bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A sensitive solid phase microradioimmunoassay for anti‐double stranded DNA antibodies
Authors: Fish Falk , Ziff Morris 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA sensitive solid phase microradioimmu‐noassay has been developed for measurement of antidouble stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. In this procedure, advantage has been taken of the capacity of poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) to facilitate the binding of pure dsDNA to plastic surfaces. In the absence of PLL, binding did not occur. Diluted sera were incubated in PLL‐treated dsDNA‐coated microtitration trays and anti‐dsDNA Ig was measured using affinity purified125I‐anti‐Ig of high specific activity. The synthetic DNA, poly dA‐dT, was used as a model for dsDNA. In initial experiments, specific anti‐DNA binding could not be demonstrated because of high background binding of patient Ig to PLL‐treated surfaces. This was reduced by diluting test sera and anti‐Ig in buffer containing 2% BGG and 1% BSA. Specificity of the assay for DNA was demonstrated by absorbing the anti‐DNA activity on DNA‐coated plastic. The binding of systemic lupus erythema‐tosus (SLE) patient serum Ig to poly dA‐dT coated trays did not diminish after digestion with nuclease S1, suggesting that the synthetic polymer is an appropriate model for dsDNA. Patient and normal sera were screened for anti‐dsDNA activity using poly dA‐dT as antigen. None of the 38 normal sera, 23 of 35 active SLE sera, 1 of 25 treated SLE, 4 of 35 rheumatoid arthritis, 3 of 35 scleroderma, and 1 of 13 polymyositis sera demonstrated positive anti‐dsDNA activity. The anti‐dsDNA values obtained in the radioimmunoassay correlated significantly with those obtained in the Crithidia luciliae assay.
The impact of chronic disease
Authors: Meenan Robert F. , Yelin Edward H. , Nevitt Michael , Epstein Wallace V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA large number of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have been studied in order to better delineate the sociomedical problems experienced by patients with this chronic disease. Two hundred forty‐five respondents were surveyed by use of a detailed questionnaire and interview, and the results indicate that major losses in the areas of work, finances, and family structure are extremely common. The majority of workers were totally disabled as a result of their disease. On the average, subjects in the group were earning only 50% of the income predicted for them had they not had arthritis. Sixty‐three percent experienced a major change in their psychosocial status as a result of their disease. Work disability appears to be the most important sociomedical impact of rheumatoid arthritis since it is associated with significantly greater income and psychosocial losses. This evidence of numerous and serious sociomedical problems in persons with rheumatoid arthritis raises questions of emphasis and approach for physicians involved in the clinical care of chronic rheumatic disease patients.
Reciprocal relationship of synovial fluid volume and Oxygen tension
Authors: Richman Alan I. , Su Eugene Y. , Ho George 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo investigate the impact of synovial fluid volume on oxygen tension (PO2) and other metabolic correlates, 24 specimens of synovial fluid from the knees of 22 patients were analyzed for volume, number of leukocytes (WBC), pH, Po2, Pco2, glucose, protein, and complement (CH50) levels. Concurrent arterial blood samples were obtained in 21 instances. Synovial fluid Po2 values varied inversely with volumes of synovial fluid (r = −0.54, P < 0.01), but when patients with rheumatoid arthritis were excluded, the correlation was more significant (r = −0.76, P < 0.001). When synovial fluid Po2 dropped below 45 mm Hg, intraarticular acidosis resulted. The decrease in pH (r = 0.93, P < 0.001), the lowering of glucose values (r = 0.89, P < 0.001), and the rise in Pco2 (r = −0.79, P < 0.01) can be explained by a shift toward anaerobic metabolism coupled with the impaired elimination of its products. Systemic acidosis and hypoxia were not found. Intraarticular hypoxia most likely represents circulatory imbalance at the level of the synovial membrane, although an inverse relationship of synovial fluid Po2 and WBC was also noted. Complement and protein levels had no correlation with volume, pH, or respiratory gas tensions of synovial fluids. Our data support the importance of the effective blood flow to the joint in maintaining homeostasis. The volume of synovial effusion and the compliance of the joint capsule appear to be important determinants of the articular blood supply.
Trends in recent systemic lupus erythematosus mortality rates
Authors: Gordon Mark F. , Stolley Paul D. , Schinnar Rita 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNational death rates from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were calculated for the period 1972 to 1976 according to age, sex, and race and were compared to rates for 1968 to mid‐1972. The time trend in the age‐adjusted death rates from SLE was also analyzed for the entire period 1968 to 1977. The previously reported variable sex and race ratios persist through the recent period, particularly the greater mortality rates among black women during middle and early adulthood. An overall decline in the adjusted death rates in the younger age groups (1–49 years old) in each race‐sex group is seen in the recent period.
Selective lymphocyte deficiency in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pasquali J.‐L. , Fong S. , Tsoukas C. D. , Hench P. K. , Vaughan J. H. , Carson D. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrior studies have shown that in vitro infection with the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is able to induce IgM rheumatoid factor production by normal lymphocytes, with a higher degree of production by seropositive rheumatoid arthritis lymphocytes. The present investigation demonstrates that EBV‐infected lymphocytes from patients with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis produce in vitro significantly less IgM rheumatoid factor than do normal lymphocytes. The results suggest that the peripheral blood of seronegative patients is deficient in the rheumatoid factor precursor B cells responsive to stimulation by Epstein Barr virus.
The arthropathy of advanced progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Blocka Kenneth L. N. , Bassett Lawrence W. , Furst Daniel E. , Clements Philip J. , Paulus Harold E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe peripheral joint radiographs of 55 carefully selected patients with classic progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and 10 patients with CREST syndrome were reviewed in a longitudinal fashion. Thirty‐three PSS and 7 CREST patients were available for followup (mean followup period 28.7 and 29.8 months, respectively). The high frequency of conventionally recognized abnormalities such as flexion contractures, digital tuft resorption, sclerodactyly, and subcutaneous calcinosis was reconfirmed. Additional hand findings included joint space narrowing (13%), juxtaarticular demineralization (4%), ankylosis (2%), marginal erosions (9%), and previously undescribed dorsal erosions (15%). All PSS findings showed progression, although isolated reversibility was noted. The CREST group showed a similar frequency and distribution of findings but with less tendency to progression. With the exception of an increased active joint count in PSS patients with erosions, computer‐assisted analysis of multiple clinical and laboratory variables showed no correlation with any radiographic abnormality. These results confirm the presence of an erosive arthropathy in PSS not attributable to overlap with either rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Antibiotic therapy of septic bursitis
Authors: Ho Jr George , Su Eugene Y. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInfected olecranon, prepatellar, and infrapatellar bursae offer a unique opportunity to study the response of a closed‐space infection to antibiotic therapy. Using percutaneous needle aspirations, serial bursal fluids were cultured. The length of time necessary to achieve culture sterility with antibiotic therapy (an average of 4 days in 25 patients) was correlated with the duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). In patients treated within 2 weeks from onset of symptoms, bursal fluid sterility was achieved within 1 week of therapy, while longer duration of symptoms was associated with delayed response. When antibiotic therapy was continued for 5 additional days after documented culture sterility, all 19 patients in the prospective trial were cured (average followup period of 6.8 months). In septic bursitis, the effects of delay in treatment are deleterious by prolonging culture‐positivity despite adequate antibiotic therapy. By analogy, delay in treatment of septic arthritis may result in the persistence of an adverse environment which can lead to further articular damage. After accurate diagnosis of septic búrsitis, a therapeutic approach consisting of prompt and appropriate antibiotic usage, frequent needle drainage, and treatment duration based on the culture results of serial aspirations is effective and may be applicable in the management of certain nongonococcal bacterial joint infections.
The implications of procainamide metabolism to its induction of lupus
Authors: Uetrecht Jack P. , Freeman Richard W. , Woosley Raymond L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe principal metabolic pathway of procainamide leads to formation of the less toxic N‐acetyl‐procainamide and the rapid acetylator phenotype is associated with a lower incidence of procainamide‐induced lupus. Another metabolic pathway forms a reactive metabolite which causes revertants in the Ames test and covalently binds to microsomal protein. A study of the metabolism of procainamide revealed three metabolites that have not been previously described. A comparison of the metabolites of N‐acetylprocainamide with those of procainamide suggests possibilities for the identity of the reactive metabolite. The hypotheses to be discussed explore the relationship between the formation of a reactive metabolite and the induction of lupus.
Plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive drug therapy in scleroderma
Authors: Dau Peter C. , Kahaleh M. B. , Sagebiel Richard W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn an uncontrolled clinical trial, plasmapheresis combined with prednisone and cyclophosphamide therapy produced clinical improvement in 14 of 15 scleroderma patients with varying degrees of skin and internal organ involvement. All improved patients showed a gradual loosening of hide‐bound skin, relaxation of contractures, and healing of cutaneous ulcers, when present. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms were ameliorated in 4 patients, severe polymyositis was largely reversed in 2 patients, and pulmonary and cardiac function was improved in others. After initial improvement, however, 2 patients died during the period of study and another withdrew unimproved. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) liters declined relatively more than total IgG levels with plasmapheresis in 6 of the 9 patients who had elevated titers. Increased levels of endothelial cell cytotoxic activity found in 11 of the 15 patients were significantly reduced by plasmapheresis. Elevated levels of circulating immune complexes were found in only 4 of the 15 patients. Skin biopsies from adjacent sites taken before and after plasmapheresis in 10 patients all showed less swollen dermal collagen with increased ground substance between collagen bundles in the second biopsy. Although the effects of plasmapheresis cannot be dissociated from those of the immunosuppressive drug therapy, our results suggest that plasmapheresis combined with immunosuppressive drug therapy may find a place in the management of patients with moderate to severe scleroderma. This study implicates circulating factors in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Preliminary criteria for clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pinals Robert S. , Masi Alfonse T. , Larsen Richard A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA study was conducted to develop criteria for clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Data were provided by 35 rheumatologists on 175 RA patients considered to be in complete remission (with or without antirheumatic therapy) and 169 RA patients in partial remission or with active disease. Six criteria yielded optimal discrimination: morning stiffness absent or not exceeding 15 minutes, no fatigue, no joint pain by history, no joint tenderness, no joint or tendon sheath swelling, and no elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In this study sample, the presence of five or more of these criteria in an individual patient yielded 72% sensitivity for clinical remission and 100% specificity in discriminating RA patients with active disease. In a population sample, it is estimated that the overall accuracy of these criteria would be more than 90% in RA patients.
Running Inhibits the Reversal of Atrophic Changes in Canine Knee Cartilage After Removal of a Leg Cast
Authors: Palmoski Marshall J. , Brandt Kenneth D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe effect of vigorous exercise on the reversibility of canine knee cartilage atrophy produced by immobilization of the leg was studied. In comparison to cartilage from the contralateral control knees, cartilage from knees which had been immobilized in a cast for 6 weeks showed an increase in water content and decreases in thickness, Safranin O staining of the matrix, uronic acid content, and net proteoglycan synthesis. In addition, the ability of both newly synthesized (35S) and total tissue proteoglycans to interact with hyaluronic acid to form aggregates was diminished; this was apparently due to an abnormality in the hyaluronate‐binding region of the core proteins. If the casts were removed and the animals were then allowed to ambulate ad libitum for 3 weeks, all of these changes were reversed. However, knee cartilage from 3 dogs which had been run daily on a treadmill (6 miles/day) for 3 weeks after removal of the casts exhibited continuing decreases in thickness, Safranin O staining, and uronic acid content (mean 31%), even though net proteoglycan synthesis was increased (mean 16%) in comparison to that in control cartilage from the contralateral (nonimmobilized) knee. Furthermore, the abnormality in both 35S— and total tissue proteoglycans which precluded their interaction with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid persisted. In this respect, the proteoglycans were indistinguishable from those obtained from knee cartilage immediately following 6 weeks in a cast.
Native Type II Collagen‐Induced Arthritis in the Rat
Authors: Morgan Keith , Clague Roy B. , Shaw Mary J. , Firth Stephen A. , Twose Trevor M. , Holt P. J. Lennox 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAntibodies to native bovine type II collagen may be important in initiating arthritis in rats immunized with this antigen. The cross‐reactivity of these antibodies with native rat type II collagen was higher in rats that developed arthritis than in those that did not. Depletion of serum C3 levels by cobra venom factor delayed the onset of arthritis until C3 levels were returning to normal; therefore, complement may be involved in initiation of the arthritis, and this arthritis may be an example of an immune complex‐mediated disease.
Ia+ T Cells in Synovial Fluid And Tissues of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Burmester Gerd R. , Yu David T. Y. , Irani Anne‐Marie , Kunkel Henry G. , Winchester Robert J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMarkedly elevated levels of T cells expressing Ia antigens were found in the synovial membranes and synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The primary increase in expression of the la antigens was on the OKT 8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) T cell subset. In addition, the total percentage of OKT 8+ T cells in intraarticular sites was usually greater than levels in peripheral blood. Small numbers of OKT 4+ (helper/inducer) cells bearing la antigens were also identified. The characteristic increase in the Ia+ T cells in peripheral blood was not encountered in most patients treated with D‐penicillamine.
Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Sacroiliitis
Authors: Kozin Franklin , Carrera Guillermo F. , Ryan Lawrence M. , Foley Denis , Lawson Thomas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) and conventional radiography of the sacroiliac joint were compared in 43 patients. CT appeared to be far more sensitive and equally specific in the recognition of sacroiliitis. In a number of patients with sacroiliitis diagnosed by both techniques, CT demonstrated abnormalities that were not demonstrated by conventional radiographs. Of those patients with clinical evidence of sacroiliitis and HLA—B27 positivity, 50% had negative or equivocal radiographs compared to 19% who had negative computed tomographic images for sacroiliiti.
Evidence of a Generalized Metabolic Defect in Patients with Hereditary Chondrocalcinosis
Authors: Lust G. , Faure G. , Netter P. , Gaucher A. , Seegmiller J. E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA gene in the heterozygous state appears responsible for a 2‐fold increase in pyrophosphate content of both fibroblasts and lymphoblasts cultured from patients who have dominantly inherited chondrocalcinosis. Cells from unaffected family members of this large kindred showed a pyrophosphate content in the same range as was found in unaffected, unrelated controls. Similar cells from individuals homozygous for the gene would be useful in delineating the precise biochemical abnormality responsible for the increased pyrophosphate content.
Permeability of Rheumatoid and Normal Human Synovium to Specific Plasma Proteins
Authors: Levick J. Rodney 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA method is described for the determination of the permeability of the blood—joint barrier to specific plasma proteins, using the ratio of protein concentration in synovial fluid to that in plasma. The inadequacy of the ratio per se as a direct index of permeability is discussed. Permeabilities are evaluated for the normal and rheumatoid human knee. Permeability increases in the rheumatoid knee by approximately 6 times for albumin and over 40 times for macroglobulins. The effect of protein molecular dimensions upon permeability is analyzed. Permeability shows less dependence upon solute dimensions in the rheumatoid knee than in the normal knee, i.e., molecular selectivity is reduced. From these data and synovial morphology, a two‐membrane model of the blood—joint barrier is developed. The relative contribution of the component intimal and endothelial layers to the total barrier is found to depend upon solute dimensions.
Rheumatology Education in United States Medical Schools
Authors: Goldenberg Don L. , Mason John H. , Horatius Raphael De , Goldberg Victor , Kaplan Stephen R. , Keiser Harold , Lockshin Michael D. , Rynes Richard , Sandson John I. , Schumacher H. Ralph , Skosey John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlthough rheumatology manpower in United States medical schools has dramatically increased in the past decade, 13% of medical schools did not have a full‐time staff rheumatologist in 1980. Thirty‐eight percent of medical schools had 2 or less full‐time rheumatologists. Staff rheumatologists and rheumatology fellows provided the majority of medical student education in the clinical aspects of rheumatic disease; however, rheumatologists in less than 50% of medical schools taught in the basic science curriculum or in related fields such as collagen biochemistry, metabolic bone disease, and orthopedic intervention in arthritis. The staff rheumatologists' time commitment to medical student education was inversely proportional to the rheumatology faculty size. At medical schools with no rheumatologists, however, there was little, if any, formal education in the rheumatic diseases. Most subjects are taught in systems‐oriented lectures. Education is currently limited to the common rheumatic conditions such as bursitis and back pain. Only 62% of medical schools provide a structured course on the musculoskeletal examination. Elective rotations in rheumatology, usually offered in the third or fourth year, are currently being provided to only 15% of U.S. medical students.
Immunomodulating effect of human placenta‐eluted gamma globulins in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sany J. , Clot J. , Bonneau M. , Andary M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPatients who had active and severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with human placenta‐eluted gamma globulins (PEGG) composed of purified IgG eluted from trophoblastic cells. A control group of RA patients received retroplacental gamma globulins with no clinical effects. Seven of eleven treatments with PEGG showed good (4 patients) or very good (3 patients) clinical results. All patients had immunologic modifications demonstrated by a significant increase in active E‐rosette–forming cells and mitogen responsiveness. The precise mechanism of immunomodulating effect of PEGG should be further investigated.
A serial study of splenic reticuloendothelial system fc receptor functional activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hamburger Max I. , Lawley Thomas J. , Kimberly Robert P. , Plotz Paul H. , Frank Michael M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA serial study of reticuloendothelial system splenic Fc receptor function was undertaken in 13 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fc receptor function was assessed by measuring the clearance half‐times of IgG‐sensitized 51Cr‐labeled autologous erythrocytes from the circulation. Prolonged clearance half‐times were intially detected in all patients, and the magnitude of the clearance defect was significantly correlated with disease activity (P < 0.01, Spearman rank correlation) and immune complex levels (P < 0.01). Clinical course and changes in receptor functional activity over time were found to be significantly correlated. Clearance half‐times tended to return to normal in all 11 patients who clinically improved. The clearance half‐time remained unchanged in 1 patient whose disease activity was stable, and it worsened in 1 patient whose illness flared. Levels of immune complexes also changed concordantly with clearance half‐times and disease activity. These studies underscore the interrelationship between the presence of circulating immune complexes, defects in Fc receptor function that might lead to prolonged circulation of these complexes, and disease activity in SLE.
The incidence of sjögren's sicca complex in a population of patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Forstot Joseph Z. , Lance Forstot S. , Greer Robert O. , Tan Eng M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA prospective study was performed on patients who came to a university ophthalmology outpatient clinic with the complaint of dry eyes and who were documented to have keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Of 45 patients studied 1 had primary amyloidosis, and another 10 had KCS with a previously diagnosed connective tissue disease. Of the remaining 34 patients, 19 had KCS alone without xerostomia, and the remaining 15 had KCS in association with subjective or objective xerostomia. Eight of these 15 patients were subsequently shown to have clinical Sjögren's syndrome–sicca complex, and for the majority, serologic and biopsy findings supported this diagnosis.