriatic Sea greatly reduces the quantity of light reaching these outcrops, limiting the activity of autotrophic organisms only to sciaphilous genera. Thus, the most represented trophic categories of zoobenthos are suspension, especially filter feeders. Biodiversity values calculated for the communities of these particular reefs are far higher than normally found in the soft seabed in nearby areas, but even higher than in other coralligenous outcrops in other marine ecosystem in the world. The ecological role played by the tegnúe in the Northern Adriatic is extraordinary because as well as being true oases of biodiversity, they are areas naturally protected against bottom trawl-fishing. Thus, they offer shelter and reproduction sites for a number of fish and invertebrate species, including some under stress due to severe fishing pressure.
Can low concentrations of Papain help repair articular cartilage defects?
Authors: Staponas Alfredas , Gražienë Vida , Leonavičienë Laima
Published: February 2007

In the present study, we investigate the capability of low concentrations of Papain to stimulate cartilage mesenchymal cells proliferation and transformation to chondrocytes and evaluate the healing capability of partial thickness defects in medial condyle cartilage of 30 rabbits’ knee joints. Papain 0.1 mg/ml and Ringer saline l ml each were injected intra-articularly to rabbits of experimental and control groups (15 animals each). Healthy cartilage from lateral condyle and cartilage from medial condyle where the surgical defect was created were studied histologically and by TEM. The study revealed that 0.1 mg/ml Papain activates proliferation and spreading of mesenchymal stem cells to young forms of chondrocyte from perichondrium to the upper layers of healthy cartilage. In only 22.27% cases of the experimental group, surgical defects filled with cartilaginous tissue on the background of distinct destruction of collagenous matrix in the native cartilage. However, in 55.5% of the control group the defect was spontaneously healed by hyaline cartilaginous tissue completely or partially on the basis of slight destruction of collagenous matrix. The defect site was filled with activated chondrocyte-like cells from the subchondral plate (not perichondrium) in both groups, which acquired some cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and produced matrix proteins. The results suggest that Papain did not ameliorate the recovery of cartilage defects acquired through surgically-induced injury of collagenous matrix in native cartilage. We observed that articular cartilage is the source of mesenchymal stem cells which have the ability to transform into young forms of chondrocytes. This transformation process depends on the level of destruction of native cartilage collagen matrix induced by the defect or by Papain.
Coronary artery anomalies — a short review
Authors: Zemanek David , Veselka Josef
Published: February 2007

Coronary artery anomalies are rare but sometimes important findings in the evaluation of the coronary artery. The majority of the anomalies are of benign prognosis, but others can be associated with cardiac symptoms and syndromes (angina, dyspnea, syncope, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction and sudden death). The potentially serious anomalies include: ectopic coronary origin from the pulmonary artery; ectopic coronary origin from the opposite aortic sinus; and large coronary fistulae. Appropriate diagnosis is critical for recognition and management. Treatment can be performed by surgical or percutaneous approach. However, management is conservative in the majority of them. Contemporary diagnosis and clinical management of these anomalies are briefly reviewed and discussed in this article.
An autoradiographic study of cellular proliferaton, DNA synthesis and cell cycle variability in the rat liver caused by phenobarbital-induced oxidative stress: The protective role of melatonin
Authors: El-Sokkary Gamal
Published: February 2007

The protective effect of melatonin against phenobarbital-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver was measured based on lipid peroxidation levels (malondialedyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals). Cellular proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell cycle duration were quantitated by the incorporation of 3H-thymidine, detected by autoradiography, into newly synthesized DNA. Two experiments were carried out in this study, each on four equal-sized groups of male rats (control, melatonin [10 mg/kg], phenobabital [20 mg/kg] and phenobarbital plus melatonin). Experiment I was designed to study the proliferative activity and rate of DNA synthesis, and measure the levels of lipid peroxidation, while experiment II was for cell cycle time determination. Relative to the controls, the phenobarbital-treated rats showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the lipid peroxidation levels (30.7%), labelling index (69.4%) and rate of DNA synthesis (37.8%), and a decrease in the cell cycle time. Administering melatonin to the phenobarbital-treated rats significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the lipid peroxidation levels (23.5%), labelling index (38.2%) and rate of DNA synthesis (29.0%), and increased the cell cycle time. These results seem to indicate that the stimulatory effect of phenobarbital on the oxidized lipids, proliferative activity, kinetics of DNA synthesis and cell cycle time alteration in the liver may be one of the mechanisms by which the non-genotoxic mitogen induces its carcinogenic action. Furthermore, melatonin displayed powerful protection against the toxic effect of phenobarbital.
Post-transcriptional modifications of VEGF-A mRNA in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kowalczyk Jacek , Domal-Kwiatkowska Dorota , Mazurek Urszula , Zembala Michał , Michalski Bogdan , Zembala Marian
Published: February 2007

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is one of the most important proangiogenic factors. It has many isoforms encoded by one gene. The occurrence of these isoforms is associated with the process of alternative splicing of mRNA. Some of the splice forms are perceived as tissue specific. The aim of this study was to determine the alternative splicing of VEGF-A mRNA in dilated cardiomyopathy, especially at the level of particular myocardial layers. The assessment of post-transcriptional modifications of VEGF-A mRNA was made on specimens taken from the explanted hearts of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation. Molecular and histopathological studies were perfomed on particular layers of the myocardial muscle (endocardium, myocardium, epicardium). A molecular analysis of cardiac samples was performed by quantitative analysis of the mRNA of the studied VEGF-A isoforms (VEGF121, -145, -165, -183, -189, and -206) using QRTPCR with an ABI-PRISM 7700-TaqMan sequence detector. 72 cardiac specimens taken from the explanted hearts were analyzed. Each of the studied VEGF-A splice forms was present in the evaluated hearts, but the types of alternative splicing of mRNA were different in particular layers. Quantitative analysis revealed different amounts of the studied isoforms. Generally, significantly increased expression of the VEGF-A isoforms was observed in samples taken from hearts with post-inflammatory etiology of cardiomyopathy. Our conclusions are: 1. All the studied VEGF-A isoforms were found in the human hearts, including those thusfar considered characteristic for other tissues. 2. Significant differences were observed in the expression of the VEGF-A splice forms with respect to the myocardial layers and the location of the cardiac biopsy. 3. Repetitive and comparable results for samples with post-inflammatory etiology were obtained, and they revealed considerably higher amounts of VEGF-A isoforms compared to specimens with idiopathic etiology.
Automated On‐Line Preconcentration of Palladium on Different Sorbents and its Determination in Environmental Samples
Authors: Sánchez Rojas Fuensanta , Bosch Ojeda Catalina , Cano Pavón José Manuel
Published: February 2007

The determination of noble metals in environmental samples is of increasing importance. Palladium is often employed as a catalyst in chemical industry and is also used with platinum and rhodium in motor car catalytic converters which might cause environmental pollution problems. Two different sorbents for palladium preconcentration in different samples were investigated: silica gel functionalized with 1,5‐bis(di‐2‐pyridyl)methylene tbiocarbohydrazide (DPTH‐gel) and [1,5‐Bis(2‐pyridyl)‐3‐sulphophenyI methylene thiocarbonohydrazide (PSTH) immobilised on an anion‐exchange resin (Dowex 1×8‐200)]. The sorbents were tested in a micro‐column, placed in the auto‐sampler arm, at the flow rate 2.8 mL min‐1. Elution was performed with 4 M HCl and 4 M HNO3, respectively. Satisfactory results were obtained for two sorbents.
Increased α‐Adrenergic responsiveness in idiopathic raynaud's disease
Authors: Freedman Robert R. , Sabharwal Subhash C. , Desai Nagaraj , Wenig Paul , Mayes Maureen
Published: February 2007

In our study of 28 patients with idiopathic Raynaud's disease, the patients had significantly greater digital blood flow responses to intraarterial phenylephrine and clonidine than did normal control subjects. There were no group differences in finger blood flow responses to body heating, reflex cooling, digital ischemia, or to intraarterial tyramine or isoproterenol. There were also no group differences in blood pressure or heart rate during any procedure. These results suggest that patients with idiopathic Raynaud's disease have increased peripheral vascular α‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity and/or density compared with normal persons.
Insulin‐like growth factor stimulation of chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis by human synovial fluid
Authors: Schalkwijk Joost , Joosten Leo A. B. , Van Den Berg Wim B. , Van Wyk Judson J. , Van Putte LEVINUSB. A. De
Published: February 2007

We investigated the role of insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) as regulating factors of cartilage metabolism in human synovial fluid (SF), using a bovine explant culture system that was shown to respond to recombinant IGF‐1 in vitro. SF from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and from control patients was found to stimulate chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis in bovine articular cartilage. A monoclonal antibody directed primarily against IGF‐1 (and to some extent, IGF‐2) partially blocked the stimulatory action of serum and totally blocked the stimulation by SF. These findings indicate that IGFs are major regulating factors of cartilage proteoglycan synthesis in human SF. In addition, we measured serum and SF levels of IGF‐1 in RA patients and control patients, using a radioimmunoassay. No difference in immunoreactive serum IGF‐1 was detected between patients and controls. The IGF‐1 levels in SF were consistently lower than in serum, for both patient groups. No differences in IGF‐1 concentration were found between RA and non‐RA SF. The relevance of these data with respect to joint inflammation is discussed.
Characterization of two immunoglobulin VH genes that are homologous to human rheumatoid factors
Authors: Chen Pojen P. , Liu Ming‐Fei , Glass Charles A. , Sinha Suman , Kipps Thomas J. , Carson Dennis A.
Published: February 2007

We isolated a VH1 germline gene (Humhv 1263) that is closely related to the heavy chains of 2 human rheumatoid factors (RF), Bor and Kas. We also found that the 783 rearranged VH1 gene is actually 91–93% homologous to Bor and Kas, and it differs from a VH1 complementary DNA (51P1) by only a single base. Thus, 783 is likely to be the unmutated form of a germline VH gene that may encode the heavy chains of RF Bor and Kas and several other human monoclonal RF.
The effect of chemonucleolysis on serum keratan sulfate levels in humans
Authors: Block Joel A. , Schnitzer Thomas J. , Andersson GUNNARB. J. , Lenz Mary Ellen , Jeffery Rosemarie , McNeill Thomas W. , Thonar Eugene J‐M. A.
Published: February 2007

Sensitive measurements of serum keratan sulfate (KS), a glycosaminoglycan found in large quantities in the proteoglycans of human cartilage, can be obtained using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent‐inhibition assay. Patients who are undergoing chemonucleolysis (CN) provide a clinical opportunity to monitor the large‐scale proteolytic degradation of cartilage. By measuring serum KS levels both pre‐ and post‐CN, we have demonstrated that serum KS levels rise predictably after CN, in a manner that reflects major catabolic events of cartilage.
Methyldopa‐induced systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nordstrom David M. , West Sterling G. , Rubin Robert L.
Published: February 2007

Thirteen months after starting methyldopa therapy, a 55‐year‐old white male patient presented with a syndrome of hemolytic anemia, arthritis, photosensitivity, and a positive antinuclear antibody test result. Methyldopa‐induced antinuclear antibodies were mainly IgG, directed against class H1 histones. Antibodies to native DNA and nonhistone proteins were not detected. Upon withdrawal of methyldopa therapy, and with a short course of prednisone and danazol therapy, the patient's symptoms and hemolytic anemia resolved. His clinical symptoms and serologic abnormalities returned to normal and remained negative after 2 years of followup.
Mutant fibronectin gene in skin fibroblasts of sclerotic lesions from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Deguchi Yasuhiro , Negoro Shigeru , Kishimoto Susumu
Published: February 2007

A mutant fibronectin gene was identified in skin fibroblasts obtained from sclerotic lesions of 7 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. We found 2 point mutations adjacent to the cell‐attachment tetrapeptide DNA sequence in the cell‐binding domain of the fibronectin gene. This observation suggests that the mutant fibronectin is related to an integral component of sclerotic pathogenesis through abnormal cellular interactions.
Expression of the major rheumatoid factor cross‐reactive idiotype in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ilowite Norman T. , Wedgwood Josiah F. , Bonagura Vincent R.
Published: February 2007

The major rheumatoid factor cross‐reactive idiotype (RF‐CRI), defined by prototypic monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factors, is expressed in high frequency by pokeweed mitogen–derived plasma cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis who express RF in their sera. Unlike adults with rheumatoid arthritis, most patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are seronegative for RF, as detected by classic IgG binding assays. We report that ∼50% of seronegative patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis express the RF‐CRI in high frequency among their pokeweed mitogen–derived plasma cells, and that ∼33% of patients express the RF‐CRI in high titer in their sera. The possible mechanisms for expression of an idiotypic marker of RF without expression of IgG binding activity by classic assays are discussed.
Requirements for flare reactions of joint inflammation induced in mice by cloned MT4+, Lyt‐2‐ T cells
Authors: Klasen Ina S. , Ladestein RenéE M. T. , van den Berg Wim B. , Benner Robbert
Published: February 2007

Joint inflammation was induced in C57B1/6 mice by injection of cloned MT4+, Lyt‐2‐ T cells specific for the antigen methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), together with mBSA. In this model, after waning of the inflammation, flare reactions can be induced by a rechallenge with the specific antigen. Herein we show that such flare reactions can still be induced several weeks after waning of the joint inflammation, as was demonstrated both in normal C57B1/6 mice and in athymic C57B1 nude mice. The results in the latter group indicate that T cells of the recipient mice are not necessary for the elicitation of flare reactions. On histologic examination, the inflammatory infiltrates in the knee joints of the nude mice appeared to be mainly granulocytic. The cloned T cells persisted and remained functionally reactive in the knee joint for at least 2 weeks in the absence of the antigen, and thus, in the absence of inflammation. In view of the similarities between induced joint inflammation in mice and rheumatoid arthritis in humans, these data may be relevant to our understanding of the processes involved in the latter disease.
Factitious septic arthritis
Authors: Elliott T. G. , Burdge D. , Reid G. D.
Published: February 2007

Septic arthritis is an uncommon manifestation of factitious illness. We report 2 patients who developed septic arthritis of the knee after repeated self‐administered intraarticular injections. Multiple unusual infective agents were isolated. These cases illustrate malingering and Munchausen syndrome, 2 examples from the spectrum of factitious disease syndromes.
Very late activation antigen on synovial fluid T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
Authors: Laffon A. , Sánchez‐madrid F. , Íz de Landázuri M. Ort , Énez Cuesta A. Jim , Ariza A. , Ossorio C. , Sabando P.
Published: February 2007

We used flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation techniques to study the expression of the activation molecules transferrin receptor, interleukin‐2 receptor, HLA–DR, and very late activation antigen 1 (VLA‐1) on purified T lymphocytes from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 7 patients with other rheumatic diseases. We found a T cell subset bearing VLA‐1 in synovial fluid from 8 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 4 patients with other rheumatic diseases. VLA‐1 was not found in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from either group.
Systemic vasculitis in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Calabrese Leonard H. , Estes Melinda , Yen‐Lieberman Belinda , Proffitt Max R. , Tubbs Raymond , Fishleder Andrew J. , Levin Kerry H.
Published: February 2007

Fourteen cases of vasculitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection have thus far been described. Five of these cases may be classified as angiocentric immunoproliferative disorders, including benign lymphocytic angiitis, lymphomatoid granuloma‐tosis, and angiocentric lymphoma. We report a case of benign lymphocytic angiitis of T cell lineage. Extensive studies found no evidence of viral antigens in the inflammatory infiltrates, and immunologic evaluation of the pathologic lesions revealed the infiltrating cells to be predominantly CD3+, CD8+, CD4−. A significant number of these lymphocytes demonstrated a deletion of T cell antigen receptor determinants. We believe that in certain cases of human immunodeficiency virus disease, there occurs a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders with angiocentric features that lead to the clinical picture of systemic necrotizing vasculitis. Clinicians should be aware of this association.
Immunosuppression with chlorambucil, versus placebo, for scleroderma. Results of a three‐year, parallel, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Furst Daniel E. , Clements Philip J. , Hillis Steven , Lachenbruch Peter A. , Miller Bruce L. , Sterz Mildred G. , Paulus Harold E.
Published: February 2007

Placebo and chlorambucil (0.05–0.1 mg/kg/day) were compared as treatments for scleroderma in a 3‐year, randomized, double‐blind, parallel study of 65 patients. Slopes of change over time, calculated for each organ system of each patient, failed to show significant differences between treatment groups. An immunosup‐pressive effect in the chlorambucil‐treated group was shown by decreases in the white blood cell counts (P = 0.02), platelet counts (P = 0.04), lymphocyte counts (P = 0.001), IgA/IgM concentrations (P ≤ 0.05), and wheal size on mumps skin tests (P = 0.02). Three years of immunosuppressive treatment with chlorambucil did not benefit this scleroderma population.
Cartilage proteoglycan depletion in acute and chronic antigen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Pettipher E. R. , Henderson B. , Hardingham T. , Ratcliffe A.
Published: February 2007

We examined the kinetics of proteoglycan (PG) depletion in rabbits with antigen‐induced arthritis. There was a rapid loss of PG from arthritic cartilage, reaching 35–40% at day 7. Thereafter, the rate of PG depletion declined, and by day 42, the maximum loss was 55–60%. The initial loss of PG was accompanied by the appearance of large amounts of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the joint fluid (measured as total sulfated GAGs by dye binding and as keratan sulfate by radioimmunoassay). However, by day 14, the levels of sulfated GAGs in arthritic joint fluid declined to control levels, even though the cartilage demonstrated a sustained depletion of PG. The cartilage PG degradation observed in antigen‐induced arthritis could also be produced in normal animals by a single intraarticular injection of recombinant interleukin‐1. The acute loss of cartilage PG occurred independently of neutrophil accumulation, both in the case of antigen‐induced arthritis and after injection of interleukin‐1.
Changes in the metaphysis and diaphysis of the femur proximal to the knee in rabbits with experimentally induced inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Bogoch E. , Gschwend N. , Bogoch B. , Rahn B. , Perren S.
Published: February 2007

We quantified the cross‐sectional cortical bone area and remodeling rates in the ipsilateral femoral diaphysis and metaphysis of rabbits with carrageenan‐induced inflammatory monarthritis of the knee. Although osteogenesis rates were significantly elevated (approximately threefold in diaphyses and sixfold in metaphyses), the cross‐sectional bone area of the diaphysis was significantly diminished. Fivefold and sixfold increases in bone resorption rates were calculated in diaphyses and metaphyses, respectively. Other morphologic changes observed were porosity and net resorption of the anterior cortex and net accretion on the posteromedial cortex (“drift” of bone). These findings may have clinical significance with regard to the mechanisms and consequences of bone changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Toxicity and serum levels of methotrexate in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wallace Carol A. , Bleyer W. Archie , Sherry David D. , Salmonson Kathy L. , Wedgwood Ralph J.
Published: February 2007

Twenty‐three children with destructive polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) were treated for 0.5–4.3 years (median 1.6 years) with weekly doses of methotrexate (MTX) (0.11–0.6 mg/'kg/week). Serum levels of MTX at 1 hour and at 24 hours after drug administration were obtained at each dosage level and every 3 months after a stable dosage was achieved. No patient had serum levels of MTX that were in the toxic range nor evidence of hematologic, skin, mucous membrane, gastrointestinal, or pulmonary abnormalities. Ten patients had transiently elevated serum transaminase levels. Arthritis symptoms improved in 21 of these JRA patients, and the improvement was significantly associated with a mean 1‐hour serum MTX level of ≥5.8 × 10−7 M (P = 0.008)and a dosage of ≥0.3 mg/kg/week (P = 0.004). The 1‐hour serum level of MTX was correlated with the MTX dosage (r = 0.28, P = 0.005). Our observations suggest that with close monitoring, MTX can be used safely at dosages as high as 0.6 mg/kg/week, and improvement in the symptoms of JRA will become evident when the serum levels of MTX 1 hour after administration approach 6.0 × 10−7M.
Association of complement alleles c4aq0 and c4b5 with rheumatoid arthritis in japanese patients
Authors: Takeuchi Fujio , Mimori Akio , Matsuta Kunio , Nakano Keiichiro , Miyamoto Terumasa , Matsuki Kazumasa , Juji Takeo , Maeda Hiroo , Omoto Keiichi , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: February 2007

We investigated polymorphisms of complement components C2, C4, and factor B (BF) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The frequencies of C4AQ0 (32.1%) and C4B5 (35.9%) among RA patients were significantly higher than among healthy control subjects. C4B5 was strongly associated with HLA–Bw54, Bw59, DR4.1, and DQw4. C4AQ0 showed no association with HLA–Bw54 or Bw59, but there was weak association with HLA–DR4.1 and DQw4. The number of persons with both C4AQ0 and C4B5 was significantly higher in the RA patient group (relative risk 13.5). C2C and BFS were the most common alleles in RA patients, as well as in healthy control subjects. These data support the existence of 2 different putative susceptibility haplotypes (HLA–Bw54 or Bw59;C2C;BFS;C4A3;C4B5;DR4.1;DQw4 and C2C;BFS;C4AQ0;C4B1 or C4B2) in Japanese patients with RA.
Identification of A 2‐Md plasmid from shigella flexneri associated with reactive arthritis
Authors: Stieglitz H. , Fosmire S. , Lipsky P.
Published: February 2007

The development of reactive arthritis, a sterile inflammatory polyarthropathy that primarily affects HLA–B27 positive individuals, has been associated with previous enteric infections caused by various gram‐negative bacteria. The possibility that a common bacterial epitope triggers the disease was investigated by screening a panel of documented arthritogenic Shigella strains as well as 2 epidemic‐associated nonarthritogenic Shigella controls. A 2‐Md plasmid specific to the arthritogenic strains was identified and sequenced. The plasmid encodes a number of small peptides that could be related to the development of reactive arthritis. Within 1 of these is a stretch of 5 consecutive amino acids, inferred from the DNA sequence and contained within an open reading frame, that is homologous to amino acid residues 71–75 of the polymorphic region of the α1 domain of HLA–B27. The data indicate that there is a bacterial plasmid common to arthritogenic Shigella strains that may play a role in triggering reactive arthritis. The finding that this plasmid encodes an epitope shared with HLA–B27 suggests that molecular mimicry may play a role in the induction of this disease.
Increased expression of p150,95 and CR3 leukocyte adhesion molecules by mononuclear phagocytes in rheumatoid synovial membranes. comparison with osteoarthritic and normal synovial membranes
Authors: Allen Catherine A. , Highton John , Palmer David G.
Published: February 2007

The expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules CR3 (CD11b) and p150,95 (CD11c) in synovial tissue was evaluated immunohistochemically. Although a significant proportion of synoviocytes in normal and osteoarthritic synovial membranes expressed the leukocyte common antigen and CR3, very few expressed the p150,95 molecule. In contrast, p150,95 was more evident in rheumatoid synovial membranes. Expression of this molecule was strongest in synovial membranes with a prominent macrophage infiltrate and accumulation of mononuclear phagocytes at the joint surface; p150,95 was also present on interdigitating cells in lymphoid collections. The patterns of expression suggest that these leukocyte adhesion molecules may be important in the diapedesis of mononuclear phagocytes into and through inflamed synovial membranes, as well as in cellular interactions within rheumatoid synovial membranes.
Increased expression Of HLA—DQ antigens by interstitial cells and endothelium in the synovial membrane of rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with reactive arthritis patients
Authors: Barkley Diana , Allard Simon , Feldmann Marc , Maini Ravinder N.
Published: February 2007

We investigated cellular phenotypes and expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on endothelium and cellular infiltrates in synovium from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or reactive arthritis, using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The RA specimens showed synovial lining layer hypertrophy and several focal accumulations of lymphocytes, both of which were absent in the reactive arthritis synovium. The percentage of cells expressing monocyte/macrophage markers was significantly higher in RA specimens. The percentages of cells expressing B and T cell markers were similar in both diseases. There was no significant difference in the expression of HLA–DR or DP by endothelium in the 2 diseases, but a marked increase in expression of HLA–DQ by endothelium was observed in the RA synovium versus that from patients with reactive arthritis. This overexpression of HLA–DQ was also seen in the interstitial cells of RA patients compared with reactive arthritis patients. In the reactive arthritis synovium, a significant population of cells (30%) was noted to be HLA–DR positive, and negative for macrophage and lymphocyte markers. Some of these cells had a dendritic morphology. The coexpression of HLA–DQ and HLA–DR may play an important role in antigen presentation and disease chronicity in RA.
Pain control and rational thinking. implications for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Parker Jerry C. , Smarr Karen L. , Buescher Keith L. , Phillips Les R. , Frank Robert G. , Beck Neils C. , Anderson Sharon K. , Walker Sara E.
Published: February 2007

In this study, we examined the factor structure of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire and studied the relevance of the coping process to health status in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The 2 factors of the questionnaire that were analyzed were Coping Attempts and Pain Control and Rational Thinking. The Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor was related to pain and psychological status, even after demographic variables and disease severity were statistically controlled. In addition, increases in Pain Control and Rational Thinking scores were related to improvements in pain, psychological status, and health status. Implications for the psychological care of rheumatoid arthritis patients are discussed.
Differential deoxyadenosine toxicity to immature rabbit cartilage in vitro. a model for the chondro‐osseous dysplasia of adenosine deaminase deficiency
Authors: Wortmann Robert L. , Veum Judith A. , Ryan Lawrence M. , Cheung Herman S.
Published: February 2007

Deoxyadenosine metabolism was investigated in rabbit growth plate and articular cartilage to elucidate the biochemical basis for the chondro‐osseous dysplasia observed in adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency. Models of ADA deficiency, the combination of deoxy‐adenosine and either of 2 ADA inhibitors, were selectively toxic to immature cartilage, supporting the hypothesis that the chondro‐osseous dysplasia of ADA deficiency is the consequence of the enzyme deficiency. Depletion of ATP may play a role in the altered chondrocyte viability and function observed in this model.
Disability and depression in rheumatoid arthritis. A multi‐trait, multi‐method investigation
Authors: Peck Judith R. , Smith Timothy W. , Ward John R. , Milano Roseann
Published: February 2007

In a sample of 107 patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we examined the convergent and divergent validity of measures of disability and depression. Scores on the self‐report Disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire were highly correlated with physical therapist and spouse ratings of disability. Although Health Assessment Questionnaire disability scores were significantly correlated with self‐reported and interviewer‐assessed ratings of depression, these correlations were significantly smaller. Factor analyses of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and rheumatologist ratings of BDI items indicated that this measure is highly contaminated by the inclusion of items reflecting RA disease severity. A dysphoric mood subcomponent of the BDI may be a more valid measure of depression in RA populations. Although depression and disability are clearly positively correlated in RA patients, depression scales that include somatic items are likely to yield an overestimate of the association. Finally, self‐reported pain intensity was more clearly related to disability and reported recent disease activity than to depression.
Combination methotrexate and sulfasalazine in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: case observations
Authors: Shiroky J. B. , Watts C. S. , Neville C.
Published: February 2007

Four patients with rheumatoid arthritis received a combination of methotrexate and sulfasalazine for a mean of 24 months (range 20–28 months). All 4 patients experienced clinical improvement, with a reduction in the number of involved joints and in morning stiffness. In all 3 patients who had previously taken methotrexate, we were able to reduce the dosage, and the prednisone dosage was reduced in 2 of 3 patients who had previously taken that drug. No serious toxicity was observed in any patient.
Polymyositis/dermatomyositis associated with dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Kalovidouris Apostolos E. , Miller Frederick W. , Lawley Thomas J.
Published: February 2007

We describe 2 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis who developed polymyositis/dermatomyositis. On HLA typing, both patients were found to be HLA–B8, DR3 positive. The concurrence of these two relatively rare diseases, both associated with immunologic abnormalities, further supports the role of autoimmunity in their pathogenesis and indicates a possible common genetic basis. It also suggests that myositis may be more common in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis than in the general population.