bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of stable L‐phase variants of staphylococcus aureus reaction of rabbit synovium to intraarticular inoculation
Authors: Linnemann Calvin C. , Watanakunakorn Chatrchai , Bakie Cheryl
Published: February 2007

Stable L‐phase variants of Staphylococcus aureus were injected into the knee joints of rabbits. The recovery of organisms at various intervals was attempted and the reaction of the synovium studied. Although what appeared to be L‐phase variants could be seen within polymorphonu‐clear leukocytes in the synovial fluid at 48 hours, they did not grow in culture. At 1 week, there was a mild synovitis characterized by both acute and chronic inflammatory changes which was diminished at 2 weeks and resolved by 5 weeks. Joints injected with L‐phase variants and sterile media differed only in the degree of change. Following multiple injections a more diffuse chronic synovitis was present, and in 1 experimental animal rheumatoid‐like changes were seen. L‐phase variants could not be recovered from cultures of the synovial fluid or the synovial tissue.
Clinical features and serologic abnormalities in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rudnicki Robert D. , Ruderman Mark , Scull Edward , Goldenberg Arnold , Rothfield Naomi
Published: February 2007

One hundred patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were studied with respect to clinical features at onset, type of disease progression, and immunologic abnormalities. Irrespective of pattern of onset, most patients eventually developed polyarticular disease. Monarticular disease was more common in children under the age of 5. A higher incidence of positive latex fixation tests and antinuclear antibodies were found in patients with active disease. Whereas the monarticular disease in males often became polyarticular, that in females remained monarticular. Females had a significanty higher incidence of antinuclear antibodies, greater variation in serum complement levels, and increased serum levels of IgA and IgM. Males with active disease had a significantly greater incidence of elevated serum lgG than did females with comparable disease activity.
Periosteal new bone formation in polyarteritis nodosa. A syndrome involving the lower extremities
Authors: Woodward Anthony H. , Andreini Paul H.
Published: February 2007

Three patients with polyarteritis nodosa associated with periosteal new bone formation in the lower extremities are described. Seven cases with many similar features have been collected from the literature. Pain, swelling, and skin changes in the lower extremity with periosteal reaction seem to characterize one of the syndromes found in polyarteritis nodosa.
Role of early synovectomy of the knee joint in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ranawat Chitranjan S. , Desai Kamlesh
Published: February 2007

The prospective study of 32 knees in 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis was carried out with an average followup of 3 years. Relief of pain and control of inflammation locally were obtained in 22 of 32 knees (69%). Articular cartilage was preserved in 20 of 28 knees (71%) and the synovitis recurred in 9 knees (28%), 7 of which showed progressive loss of cartilage. Therefore, it appears that synovectomy, if performed at a stage in which articular cartilage is still normal and after medical therapy has failed, is a very effective method for preserving articular cartilage and controlling inflammation locally. However, with a longer followup the disease with loss of articular cartilage will recur in a large number of cases. In patients whose disease progresses rapidly, no form of therapy effectively controls joint destruction.
Current concepts of the mechanism of acute inflammation in gouty arthritis
Authors: Spilberg Isaias
Published: February 2007

The acute gouty attack develops after free crystalline monosodium urate crystals appear in the joint cavity (1). Recent developments in the investigation of urate crystal‐induced inflammation have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis. The purpose of this review is to summarize present concepts concerning the mechanism of the acute gouty attack.
Influence of cyclophosphamide and other immunosuppressive drugs on immune disorders and neoplasia in NZB/NZW MICE
Authors: Hahn Bevra H. , Knotts Linda , Ng Mary , Hamilton Tom R.
Published: February 2007

NZB/NZW mice were treated with various immunosuppressive drugs used in human SLE. Cyclophosphamide (5 mg/kg 6 days out of 7), alone or with prednisolone, was better than azathioprine, prednisolone, or azathioprine‐plus‐prednisolone, in prolonging survival and/or reducing proteinuria, Coomb's antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and glomerular deposits of γ‐globulin. Intermittent bolus therapy with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg/10 days) was as effective as daily therapy. However, 61% of the mice receiving any cyclophosphamide regimen developed malignant tumors compared to none in the other groups.
Antilymphocyte antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Messner Ronald P. , Kennedy Michael S. , Jelinek Joan G.
Published: February 2007

Antilymphocyte antibodies in SLE bind to normal lymphocytes and are not always associated with lymphocytotoxic activity. Detection of these antibodies on the surface of normal lymphocytes by immuno‐fluorescent techniques is enhanced by short incubation periods, reduced temperature, and metabolic inhibition. The same effects occur in SLE blood and May‐June influence the enumeration of B lymphocytes as determined by surface immunoglobulin. The percent of T lymphocytes forming sheep erythrocyte rosettes is not affected by these antibodies.
Immunoglobulin synthesis by peripheral blood cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jasin Hugo E. , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

A study of the immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis by peripheral blood cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and controls was carried out. Synthesis was markedly elevated in patients with active SLE, whereas patients with inactive SLE or RA showed normal values. Treatment of 3 patients with active SLE resulted in a reduction of Ig synthesis that correlated well with the disappearance of disease activity. These results indicate that the abnormal immune process in active SLE, characterized by intense B‐lymphocyte stimulation, is associated with the appearance of more highly differentiated B cells in the blood.
DNA polymerase activity of cultured rheumatoid synovial cells
Authors: Spruance Spotswood L. , Richards Oliver C. , Smith Charles B. , Ward John R.
Published: February 2007

Cultured synovial cells from 8 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 7 subjects without joint disease were assayed and compared for RNA‐directed and DNA‐directed DNA polymerase activity. No activity was found in either RA or control specimens using a synthetic RNA template that specifically detects oncornavirus RNA‐directed DNA polymerase. The DNA‐directed DNA polymerase activity of RA specimens was increased (P <0.10) in the high‐speed pellet fraction of cell lysates. The possible relationship of these finding to virus infection in RA is discussed.
Lymphokines in the rheumatoid joint
Authors: Stastny Peter , Rosenthal Moshe , Andreis Mario , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

Joint fluids and culture supernatants of synovial tissue were examined for the presence of two lymphokines. Migration inhibitory activity was found in 16 of 22 rheumatoid fluids (73%), in 3 of 15 osteoarthritis fluids (20%), and in 3 of 11 fluids from patients with various inflammatory arthritides (27%). Blastogenic activity was present in 14 of 15 rheumatoid fluids and in 1 of 7 nonrheumatoid effusions. The active materials eluted with the third peak from Sephadex G‐200 and were therefore smaller than immunoglobulin or immune complexes. These findings suggest that lymphokine‐like substances were present in effusions and synovial tissue of most patients with rheumatoid arthritis and some patients with other forms of chronic synovitis.
“A” protein of amyloidosis isolation of a cross‐reacting component from serum by affinity chromatography
Authors: Benson Merrill D. , Skinner Martha , Lian Jane , Cohen Alan S.
Published: February 2007

A nonimmunoglobulin protein (A protein) has been isolated from amyloidotic tissue of secondary type. Antisera prepared to this protein identified a cross‐reacting substance in the sera of patients with secondary amyloidosis. Sera from 70 persons with amyloidosis, 120 normal adults, 20 aged persons, and 97 patients with chronic diseases were tested for this substance. One hundred percent of secondary amyloid sera had amounts of amyloid serum component detectable by double diffusion in agar, whereas only 19% of primary amyloid sera were positive. Approximately 60% of rheumatoid sera as well as 60% of sera from aged individuals were positive. Only 3% of normal blood donors had detectable amounts of this circulating substance. Isolation of the serum component by affinity chromatography and partial characterization have shown that it is an α‐globulin with a molecular weight of 100,000–120,000, that it is not related antigenically to immunoglobulin or amyloid P‐component, and that it has an amino acid analysis that is markedly different from tissue A protein. The possible participation of this substance in the genesis of amyloid is discussed.
Studies on the infectious etiology of human rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cole B. C. , Taylor M. B. , Ward J. R.
Published: February 2007

A total of 29 rheumatoid patients and 19 non‐rheumatoid patients were tested for evidence of present or past infection by M pneumoniae, M hominis, M fermentans, M arthritidis, M pulmonis, and M hyorhinis. The techniques of lymphocyte transformation, metabolic‐inhibiting antibody test, and mycoplasmacidal antibody test indicated no significant difference in the response of rheumatoid as opposed to non‐rheumatoid patients.
Identification of immunoglobulins and complement in rheumatoid articular collagenous tissues
Authors: Cooke T. Derek , Hurd Eric R. , Jasin Hugo E. , Bienenstock John , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

Ninety‐three patients with a variety of joint diseases were studied for evidence of immune complexes in articular collagenous tissues. Frozen sections of freshly obtained biopsies of hyaline articular cartilage and menisci were stained with fluoresceinated monospecific antisera for evidence of human immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and the β1c component of complement. The criterion for the presence of complexes was the staining of two or more immunoglobulins and β1c in an identical location of sequentially cut sections. Of the 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 83% were positive by this criterion. In those with classic RA the incidence was 92%. Sixteen patients with fresh joint trauma or nonarthritic disease had negative findings. Among 26 patients with noninflammatory disease, 4 of 8 with polyarthritis whose features suggested primary degeneration, 1 of 11 patients with secondary degenerative arthritis, and a single case of synovial osteochondromatosis had positive findings. Among 9 patients with miscellaneous inflammatory arthritides, all of 3 with psoriatic arthritis were negative; however 2 of 6 with other inflammatory arthritides were positive. The findings in classic RA suggest that immune complexes are deposited in the articular collagenous tissues. The persistence of these complexes may play a significant role in the chronicity of the synovitis.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of popliteal cysts in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Moore Charles P. , Sarti Dennis A. , Louie James S.
Published: February 2007

Ultrasound scanning techniques detected popliteal cysts in 14 of 24 knees affected with rheumatoid arthritis and associated with an anterior effusion. Serial scans demonstrated the persistence of cysts when effusion was not controlled by intraarticular steroid and lidocaine, and regression of cyst following control of effusion with anterior synovectomy. As the technique is noninvasive, painless, and reproducible, ultrasound scanning should be the technique of choice for the detection and assessment of popliteal cysts.
Therapeutic studies in nzb/w mice. IV. Effect of combination drug therapy on immune complex deposition
Authors: Gelfand Michael C. , Schur Peter H. , Asofsky Richard , Steinberg Alfred D.
Published: February 2007

Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and methylprednisolone given individually to NZB/NZW mice retard the development of autoimmune nephritis and prolong survival in these mice. Administration of the combination of all three drugs is superior to one or two drug regimens. In the present study the kidneys of mice treated with all single, double, and triple drug regimens were compared for the degree of deposition of immunoglobulin and complement. The triple drug regimen significantly reduced overall deposition of immunoglobulin and complement compared with any other regimen. Complement and γ2 were significantly reduced by triple drug therapy compared with any other regimen. The triple drug regimen reduced γ1 compared with untreated and double drug treated mice. The single, double, and triple drug regimens significantly reduced γM deposition to about the same degree. Deposition of γA was not significantly reduced by any regimen. Circulating levels of these immunoglobulin classes were not reduced, a fact suggesting that the reduction in autoimmune nephritis resulting from triple drug therapy is associated with superior reduction in immune complex deposition rather than with generalized, nonspecific immunodepression.
Cyclophosphamide protection in nzb/nzw disease. Mechanisms and therapeutic regimens
Authors: Morris Alan D. , Esterly James , Chase Gerald , Sharp Gordon C.
Published: February 2007

Regular administration of cyclophosphamide to NZB/NZW female mice effectively protects against the nephritis that is thought to be a model for human SLE nephritis. Reductions in serologic, histologic, and immunofluorescent parameters of the disease are correlated. Intermittent as well as continuous administration of the drug is effective without the development of leukopenia. Possible mechanisms of drug action and a modified approach to therapy of immune complex disease are discussed.
Correlations between transaminase concentrations and serum salicylate concentration in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Miller John J. , Weissman David B.
Published: February 2007

Simultaneous measurements of serum salicylate, SGPT, and SGOT concentrations were made on 92 children receiving salicylates for arthritis during a 13‐month period. Statistical correlations were found between salicylate and transaminase concentrations in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when in active stages. However elevated transaminase levels occurred with low salicylate levels and during inactive stages, and were inconstant in individual patients. Marked transaminase abnormalities were transient and appeared unpredictably in individual patients. Some factor in addition to salicylate concentration must be involved in raising serum transaminase levels. No evidence of chronic hepatotoxicity was noted.
Antibody‐mediated lymphocytotoxicity in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Diaz‐Jouanen Efrain , Bankhurst Arthur D. , Williams Ralph C.
Published: February 2007

Lymphocyte‐dependent antibody cytotoxicity (LDAC) was studied using peripheral blood and in some instances synovial fluid cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). No difference from normal controls was observed with peripheral blood lymphocytes from either RA or SLE. Marked decrement in LDAC effector cell activity was present particularly with RA synovial fluid cells. Sera from patients with RA or SLE as well as RA synovial fluids markedly inhibited LDAC.
Clinical evaluation of benzbromarone. A new uricosuric drug
Authors: Sorensen Leif B. , Levinson Dennis J.
Published: February 2007

The long‐term efficacy and safety of benzbromarone were studied in 21 nontophaceous hyperuricemic men. Daily doses of 40 or 80 mg of micronized benzbromarone caused a rapid fall in plasma urate which was maintained throughout a study period that lasted up to 1 year. A concomitant marked increase in the clearance of urate indicated that benzbromarone is a potent uricosuric drug. Initial treatment was accompanied by transient hyperuricosuria, following which urinary uric acid reverted toward, but failed to reach completely, pretreatment values. Benzbromarone did not inhibit xanthine oxidase nor did it influence the activity of purine phosphoribosyl transferases. These observations suggest that benzbromarone has no direct effect upon purine metabolic pathways, but exerts its hypouricemic action solely by blocking tubular reabsorption of uric acid. Concomitant administration of aspirin interfered only slightly with the uricosuric properties of benzbromarone. No side effects directly attributable to the drug were observed.
Antigenic profile of the rat chondrocyte
Authors: Malseed Zoriana M. , Heyner Susan
Published: February 2007

Hetero‐ and alloantisera were obtained following hyperimmunization of nonsensitized New Zealand rabbits and dark agouti (DA) rats with washed chondrocytes which had been enzymatically isolated from the long bone cartilage of 17–19‐day‐old rat fetuses of the Fischer strain. Analyses of these antisera by PVP hemagglutination, dye‐exclusion cytotoxicity, and indirect immunofluorescence indicated the presence of major histocompatibility antigens, as well as tissue‐specific antigens on chondrocytes. Serologic specificity of reactions was demonstrated by serum absorptions and appropriate controls. These findings support previous work suggesting that chondrocytes are endowed with major histocompatibility antigens. The significance of these findings in relation to rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.
Cellular hypersensitivity in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and anterior nongranulomatous uveitis
Authors: Thonar E. J‐M. A. , Sweet M. B. E.
Published: February 2007

The humoral and cellular responses to normal human ocular and joint tissue antigens were studied in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and anterior non‐granulomatous uveitis. No free‐circulating autoantibodies could be detected by hemagglutination, immunodiffusion, and immunofluorescence. Uvea‐retina, synovial membrane, and articular cartilage antigen preparations inhibited the migration of leukocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In ankylosing spondylitis inhibition could be induced only by synovial membrane antigens. Patients with anterior nongranulomatous uveitis were hypersensitive to uvea‐retina antigens alone.
Inhibition of denaturation of human gamma globulin by a mixture of l‐histidine, l‐cystine, and copper, and its clinical implication in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gerber Donald A.
Published: February 2007

A mixture of histidine, cystine, and copper mimicked gold thiomalate, N‐ethylmaleimide, and p‐chloro‐mercuribenzoic acid in inhibiting sulfhydryl‐disulfide interchange‐mediated denaturation of human gamma globulin, bovine serum albumin, and diluted human serum. Measurable inhibitory effects were obtained with a mixture of physiologic concentrations of L‐histidine, L‐cystine, and copper. This work suggests a mechanism by which the hypohistidinemia of rheumatoid arthritis could contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Genu amoris
Authors: Pinals Robert S.
Published: February 2007

Intractable pain in a patient with chondromalacia patellae was found to be related to an unusual type of repetitive trauma.
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. Simultaneous occurrence in association with diffuse interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Schechter Stephen L. , Bole Giles G.
Published: February 2007

A patient is described who was treated with high‐dose prednisone in an attempt to halt progressive respiratory insufficiency associated with diffuse interstitial fibrosis. On cessation of steroid therapy the patient was noted to have radiologic manifestations of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) as well as clinical and laboratory features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subsequently a diffuse vasculitis developed with bowel perforation and sepsis leading to death.
Lymphocyte response to mitogens in progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Salem Noel B. , Morse Jane H.
Published: February 2007

Lymphocyte responses to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin P (PHA‐P), concanavallin A (Con A), and pokeweed (PWM) were studied in 18 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). A subgroup of these patients with multisystem involvement showed a significantly decreased lymphocyte response to both Con A and PWM when compared to normal controls. However those PSS patients with myositis, although having multisystem involvement, had normal lymphocyte response to all three mitogens. PHA‐P stimulation was normal in all PSS patients. Antinuclear antibodies, elevated sedimentation rates, and positive latex fixation were noted only in the multisystem disease group with abnormal lymphocyte function.
Connective tissue synthesis by cultured scleroderma fibroblasts. I. In vitro collagen synthesis by normal and scleroderma dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Perlish Jerome S. , Bashey Reza I. , Stephens Ralph E. , Fleischmajer Raul
Published: February 2007

The authors have been unable to demonstrate an increase in collagen synthesis by fibroblasts isolated from sclerodermatous skin. In order to elucidate this problem further, scleroderma fibroblasts were biopsied from upper dermis, from lower (including subcutaneous) dermis, and from adjacent clinically noninvolved skin. All cell lines failed to show a significant increase in collagen synthesis when they were compared to control fibroblast lines. One difference among them was that fibroblasts from involved areas showed a rate of collagen synthesis equal to or less than cells isolated from adjacent clinically noninvolved sites.
Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy an unusual cause of arthritis in childhood
Authors: Petty R. E. , Cassidy J. T. , Heyn R. , Kenien A. G. , Washburn R. L.
Published: February 2007

Although an uncommon occurrence in childhood, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy secondary to tumors—most commonly to osteogenic sarcoma with pulmonary metastasis—may cause severe joint pain and swelling. The syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute arthritis in childhood.
Effects of certain antirheumatic drugs on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Inhibition of mitogen‐ and antigen‐stimulated incorporation of tritiated thymidine
Authors: Panush Richard S.
Published: February 2007

The effects of antirheumatic drugs on in vitro responses of normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined and found to affect phytomitogen, antigen, and mixed lymphocyte responses. The drugs and concentrations (μg/ml) at which 50% inhibition (ID50) of phytomitogen stimulation occurred were acetylsalicylic acid, 80; phenylbutazone, 150; indomethacin, 250; sodium aurothiomalate, 200; hydroxychloroquine, 75; D‐penicillamine, 400; hydrocortisone, 50; naproxen, 350; and sodium meclofenamate, 175. Acetaminophen enhanced blastogenesis by 100% at 200 μg/ml, but was 50% inhibitory at 500 μg/ml. Other drugs had no effects. Numbers of viable cells in cultures with and without mitogens and drugs were generally similar at beginnings and ends of experiments. Stimulated cell cultures containing combinations of drugs exhibited greater inhibition than did cultures of individual drugs. Inhibition by drugs was greater when cells were cultured in medium alone than in medium with 20% plasma. Cells exposed overnight to phenylbutazone, indomethacin, sodium aurothiomalate, or sodium meclofenamate, then washed and stimulated, responded generally as well as did cells not exposed to drugs. Because some of these drugs exhibited effects at concentrations approaching therapeutic levels, these findings may be pertinent to clinical investigations of cellular immune responses of patients on drug therapy and to possible mechanisms of action for certain drugs.
Carrageenin‐induced arthritis. II. Effect of intraarticular injection of carrageenin on the synthesis of proteoglycan in articular cartilage
Authors: Gillard Gerald C. , Lowther Dennis A.
Published: February 2007

An inflammation of the periarticular tissue induced by the intraarticular injection of carrageenin caused a 40–75% decrease in the rate of proteoglycan synthesis in the articular cartilage. This decrease was determined both in vitro and in vivo. Provided that the collagen network of the cartilage was not disrupted, the chondrocytes were able to recover this synthetic ability and exhibited rates of synthesis above those of the controls. This ability resulted in a net replacement of the proteoglycan lost during the initial period of inflammation.
Coagulation abnormalities in rheumatoid disease
Authors: Conn Doyt L. , McDuffie Frederic C. , Kazmier Francis J. , Schroeter Arnoldc L. , Sun Nora C. J.
Published: February 2007

Forty‐one patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including 6 with acute vasculitis, 13 with chronic vasculitis, and 22 without vasculitis, were studied for evidence of intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (ICF). The mean plasma fibrinogen levels were elevated in all groups. The fibrinogen, platelet count, and fibrin split products were usually elevated in acute vasculitis. Fewer patients on corticosteroids had abnormal coagulation tests. Active plasmin was detected in 12 patients primarily with chronic vasculitis. Plasminogen activator activity was not diminished in vascular endothelium of normal appearing skin of those patients with or without vasculitis. None of the patients demonstrated decompensated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis. The results suggest over‐compensated ICF occurring in rheumatoid arthritis, but rheumatoid patients with vasculitis cannot be clearly distinguished from those without vasculitis on the basis of the usual tests performed for coagulation and fibrinolysis abnormalities.
IgG antilymphocyte antibodies in SLE detected by 125I protein A
Authors: Williams Ralph C. , Bankhurst Arthur D. , Montano Jean D.
Published: February 2007

125I‐labeled protein A was utilized to detect lymphocyte binding of IgG at 37°C in 50 sera from patients with SLE. IgG binding was partially inhibited by pre‐incubation of test cells with immune complexes in 50% of sera. In 10%, cytophilic Ig was increased by immune complex preincubation, and in 40% no appreciable change was recorded. With purified preparations of T and B cells, binding of SLE IgG at 37°C was equal for both cell populations.
Secretion and localization of cathepsin D in synovial tissues removed from rheumatoid and traumatized joints. An immunohistochemical study
Authors: Poole A. R. , Hembry R. M. , Dingle J. T. , Pinder I. , Ring E. F. J. , Cosh J.
Published: February 2007

The proteinase cathepsin D which degrades proteoglycan was never demonstrated in extracellular sites in tissues from patients with traumatized meniscoid cartilage, either before or after culture with an antiserum to human cathepsin D. In contrast, in synovia (but not usually cartilage) from the knees of 6 of 11 rheumatoid patients, extracellular cathepsin D was commonly detected by culturing tissues with an antiserum to this enzyme.
Suppression of autoimmunity in nzb mice with steroid‐sensitive x‐radiation‐sensitive syngeneic young thymocytes
Authors: Morton Robert O. , Goodman Dawn G. , Gershwin M. Eric , Derkay Craig , Squire Robert A. , Steinberg Alfred D.
Published: February 2007

NZB mice spontaneously lose thymic regulatory or suppressor cells and subsequently develop autoimmunity and lymphoreticular hyperlasia. Treatment with 2‐week‐old syngeneic thymocytes every 2 weeks starting at 4 weeks of age suppressed these disease manifestations. The active thymocyte subpopulation was found to be sensitive to corticosteroids and X‐irradiation.
Transfer of spleen cells from young to aging NZB × NZW F1 hybrid mice. Effect on mortality, antinuclear antibody, and renal disease
Authors: Wolf Robert E. , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

Multiple injections of spleen cells from young NZB × NZW F1 hybrid mice with a mean age of 9 weeks were administered to syngeneic recipients at 10‐day intervals beginning at 3 months of age. The recipient mice had a delayed appearance of antinuclear antibody, decreased cumulative incidence of antinuclear antibody positivity up to 7.3 months of age, lower cumulative mortality up to 8 months of age, and a lesser degree of glomerular sclerosis at 8 months of age. By 9 months of age no significant differences in these parameters remained. Transferred cells were most effective during the 4‐ to 6‐week period immediately following initiation of injections. The beneficial effects appeared to reflect an early but temporary suppression of the autoimmune process by the transferred lymphoid cells.
Resources for the care of arthritics in a nonmetropolitan community
Authors: Yelin Edward , Henke Curtis , Epstein Wallace V.
Published: February 2007

All professional, institutional, and administrative resources available to persons with musculoskeletal disabilities, including arthritis, were surveyed in a large nonmetropolitan community. Access to such resources and their residual capacity to serve local arthritics was determined. The resources appeared adequate as was the access, but the referral pattern was poorly developed. Most of the physicians in the community did not perceive a need for a trained rheumatologist practicing in the community.
Relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Hashimoto Ken , Arkin Charles R. , Kang Andrew H.
Published: February 2007

Ear cartilage from a typical case of relapsing polychondritis was examined with the electron microscope. A large number of dense granules and vesicles, which were compatible with matrix vesicles or lysosomes, surrounded the affected chondrocytes. In less severely damaged chondrocytes, these granules and vesicles appeared to be formed by pinching off of the cytoplasmic processes or by budding from the processes. Calcification of the granules was minimal. In severely damaged chondrocytes, an admixture of these granules and cytoplasmic organelles occurred. It is speculated that many of these dense granules are lysosomal in nature and that they may produce inflammation and reduce the proteoglycan content of cartilage.
D‐penicillamine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tsang Ian K. , Patterson Caroline A. , Stein Howard B. , Robinson Harold S. , Ford Denys K.
Published: February 2007

Forty‐four patients with definite or classic rheumatoid arthritis and failure to tolerate or respond to gold therapy were treated with D‐penicillamine on a so‐called go‐slow, go‐low regime. Seventeen patients tolerated the drug and had a 3−13 month follow‐up assessment; 8 were markedly improved, 6 moderately or slightly improved, and 3 unimproved. Penicillamine had to be discontinued in 9 patients because of toxic side effects.
Activators and inhibitors of fibrinolysis in rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid synovial membranes
Authors: van de Putte Levinus B. A. , Hegt Vincent Noordhoek , Overbeek Titia E.
Published: February 2007

Histochemical studies of rheumatoid and non‐rheumatoid synovial membranes revealed lowered fibrinolytic activity at sites of chronic inflammatory infiltrates and deposits of fibrin‐like material (FLM). Inhibition of fibrinolysis occurred over these areas and was always inversely related to the fibrinolytic activity. Hence the low fibrinolytic activity of these chronically inflamed tissues seems to result from the presence of inhibitors of fibrinolysis. Such inhibitors in FLM deposits may be responsible for the prolonged persistence of these deposits in the rheumatoid joint.
Comparative study of immunologic methods for demonstration of antibodies to soluble nuclear antigens
Authors: Akizuki Masashi , Runas Powers  , Holman Halsted R.
Published: February 2007

Four methods to detect antibodies reactive with soluble nuclear antigens were compared—the fluorescent antibody technique, hemagglutination, complement fixation, and immunodiffusion. Certain advantages and disadvantages of each method are described. The first three methods have greater sensitivity than immunodiffusion, but immunodiffusion discriminates most reliably between different antibodies.
Hyaluronic acid production by irradiated human synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Yaron Michael , Yaron Ilana , Levita Moshe , Herzberg Mala
Published: February 2007

Radioactive particles as well as X‐irradiation from an external source have been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. In order to clarify effects of ionizing irradiation on synovial cells, radioactive gold (198Au) and yttrium (90Y) were added to fibroblast cultures derived from human synovial membranes. Other cultures were irradiated by a Picker X‐ray machine. Fibroblast growth and hyaluronic acid production were measured. Radioactive gold and yttrium particles induced a significant increase of hyaluronic acid synthesis rate (pg/cell/day) and inhibited fibroblast growth. Fibroblasts continued to overproduce hyaluronic acid and to show growth inhibition 3 weeks after irradiation with radioactive gold. Hydrocortisone inhibited hyaluronic acid overproduction induced by radioactive gold. Overproduction of hyaluronic acid induced by the X‐ray machine was inhibited by hydrocortisone, actinomycin‐D, and cyclo‐heximide. Fibroblasts derived from normal and rheumatoid patients responded similarly to ionizing irradiation.
Tendon calcifications in chondrocalcinosis
Authors: Gerster Jean C. , Boussina Iradj , Baud Charles A. , Lagier Rene , Fallet Georges H.
Published: February 2007

Fine linear extraarticular calcium deposits were found in X‐rays of 7 of 52 patients with articular chondro‐calcinosis (ACC). Seven Achilles tendons, seven quadriceps tendons, and one plantar fascia were affected. In a control group of comparable age and sex, without ACC but with generalized osteoarthritis, no calcifications were found in the tendons. On a biopsy specimen of an Achilles tendon with such calcium deposits, X‐ray diffraction showed that they had the characteristics of calcium pyro‐phosphate dihydrate. Isolated small foci of crystals were observed on some segments of tendon bundles. The presence of fine linear calcifications on X‐rays of the Achilles or quadriceps tendons may be a useful aid in the radiologic diagnosis of so‐called articular chondrocalcinosis.
Antiglobulins in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Miller John J. , Olds‐Arroyo Lynne , Akasaka Toru
Published: February 2007

With initial hopes of establishing a diagnostic test for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), five types of immunoadsorbents were used to search for occult antiglobulins in sera from children. The immunoadsorbents included glutaraldehyde‐aggregated globulin, heat‐ and glutaraldehyde‐aggregated globulin, Affi‐Gel‐bound globulin, Sepharose‐bound globulin, and bromoacetyl cellulose‐bound globulin. The glutaraldehyde‐aggregated immunoadsorbents retained nonspecific protein. The Affi‐Gel, Sepharose, and bromoacetyl cellulose adsorbents were effective and specific, but the Affi‐Gel and bromoacetyl cellulose were impractical for routine use. Sepharose‐bound globulin was selected for use in a survey of 52 patients with JRA and 8 normal children. Materials resembling occult antiglobulins, measured as acid elutable protein, were found in normal children as well as in children with JRA. Only a small proportion of children with JRA had statistically elevated levels of such occult anti‐globulins. The protein adsorbed to Sepharose‐bound globulin consisted of IgM, IgG, and IgA, and had latex fixation activity in 2 of 5 tested sera from normal children and in 27 of 52 sera from children with JRA. Thus the presence of antiglobulins per se is not diagnostically helpful in distinguishing children with JRA.
Acetylator phenotype in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Foad Baher , Litwin Allen , Zimmer Hans , Hess Evelyn V.
Published: February 2007

The acetylation rate of sulfamethazine was studied in 25 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Seventeen of 25 SLE patients, 68%, were slow acetylators compared to the reported incidence of 52% in the general population. There was no correlation between the acetylator phenotype in SLE patients and the various clinical manifestations or the activity of the disease. Lupus patients who were slow acetylators had a lower lymphocyte response to phytomitogens compared to rapid acetylators.
Connective tissue synthesis by cultured scleroderma fibroblasts
Authors: Bashey Reza I. , Perlish Jerome S. , Nochumson Susan , Stephens Ralph E. , Fleischmajer Raul
Published: February 2007

Fibroblasts from normal and scleroderma skin, grown in tissue culture, were incubated with 3H‐glucosamine for 24 hours. No definite trends could be established in 3H‐glucosamine incorporation or glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Over 90% of the total 3H activity as well as the glycosaminoglycans synthesized were secreted into the medium. Characterization of glycosaminoglycans showed that in both the medium and cells, hyaluronic acid is the major glycosaminoglycan in normal and scleroderma fibroblasts. In the medium, hyaluronic acid represented 87% of the total glycosaminoglycans; it was slightly decreased in the cells. Fibroblasts were compared from the upper and lower areas of the affected dermis and an uninvolved dermal area of the same scleroderma patient.
Lymphocytotoxic antibodies
Authors: Raum Donald , Glass David , Soter Nicholas A. , Stillman J. Sydney , Carpenter Charles B. , Schur Peter H.
Published: February 2007

Lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LCTAB) were sought in sera of patients with rheumatic diseases and in family members. Patients with SLE and cutaneous necrotizing venulitis and family members of JRA patients had an increased frequency of LCTAB; JRA patients and family members of SLE patients did not. The only association between LCTAB and the HLA phenotype of persons with LCTAB was a decreased frequency of LCTAB in individuals with HLA‐B27.
Ecchymosis of the lower leg
Authors: Good Armin E. , Pozderac Rodney V.
Published: February 2007

Four patients with hemarthrosis of the knee, synovial rupture, and ecchymoses are reported. The patients presented with calf pain and swelling and large ecchymoses, which eventually extended to the ankle as a crescent about one or both malleoli. Appreciation of this physical sign, which appears to be characteristic for the hemorrhagic subset of synovial rupture, should alert the physician to the correct diagnosis and steer him away from contraindicated anticoagulant therapy.
Nucleographic Studies of Axial Spondarthritides I. Quantitative Sacroiliac Scintigraphy in Early HLA‐B27‐Associated Sacroiliitis
Authors: Namey Thomas C. , Mcintyre John , Buse Maria , Leroy E. C.
Published: February 2007

Quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy (QSS) was performed on 34 patients suspected of having ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with low back pain and stiffness of recent onset, by utilizing three technical features not previously described: fractional scintigraphy of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, background subtraction, and drug washout. Imaging was performed with a 140‐keV, high‐resolution collimator, and the data were recorded and processed with an Ohio Nuclear 150 System, 3 hours after administration of 17 mCi of 99m Tc ethane‐1‐hydroxy‐1, 1‐diphosphonate (EHDP) per 70 kg of body weight. The SI index determined by QSS was compared with diagnostic tissue‐typing for HLA–B27 and standard radiography of the SI joints to assess the potential of QSS to discriminate inflammatory sacroiliitis from nonspecific low back strain. Twenty‐three of the 34 patients were positive for HLA–B27 and they had a mean index by QSS of 2.09. All but 1 had an index exceeding 1.7. Only 5 of these B27‐positive patients had early radiographic sacroiliitis. The 11 B27‐negative patients had a mean index by QSS of 1.52, and none had radiographic sacroiliitis. The mean values for 46 controls and 10 patients with classic AS, B27 positivity, and complete sclerosis of their SI joints were 1.32 and 1.38, respectively, suggesting that the elevated SI indices found by QSS in the symptomatic B27‐positive patients do reflect inflammatory sacroiliitis. Five of the recently symptomatic B27‐positive patients with elevated indices had repeat QSS after 3 weeks of therapy with conventional antiin‐flammatory drugs and had a reduction in their SI index. QSS appears to be useful in detecting inflammatory sacroiliitis associated with B27 positivity before the development of radiographic disease, and it may be an objective tool in assessing the short‐term therapy of inflammatory sacroiliitis.
Pulmonary Function in Scleroderma
Authors: Guttadauria Maria , Ellman Herman , Emmanuel George , Kaplan David , Diamond Herbert
Published: February 2007

Pulmonary function tests were performed in 45 patients with scleroderma. Thirteen patients (29%) were found to have restrictive disease, 12 patients (27%) were found to have obstructive disease, and 19 patients (42%) had small airway disease (SAD). Smoking did not seem to be a factor underlying either obstructive or small airway disease in these patients. A low diffusing capacity was most common in patients with restrictive disease and rarely the only abnormality in pulmonary function. SAD was usually found in patients who had normal chest radiographs and no pulmonary symptoms and was often the only abnormality. SAD is therefore an early and sensitive indicator of pulmonary involvement in scleroderma.
Surface Ultrastructure of Rheumatoid Articular Cartilage
Authors: Kimura Hiroshi , Tateishi Hiroomi , Ziff Morris
Published: February 2007

Six rheumatoid articular cartilage specimens, which appeared grossly normal and were shown to be free of pannus when examined under the light microscope, were examined electron microscopically. For comparison, normal‐appearing cartilage specimens from 2 patients with meniscus injury and 2 with degenerative joint disease (DJD) were also examined. In all cases the normal‐appearing joint surface of rheumatoid cartilage was abnormal. Amorphous‐appearing material was present to a depth varying between 6 and 25 m̈m. Some of this material had the appearance of fibrin deposited at the cartilage surface, but much appeared to represent breakdown products of the cartilage matrix, i.e. degraded collagen and proteoglycan. DJD cartilage did not show similar changes. The findings suggest that the surface of rheumatoid articular cartilage, even when grossly normal in appearance, is degraded by enzymes either present in the synovial fluid or released by polymorphonuclear cells in close contact with the cartilage surface.
Hip Joint Restoration in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bernstein Bram , Forrester Deborah , Singsen Bernhard , King Karen Koster , Kornreich Helen , Hanson Virgil
Published: February 2007

Six children with long‐standing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and radiographic evidence of severe hip joint damage were found 6 months to 5 years afterward to have radiographic evidence of significant hip joint space widening and remodeling of articular surfaces. The disease activity had decreased and hip joint function had improved in all children. Each child had received various antiinflammatory drugs, but no specific medication could be implicated in the improvement. Evidence from animal studies suggests that intensive physical therapy with emphasis on continued weight bearing may have been important in promoting healing in these children. It appears that restoration of severely damaged hip joints in JRA can occur when the disease activity is controlled. Restoration may be favored by a child's greater potential for bone remodeling and by vigorous physical therapy with emphasis upon continued ambulation.
Chronic Nondestructive Arthritis Associated with Cutaneous Polyarteritis
Authors: Smukler Nathan M. , Schumacher H. Ralph
Published: February 2007

Two patients with arthritis of the knee joints associated with cutaneous polyarteritis have been followed for 20 and 5 years. The arthritis is characterized by mild to moderate pain and stiffness and inflammatory joint effusions with predominantly polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Despite its chronicity, there has been no clinical or radiologic evidence of joint destruction. Necrotizing inflammation was seen in arteries of the deep skin but not in the small vessels observed in the synovial biopsy specimens.
Comparison of Two Dosage Schedules of Gold Salts in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sharp John T. , Lidsky Martin D. , Duffy Joseph , Thompson Howard K. , Person Blanche D. , Masri A. Fattah , Andrianakos Alexander A.
Published: February 2007

Two doses of gold sodium thiomalate were compared for their effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty‐seven patients with active disease for longer than 6 months were treated with 25 mg of gold sodium thiomalate for an average of 29.6 weeks, then at biweekly or monthly intervals to complete 2 years of treatment. Thirty‐eight patients were given more than twice as much gold salt at the same intervals on a flexible dose schedule that produced serum gold levels which averaged 332 μUg/dl during the weekly injection phase. No differences were observed in the therapeutic responses of the two groups. Therefore the minimal dose of gold sodium thiomalate required to induce a response in rheumatoid arthritis is 25 mg or less per week. Serum gold levels in the steady state varied between 95 and 386 m̈g/dl and were not related to response. Serum half‐life for gold was calculated for patients who had an excellent response and for those who were treatment failures. The rate at which gold disappeared from serum was not related to therapeutic response.
Secretion of Plasminogen Activator by Rheumatoid and Nonrheumatoid Synovial Cells In Culture
Authors: Berger Henry , Fleming Patricia R. , Voorhees Patricia R.
Published: February 2007

The secretion of plasminogen activator by human synovial cultures established from explants was studied. Thirteen cultures established from patients with rheumatoid disease were hyposecretors of plasminogen activator. Seven cultures derived from patients with nonrheumatoid joint disorders all secreted high levels of this enzyme. Rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid cells contained comparable levels of intracellular activator. It is suggested that the secretion of plasminogen activator is a function of normal synovium and that a defect in this function in the rheumatoid synovium perpetuates the inflammatory process.
Pathogenesis of Cervical Discovertebral Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Martel William
Published: February 2007

A review of 20 cases of rheumatoid arthritis strongly supported the concept that the cervico‐disco‐vertebral destruction seen radiologically is a consequence of cervical instability caused by apophyseal arthritis and ligamentous laxity. It is postulated that such instability results in chronic trauma to the discovertebral joints leading to destruction of the disc cartilage and vertebral end‐plates. “Rheumatoid inflammation” of the disc has previously been described, but it is uncertain that such inflammation in the disc is the primary cause of these destructive lesions.
Yersinia‐Related Arthritis in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Ford Denys K. , Henderson Elizabeth , Price George E. , Stein Howard B.
Published: February 2007

Serologic evidence of Yersinia enterocolitica infection was sought by agglutination testing in serum samples from several populations, including Haida Indians, Red Cross blood donors, and Caucasian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Reiter's syndrome. No evidence was found to indicate that yersinial infection was etiologically related to Haida spondylitis or Reiter's syndrome. Four of 28 patients with acute arthritis were diagnosed from serologic evidence as having Yersinia‐related arthritis.