bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of parenteral adrenocorticotropic hormone with oral indomethacin in the treatment of acute gout
Authors: Axelrod David , Preston Stafford 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOne hundred male patients who presented with acute gouty arthritis were alternately assigned to 2 treatment groups. Seventy‐six patients completed the study protocol, in which each gout attack during a 1‐year period was treated. For each gout episode, 36 patients received a single intramuscular injection of 40 IU of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and 40 patients received oral indomethacin, 50 mg 4 times daily with meals, until the pain abated. The time interval until the pain was relieved, as well as any untoward effects, were recorded for each gout attack treated. Both groups were of similar age, and had similar values for intercritical serum uric acid, 24‐hour urinary uric acid, and creatinine clearance (1 month after entry into the study). The mean interval (±SD) to relief of pain was significantly shorter for the ACTH group (3 ± 1 hours) than for the indomethacin group (24 ± 10 hours). No side effects were noted in the ACTH group. However, of the 40 patients receiving indomethacin, 22 had abdominal discomfort or dyspepsia, 15 had headaches, and 12 had difficulty with mentation. Single‐dose parenteral ACTH appeared to be effective more rapidly and was associated with fewer side effects than oral indomethacin in the treatment of acute gout.
Treatment of lupus nephritis with total lymphoid irradiation. observations during a 12–79‐month followup
Authors: Strober Samuel , Fariñas M. Carmen , Field Elizabeth H. , Solovera Jose J. , Kiberd Bryce A. , Myers Bryan D. , Hoppe Richard T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSeventeen patients with intractable lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome were treated with total lymphoid irradiation. Statistically significant improvement in mean renal disease and serologic activity parameters occurred within 3 months and persisted for at least 3 years. Although there was a marked reduction of T helper cell numbers and function after total lymphoid irradiation, recovery of these parameters was not associated with a return of disease activity. Risks of sterility, severe infections, and hematologic malignancy appeared to be lower than with alkylating agents.
Synovial fluid collagenase in patients with destructive arthritis of the shoulder joint
Authors: Dieppe P. A. , Cawston T. , Mercer E. , Campion G. V. , Hornby J. , Hutton C. W. , Doherty M. , Watt I. , Woolf A. D. , Hazleman B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied synovial fluid (SF) collagenase in 10 women with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10 with pyrophosphate arthropathy, and 10 with idiopathic destructive disease of the shoulder conforming to a pattern recently described. SF cell counts were highest in the RA group. Particles were detected by polarized light microscopy and alizarin red staining. Crystals were seen in fluids from all 3 groups; pyrophosphate predominated in the pyrophosphate arthropathy group and alizarin red—positive particles in the idiopathic disease group. Collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase levels were estimated in SF after gel filtration. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase activity was detected in all fluids, but tended to be highest in the RA group. Collagenase activity was detected in 3 RA fluids only. In no sample was collagenase found in an active form. These findings support the clinical concept of an aggressive destructive process which sometimes occurs in the shoulder joints of elderly women. Because we were not able to detect free collagenase in SF from any of the patients with idiopathic shoulder disease, the data suggest that high levels of active collagenase are not characteristic of this group of patients.
Synovial lymphocyte response to chlamydial stimulation associated with intrasynovial chlamydial antigen in a patient with “rheumatoid arthritis”
Authors: Ford Denys K. , Reid Graham D. , Magge Sathish , Schumacher H. Ralph 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA 48‐year‐old man with “rheumatoid arthritis” of 3 years duration was found to have synovial fluid lymphocytes that were maximally stimulated in vitro by chlamydial antigen, on 5 of 6 tests over 18 months. Immunocyto‐chemical staining of a synovectomy specimen, using the peroxidase‐antiperoxidase technique, subsequently revealed chlamydial antigen in the synovium. The possibility that Chlamydia in the synovium may produce features of rheumatoid arthritis is discussed.
The efficacy and safety of auranofin in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Marcolongo Roberto , Mathieu Alessandro , Pala Riccarda , Giordano Nicola , Fioravanti Antonella , Panzarasa Rita 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe safety and efficacy of auranofin in the long‐term treatment of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis was investigated in an open study of 14 patients. Twelve patients completed at least 12 months of treatment, and 7 patients completed 36 months of treatment. Classic parameters of disease activity showed improvement over baseline values after 6 months of treatment, and laboratory indices remained stable or improved throughout the study. Auranofin was well tolerated; the frequency of adverse effects was lower in these patients than has been previously reported in either adults or children whose arthritis has been treated with injectable gold.
Histologic localization of lipid in the articular tissues in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease
Authors: Ohira Takashi , Ishikawa Koichiro , Masuda Ikuko , Yokoyama Mitsuru , Honda Itsuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe demonstrated the histologic localization of lipid in the articular cartilage, meniscus, and synovium in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease, by staining with Sudan III. Almost all the sites of tophus‐like deposits of CPPD crystals and the degenerated matrix containing low concentrations of scattered CPPD crystals stained strongly with Sudan III. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated round or oval lipid droplets in more than half of the chondrocytes around the crystals in each of these tissues. Small lipid droplets were also seen on or around the crystals. These findings suggest that lipids are abundant at the site of CPPD crystal deposition and may be involved in CPPD crystal formation.
Sulfasalazine in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Nissilä M. , Lehtinen K. , Leirisalo‐Repo M. , Luukkainen R. , Mutru O. , Yli‐Kerttula U. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEighty‐five patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were randomized to receive either sulfasalazine (≤3 gm/day, mean 2.5) or placebo for 26 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement, compared with baseline, in most of the clinical variables in patients receiving the active drug. Laboratory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, IgG, IgM, and IgA) also improved during the active treatment, suggesting a beneficial effect of sulfasalazine on AS. At the end of the treatment, significant differences between the sulfasalazine and placebo groups were observed in morning stiffness, chest expansion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and in all immunoglobulin classes. Two patients in each treatment group discontinued the trial because of side effects. Enteric‐coated sulfasalazine seemed to be effective and well tolerated in patients with active AS.
The diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Albert Daniel A. , Silverstein Marc D. , Paunicka Kathryn , Reddy Geetha , Chang Rowland W. , Derus Charles 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe evaluated our literature‐based estimates of diagnostic test characteristics and aggressive and conservative strategies for the diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) by reviewing 1980 through 1985 data from the University of Chicago Medical Center, Michael Reese Hospital, and Northwestern University Medical School. Test specificity was calculated by reviewing pathology and radiology reports on all relevant procedures done at the University of Chicago Medical Center in 1984 and 1985. There were no reports of false‐positive findings (including angiography); thus, test specificity was 100% for muscle, nerve, kidney, liver, and testicular biopsy, which was comparable with our literature‐based estimate of 97%. Test sensitivity was based on the 18 confirmed cases of PAN from the 3 institutions and was similar to that in published reports, ranging from 0% for liver biopsy to 100% for visceral angiography. Review of each case for diagnostic test sequence showed an average of 2 diagnostic procedures to confirm the diagnosis (range 1–6). Eight of 18 patients were evaluated according to the conservative strategy we proposed from our literature‐based decision analysis approach. No patient was evaluated with the aggressive strategy, although 1 patient had 6 invasive procedures. Of the remaining 10 patients, 9 represented cases that might have been confirmed had the conservative approach been used, and if it had been used, 6 patients would have had the diagnosis confirmed. Thus, the minimum sensitivity of our conservative strategy is 78%, although based on these data, it could be as high as 100%. Our findings suggest that an effective diagnostic approach to the patient with suspected PAN is first serologic and biochemical evaluation, followed by electromyography and nerve conduction velocity to localize symptomatic muscle and nerve involvement. Invasive testing should include muscle and/or nerve biopsy for those with symptomatic sites; if these show negative findings, visceral angiography should be performed. If there is no symptomatic site, visceral angiography should be performed; if the findings are negative, blind muscle biopsy should be performed. Testicular biopsy should be considered if the patient is symptomatic, although there are presently too few data about this procedure to recommend it without qualification. This conservative strategy appears to maximize the accuracy and minimize the cost and morbidity of the investigation.
Suppression of streptococcal cell wall–induced arthritis by a potent protease inhibitor, bis(5‐amidino‐2‐benzimidazolyl)methane
Authors: Dieter Geratz J. , Pryzwansky Katherine B. , Schwab John H. , Anderle Sonia K. , Tidwell Richard R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBis(5‐amidino‐2‐benzimidazolyl)methane, a powerful synthetic trypsin inhibitor, proved to be highly effective in suppressing the arthritis induced by streptococcal cell wall fragments in Lewis rats. It reduced not only the degree of synovitis, osteitis, and hematopoietic hyperplasia in the distal extremities, but also the degree of associated granulomatous inflammation in the liver. The results suggest that trypsin‐like proteases play an important role in this arthritis model and that inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of similar arthritic conditions in humans.
Heterogeneous synthetic phenotype of cloned scleroderma fibroblasts may be due to aberrant regulation in the synthesis of connective tissues
Authors: Whiteside Theresa L. , Ferrarini Marina , Hebda Patricia , Buckingham Robert B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractClones of dermal fibroblasts from the skin of 4 normal subjects and 5 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS; scleroderma) were established, and their synthetic and proliferative characteristics were compared. A limiting‐dilution assay was used to determine frequencies of cloning in the microcultures of dermal fibroblasts plated. The clones derived from single cells were expanded in vitro and examined (in passages C–H) for growth and synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagenase‐sensitive protein (CSP). The clonogenicity of PSS fibroblasts was not significantly different from that of normal fibroblasts. Normal fibroblast clones were characterized by low levels of GAG and CSP synthesis, and there was a correlation between the GAG and CSP phenotypes. In contrast, clones of PSS fibroblasts were often, but not always, high producers of GAG and CSP, but there was no correlation between the levels of GAG and CSP synthesis. It appears that scleroderma skin is composed of fibroblast clones that are unable to regulate the synthesis of connective tissue components and often synthesize large amounts of connective tissue macromolecules.
Progressive ankylosis in mice
Authors: Mahowald Maren L. , Krug Hollis , Taurog Joel 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo determine its similarity to human spondylarthropathies, we studied murine progressive ankylosis, a spontaneously occurring disorder of joints in mice. Clinically, peripheral joints were inflamed initially, then became ankylosed in a predictable sequence from distal to proximal. Forefeet were involved before hindfeet. Axial joint involvement produced severe spinal ankylosis. Extraarticular manifestations included balanitis and crusting skin lesions. Radiographically, bony erosions and calcification of articular and periarticular tissues were extensive, and vertebral syndesmophytes produced a “bamboo” spine. We conclude that progressive ankylosis is a systemic disease with many clinical and radiographic similarities to human spondylarthropathies, and it may represent a useful animal model for the study of the human diseases.
Histopathologic findings in the liver of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with long‐term bolus methotrexate
Authors: Aponte Julio , Petrelli Mary 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwenty‐three patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis were treated with oral methotrexate (MTX) for more than 10 years. MTX was given as a bolus of 5–15 mg/week; the total cumulative dose ranged from 4,690 mg to 10,230 mg. Liver biopsies were performed on 21 of the patients to assess possible fibrosis and cirrhosis. Grade I histopathologic changes were found in 13 of the 21 biopsy samples, grade II changes were found in 3, and grade HIA changes (mild fibrosis) were found in 5 specimens. None of the biopsy samples showed cirrhosis. Repeat biopsies were performed on the 5 patients with grade IIIA changes while they were still taking MTX. No progression of the fibrosis was noted. Two of the 5 samples, however, were graded IIIB because of portal and perilobular inflammation. Our findings support the premise that prolonged administration of oral MTX, when given as a weekly bolus at a low dose, does not cause cirrhosis or severe fibrosis in the rheumatoid arthritis patient who does not abuse alcohol.
Changes in b lymphocyte function in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus nephritis after total lymphoid irradiation
Authors: Solovera J. J. , Fariñas M. C. , Strober S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPatients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with lupus nephritis underwent total lymphoid irradiation (TLI). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients showed a decrease in pokeweed mitogen—induced immunoglobulin secretion after TLI. A defect in non‐T cells contributed to the decreased response. No defect in the response of non‐T cells to T cell—independent activators of B cells, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 and Epstein‐Barr virus, was observed after TLI. We conclude that TLI induces a selective deficit in B cells, which respond to T cell—dependent mitogen stimulation.
Actions of recombinant human γ‐interferon and tumor necrosis factor α on the proliferation and osteoblastic characteristics of human trabecular bone cells in vitro
Authors: Gowen Maxine , Macdonald Brian R. , Graham R. , Russell G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractUsing cultured human osteoblast‐like cells, we studied the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and recombinant human γ‐interferon (γ‐IFN) on osteoblast growth and function, and demonstrated that TNF stimulated bone cell proliferation and prostaglandin production while inhibiting 1,25‐(OH)2D3—stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin release. In contrast, γ‐IFN inhibited proliferation and stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells, while inhibiting 1,25‐(OH)2D3—stimulated osteocalcin production and having variable effects on the release of prostaglandins, depending on the presence of other factors. Our results suggest that TNF and γ‐IFN can act directly on bone‐forming cells to affect both their proliferation and their differentiated function, and that changes in the ability of cells to produce these factors in disease states may contribute to alterations in the integrity of connective tissue matrices.
Reduced natural killer cell activity in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Miller Edward B. , Hiserodt John C. , Hunt Laverne E. , Steen Virginia D. , Medsger Thomas A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cell number and function were determined in 69 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (41 with diffuse cutaneous SSc, 24 with limited cutaneous SSc, and 4 with scleroderma in an overlap syndrome). The results were compared with those obtained from 5 patients with Raynaud's disease and from 27 normal controls. Natural and antibody‐dependent killing was reduced in the total group of SSc patients compared with controls, but these differences were primarily attributable to patients with the diffuse form of the disease who were seen early in their illness (<5 years after onset). NK cell numbers were not significantly reduced in patients compared with controls, although lower numbers were observed in individuals with early diffuse disease. Other clinical parameters, such as treatment with D‐penicillamine or the presence of scleroderma‐specific autoantibodies, did not exert an independent effect on NK cell function. These findings suggest a possible central role for NK cells in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Suppression of monosodium urate crystal—induced acute inflammation by diets enriched with gamma‐linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: Tate Guillermo A. , Mandell Brian F. , Karmali Rashida A. , Laposata Michael , Baker Daniel G. , Schumacher H. Ralph , Zurier Robert B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA subcutaneous air pouch formed in Sprague‐Dawley rats was used to study the effect of diets enriched in γ‐linolenic acid (GLA) (in plant seed oil) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (in fish oil) on acute inflammation induced by monosodium urate crystals. The GLA‐enriched diet suppressed significantly the cellular phase of inflammation (polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation, crystal phagocytosis, and lysosomal enzyme activity), but it had little effect on the fluid phase (exudate volume and protein concentration). In contrast, the EPA‐enriched diet suppressed the fluid phase but not the cellular phase of inflammation. The findings indicate that the fluid and cellular phases of acute inflammation can be controlled independently. A combined diet of fish oil and plant seed oil (EPA‐enriched and GLA‐enriched) reduced both the cellular and fluid phases of inflammation. Thus, dietary provision of alternative substrates for oxidative metabolism (other than arachidonic acid) modifies monosodium urate crystal‐induced acute inflammation.
Effects of gold sodium thiomalate and tenidap sodium (CP‐66,248–2) on a model of macrophage differentiation using HL‐60 cells
Authors: Littman Bruce H. , Carlson Patricia L. , Loose Leland D. , Sanders Karen M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied the effects of gold sodium thiomalate (GST) and a new antirheumatic drug, tenidap sodium ([Z]‐5‐chloro‐2,3‐dihydro‐3‐[hydroxy‐2‐thienylmethylene]‐2‐oxo‐1H‐indole‐1‐carboxamide, sodium salt), previously known as CP‐66,248–2, in a model system of macrophage differentiation using a myelomonocytic cell line. HL‐60 cells can be stimulated by vitamin D3 to differentiate along a monocytic pathway. Monocytic HL‐60 cells express CD14 (Leu‐M3), a macrophage surface marker, and develop the capacity to produce the second complement component (C2) in response to stimulation with cytokines such as γ‐interferon. The effects of GST and tenidap sodium were compared with the effects of dexamethasone and a variety of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in this model system. We found that GST inhibited the capacity of HL‐60 cells to produce C2 but did not inhibit the expression of CD14. Tenidap sodium inhibited C2 production as well as CD14 expression, and it partially reversed the decrease in 3H‐thymidine incorporation by HL‐60 cells, which accompanies monocytic differentiation. At concentrations that inhibited C2 production by HL‐60 cells, tenidap sodium did not inhibit C2 production by monocytes. Neither dexamethasone nor the other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs tested possessed these activities. Thus, both GST and tenidap inhibit markers of monocytic differentiation in HL‐60 cells, and this activity may relate to their antirheumatic activities.
Iodide and albumin kinetics in normal canine wrists and knees
Authors: Simkin Peter A. , Benedict Richard S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe clearance rates of free iodide and of radioiodinated serum albumin were measured in the knee and wrist joints of 9 normal adult dogs. Iodide clearance from the knee was 3 times greater than that from the wrist. In contrast, radioiodinated serum albumin clearance from the knee was only slightly greater than that from the wrist. Interpreted as respective indices of effective synovial plasma flow and lymphatic drainage, these values indicate that the filtration fraction is normally greater in microvessels of the wrist than in those of the knee. These findings complement the results of companion studies of Starling forces that indicate a higher pressure microvascular bed in the wrist than in the knee.
Reduction of the risk of rheumatoid arthritis among women who take oral contraceptives
Authors: Hazes Johanna M. W. , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Vandenbroucke Jan P. , De Vries René R. P. , Cats Arnold 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDiscrepant results among investigations of the association between oral contraceptive use and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been ascribed to shortcomings in the study methods. In the present study, we obtained detailed information on oral contraceptive use in 135 young women with confirmed definite or classic RA of recent onset and in 378 controls with soft tissue rheumatism or osteoarthritis. All patients had at least 2 years of followup to confirm the consistency of the diagnosis. Oral contraceptive use at any time before disease onset was reported by 70% of the RA patients and 85% of the controls; the latter figure corresponded to general population data for The Netherlands. This yielded a relative risk for RA of 0.39 among those who had ever used oral contraceptives and 0.58 for those using oral contraceptives at the time of symptom onset. The preventive effect of oral contraceptive use on the risk of RA was found to be independent of the dose, duration of use, or presence of HLA‐DR4. The strongest protection was seen in women with a family history of RA and in women ages 31–40 at symptom onset. The conflicting results in the literature are discussed, and a possible biologic mechanism for this phenomenon is suggested.