bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of rheumatoid arthritis with an amino acid allelic variation of the T cell receptor
Authors: Cornélis F. , Hardwick L. , Flipo R. M. , Martinez M. , Lasbleiz S. , Prud' Homme J. F. , Tran T. H. , Walsh S. , Delaye A. , Nicod A. , Loste M. N. , Lepage V. , Gibson K. , Pile K. , Djoulah S. , Danzé P. M. , Lioté F. , Charron D. , Weissenbach J. , Kuntz D. , Bardin T. , Wordsworth B. P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate allelic variations of T cell receptor residues for a contribution to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility.Methods. We conducted an RA case‐control study involving 1,579 northwest Europeans: 766 patients with erosive and rheumatoid factor‐positive disease and 813 control subjects. Productive changes of segments TCRAV6S1, TCRAV7S1, TCRAV8S1, TCRAV10S2, and TCRBV6S1, TCRBV6S7 were investigated by single‐strand conformation polymorphisms. The TCRAV8S1 association was confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results. In the systematic study (77 patients and 119 controls), an increase in 1 TCRAV8S1 genotype was found in the RA patients (P = 0.0004). This finding was replicated in 2 further populations, one from France (212 patients and 254 controls) and the other from Britain (477 patients and 440 controls), with a similar odds ratio (OR), which allowed pooling of the data and confirmation of the association (OR 1.3 [95% confidence interval 1.1‐1.7], P = 0.008).Conclusion. These findings show evidence that TCRA is an RA susceptibility locus.
Effects of pulse methylprednisolone on inflammatory mediators in peripheral blood, synovial fluid, and synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Youssef Peter P. , Haynes David R. , Triantafillou Sophie , Parker Angela , Gamble Jenny R. , Roberts‐Thomson Peter J. , Ahern Michael J. , Smith Malcolm D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To establish whether the clinical efficacy of pulse methylprednisolone (MP; 1,000 mg intravenously) is related to the modulation of proinflammatory cytokines within the peripheral blood, synovial membrane, or synovial fluid compartments.Methods. Eighteen patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were studied. Peripheral blood (11 patients) and knee synovial fluid (9 patients, 10 knees) were obtained before and at 4 and 24 hours after MP therapy. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and biologic assays; prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was measured by competitive radioimmunoassay. In 10 patients, arthroscopically directed synovial biopsies were obtained before and at 24 hours after treatment, at disease relapse (4 patients), and after retreatment (1 patient). Membranes were stained by immunohistochemical techniques with monoclonal antibodies against TNFα, IL‐8, IL‐1β, and the IL‐1 receptor antagonist protein (IL‐1Ra).Results. MP therapy was associated with a rapid (within 24 hours) and substantial decrease in the expression of TNFα in the lining and sublining regions of the synovial membrane, as well as substantial decreases in the levels of TNFα in serum and synovial fluid. There was also reduced IL‐8 expression in the synovial lining, as well as reduced synovial fluid IL‐8 levels. No effect on synovial membrane IL‐1β and IL‐1Ra or synovial fluid IL‐1β and PGE2 was found.Conclusion. MP therapy rapidly reduces IL‐8 and TNFα levels in the synovial compartment, with cytokine changes in the serum and synovial fluid reflecting the changes in the synovial membrane. Alterations in TNFα expression in the synovial membrane correlated with clinical response to, and subsequent relapse after, MP therapy.
Clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies. Comparison of detection with immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays
Authors: Emlen Woodruff , O'Neill Laurie 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the measurement of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) by immunofluorescence and by 6 different commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in clearly defined patient groups and serum samples.Methods. Serum samples were derived from 3 sources: 1) patients with a known clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (group 1), 2) sera with known monospecific ANA reactivity (group 2), and 3) sera from consecutive patients for whom ANA testing had been ordered (group 3). Each of these sera was tested for the presence of ANA by immunofluorescence on HEp‐2 cells, and by using each of 6 commercially available ELISA ANA kits.Results. In patients with known clinical SLE, 88% were ANA positive by immunofluorescence. Positivity with the different ELISAs ranged from 62% to 90%. While most ELISAs successfully detected antibodies to SS‐A, RNP, and Sm, there were significant differences between assays in the detection of anticentromere antibodies and anti‐DNA. Measurement of ANA in consecutive patients for whom an ANA test was requested showed that, generally, those assays with high sensitivity for detection of SLE had a high false‐positive rate, whereas those assays with a low false‐positive rate failed to identify some patients with a clinical diagnosis of SLE.Conclusion. There are significant differences in the detection of ANA by immunofluorescence and different ELISA kits. Agreement between different assays is generally marginal. When ordering and interpreting an ANA test, the clinician must be familiar with the specific assay being used to measure ANA and the differences between the various ANA assays.
Trial of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone in the treatment of severe systemic‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wallace Carol A. , Sherry David D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Not uncommonly, some children with systemic‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) have persistently active disease with joint destruction and profound growth delay despite maximum treatment with known medications. Based on previous observations of improvement in synovitis following intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CYC) and methylprednisolone (MP) treatments, a group of children with severe systemic‐onset JRA was treated in an attempt to control active synovitis and to allow tapering of corticosteroids.Methods. Four patients with systemic‐onset JRA were continued on a daily regimen of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents and prednisone, with a weekly subcutaneous dose of methotrexate (1 mg/kg). In addition, 1 patient continued receiving sulfasalazine and 1 patient remained on a regimen of sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine. Patients received 6–10 monthly treatments of IV CYC (500–1,000 mg/m2) and MP (30 mg/kg; 1 gm maximum) accompanied by IV mesna and large amounts of IV fluids. Subsequent treatments were given once every 2–3 months.Results. After 12–20 IV pulses of CYC, all patients showed improvement, and 3 achieved remission of disease. All were able to discontinue corticosteroid use and all had an increase in linear growth.Conclusion. Monthly IV pulse CYC treatments can be useful to control disease in selected children with severe, destructive JRA.
Blood transfusion, smoking, and obesity as risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Results from a primary care‐based incident case‐control study in Norfolk, England
Authors: Symmons Deborah P. M. , Bankhead Clare R. , Harrison Beverley J. , Brennan Paul , Silman Alan J. , Barrett Elizabeth M. , Scott David G. I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine a range of demographic, social, and clinical risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Results. The controls were of higher socioeconomic status than the cases. This was probably due to response bias. Having a body mass index ⩾30 was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.74 for developing RA (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.14−12.27). RA was also associated with a history of blood transfusion (OR 4.83, 95% CI 1.29−18.07). Even after correcting for social class, a history of having ever smoked was associated with a higher risk of developing RA (OR 1.66, 95% CI 0.95−3.06). There was no difference between cases and controls in previous exposure to childhood infections, certain surgical procedures, or reproductive history variables.Methods. Population‐based case‐control study in Norfolk, England, involving adult patients, ages 18–70, with an inflammatory polyarthritis of <12 months' duration who were recruited from the Norfolk Arthritis Register. Controls, matched for sex and date of birth, were selected from the primary care register of the Norwich Health Authority. Both cases and controls completed identical self‐administered questionnaires. Matched analysis of the 165 case‐control sets was conducted for the whole group and for the subset in which the cases satisfied the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA.Conclusion. RA has a number of potential environmental triggers, including smoking, obesity, and blood transfusion.
Oncostatin M stimulates monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1‐ and interleukin‐1‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐1 production by human synovial fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Langdon Carrie , Leith Jonathon , Richards Carl D. , Smith Frank 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To measure levels of oncostatin M (OSM) in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to examine the activities of human OSM in the regulation of human synovial fibroblast (HSF) production of chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐1 and MMP‐3) in vitro.Methods. We examined the levels of OSM in the synovial fluids of patients with arthritis by an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA of cell culture supernatants and Northern blots were used to assess responses of HSF to interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), OSM, and other members of the IL‐6/leukemia inhibitory factor (IL‐6/LIF) family of cytokines.Results. We detected variable levels of OSM antigen in 9 of 10 RA patient synovial fluids, but levels were not detectable in 9 of 10 osteoarthritis (OA) patient fluids. Upon examining the responses of HSF in culture, OSM stimulated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), whereas RANTES secretion (regulated upon activation, normal T expressed and presumably secreted) was not altered by OSM alone. In IL‐1α induced cells, OSM costimulation further enhanced MCP‐1 release, but inhibited the release of RANTES and IL‐8. Other members of the IL‐6/LIF family of cytokines did not show these effects. OSM induced a small elevation of MMP‐1 production over 2 and 3 days of stimulation (2‐fold), and acted significantly to enhance IL‐1α‐induced production of MMP‐1 (to 8‐fold and 9‐fold at 48 and 72 hours, respectively). No effect of OSM was seen on MMP‐3 secretion, either alone or in IL‐1α‐costimulated cells.Conclusion. These results suggest that OSM has potentially important functions in the modulation of chemokine and metalloproteinase production by synovial cells of the joint.
Antifibroproliferative effect of tenidap in chronic antigen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Sánchez‐Pernaute Olga , López‐Armada Maria José , Hernández Purificación , Palacios Itziar , Egido Jesüs , Herrero‐Beaumont Gabriel , Navarro Francisco , Martinez Javier 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether tenidap regulates extracellular matrix metabolism in chronic arthritis.Methods. Antigen arthritis was induced in the knees of 30 rabbits. Animals were distributed into 3 groups: untreated, tenidap‐treated, and diclofenactreated rabbits. Three weeks after disease induction, synovial membranes were extracted and processed for histopathologic examination and detection of type I collagen (CI) and fibronectin (FN) by immunoperoxidase. Simultaneously, we analyzed the in vitro effect of tenidap on healthy synovial cell (SC) proliferation, FN expression and synthesis, and expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) messenger RNA.Results. Untreated animals showed synovial lining hyperplasia, cellular infiltration at the sublining, and increased deposition of matrix proteins. These findings were not apparent in tenidap‐treated rabbits, where CI and FN had the same distribution as in healthy synovial membranes. In vitro, tenidap inhibited SC proliferation (⩾25 μM) and down‐regulated the expression and synthesis of FN in a dose‐dependent manner (⩾1 μM). This antifibrotic effect was associated with a reduction of TGFβ1 message.Conclusion. Tenidap down‐regulates the fibroproliferative changes typical of chronic arthritis, an effect that fits the profile of a disease‐modifying agent for rheumatoid arthritis.
A promoter polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor α associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in African‐Americans
Authors: Sullivan Kathleen E. , Wooten Candra , Schmeckpeper Barbara J. , Goldman Daniel , Petri Michelle A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. The polymorphic tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) gene encodes a cytokine involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. One polymorphic variant is associated with increased production of TNFα. This study examined the frequency of this polymorphic variant in African‐American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with controls.Methods. We determined the gene frequency of the polymorphic variant of TNFα in an African‐ American SLE patient population and in a geographically matched African‐American control population.Results. The gene frequency of the TNFα ‐308A polymorphism was higher in the African‐American SLE population than in the control population. This relationship was independent of major histocompatibility complex DR alleles.Conclusion. The TNFα ‐308A polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of SLE in African‐ Americans.
Autoantibodies to human recombinant erythropoietin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Correlation with anemia
Authors: Tzioufas Athanasios G. , Kokori Styliani I. , Petrovas Constantinos I. , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate the existence of circulating autoantibodies to erythropoietin (EPO) in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to correlate their presence with anemia and clinical activity.Methods. Ninety‐two consecutive patients with SLE, 80 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 42 normal individuals were studied. The patients with SLE were categorized into 3 groups according to hemoglobin (Hgb) level: group A (45 patients with Hgb >12 gm/dl), group B (26 patients with Hgb 10.1–12 gm/dl), and group C (21 patients with Hgb ⩽10 gm/dl). In all patients with SLE, the disease activity was evaluated using the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement scale. Antibodies to EPO were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and purified recombinant human EPO as antigen. The specificity of the method was evaluated with homologous and crossreactive inhibition assays.Results. Antibodies to EPO were found in 15.2% of the SLE patient sera. The distribution of these antibodies among the 3 groups of SLE patients was as follows: 8.8% (4 of 45) from group A, 15.4% (4 of 26) from group B, and 28.6% (6 of 21) from group C. The prevalence of antibodies to EPO in patients with severe anemia (group C) was statistically significantly higher compared with patients without anemia (χ2 = 4.31, P < 0.05). Patients with antibodies to EPO had higher disease activity scores (P < 0.005) and lower levels of the C4 component of complement (P < 0.05) compared with patients without antibodies to EPO.Conclusion. In this study, the presence of antibodies to EPO in the sera of SLE patients is demonstrated for the first time. The presence of these antibodies is associated with severe anemia and active disease.
Use of self‐report activities of daily living questionnaires in osteoarthritis
Authors: Brooks Raye H. , Callahan Leigh F. , Pincus Theodore 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSelf‐report activities of daily living (ADL) questionnaires and traditional observer‐reported physical measures were used to assess clinical status in a clinical trial involving patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The observer‐reported measures included pain on active motion, pain on passive motion, joint tenderness, joint swelling, joint crepitus, walking time, and observer global assessment. Self‐report ADL questionnaires included scales to assess difficulty, dissatisfaction, and pain in eight activities of daily living, as well as a visual analog pain scale and patient global assessment. Significant correlations were seen between the observerreported physical measures and self‐report questionnaire measures, indicating that both types of measures detect similar information.In comparisons made four weeks apart, changes in observer‐reported physical measures and self‐report questionnaire measures were also significantly correlated. Among the eight individual activities within the ADL scales, poorest status was reported for walking, and minimal problems were reported for the two activities involving use of the upper extremities, indicating criterion validity. Self‐report ADL questionnaire measures appeared as sensitive as traditional observer‐reported measures in detecting changes in clinical status over a four‐week period. Self‐reported ADL questionnaires appear valid, sensitive, and useful in assessment of clinical status in OA.
Assessing physical fitness of women with rheumatic disease
Authors: Burckhardt Carol S. , Clark Sharon R. , Nelson Donna L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe feasibility, safety, and reliability of selected physical fitness tests were examined in a sample of 70 women between the ages of 20 and 59 with either rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or fibrositis (FS). Three components of physical fitness were tested: flexibility of the lower back, muscle strength of the arms and legs, and cardiovascular endurance. A group of 40 women without rheumatic or other chronic disease was also tested using the same tests in order to control for modifications in the testing methods. Results showed that the women with rheumatic disease could complete the tests without adverse reactions. Overall, most of them had low to fair cardiovascular endurance and flexibility when compared to either the controls or known norms for women their age. The study concludes that women with three forms of rheumatic disease can safely complete a series of simple, clinically oriented physical fitness tests that are sensitive enough to distinguish several levels of physical fitness.
Health locus of control and well‐being in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pfeiffer Carol A. , Wetstone Scott L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe health locus of control and well‐being of 53 lupus patients were compared to samples of healthy individuals and samples of those with other chronic diseases. The SLE sample had more negative affect, more positive affect, and a stronger belief in powerful others locus of control than healthy individuals. A subgroup of SLE patients who could predict their flares was identified. They had significantly more experience with the disease and a greater belief in internal health control. Disease duration and socioeconomic status explained significant amounts of variance in powerful‐others locus of control. The learned helplessness model was tested and the results suggested that symptoms impact on well‐being while disease duration and predictability of flares impact on health locus of control.
Dance‐based aerobic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Perlman Susan G. , Connell Karen J. , Clark Andrea , Robinson Marlena S. , Conlon Patricia , Gecht Maureen , Caldron Paul , Sinacore James M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractReported here are the results of the first effort to examine the effects of a dance‐based aerobic exercise program for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty‐three subjects with RA completed a 16‐week program that met twice weekly for 2 hours. One hour was devoted to exercise consisting of 15 to 20 minutes of warm‐ups, 20 to 30 minutes of dance‐based aerobic exercise, and 15 to 20 minutes of mat work for muscle strengthening and flexibility. The second hour was devoted to discussion that emphasized participant problem solving. The combined exercise/ problem‐solving discussion program was called EDUCIZE. Analyses of pretest to posttest changes indicated no deleterious effects on disease activity. In fact, physician‐assessed articular pain and swelling decreased significantly, as did 50‐foot walk time, pain, and depression. Participants reported significant improvement in lower extremity function. Changes in vigor and fatigue approached significance. Perceptions of general health as well as four of five quality of life indices improved significantly.This study adds to the as yet limited literature that indicates that weight‐bearing vigorous exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Controlled studies to validate the findings of this study appear warranted. Also important for future research is investigation of the influence of the problem‐solving discussion component on program effects.
The impact of JRA on children, adolescents, and their families: Current research and implications for future studies
Authors: Quirk Mark E. , Young Martin H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis arthicle focusses on the impact of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) on children, adolescents, and their families. Investigations reported in the literature that consider the etiologic role of psychopatho‐logy and JRA, psychologic adjustment/maladjustment of adolescents with JRA, family adaptation to chronic illness, and changes in the family that affect health outcomes and treatment compliance are critically reviewed. Methodologic and research design issues are discussed in relation to previous investigations, and implications for future research are presented.
Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: Conditions, strategies, and consequences
Authors: Tack Basia Belza 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFatigue is a frequent and debilitating problem for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this descriptive study a Fatigue Interview Schedule was administered to 20 patients with RA to elicit symptomspecific information. Qualitative analyses resulted in the identification of descriptors of fatigue, conditions under which fatigue occurs, an intricate repertoire of strategies used to prevent and manage fatigue, and the consequences of chronic fatigue.
Perspective of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis on issues related to missed medication
Authors: Lorish Christopher D. , Richards Bonnie , Brown Samuel 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn order to better understand issues surrounding missed medication doses, 140 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a tertiary care clinic were interviewed about their medication‐taking behavior and beliefs. Findings from work in memory and attention and concepts from Ajzen and Fishbein's theory of reasoned action were used to guide the development of questions. Key findings included: (a) some ignorance about their regimen, (b) a tendency to rely just on their memories rather than environmental cues to remember doses, (c) variation in responses to a missed dose, and (d) the use of an inferential process for judging a medication's efficaciousness. These findings suggest several areas that physicians and allied health professionals can investigate with patients to help minimize missed doses.