bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis in HLA‐B27 positive individuals
Authors: Van Linden Sjef M. Der , Valkenburg Hans A. , Jongh Bartelt M. De , Cats Arnold 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe present study was performed on 61 HLA‐B27 positive first‐degree relatives and 40 HLA‐B27 negative relatives of 20 HLA‐B27 positive probands with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Of 24 HLA‐B27 positive relatives 45 years or older, 21% had AS and 38% sacroiliitis. The HLA‐B27 negative relatives did not have features of either disease. In the population study of 2,957 individuals 45 years or older, we found 5 cases of HLA‐B27 positive sacroiliitis (according to the New York criteria) and 3 of these fulfilled the New York criteria for diagnosis of AS. In 2 of these 3 individuals, the diagnosis was made on clinical grounds. The pheno‐type frequency of HLA‐B27 in this population is 7.8%, or about 230 HLA‐B27 positive individuals in this population sample. Since AS was found in only 3 individuals, 1.3% of the HLA‐B27 positive individuals in the population at large have AS; therefore, our data show that among individuals 45 years or older, 21% of HLA‐B27 positive relatives of HLA‐B27 positive AS patients have AS as compared with 1.3% of the HLA‐B27 positive individuals in the population at large. Thus, the risk for AS is 16 times greater in the HLA‐B27 positive relatives compared with HLA‐B27 positive individuals in the population at large. The discriminatory value of the New York criterion of history of pain or the presence of pain at the dorsolumbar junction or in the lumbar spine was analyzed in the population and family studies and was found to be too nonspecific.
Dysfunction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in polymyositis
Authors: Kalovidouris Apostolos E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe transport of calcium in vesicles of sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from muscle specimens from 6 patients with early, active polymyositis and from 11 controls was examined. The time courses of calcium uptake and calcium‐dependent ATPase activity were measured simultaneously. Calcium uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from patients with polymyositis was 50% less than that by vesicles from controls (P < 0.001). In contrast, no difference in calcium‐dependent ATPase activity was noted between vesicles from patients with polymyositis and controls. The demonstrated defect may be important in the pathogenesis of muscle weakness in polymyositis.
Destructive Spondylarthropathy in Hemodialyzed Patients
Authors: Kuntz Daniel , Naveau Bertrand , Bardin Thomas , Drueke Tilman , Treves Richard , Dryll Antoine 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSpinal radiologic lesions suggestive of destructive spondylarthropathy were found in 10 patients on long‐term hemodialysis. These lesions were characterized by severe narrowing of the intervertebral disc, associated with erosions and geodes of the adjacent vertebral plates without osteophytosis. In 9 of the 10 patients the lesions were located in the cervical spine, and in 1 patient, in the lumbar spine. Microbial spondylitis, degenerative disc disease, and destructive spondylarthropathy of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease were each, in turn, ruled out. The finding of apatite crystals by transmission electron microscopy in 1 disc specimen suggests that these crystals may be associated with destructive vertebral disc lesions in dialysis patients.
The Clinical Utility of the Lupus Band Test
Authors: Smith C. Douglas , Marino Cathy , Rothfield Naomi F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn order to determine the clinical utility of the lupus band test, the presence of dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ) deposits of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, C4, C1q, and properdin were studied in biopsies of clinically normal deltoid area skin from 102 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 151 patients with other rheumatic diseases. One or more proteins were detected at the DEJ in 72.6% (74 of 102) of patients with SLE and in 36.4% (55 of 151) of the other patients, yielding a specificity of 64% and a predictive value of 57%. The predictive value for the diagnosis of SLE was greatest with C4 (100%), properdin (91.3%), and IgA (86.2%) and lowest with IgM (59%). Specificity and predictive value increased with the number of proteins detected at the DEJ. The results suggest that more rigid criteria are required before diagnostic significance is attached to a positive result on the lupus band test.
Effects of Salicylate and Indomethacin on Glycosaminoglycan and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis in Intact Canine Knee Cartilage Ex Vivo
Authors: Palmoski Marshall J. , Brandt Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe effects of salicylate and indomethacin on glycosaminoglycan synthesis by intact articular cartilage were examined ex vivo. Distal femora of normal dogs were transected at the diaphysis and incubated in medium containing sodium salicylate or indomethacin and 35SO4. Uronic acid contents of habitually loaded and habitually unloaded regions of the condyles averaged 4.2% and 3.1% of the tissue dry weight, respectively. Salicylate had no effect on glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage from loaded sites but suppressed synthesis by 18% (P < 0.01) in cartilage from unloaded sites, while indomethacin had no effect on glycosaminoglycan synthesis in either region. Evidence that the drugs indeed diffused into the cartilage, even when no effects on glycosaminoglycan metabolism were noted, was provided by measurements of prostaglandin E2. At the concentrations used, both indomethacin and salicylate markedly reduced prostaglandin E2 synthesis by the cartilage. In studies with 14C‐acetylsalicylic acid or 14C‐indomethacin, the concentration of each drug in cartilage was calculated to be about 3 logs lower than that in the culture medium. Furthermore, drug concentrations in cartilage from loaded zones were consistently lower than those in cartilage from unloaded sites.
Work Disability Before and After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Nevitt Michael C. , Epstein Wallace V. , Masem Mathias , Murray William R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe evaluated the impact of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on work disability among working age persons. Just over one‐third of those totally work disabled prior to THA were working at 1 or at 4 years after surgery. A significant long‐term decrease in work disability after surgery was demonstrated by estimating disability prevented by THA, but the decrease was less than suggested by the literature. Preoperative work status and the number of painful joints were significant predictors of return to work.
Human IgG aggregates induce selective stimulation of IgM rheumatoid factor synthesis by rheumatoid blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Tao Xue Lian , Olsen Nancy , Ziff Morris , Jasin Hugo E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contain precursor B lymphocytes specific for IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM‐RF) synthesis. In this study, human IgG aggregates (HaIgG) were used to stimulate monocytedepleted PBM from 46 patients with RA and 21 normal controls. The cells were incubated with HaIgG and pokeweed mitogen for 72 hours, washed, and then cultured in microwells for an additional 11 days. HaIgG induced an increase in IgM‐RF synthesis by RA cells with optimum response at 0.1 μg/ml (P<0.001). Total IgM synthesis remained unchanged. In contrast, HaIgG did not stimulate IgM‐RF production by normal cells. Specificity of the IgM‐RF response was shown by the concomitantly increased IgM‐RF/IgM ratios, while IgM anti‐trinitrophenyl antibodies did not increase. Aggregation of the IgG was required for it to be an effective stimulus. The findings suggest that circulating immune complexes in RA patients may provide the stimulus for sustained production of IgM‐RF in vivo.
A comparison of the sensitivity of the 1971 and 1982 american rheumatism association criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Levin Robert E. , Weinstein Arthur , Peterson Margaret , Testa Marcia A. , Rothfield Naomi F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe sensitivity of the American Rheumatism Association's preliminary and revised criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was tested in 156 of our SLE patients. Eighty‐eight percent met the 1971 preliminary criteria. Eighty‐three percent fulfilled the 1982 revised criteria when arthritis was strictly defined (nonerosive arthritis) and 91% when arthritis was more liberally defined (nondeforming arthritis). Analysis revealed that of the 3 serologic tests added in the revised criteria (antinuclear antibody, anti‐Sm, anti‐DNA), the antinuclear antibody test accounted for the increased sensitivity of the revised criteria.
Lymphocytes in the skin of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Roumm Alan D. , Whiteside Theresa L. , Medsger Thomas A. , Rodnan Gerald P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMononuclear cells (MNC) present in the dermis of the forearm and in the blood of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) were quantified and analyzed for subsets using monoclonal antibodies. The findings were correlated with cutaneous and systemic features of the disease. Total T lymphocytes and their subsets, B cells, and macrophages were enumerated in the skin samples of 21 patients with PSS. The dermal MNC infiltrates consisted mostly of activated T lymphocytes with a mean T helper/T suppressor (T4/T8) ratio of 2.4 ± 1.3 SD. Few B1‐positive or T6‐positive cells (macrophages) were observed. There was no correlation between the skin or blood T4/T8 ratios and the degree of skin thickening. On histologic examination, 58 of 115 (50%) untreated patients with PSS had prominent dermal MNC infiltration. Significant correlations between the degree of MNC infiltration and both the degree (P < 0.05) and progression (P < 0.05) of skin thickening were observed. No correlations with other systemic disease features of PSS were noted. These results suggest that cutaneous T lymphocytes may play a role in mediating dermal sclerosis in PSS.
Effects of static and cyclic compressive loading on articular cartilage plugs in vitro
Authors: Palmoski Marshall J. , Brandt Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe influence of static and intermittent stress on articular cartilage metabolism was examined in vitro. Full‐thickness plugs of cartilage from femoral condyles of normal adult dogs were cultured while static or cyclic stresses were applied for 2 hours. The plugs were then incubated under atmospheric pressure for 2 hours in medium containing radioactive label, to provide measurements of net synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) or protein. As a control, cartilage from the same knee was cultured in the apparatus at atmospheric pressure. When cartilage plugs were exposed to static stress, or to cyclic stresses at a duty cycle of 60 seconds on/60 seconds off, net GAG synthesis was suppressed to 30—60% of that in controls. In contrast, when a duty cycle of 4 seconds on/11 seconds off was used, GAG synthesis was increased by 34%. The duty cycle which increased GAG synthesis did not affect protein synthesis or tissue contents of DNA, uronic acid, or water. At the cycle which suppressed GAG synthesis, protein synthesis and uronic acid content were decreased, and water content was increased. As judged by uptake of 14C‐aminoisobutyric acid and 14C‐xylose, the above changes in GAG synthesis do not appear to have been due to changes in diffusion of nutrient molecules through the cartilage during loading.
Protective factors against oxygen free radicals and hydrogen peroxide in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid
Authors: Biemond Pieter , Swaak Antonius J. G. , Koster Johan F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOxygen free radicals are probably involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The enzymes involved in protection against oxygen free radicals and H2O2 (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were measured. Superoxide dismutase was not increased, glutathione peroxidase was slightly and catalase was strongly elevated in RA synovial fluid (SF) compared with control SF. Although these enzymes are present in SF, the activities are insufficient to protect against oxygen free radicals and H2O2. In contrast to transferrin, ferritin was increased in RA synovial fluid. Ceruloplasmin was also elevated. When rat liver microsomes were used as a target for oxygen free radicals, serum and SF were both protective. Gel filtration experiments showed that the fraction pattern in which there was maximal protective potential against lipid peroxidation corresponded closely to the level of ceruloplasmin. After removal of ceruloplasmin from serum or SF, about 70% of the protective capacity disappeared. It is concluded that ceruloplasmin is an important protector against oxygen free radicals.
Numa protein is a human autoantigen
Authors: Price Carolyn M. , Mccarty Gale A. , Pettijohn David E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRoutine examination of sera from patients with suspected or confirmed connective tissue disease has revealed the presence of autoantibodies directed against an unusual nuclear antigen. As characterized by immunofluorescence studies, the antigen is found exclusively in the nuclei of interphase cells, but appears to be part of the spindle pole in mitotic cells. Similar distributions in interphase and mitotic cells have been reported for the recently discovered nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein. Using immunoblot analysis we have demonstrated that the autoantibodies that decorate the mitotic spindle poles are specific for the NuMA protein. Therefore, we conclude that the NuMA protein is a human autoantigen.
Articular mastocytosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Crisp Adrian J. , Chapman Clifford M. , Kirkham Sara E. , Schiller Alan L. , Krane Stephen M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe number and distribution of mast cells were assessed in 116 synovial membranes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in 30 control specimens. Rheumatoid synovial membranes contained a mean of 48.5 mast cells per 20 high‐power fields (HPF) (range 0–252), and control synovial membranes had a mean of 3.9 mast cells per 20 HPF (range 0–13) (P < 0.001). In a comparison of high and low mast cell subgroups in rheumatoid arthritis, counts were directly related to the intensity of clinical synovitis in the affected joint, but not to hemoglobin concentration or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Joints excised from 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were characterized by active bone remodeling with increased osteoid, active resorption by osteoclasts, and trabecular osteoporosis. Mast cells were prominent in both extraosseous pannus and intraosseous invasive tissue. The possible roles of mast cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are discussed.
Laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lawry George V. , Finerman Matthew L. , Hanafee William N. , Mancuso Anthony A. , Fan Peng Thim , Bluestone Rodney 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLaryngeal involvement was evaluated in 45 patients with moderately severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA duration and severity, prior laryngeal symptoms, and abnormalities detected by concurrent indirect laryngoscopy (IL) and computerized tomography (CT) were noted and correlated with changes of basilar interstitial fibrosis (BPF) found by chest radiograph. Thirty‐two percent had abnormalities detected by IL, 54% had abnormalities by CT, and 36% had BPF on chest radiographs. Comparison of these groups revealed: only two symptoms (sore throat and difficulty during inspiration) were predictive of abnormalities detected by IL; no symptoms predicted abnormalities on CT; IL and CT may show abnormalities in a large percentage of RA patients even in the absence of symptoms; IL tends to detect mucosal and gross functional abnormalities while CT detects structural lesions; BPF shown on chest radiographs in RA patients does not appear to be correlated with cricoarytenoid arthritis as defined by IL and CT.
Arthropathy of down's syndrome
Authors: Yancey Carolyn L. , Zmijewski Chester , Athreya Balu H. , Doughty Robert A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDown's syndrome (trisomy 21) is associated with a variety of skeletal abnormalities and an increased incidence of joint hypermobility. Children with Down's syndrome are known to have a number of immunologic abnormalities and an increased incidence of autoimmune phenomena. We report 7 patients with Down's syndrome and arthritis. Four children had polyarticular disease and 3 had pauciarticular disease at onset. Only 1 child had significant cardiac disease. HLA typing in 5 children did not show specific correlations. Mean duration of followup was 3 years and 7 months. All children responded to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, but only 1 child is in clinical remission. Two children have died: 1 secondary to cervical spine instability and the other secondary to cardiac compromise. Arthropathy associated with Down's syndrome should be an additional exclusion for the diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Further investigation of this association may give clues to the relationship between genetic and immunologic factors in the pathogenesis of joint inflammation.
Low incidence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition in rheumatoid arthritis, with modification of radiographic features in coexistent disease
Authors: Doherty Michael , Dieppe Paul , Watt Iain 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA negative correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition was demonstrated in separate controlled radiographic and synovial fluid surveys of RA patients aged 55–75 years. Knee chondrocalcinosis was detected in 14% of 135 normal controls and 28% of 87 post‐meniscectomy (“joint damage”) controls (P < 0.05), but only 3% of 100 RA patients (P < 0.01). Microscopic examination of fluids from symptomatic knees of an additional 100 RA and 75 osteoarthritis patients revealed CPPD crystals in 1% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.01). Ten subjects with coexistent RA and CPPD deposition were also studied; 7 showed radiographic features atypical of RA, including patchy, asymmetric disease, retained bone density, prominent osteophytosis, well‐corticated cysts, and paucity of progressive erosive disease. It is suggested that rheumatoid joint damage, unlike that in osteoarthritis, is not conducive to CPPD crystal formation. When RA and CPPD coexist, atypical radiographic features reflecting a hypertrophic reparative response may occur.
Psychological factors associated with primary fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Ahles Tim A. , Yunus Muhammad B. , Riley Sue D. , Bradley John M. , Masi Alfonse T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractForty‐five ambulatory patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS), 30 with rheumatoid arthritis, and 32 normal controls were administered 3 psychological tests: the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Life Events Inventory, and the Assertiveness‐Aggressiveness Inventory. The PFS patients scored significantly higher on 8 MMPI scales when compared with the normal control group and on 4 MMPI scales when compared with the rheumatoid arthritis group. Further subgrouping of PFS patients according to MMPI scores showed that only 31% were “psychologically disturbed,” 33% had a typical chronic pain profile, and 36% were within the normal range. The PFS patients scored higher than the rheumatoid arthritis and normal control groups on the Life Events Inventory but not the Assertiveness‐Aggressiveness Inventory.
Thalidomide a promising new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Oscar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn an open study, oral administration of thalidomide to 7 female patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis, in doses ranging from 6.9 to 15 mg/kg/day, led to clinical improvement within several weeks. In 4 women, remission lasted long after discontinuation of the drug. All patients showed normalization or marked reduction of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and several showed a significant decrease in rheumatoid factor titer. Adverse side effects included drowsiness, constipation, and edema of the lower limbs, which disappeared after discontinuation of the drug.
A critical review of compliance studies in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Belcon Michael C. , Brian Haynes R. , Tugwell Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNineteen studies of treatment compliance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have been critically appraised to assess the magnitude and determinants of noncompliance in this population. Deficiencies in study methodology undermined the possibility of firm conclusions on the influence of various factors on compliance in RA populations. Nevertheless, it is apparent that noncompliance with treatments for RA is a major problem that hitherto has not been widely considered. Compliance with prescribed drug regimens varied from 16% to 84% among these studies. With physiotherapy regimens, compliance rates varied from 39% to 65%, while for splint‐usage, rates varied from 25% to 65%. No consistent correlation has been demonstrated between compliance and age, sex, treatment side effects, disease severity, or drug dose frequency. Gaps in our present day knowledge have been detailed and the need for further research is outlined.
Interstitial lung disease in scleroderma analysis by bronchoalveolar lavage
Authors: Silver Richard M. , Metcalf John F. , Stanley John H. , Carwile Leroy E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInterstitial pulmonary fibrosis is a common feature of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) which may result in impairment of pulmonary function and may be a major determinant of morbidity and mortality. Clinicopathologic observations suggest that interstitial and alveolar inflammation may appear prior to fibrosis. Using the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique, we have characterized the nature of the inflammatory process in the lower respiratory tracts of 19 nonsmoking scleroderma patients. Eleven of 19 patients (58%) had increased percentages of neutrophils and/or eosinophils in BAL fluid. Five of 10 patients (50%) had elevations of IgG in BAL fluid. The presence of neutrophils was associated with a decreased lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (P < 0.05) and with more advanced radiographic features of interstitial fibrosis in patients with disease of more than 1 year's duration. This study suggests that scleroderma lung involvement may be characterized by an inflammatory alveolitis and that the presence of such inflammation may relate to the severity of the pulmonary disease.
The incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus in baltimore, maryland, 1970–1977
Authors: Hochberg Marc C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus, based on first hospital discharge diagnosis, in Baltimore, Maryland for the years 1970 through 1977 was determined for individual sex‐race groups and the total population. Age‐specific incidence rates were consistently highest among black females and lowest among white males: rates for white females exceeded those for black males through age 54, but then declined for ages ⩽55. Mean age at diagnosis was significantly lower for black females versus white females (35.5 versus 41.7 years, P = 0.005) and for all females versus all males (37.2 versus 44.2 years, P = 0.012). There were no temporal trends noted in yearly age‐adjusted incidence rates during the 8‐year study period. The overall population incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus was 4.6 per 100,000 per year, representing a twofold increase over a comparable study done in New York City 15 years ago.