bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of tumor necrosis factor microsatellite polymorphisms with HLA‐DRB1*04–bearing haplotypes in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Hajeer Ali H. , Worthington Jane , Silman Alan J. , Ollier William E. R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate 1) tumor necrosis factor (TNF) microsatellite allele frequencies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 2) associations between TNF microsatellites and RA‐associated HLA specificities in order to build up extended HLA haplotypes.Methods. Eighty‐five caucasoid patients with RA and 109 healthy caucasoid controls were typed for TNF microsatellites a‐d using fluorescent‐labeled primers and semiautomated genotyping. A further 56 RA patients who were selected for having certain HLA‐DRB1 types were also typed for these TNF microsatellites. Linkage disequilibria between TNF and HLA alleles were calculated, and extended haplotypes were established.Results. The TNFa6 allele frequency was significantly increased in the RA patients compared with the controls (P = 0.0019, odds ratio [OR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3–4.6), an increase that was further evident in patients who were HLA–DRB1*0401 homozygous (P =0.0003, OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.2–24.4). This increase was found to be due to association with HLA–DRB1*0401. No TNF microsatellite allele was found to be associated with HLA‐DRB1*0404. Three HLA extended haplotypes were identified in the RA group: 1) HLA–DRB1*0401;TNFd4;TNFa6;TNFb5;HLA–B44;HLA–Cw5;HLA–A2, 2) HLA–DRB1*0301;TNFd2;TNFa2;TNFb3;HLA–B8;HLA–CW7;HLA–A1, and 3) TNFd5;TNFc2;TNFa2;TNFb1;HLA–B62;HLA–Cw3.Conclusion. TNF microsatellites found to be associated with RA do not appear to be independent of class II HLA associations.
Comprehensive noninvasive assessment of cardiac involvement in limited systemic sclerosis
Authors: Candell‐Riera Jaume , Armadans‐Gil Lluís , Simeón Carmen‐Pilar , Castell‐Conesa Joan , Fonollosa‐Pla Vicent , García‐Del‐Castillo Herminio , Vaqué‐Rafart Josep , Vilardell Miquel , Soler‐Soler Jordi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with limited systemic sclerosis (SSc), using noninvasive cardiac techniques.Methods. Sixty‐three patients with limited SSc were prospectively evaluated with Doppler echocardiography and thallium‐201 perfusion scintigraphy after a cold‐stress test and radionuclide ventriculography.Results. In the patients with limited SSc, there was a significantly high prevalence of abnormal left‐ and right‐diastolic function parameters (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0002, respectively), thickening of papillary muscles (46%; P = 0.003), and mild mitral regurgitation (49%; P < 0.0001), compared with controls. Systolic pulmonary arterial hypertension was detected in 9 patients (14%), and pericardial effusion in 11 patients (18%). In 64% of patients with limited SSc, an ischemic response was detected on the thallium cold‐stress scan; similarly, an ischemic response was detected in 57% of patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (P < 0.0001 versus controls).Conclusion. Although the frequency of cardiovascular symptoms was low in patients with limited SSc, a significant rate of cardiovascular abnormalities was found by noninvasive cardiac techniques.
Early expression of E‐selectin, tumor necrosis factor α, and mast cell infiltration in the salivary glands of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hebbar Mohamed , Gillot Jean‐Michel , Hachulla Eric , Lassalle Philippe , Hatron Pierre‐Yves , Devulder Bernard , Janin Anne 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the predictive value of early endothelial E‐selectin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression, as well as mast cell infiltration, in the subsequent progression to systemic sclerosis (SSc) in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and abnormal nailfold capillaroscopic findings.Methods. Clinical criteria were evaluated, and immunostaining was performed on lip biopsy samples from 22 patients with RP and abnormal capillaroscopic results. None of these patients initially fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SSc.Results. E‐selectin, TNFα, and mast cell infiltration were found in 9, 10, and 8 of 11 patients, respectively, whose disease progressed to SSc, and in 0, 2, and 1 of 11 patients, respectively, whose disease did not progress to SSc (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively).Conclusion. E‐selectin, TNFα, and mast cell infiltration are detectable in the very early stages of SSc, prior to the onset of skin changes.
Sicca syndrome associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Jorgensen Christian , Legouffe Marie‐Christine , Perney Pascal , Coste Joliette , Tissot Barbara , Segarra Christiane , Bologna Christophe , Bourrat Laurent , Combe Bernard , Blanc François , Sany Jacques 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with sicca syndrome, and to determine the clinical, immunologic, and genetic characteristics of sicca syndrome associated with HCV.Methods. We conducted a prospective study in a university hospital immunology–rheumatology department. Sixty‐two consecutive patients with sicca syndrome according to the European criteria for Sjögren's syndrome were included. HCV infection was diagnosed in patients with positive recombinant immunoblot assay findings and the presence of viral RNA in serum and saliva. Rheumatoid factor (RF), cryoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies, and anti–SS‐A/SS‐B antibodies were sought. HLA typing was performed on all patients.Results. The prevalence of HCV infection in patients with sicca syndrome was 19%. The incidence of neurologic involvement was significantly increased in patients with sicca syndrome associated with HCV infection (24% versus 4%; P < 0.03), as was elevations in transaminase levels (87.5% versus 16%; P < 0.0001). RF and cryoglobulins were more frequent in HCV‐positive sicca syndrome patients (62% versus 30%; P < 0.03, and 56% versus 10%; P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, anti–SS‐A/SS‐B antibodies were present in 38% of HCV‐negative sicca syndrome patients, but in only 1 HCV‐positive sicca syndrome patient (P < 0.01). No significant difference in HLA type was observed. Viral RNA was present in the saliva of 83% of HCV‐positive sicca syndrome patients, but in none of the HCV‐negative sicca syndrome patients.Conclusion. We observed a high prevalence of HCV infection in our patients with sicca syndrome. HCV‐positive sicca syndrome patients had specific clinical characteristics and were seronegative for SS–A/SS‐B antibodies. Moreover, HCV RNA was present in the saliva of patients with HCV‐associated sicca syndrome.
Reactive arthritis in patients attending an urban sexually transmitted diseases clinic
Authors: Rich Eric , Hook Edward W. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Moreland Larry W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the prevalence, clinical manifestations, associated genital infections, and HLA associations of reactive arthritis (ReA) among patients attending an urban sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic.Methods. Using a standardized questionnaire, 271 consecutive adults, primarily black, with possible or proven Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection were screened for symptoms of ReA. A followup questionnaire was administered 6 weeks later by mail. Patients who reported at least 1 symptom were evaluated by a rheumatologist. HLA–B typing was performed on patients with objective ReA features.Results. Nine of 217 patients (4.1%) with genital infection/inflammation had objective ReA features. Chlamydial or nongonococcal STD syndromes were diagnosed in 8 of these 9 patients (88%). Genital infection/inflammation was asymptomatic in 78% of patients with ReA features. HLA–B27 or other B7–cross‐reactive group antigens were not associated with the occurrence of ReA.Conclusion. Nongonococcal genital infections, often asymptomatic, can trigger a relatively mild ReA in a larger number of exposed patients than previously thought, irrespective of the individual's HLA status.
Familial aggregation of primary Raynaud's disease
Authors: Freedman Robert R. , Mayes Maureen D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the occurrence of familial aggregation of primary Raynaud's disease.Methods. Twenty‐three patients with primary Raynaud's disease and their first‐degree relatives were assessed by questionnaire and, when possible, by physical examination. The same procedures were performed on the patients' spouses and the spouses' first‐degree relatives, who served as the control group.Results. The prevalence of Raynaud's disease was significantly higher in the families of the probands than in the control families when assessed by questionnaire (26.1% versus 5.5%; P < 10−5), and by physical examination (11.2% versus 2.8%; P = 0.015).Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that there is significant familial aggregation of primary Raynaud's disease.
Leukocyte infiltration in synovial tissue from the shoulder of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. Quantitative analysis and influence of corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Meliconi Riccardo , Pulsatelli Lia , Uguccioni Mariagrazia , Salvarani Carlo , Macchioni Pierluigi , Melchiorri Cinzia , Focherini Maria Cristina , Frizziero Luigi , Facchini Andrea 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective: To investigate the immunologic features of synovitis in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and to assess the modifications induced by corticosteroid.Methods. Arthroscopic biopsies of shoulder synovium were obtained from 12 patients with untreated PMR and from 7 patients with PMR that had been treated. Immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen sections utilizing a panel of monoclonal antibodies and computerized image analysis.Results. Synovitis was present in 10 of 12 (83%) untreated patients and in only 2 of 7 (29%) treated patients. The synovitis was characterized by vascular proliferation and leukocyte infiltration. Infiltrating cells consisted predominantly of macrophages and T Lymphocytes. Almost all T lymphocytes were CD45RO positive. A few neutrophils, but no B cells, natural killer cells, or γ/δ T cells were found. Intense expression of HLA class II antigens (DR moreso than DP moreso than DQ) was found in the lining layer cells as well as in macrophages and lymphocytes. DR, but not DP or DQ, was expressed by the endothelium of a few vessels. Class II antigen expression correlated with the number of macrophages and lymphocytes. Macrophage infiltration of arteriole walls was observed in 1 untreated patient without giant cell arteritis (GCA). In untreated patients, there was a positive correlation between the percentage of infiltrating T cells and the duration of disease. Steroid therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the number of blood vessels and of HLA class II expression. One treated patient who no longer had symptoms of PMR still had active synovitis: a relapse occurred 4 months after the biopsy.Conclusion. Our findings support the hypothesis that synovitis is a major cause of the musculoskeletal symptoms of PMR. There are immunologic similarities with the vascular inflammation observed in GCA. Corticosteroids act on both the vascular and cellular components of synovitis.
Effect of classification on the incidence of polyarteritis nodosa and microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Watts Richard A. , Jolliffe Victoria A. , Carruthers David M. , Lockwood Martin , Scott David G. I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) has been used as a generic term for systemic vasculitis. The distinction between classic PAN and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) has not always been made. The aims of this study were to compare the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for PAN with the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference (CHCC) definitions of classic PAN and MPA, and to estimate the annual incidence of PAN and MPA.Methods. The 1990 ACR criteria and CHCC definitions for systemic vasculitis were applied to an unselected cohort of 130 patients with systemic vasculitis attending a single district hospital in the UK between February 1, 1988 and January 31, 1994.Results. Eight patients who met the ACR criteria for PAN and who also met the CHCC definition of MPA but not classic PAN were identified. A further 5 patients met the CHCC definition of MPA but not the ACR criteria for any other type of systemic vasculitis. No patient who met the CHCC definition of classic PAN was identified. The annual incidence of MPA was calculated to be 3.6/million (95% confidence interval 1.7–6.9), and the annual incidence of PAN (ACR criteria) was 2.4/million (95% confidence interval 0.9–5.3).Conclusion. Classic PAN as defined by the CHCC is rare, because small vessel involvement is excluded from this definition.
Antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment of reactive arthritis. Lessons from an animal model
Authors: Zhang Yong , Gripenberg‐Lerche Christel , Söderström Karl‐ove , Toivanen Auli , Toivanen Paavo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To study the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment of reactive arthritis (ReA), using an experimental model.Methods. Yersinia enterocolitica O:8, when injected intravenously into Lewis rats, causes a sterile arthritis closely resembling human ReA in 70% of the animals. Arthritis develops in 1–2 weeks; in some of the animals it remains chronic, and exacerbations occur. This model was applied to study the effect of a 7‐day treatment with ciprofloxacin, using 2 different dosages (20 or 100 mg/kg/day) and 4 different schedules for initiation of treatment. The effects were evaluated by determining the daily arthritis score, the number of rats developing arthritis, and fecal excretion of Yersinia. In addition, weight gain was monitored. At autopsy (35 or 60 days after inoculation with bacteria), samples were obtained for determination of Yersinia‐specific antibodies in the serum. At the same time, samples were collected from mesenteric lymph nodes, lung, spleen, and liver for bacterial cultures, and from the ankle joints for histologic evaluation. In a separate experiment, ciprofloxacin concentrations in samples from serum and mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography.Results. A 7‐day course with 100 mg/kg/day of ciprofloxacin, started on day 3 after bacterial inoculation, completely prevented the development of ReA and eliminated Yersinia during the 60‐day experiment. If a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day was used, development of acute arthritis was prevented, but some of the animals had positive fecal cultures at the end of experiment. If antibiotic treatment was started on day 5, the preventive effect was still observed, but was less pronounced. If the treatment was started at the peak of the development of arthritis, no effect on arthritis was observed.Conclusion. These results indicate that if any effect of antibiotic treatment in Yersinia‐triggered ReA is to be expected, the treatment must be started early and given in sufficient dosage. However, antibiotic treatment has no effect on fully developed arthritis.
Progression of rheumatoid arthritis following bone marrow transplantation. A case report with a 13‐year followup
Authors: McKendry Robert J. R. , Huebsch Lothar , Leclair Benoit 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is documented in a patient receiving a sex‐mismatched, allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) for gold‐induced marrow aplasia. DNA typing confirmed a high probability of a full donor engraftment (complete chimerism). Although the RA was in complete remission 2 years post‐BMT, clinical, laboratory, histologic, and radiologic evidence of the recurrence of synovitis from 3–13 years post‐BMT is presented. Implications of these observations for theories of the pathogenesis of RA and the future of immunotherapies are discussed.
Degenerative joint disease in the guinea pig. Use of magnetic resonance imaging to monitor progression of bone pathology
Authors: Watson Paul J. , Hall Laurance D. , Malcolm Archie , Tyler Jenny A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. The suitability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for serial monitoring of bone pathology in the guinea pig stifle joint, an in vivo model of osteoarthritis, was investigated.Methods. MR images were compared with histologic features and radiographs of 1‐mm‐thick sections to determine the MR correlates of the bone changes. Ten guinea pigs were then imaged on 7 occasions over the first year of life, enabling serial measurements of subchondral bone thickness, subchondral pseudocysts, and osteophytes.Results. The signal intensity of trabecular bone in MR images accurately reflected the degree of osteopenia and trabecular thinning noted around the cruciate ligament insertions. The extent of subchondral sclerosis and the development of marginal osteophytes were also accurately represented. Serial observations revealed that MRI can detect highly significant progression of lytic bone lesions, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte size over periods of 6 weeks.Conclusion. MRI is not only a reliable technique for the assessment of bone pathology but is also a useful tool for monitoring the progression of bone damage in osteoarthritis.
The centromere kinesin‐like protein, CENP‐E. An autoantigen in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Rattner Jerome B. , Rees Jennifer , Arnett Frank C. , Reveille John D. , Goldstein Rose , Fritzler Marvin J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Autoantibodies directed against centromere proteins (CENPs) are a serologic feature in some patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Previous studies have focused on autoantibodies to CENPs A, B, and C. CENP‐E is a recently described 312‐kd protein that also localizes to the centromere. Therefore, we studied the presence of autoantibodies to recombinant CENP‐E in patients with SSc.Methods. Sixty sera from patients with the SSc spectrum of diseases were screened for the presence of autoantibodies against CENP‐E, by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting using recombinant CENPE protein. HLA class II alleles were determined by DNA oligotyping.Results. Among the SSc sera, 15 of 60 (25%) demonstrated antibody reactivity with recombinant CENP‐E, and 14 of these 15 sera (93%) had antibodies directed against another CENP. Anti–CENP‐E was seen in 13 of 30 sera with anti‐CENP (43%). All patients with anti–CENP‐E had a limited form of SSc, known as the CREST variant (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasias). When patients with anti‐CENPs A, B, or C were compared with patients with anti–CENP‐E, no unique clinical features in the anti–CENP‐E positive group were identified. Ninety‐three percent of the patients with anti–CENP‐E had HLA–DQB1 alleles that had polar amino acids at position 26 (primarily DQB1*05), similar to patients with other CENP autoantibodies.Conclusion. Antibodies to CENP‐E are common in patients with SSc, and are seen in higher frequency in sera from patients with a limited form, or CREST variant, of the disease.
Increased prevalence of systemic sclerosis in a native american tribe in oklahoma. Association with an amerindian HLA haplotype
Authors: Arnett Frank C. , Howard Robert F. , Tan Filemon , Moulds Joann M. , Bias Wilma B. , Durban Egon , Cameron H. Daniel , Paxton Gabe , Hodge Trevor J. , Weathers Paul E. , Reveille John D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate a high prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) in a well‐defined population of 21,255 Choctaw Indians residing in 8 southeastern Oklahoma counties who were “users” of Indian Health Services.Methods. A case–control study of 12 SSc cases and 48 matched non‐SSc controls (4 per case) was conducted to investigate potential occupational, residential, and infectious exposures, as well as genetic factors which might predispose to SSc. HLA class II alleles were determined by DNA oligotyping, and class I and III alleles were defined serologically.Results. The prevalence of SSc in full‐blooded Choctaws was at least 8/1,704, or 469/100,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 203–930) over the 4‐year interval 1990–1994 and was significantly higher than that among non‐full‐blooded Choctaws (6/19,551, or 31/100,000) (P= 0.00001, odds ratio [OR] = 15.4, 95% CI 4.9–49.8). The overall prevalence of SSc in Oklahoma Choctaws (66/100,000) also was significantly higher than that in other Native Americans in Oklahoma (9.5/100,000) (P= 10−6, OR = 6.95, 95% CI 33–13.7), who showed a prevalence similar to that reported for whites (2.1–25.3/100,000). Among the SSc cases, there was striking homogeneity of disease expression with the majority exhibiting diffuse scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, and autoantibodies to topoisomerase I. No environmental exposures were found to be in excess among cases versus controls. The strongest risk factor for SSc in cases (100%) versus controls (54%) was an HLA haplotype bearing the allelesB35, Cw4, DRB1*1602 (DR2), DQA1*O501, andDQB1*0301 (DQ7)(P= 0.002,Pcorr= 0.036, OR = 21, 95% CI 2.9–437). Survey of another group of Choctaws residing in another state revealed no cases of SSc despite a high frequency of the same HLA haplotype.Conclusion. Full‐blooded Choctaw Native Americans living in southeastern Oklahoma have the highest prevalence of SSc yet found in any population. A major risk factor for disease is a uniquely Amerindian HLA haplotype; however, additional genes and/or an as‐yet‐unidentified environmental exposure seem likely.
Use of a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody against e‐selectin for imaging of endothelial activation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chapman Peter T. , Jamar François , Keelan Edward T. M. , Peters A. Michael , Haskard Dorian O. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the potential of 111Inlabeled anti–E‐selectin monoclonal antibody (MAb) to image localized endothelial activation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Fourteen patients with RA were studied after intravenous administration of 111In‐labeled F(ab′)2 fragments of MAb against the cytokine‐inducible endothelial cell activation antigen E‐selection (MAb 1.2B6). To compare uptake of 1.2B6 with that of nonspecific immunoglobulin 111In‐labeled polyclonal human immunoglobulin (HIG) was separately administered to 6 of these patients and the relative uptake of each tracer was determined.Results. Prominent and discrete uptake of the radiolabeled MAb 1.2B6 was clearly visible in inflamed joints of all patients. Compared with 111In‐HIG, 111In‐1.2B6 provided superior images in terms of sensitivity and image intensity. Furthermore, the distribution of uptake in inflamed joints was different for the 2 tracers, with 1.2B6 showing a more focal localization in synovium.Conclusion. This study demonstrates that it is possible to objectively assess E‐selectin expression on activated endothelium in vivo in patients with RA, using a radiolabeled MAb. This technique has considerable potential for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy in inflammatory diseases.