bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum hyaluronate level as a predictor of radiologic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Paimela Leena , Heiskanen Arja , Kurki Pekka , Helve Tapani , Leirisalo‐Repo Marjatta 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIncreased serum levels of hyaluronate (HA) have been found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This probably reflects increased leakage of HA from the inflamed joints into the circulation. In a prospective study of 40 patients with early RA, we evaluated the relationship of serum HA to clinical, laboratory, and radiologic parameters of disease activity. The patients were followed for 12 months; all had active disease at study entry. We confirmed the previous finding of higher serum HA concentrations in RA patients compared with healthy controls. At study entry, the patients' serum HA levels correlated positively with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute inflammation. Despite marked clinical improvement during therapy with second‐line drugs, the serum HA levels increased during the followup period. At the end of 1 year, these levels correlated with the radiologic progression of joint lesions, whereas they showed a less pronounced correlation with clinical or laboratory parameters of inflammation. We conclude that, in early RA, serum HA levels may reflect ongoing joint destruction and may even predict subsequent joint damage.
Pregnancy in patients with a history of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Østensen Monika 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe present investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between pregnancy and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), with regard to possible reactivation of the disease, complications at delivery, and postpartum complications. Data on 76 pregnancies in 51 JRA patients were collected retrospectively. Comparison of pre‐pregnancy disease activity with the course during gestation showed that pregnancy did not cause reactivation of the symptoms of quiescent JRA. Patients with minor symptoms at conception and the majority of those with active inflammation experienced improvement or total remission in the second half of gestation. Four JRA patients with active anterior uveitis had active eye disease during pregnancy also. Seventy‐four of the pregnancies resulted in births of infants that were healthy and of normal birth weight; 1 infant had low birth weight and 1 was stillborn. Twenty children were delivered by cesarean section, and in 15 cases this was related to sequelae of JRA. A flare 3–6 months postpartum was reported after 45 pregnancies. However, in none of the patients whose disease was quiescent before or during pregnancy did this cause permanent reactivation of the JRA. Comparison of these 51 patients with 45 age‐matched female patients without children revealed that disease severity and functional impairment were the limiting factors in the decision for or against having children.
Long‐term preservation of renal function in patients with lupus nephritis receiving treatment that includes cyclophosphamide versus those treated with prednisone only
Authors: Steinberg Alfred D. , Steinberg Susan C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess long‐term preservation of renal function in 111 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and active glomerulonephritis who participated in a randomized treatment trial. Four different drug treatment programs, each of which allowed the use of low‐dose oral prednisone in addition to the study drug(s), were compared with a regimen consisting solely of high‐dose oral prednisone. Patients randomized to receive intravenous cyclophosphamide, oral cyclophosphamide, or oral azathioprine plus cyclophosphamide had significantly better preservation of renal function than did patients who were randomized to receive prednisone only. Results in the azathioprine group did not differ from those in the prednisone‐only group. Cyclophosphamide appears to have long‐term benefit in the delay or prevention of end‐stage renal disease in patients with lupus nephritis.
Modulation of interleukin‐1–induced alterations in cartilage proteoglycan metabolism by activation of protein kinase C
Authors: Arner Elizabeth C. , Pratta Michael A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInterleukin‐1 (IL‐1) stimulates proteoglycan degradation and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release and inhibits proteoglycan synthesis by cartilage in organ culture. Addition of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, mezerein, resulted in the concentration‐dependent inhibition of IL‐1 activity on proteoglycan metabolism. Similar effects were seen with other compounds which stimulated PKC, such as teleocidin B4 and phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu), but not with a phorbol analog that is inactive in stimulating PKC. Simultaneous addition of the PKC antagonist, staurosporine, blocked the mezerein‐induced inhibition of IL‐1 activity on both proteoglycan degradation and synthesis in a concentration‐related manner. In contrast to its inhibition of the effect of IL‐1 on proteoglycan metabolism, mezerein did not block the release of PGE2 by cartilage in response to IL‐1 but caused a synergistic stimulation of PGE2 release. Importantly, in cultures made deficient in PKC by prolonged incubation with PDBu, the effects of this PKC agonist on proteoglycan breakdown and PGE2 were blocked, while stimulation by IL‐1 persisted. These data indicate that the effects of IL‐1 on proteoglycan metabolism and prostaglandin production are mediated by an intracellular signal distinct from PKC and suggest that activation of PKC in chondrocytes may play a role in modulating the action of IL‐1 on proteoglycan metabolism.
Rheumatic Diseases Among Civil War Troops
Authors: Bollet Alfred Jay 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThere are extensive existing medical records of Federal Civil War troops. More than 160,000 cases of „acute rheumatism”︁ occurred among these soldiers, and acute rheumatic fever was known to be the main cause. Infectious arthritides were frequent but not understood; gout was rare. „Chronic rheumatism”︁ was diagnosed more than 246,000 times; prolonged rheumatic fever and reactive arthritis following dysentery were probably the major causes. Over 12,000 soldiers were discharged because of chronic rheumatism, many with „lumbago,”︁ which was probably spondylarthropathy.
The Prevalence of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Women With Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion, Women With Successful Pregnancies, and Women Who Have Never Been Pregnant
Authors: Parke Ann L. , Wilson Daniel , Maier Donald 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAntibodies to negatively charged phospholipids are associated with a predisposition to both arterial and venous thrombosis, recurrent fetal wastage, and thrombocytopenia. These associations have been reported in patients who do not fulfill criteria for connective tissue diseases. In this study, we determined the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in 81 women who had had recurrent spontaneous abortion (3 or more fetal losses), in 88 women whose pregnancies were successful, and in 64 women who had never been pregnant. Antiphospholipid antibodies were found in 16% of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion, and at a statistically greater prevalence than in women who had successful pregnancies (7%) as well as those who had never been pregnant (3%). A false‐positive VDRL and IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were more specific for fetal wastage than was either the lupus anticoagulant or IgM anticardiolipin antibodies.
HLA and T Cell Receptor Polymorphisms in Pauciarticular‐Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nepom Barbara S. , Malhotra Uma , Schwarz David A. , Nettles James W. , Schaller Jane G. , Concannon Patrick 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe immunogenetic basis of pauciarticular‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unclear. We therefore analyzed the HLA and T cell receptor genes present in a clinically well‐defined group of patients. We found that the DR8 haplotype contributes most of the HLA‐associated risk, although alleles at other loci contribute independently. A candidate disease‐associated T cell receptor polymorphism, in contrast, was not identified in this population. Mechanistic implications of these findings are discussed.
The B Cell Repertoire in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Moynier Marinette , Abderrazik Mohamed , Didry Catherine , Sany Jacques , Brochier Jean 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. We sought to compare the frequencies of precursors producing IgM rheumatoid factors (IgM‐RFs) in synovial fluid and peripheral blood B cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. We used limiting‐dilution analysis of Epstein‐Barr virus—activated B cells from seropositive and seronegative patients. B cell precursors producing IgM against insulin, an irrelevant autoantigen, were also assessed for comparison.Results. On average, IgM‐RF—producing precursors were 15‐fold higher in the synovial fluid than in the peripheral blood of seropositive RA patients, but not in seronegative RA patients. The frequency of B cell precursors producing IgM against insulin was lower in the synovial fluid than in the peripheral blood of both the seropositive and the seronegative patient groups; moreover, the concentrations were similar in both groups.Conclusion. The findings provide evidence against a nonspecific accumulation of IgM‐producing cells in the synovial fluid, and suggest that there is an active attraction of the RF‐producing B cell precursors toward sites of inflammation in RA.
Interleukin‐1, Interleukin‐2, Interleukin‐4, Interleukin‐6, Tumor Necrosis Factor α, and Interferon‐γ Levels in Sera from Patients With Scleroderma
Authors: Needleman Barbara White , Wigley Fredrick M. , Stair Richard W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether interleukin‐lα (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, interferon‐γ (IFNγ), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) are detected more frequently in sera from scleroderma patients than in sera from controls.Methods. Serum concentrations of these cytokines were measured in 78 scleroderma patients and 73 controls, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunoassay, and bioassay techniques.Results. IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐6 were each detected more frequently in sera from scleroderma patients than in sera from controls. TNFα and IL‐1α were found with equal frequency in patient and control sera. IL‐1β and IFNγ were not detected in any sera.Conclusion. IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐6 may be among the cytokines that contribute to the disease process in scleroderma patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of elevated serum IL‐4 levels in human disease.
Autoantibody to U3 Nucleolar Ribonucleoprotein (Fibrillarin) In Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Okano Yutaka , Steen Virginia D. , Medsger Thomas A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo determine the clinical significance of serum antibodies to the U3 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle ([U3]snRNP), we studied sera from 416 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 264 controls, using immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation assays. The presence of serum anti‐(U3)snRNP was highly specific to SSc, was found more frequently in blacks, and was associated with skeletal muscle disease and primary pulmonary arterial hypertension. These antibodies may identify one or more unusual clinical subsets of SSc.
The Effect of Local Heat and Cold Therapy on the Intraarticular and Skin Surface Temperature of the Knee
Authors: Oosterveld F. G. J. , Rasker J. J. , Jacobs J. W. G. , Overmars H. J. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the effects of local application of ice chips, ligno‐paraffin, short‐wave diathermy, and nitrogen‐cold air on skin and intraarticular temperature.Methods. Forty‐two healthy subjects were divided into 4 treatment groups. A temperature probe was inserted into the knee joint cavity and another placed on the overlying skin, and changes in temperature over 3 hours, by treatment group, were recorded.Results. The mean skin surface temperature dropped from 27.9°C to 11.5°C after application of ice chips, and from 28.8°C to 13.8°C after application of cold air. The mean intraarticular temperature decreased from 31.9°C to 22.5°C and from 32.9°C to 28.8°C, respectively, after these 2 treatments. Short‐wave diathermy increased skin temperature by 2.4°C; intraarticular temperature was increased only 1.4°C by short‐wave diathermy. Treatment with ligno‐paraffin increased the skin surface temperature 8.9°C; the temperature in the joint cavity was increased 3.5°C.Conclusion. The use of short‐wave diathermy and superficial heat packs in the treatment of patients with arthritis may potentially cause harm by increasing intraarticular temperature. This may have major implications regarding treatment policy for patients with arthritis.
Regulation of B Cell Function by Lobenzarit, A Novel Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug
Authors: Hirohata Shunsei , Shinohara Satoshi , Inoue Tetsufumi , Miyamoto Terumasa , Lipsky Peter E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Lobenzarit (disodium 4‐chloro‐2,2'‐iminodibenzoate [CCA]) is a novel disease‐modifying drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated, its mechanism of action remains unclear. We therefore examined the effects of CCA on in vitro IgM and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM‐RF) production by human B cells.Methods. IgM and IgM‐RF production was induced from highly purified B cells from 8 healthy donors by stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 (SAC) plus factors generated from mitogen‐activated T cells (TCF) or with immobilized anti‐CD3—activated CD4+ T cells.Results. CCA suppressed the production of IgM‐RF as well as IgM at concentrations of 25—50 μg/ml (therapeutic serum concentrations of the drug), although the IgM‐RF production induced by SAC plus TCF was suppressed at lower concentrations of CCA (1—3 μg/ml). Whereas CCA suppressed interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production by anti‐CD3—activated CD4+ T cells, its suppressive effects on B cells were not overcome by addition of IL‐2 or TCF. CCA did not inhibit the initial stages of B cell activation in either culture system, but rather, suppressed the maturation of previously activated B cells. Cell cycle analysis by acridine orange staining indicated that CCA‐mediated inhibition of B cell responsiveness induced by anti‐CD3—activated CD4+ T cells was the result of a block at the G1—S interphase.Conclusion. These results indicate that CCA suppresses the production of IgM and IgM‐RF by directly inhibiting activated B cells. Thus, one of the actions of CCA in RA may be the suppression of the function of activated B cells.
Racial Differences in the Frequencies of Scleroderma‐Related Autoantibodies
Authors: Reveille John D. , Durban Egon , Goldstein Rose , Moreda Ramon , Arnett Frank C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine demographic differences in scleroderma‐related autoantibodies.Methods. One hundred fifty‐six patients with systemic sclerosis were prospectively examined for anticentromere antibodies (ACA), anti—topoisomerase I (anti—topo I, or Scl‐70), antinucleolar, and anti—U1 RNP autoantibodies.Results. ACA was found in 36% of Caucasians and 4% of American blacks (P = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] 15). Anti—topo I was found in 37% of American blacks, compared with 17% of Caucasians (P = 0.04, OR 3). No significant differences in the frequencies of antinucleolar and anti—U1 RNP autoantibodies were found.Conclusion. These data suggest important demographic differences in scleroderma‐associated autoantibodies.
Articular Cartilage Vesicles Generate Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate‐Like Crystals in Vitro
Authors: Derfus Beth A. , Rachow John W. , Mandel Neil S. , Boskey Adele L. , Buday Michael , Kushnaryov Vladimir M. , Ryan Lawrence M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To identify the morphology of a mineral‐forming fraction of adult porcine hyaline articular cartilage digest and characterize the mineral it forms.Methods. Electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x‐ray microanalysis, compensated polarized light microscopy, and biochemical studies including 14C‐labeled UDPG pyrophosphohydrolase radiometric assay.Results. This fraction of articular cartilage digest contained membrane‐limited vesicles resembling growth plate cartilage matrix vesicles and formed mineral after only 24 hours in physiologic salt solution containing 1 mM ATP. The mineral contained inorganic pyrophosphate, 95% of which derived from ATP, and phosphate, 93% of which derived from inorganic phosphate in the medium. The FTIR spectrum of this mineral closely resembled the spectrum of standard calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals. Compensated polarized light microscopy showed positively birefringent, rod‐shaped crystals morphologically identical to CPPD. Ca:P ratios, defined by energy‐dispersive microanalysis, were also consistent with CPPD.Conclusion. The articular cartilage vesicle fraction of porcine hyaline cartilage is capable of generating mineral that strongly resembles CPPD.
Effects of interleukin‐6 on the metabolism of connective tissue components in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Ito Akira , Itoh Yoshifumi , Mori Yo , Sasaguri Yasuyuki , Morimatsu Minoru 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. High levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) have been found in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook the present study to investigate the role of IL‐6 in this disease.Methods. We examined the effects of IL‐6, in comparison with IL‐1, on the biosynthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules and of matrix‐degrading proteinases in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.Results. In rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts, IL‐6 by itself enhanced the production of plasminogen activator, its inhibitor, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, whereas it did not modulate the biosynthesis of precursor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (proMMP‐1) (tissue collagenase), proMMP‐3 (stromelysin), or connective tissue components. However, IL‐1–induced production of proMMP‐1 and proMMP‐3 was preferentially augmented by IL‐6.Conclusion. These results suggest that in RA, IL‐6 may participate along with IL‐1 in fine tuning of the catabolism of connective tissue components, by modulating the balance between connective tissue–degrading enzymes and their inhibitors.
In vivo expression of stromelysin in synovium and cartilage of rabbits injected intraarticularly with interleukin‐1β
Authors: Hutchinson Nancy I. , Lark Michael W. , Macnaul Karen L. , Harper Coral , Hoerrner Lori A. , McDonnell Joseph , Donatelli Susan , Moore Vernon , Bayne Ellen Kahn 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the in vivo expression of the matrix metalloproteinase stromelysin in the synovium and articular cartilage of rabbits injected intraarticularly with recombinant human interleukin‐1β (IL‐1).Methods. The direct isolation of messenger RNA (mRNA) from articular cartilage without the prior isolation of chondrocytes is described. The in vivo expression of stromelysin was examined at the mRNA level by Northern blot analysis, and at the protein level by in situ immunolocalization and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results. In the synovium of IL‐1–injected joints, stromelysin mRNA levels were highest at 4 hours and declined to background levels within 24 hours. In the cartilage of IL‐1–injected joints, stromelysin mRNA was elevated at 4 hours and continued to increase until 8 hours, before declining. Stromelysin mRNA expression preceded a similar increase in stromelysin protein levels in both synovium and cartilage.Conclusion. Intraarticular injection of IL‐1 induced the endogenous expression of stromelysin mRNA and protein in both synovium and cartilage. The kinetics of stromelysin expression correlated well with the accumulation of stromelysin and proteoglycan in synovial fluids. Therefore, the de novo synthesis of stromelysin in cartilage may have contributed to the loss of proteoglycan from that tissue.
Autoantibodies to glycyl–transfer RNA synthetase in myositis. Association with dermatomyositis and immunologic heterogeneity
Authors: Hirakata Michito , Suwa Akira , Takeda Yoshihiko , Matsuoka Yasuo , Irimajiri Shoichiro , Targoff Ira N. , Hardin John A. , Craft Joe 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To elucidate the clinical significance and immunologic heterogeneity of anti–glycyl–transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase antibodies in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).Methods. Sera from 345 patients with rheumatic diseases, including 91 with myositis, were examined using immunoprecipitation assays. Autoantibodies to aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases were further analyzed with 2‐dimensional RNA fractionation and via inhibition of in vitro aminoacylation.Results. Serum from 1 patient with DM and interstitial lung disease immunoprecipitated glycyl‐tRNA synthetase along with only 1 of 4 associated tRNAs, in comparison with control anti–glycyl‐tRNA synthetase antibodies, which bound the enzyme along with all 4 associated tRNAs. Immunoblotting findings and a lack of in vitro inhibition aminoacylation of tRNAgly by serum from this patient also suggested differences between the epitope specificity of this serum and that of other sera with anti–glycyl‐tRNA synthetase antibodies.Conclusion. This identification of antibodies to glycyl‐tRNA synthetase from a patient with DM underscores the association of this specificity with the disease. The finding that these antibodies bound an epitope outside the active site of the synthetase enzyme, in contrast to most anti–aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases, emphasizes the immunologic heterogeneity of these autoantibodies.
The coexistence of systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis in five patients. Clinical and immunogenetic features suggest a distinct entity
Authors: Horiki Terumi , Moriuchi Junko , Takaya Masatoshi , Uchiyama Mitsuaki , Hoshina Yuichi , Inada Kenichi , Inoko Hidetoshi , Tsuji Kmiyoshi , Ichikawa Yukinobu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo elucidate the clinical characteristics and pathogenesis of scleroderma–rheumatoid arthritis (SSc‐RA) overlap syndrome, we analyzed the clinical features of 5 patients with SSc–RA overlap. Their HLA phenotypes and genotypes were also determined. Generalized skin sclerosis, severe seropositive polyarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, anti–topoisomerase I antibodies, and HLA–DR4,53;DQA1*0301;DQB1*04 haplotype were observed in all of the patients. Similar clinical features were recognized in most of the 10 cases reported previously. Our case studies indicate that SSc–RA overlap may be a distinct entity.
Rocky mountain spotted fever presenting with acute monarticular arthritis
Authors: Sundy John S. , Allen Nancy B. , Sexton Daniel J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis report describes a 30‐year‐old man who presented with an acute multisystem illness which was diagnosed as Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Near the time of admission the patient was noted to have a newly developed aseptic monarticular arthritis of the right knee. The arthritis resolved in association with resolution of his systemic illness. To our knowledge, there have been no prior reports of acute arthritis in association with RMSF.