bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA–D region antigens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: McCusker Christine T. , Reid Barbara , Green Donna , Gladman Dafna D. , Buchanan W. Watson , Singal Dharam P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied the distribution of HLA–D region antigens in 2 groups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients: those with mild, nonprogressive disease, and those with severe disease. The results demonstrate that DR4 was significantly increased in both RA patient populations. The frequencies of DR1 and DR4‐associated DQw7 alleles, howevever, were different in these 2 groups of patients. DR1 was significantly increased only in patients with mild RA, and DR4‐associated DQw7 was significantly increased only in patients with severe disease. The results of the present study, together with previous data from our laboratory and from other investigators on the incidence of HLA–D region antigens in RA, suggest that both DR and DQ (A and B) genes may be important in conferring susceptibility to RA; DR in the mild forms of the disease, and DQ in severe RA.
Rheumatic symptoms and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The influence of clinical and laboratory variables in a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Calabrese Leonard H. , Kelley Dennis M. , Myers Andrew , O'Connell Michelle , Easley Kirk 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe present study was designed to prospectively evaluate the frequency of rheumatic symptoms in a cohort of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), to examine the relationship between such findings and a variety of clinical and epidemiologic variables, and to evaluate the impact of rheumatic symptoms on the natural history of the HIV infection. One hundred seventeen patients were evaluated over a mean of 24.6 months (range 0.5–85 months). Cumulatively, 1.7% had Reiter's syndrome, 1.7% had psoriatic arthritis, and 11.1% had various forms of oligoarticular/monarticular or polyarticular arthritis. The majority of the rheumatic symptoms developed during the longitudinal evaluation and predominantly affected patients with clinically advanced HIV infection. Patients with articular disease tended to have more progressive HIV infection and were more likely to experience disease progression to clinical acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or death. Our data suggest that the occurrence of rheumatic symptoms in the presence of HIV infection is not uncommon and tends to develop over time, in the setting of clinically advanced retroviral infection. Furthermore, the presence of rheumatic symptoms may be a sign of a poor prognosis for patients with HIV infection.
Interactions between interleukin‐1 and basic fibroblast growth factor on articular chondrocytes. Effects on cell growth, prostanoid production, and receptor modulation
Authors: Chin Jia En , Hatfield Cheryl A. , Krzesicki Raymond F. , Herblin William F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe interactions of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with monolayer cultures of rabbit articular chondrocytes were examined. Both agonists resulted in a synergistic increase in prostanoid production, to levels higher than the maximal level for either protein alone. The synergy was time‐and dose‐dependent, was augmented in serum‐free medium, and was blocked by indomethacin or a polyclonal antibody to IL‐1β. The proteins had opposite effects on cell growth, and IL‐1β completely blocked the mitogenic effect of bFGF. Pretreatment of cells with IL‐1β induced a down‐regulation in the number of the bFGF high‐affinity receptors. Pretreatment of cells with bFGF increased the number of IL‐1 receptors, which was dependent on messenger RNA synthesis.
Severe fibromyalgia after hypophysectomy for cushing's disease
Authors: Disdier Patrick , Harle Jean‐Robert , Chambourlier Pierre , Weiller Pierre‐Jean , Brue Thierry , Jaquet Philippe , Grisoli François 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe report a case of fibromyalgia occurring after hypophysectomy for Cushing's disease. Clinical examination revealed tender points at 12 of the 18 tender point sites described in the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia. The cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown. In our patient, hypophysectomy may have played a role by disturbing endorphin secretion and pain modulation.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Lack of association between clinical improvement and effects on sleep
Authors: Lavie P. , Nahir M. , Lorber M. , Scharf Y. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThirteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis (mean ± SD age 55.8 ± 10.5 years) received 20 mg of tenoxicam daily for 90 days following a 3–7‐day “washout” period and 4 days of placebo treatment. Clinical evaluations were conducted at the end of the washout period and at monthly intervals thereafter. All‐night polysomnography was performed in a sleep laboratory during the last 2 days of placebo treatment and on days 13, 14, 89, and 90 of tenoxicam treatment. Although there was improvement in the patients' clinical condition, there were no treatment‐related changes in any of the sleep parameters. Eight of the 13 patients, however, were found to have primary sleep disorders. Four had periodic leg movements during sleep, 3 had sleep apneas, and 1 had a combination of both disorders. The implications of these findings in the treatment of sleep disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are discussed.
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the household work performance of women
Authors: Allaire Saralynn H. , Meenan Robert F. , Anderson Jennifer J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe conducted a study to assess whether and to what degree household work disability exists in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to examine the role of health versus family and personal factors as predictors of household work disability. In addition, the participation of other family members and paid employees in household work was evaluated. One hundred forty‐two women with RA and 58 female friends/neighbors completed questionnaires which assessed household work performance and health, family, and personal variables. Performance was measured in 4 ways: the current amount of time spent on household work, the proportion of the household work done, and the changes in time and proportion since just before the onset of RA. Functional status was measured via the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Pain, anxiety and depression, and general health perception were measured via the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. The results indicate that household work disability exists in women with RA, but is substantial only in women with moderate‐to‐severe disease. In families in which the wife/mother has moderate‐to‐severe RA, the other family members spend 7 hours more per week on household work than in control families, but there was no increase in the use of paid household employees. Health factors were the strongest predictors of household work disability, but family and personal factors also had significant effects. Household work disability in women with moderate or severe RA merits more attention because of the importance of household work to family functioning and the negative effects that changes in this area can produce.
Identification and characterization of opsonic fibronectin in synovial fluids of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kay Jonathan , Austen K. Frank , Czop Joyce K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA cofactor that selectively opsonizes particulate activators of the human alternative complement pathway and enhances their phagocytosis by human monocytes was identified in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The active material was present in fluids treated with protease inhibitors, was heat stable, and was unaffected by incubation with hyaluronidase. Chromatographic isolation of synovial fluid fibronectin by gelatin affinity and by immunoaffinity on antifibronectin monoclonal antibody BD4 yielded similar quantities of protein for each of 3 fluids. Synovial fluid proteins with the BD4 fibronectin epitope accounted for essentially all of the phagocytosis‐enhancing activity and expressed this activity by opsonizing target activators. Additional chromatographic analyses of synovial fluid fibronectin with the BD4 epitope were carried out using Sepharose‐bearing gelatin and 4 additional antifibronectin monoclonal antibodies. The opsonic materials were characterized as having 2 distinct fibronectin epitopes, which always mapped from the cell adhesive domain to the carboxyl‐terminus of plasma fibronectin, but only rarely contained the gelatin binding domain.
SWR mice are resistant to collagen‐induced arthritis but produce potentially arthritogenic antibodies
Authors: Reife Robert A. , Loutis Nikolous , Watson William C. , Hasty Karen A. , Stuart John M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSWR mice are resistant to collagen‐induced arthritis but produce antibodies to type II collagen. To determine if these antibodies have arthritogenic potential, serum from collagen‐immunized mice was concentrated and passively transferred to DBA/1 mice. The recipients developed severe arthritis within 72 hours. To evaluate the role of complement, SWR mice were bred with congenic inbred B10.D2/oSn (complement deficient) and B10.D2/nSn (complement normal) mice. Collagen‐immunized (SWR × B10.D2/nSn)F1 mice had high levels of C5 and were susceptible to arthritis, while (SWR × B10.D2/oSn)F1 mice were deficient in C5 and were resistant to arthritis.
Elevated plasma levels of hyaluronate in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Goldberg Ronald L. , Huff John P. , Lenz Mary Ellen , Glickman Paul , Katz Robert , Thonar EUgene J.‐M. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlasma levels of hyaluronate (HA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with osteoarthritis (OA), measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, were compared with levels in a healthy, age‐matched non‐arthritic control group, in a retrospective study. Compared with the controls, the mean level of plasma HA was sevenfold higher in the RA group and twofold higher in the OA group. There was no statistically significant correlation between HA levels and 7 other clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with RA. In the OA group, however, plasma HA levels were found to correlate with an objective functional capacity score and with an articular index based on the total amount of cartilage in involved joints. In a retrospective longitudinal study of 6 patients with RA, plasma levels of HA did not show a significant correlation with plasma levels of elastase or with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. These data support in part the contention that plasma HA may be unique as a marker, in that it may be a reflection of synovial involvement and inflammation, rather than only of inflammation, in arthritis.
Selective expansion of t cells bearing the γ/δ receptor and expressing an unusual repertoire in the synovial membrane of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Andreu Jose L. , Trujillo Angeles , Alonso Jose M. , Mulero Juan , Martínez‐A Carlos 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a study of 7 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we characterized the T cell population present in the synovial membrane, thought to be the location where T cells trigger the disease. Synovial membrane lymphocytes from the RA patients were found to have a selective expansion of γ/δ T cells (8.8% in synovial membrane versus 4% in peripheral blood). Expansion of the γ/δ T cell subset was not found in the synovial membrane of patients with osteoarthritis. We characterized the γ/δ T cell repertoire using monoclonal antibodies TiγA, BB3, and δTCS1, which recognize the gene products encoded by Vγ9, Vδ2, and Vδ1‐Jδ1, respectively. The majority of the synovial γ/δ T cells did not express the repertoire encoded by these genes, which is found in nearly 100% of the peripheral blood γ/δ T cells of healthy volunteer donors and in the thymus at early stages of development. We conclude that the synovial membrane of patients with RA displays a selective expansion of a specific population of γ/δ T cells expressing a clonotypic receptor not yet serologically defined, which might be implicated in the development of the disease.
Subclass distribution and size of human IgA rheumatoid factor at mucosal and nonmucosal sites
Authors: Otten Henny G. , Daha Mohamed R. , Van Laar Jacob M. , De Rooy Hennie H. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractElevated serum levels of IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 rheumatoid factors (RF) were demonstrated by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay in 69%, 73%, and 36%, respectively, of 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas fewer than 5% of 100 healthy donor sera contained elevated levels of these RFs. In serum samples from 125 controls with 4 different chronic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, bronchial asthma, and polyarteritis nodosa), levels of IgA‐, IgA1‐, and IgA2‐RF were found to be increased in 7%, 7%, and 8%, respectively. Comparison of RF levels in samples of serum, synovial fluid (SF), and saliva from RA patients indicated local production of both IgA‐RF subclasses in salivary glands and in synovial tissue. Significant positive correlations were found between levels of IgA‐RF subclasses in SF and serum, but not in serum and saliva or in SF and saliva. Fractionation of serum, SF, and saliva from patients with RA (by high performance liquid chromatography under acidic conditions) demonstrated that both IgA subclasses with RF activity occur mainly in fractions that also contain IgM. The results of this study show that 1) IgA‐RF in serum and SF is mainly of IgA1 subclass, 2) both IgA‐RF subclasses are produced locally in salivary glands and in synovial tissue, 3) the production of both IgA‐RF subclasses at mucosal and nonmucosal sites is independent from each other, and 4) both IgA‐RF subclasses occur predominantly in polymeric form in serum, SF, and saliva in RA patients.
Endothelin, an endothelial‐dependent vasoconstrictor in scleroderma. Enhanced production and profibrotic action
Authors: Kahaleh M. Bashar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe vascular endothelium is an important functional unit in the regulation of the vascular and perivascular environment. Various chemical and physical stimuli mediate an endothelial‐dependent vasoconstriction through the release of endothelial soluble factors, such as the recently recognized endothelium‐derived vasoconstrictor peptide called endothelin. The presence of circulating endothelin and the effect of cold exposure on plasma endothelin levels were investigated in patients with scleroderma and in healthy control subjects. Radioimmunoassay demonstrated a mean ± SD plasma level of 10.7 ± 7.3 pg/ml in the patients (n = 19) and 3.7 ± 2 in the control subjects (n = 16) (P < 0.005). These levels were also assessed in 5 control subjects and 5 scleroderma patients before and after 30 minutes of total body cooling (to 15°C). The endothelin level did not change significantly in either group; however, 2 scleroderma patients showed a significant increase after cooling. The effects of endothelin on fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis were evaluated in order to assess the impact of released endothelin on the interstitium. A significant mitogenic effect and a collagen synthesis–enhancing effect, which were dose‐dependent, were seen. The strong, characteristically prolonged, vasoconstrictor activity coupled with the profibrotic effect demonstrated here make it likely that disturbances in the control of endothelin production can contribute to the pathogenesis of scleroderma.
Treatment of refractory chronic Lyme arthritis with arthroscopic synovectomy
Authors: Schoen Robert T. , Aversa John M. , Rahn Daniel W. , Steere Allen C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOf 20 patients who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy for refractory chronic Lyme arthritis of the knee, 16 (80%) had resolution of joint inflammation during the first month after surgery or soon thereafter, and they have remained well during the 3–8‐year followup period. Three of these 16 patients who were more disabled preoperatively, still had mild functional limitation at long‐term followup. The remaining 4 patients (20%) had persistent or recurrent synovitis. We conclude that arthroscopic synovectomy is effective in treating chronic Lyme arthritis in patients in whom the disease does not respond to antibiotic therapy.
Familial Erythema Nodosum
Authors: Elkayam Ori , Caspi Dan , Segal Rafael , Brautbar Chaim , Ben‐Chetrit Eldad , Yaron Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractErythema nodosum (EN) is a hypersensitivity reaction associated with many diseases. We describe a family in which 4 sisters had acute or recurrent EN. HLA typing showed a common haplotype in the affected members of the family. A review of familial EN and HLA distribution in EN is presented.
Strategies for Reducing Excess Morbidity and Mortality in Blacks With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Liang Matthew H. , Partridge Alison J. , Daltroy Lawren H. , Straaton Karin V. , Galper Sharon R. , Holman Halsted R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus suggests that the excess morbidity and mortality in blacks with the disease is related to lower socioeconomic status. Poverty and factors associated with poverty are powerful predictors of poor outcome in a variety of chronic diseases, and lupus appears to be no exception. A body of studies in other illnesses suggests ways to neutralize, at least partially, the disadvantages of lower socioeconomic status, even though the root causes of poverty may be insurmountable. These include improving access to quality health care; targeting educational programs to promote recognition and understanding of the disease and the comorbid conditions that affect outcome; implementing programs to improve self‐monitoring and adherence to medical regimens; developing opportunities to facilitate homemaking, childrearing, and working outside the home; and applying psychosocial interventions to enhance self‐confidence and social support. Improved access to quality health care may actually lead to a decrease in health care costs.
Allopurinol Sensitivity in a Patient With Chronic Tophaceous Gout: Success of Intravenous Desensitization After Failure of Oral Desensitization
Authors: Walz‐Leblanc Barbara A. E. , John Reynolds W. , Macfadden Douglas K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSensitivity to allopurinol, which occurs in 10–15% of patients, can seriously limit the drug's use in chronic tophaceous gout. Oral allopurinol desensitization has been advocated for sensitive patients in whom use of the drug is warranted. We report the successful use of intravenous allopurinol desensitization in a patient with chronic tophaceous gout in whom oral desensitization had previously failed.
Generation and Characterization of two Monoclonal Self‐Associating IgG Rheumatoid Factors from a Rheumatoid Synovium
Authors: Lu Edward W. , Deftos Michael , Tighe Helen , Carson Dennis A. , Chen Pojen P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To study IgG rheumatoid factor (RF) from rheumatoid synovium.Methods. We fused the K6H6/B5 human—mouse heterohybridoma with unstimulated rheumatoid synovial B cells to generate IgG‐RF—secreting hybridomas.Results. The RFs from 2 such hybridomas bound specifically to the Fc fragment of human IgG and self‐associated to form immune complexes. Such immune complexes are a major characteristic of the pathogenic IgG‐RFs in rheumatoid synovium.Conclusion. IgG‐RF—secreting hybridomas have been obtained. Analyses may reveal the underlying mechanisms of the induction of IgG‐RF.
Decreased Accessory Cell Function and Costimulatory Activity BY 1, 25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3—Treated Monocytes
Authors: Rigby WILLIAM F. C. , Waugh Mary G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo characterize the mechanism(s) by which 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) modulates the costimulatory capacity of monocytes, we examined the effect of calcitriol pretreatment of monocytes on their capacity to promote T cell proliferation (accessory cell function). Correlation of calcitriol‐dependent changes in monocyte accessory cell function and alterations in phenotype and cytokine production, and the dependence of these changes on cell viability, were studied. Calcitriol pretreatment induced a defect in accessory cell function that was evident with fixed monocytes, suggesting a cell‐surface—associated mechanism. Altered accessory cell function did not correlate with changes in HLA—DR antigen expression and was unaffected by concurrent treatment with interferon‐γ. Calcitriol treatment did not alter either the expression of adhesion molecules or monocytic production of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or IL‐6. Exogenous IL‐1 or IL‐6 did not overcome the impaired costimulatory activity of calcitriol‐treated monocytes. Thus, calcitriol treatment reduces the capacity of monocytes to promote lectin‐induced T cell activation at the level of the plasma membrane, perhaps through altered expression of an uncharacterized molecule important in monocyte—T cell interactions. At chronically inflamed sites, elaboration of calcitriol by activated macrophages may regulate the ability of monocytes to induce both antigen‐dependent and antigen‐independent T cell proliferation.
Anti—Ro/SS‐a Antibodies in the Pathophysiology of Congenital Heart Block in Neonatal Lupus Syndrome, An Experimental Model
Authors: Alexander Elaine , Buyon Jill P. , Provost Thomas T. , Guarnieri Thomas 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether anti—Ro/SS‐A antibodies selectively bind to neonatal cardiac cells and alter membrane repolarization.Methods. An in vitro electrophysiologic and immunocytochemical experimental model contrasting neonatal and rabbit cardiac tissue was employed.Results. Sera and IgG‐enriched fractions from anti—Ro/SS‐A antibody—positive mothers of infants with neonatal lupus erythematosus and congenital heart block bind to neonatal, rather than adult, rabbit cardiac tissue and alter the transmembrane action potential (i.e., inhibit repolarization). The additional presence of anti—La/SS‐B antibodies was not additive or synergistic for these immunocytochemical and electrophysiologic features. Sera containing other antibody specificities (i.e., anti—native DNA, cardiolipin, Sm, and nuclear RNP) failed to stain the neonatal cardiac tissue or produce alterations in membrane repolarization.Conclusion. Anti—Ro/SS‐A antibodies may play a pathophysiologic role in the development of congenital heart block in neonatal lupus.