bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroids and neuropsychological functioning in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Denburg Susan D. , Carbotte Ramona M. , Denburg Judah A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. This study was designed to assess the effects of corticosteroids on select aspects of nervous system functioning, specifically, cognition and mood, as well as disease–related symptoms in individual patients with mild systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mild neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms.Methods. Ten women who had not been taking corticosteroids for at least 6 months were selected from a referral–based lupus clinic to participate in an N of 1 double–blind, controlled trial consisting of 3 randomly assigned drug/placebo pairings, with a drug dose of 0.5 mg/kg of prednisone daily.Results. Analysis of variance on the group data yielded significant positive drug effects for cognition (P = 0.02), mood (P = 0.003), and SLE symptom ratings (P = 0.0002). Drug efficacy was also evaluated by an objective decision rule, which yielded evidence of overall drug benefit in 5 of the 8 patients who completed the trial, and a deleterious drug effect in 1 patient. Posttrial clinical results indicated that for the 8 women who completed the trial, “acceptable” decisions, leading to remission of SLE symptoms or appropriate withholding of steroids, were made on the basis of this rule.Conclusion. Improvement in cognition, mood, and/or SLE symptom ratings can be observed following brief exposure to relatively low doses of corticosteroids in individual women with mild SLE; these persist over repeated drug exposure. The current application of N of 1 methodology represents the first systematic study of steroid efficacy in central nervous system (CNS)—related problems in SLE. The results can now be applied to the design of randomized, controlled trials of the effects of corticosteroids on CNS function in SLE.
The large granular lymphocyte syndrome with rheumatoid arthritis. immunogenetic evidence for a broader definition of felty's syndrome
Authors: Bowman S. J. , Sivakumaran M. , Snowdendegs N. , Bhavnani M. , Hall M. A. , Panayi G. S. , Lanchbury J. S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess whether the HLA—DR4 association found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is also seen in the large granular lymphocyte (LGL) syndrome.Methods. HLA—DR genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results. LGL syndrome patients with RA showed the same HLA–DR4 association seen in RA/Felty's syndrome (FS), while LGL syndrome patients without arthritis did not.Conclusion. It is proposed that FS and the LGL syndrome represent different variants of a broader syndrome comprising RA, neutropenia, LGL expansions, HLA—DR4 positivity, and splenomegaly.
Formation of nodular structures resembling mature articular cartilage in long–term primary cultures of human fetal epiphyseal chondrocytes on a hydrogel substrate
Authors: Reginato Anthony M. , Iozzo Renato V. , Jimenez Sergio A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To establish long–term cultures of human fetal epiphyseal chondrocytes under conditions that allow the preservation of a cartilage–specific phenotype.Methods. Chondrocytes isolated from 20—24–week human fetal epiphyseal cartilage were cultured for up to 180 days on plastic dishes previously coated with the hydrogel, poly–(2–hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Morphologic, ultrastructural, and biochemical characteristics of the cultures were examined at various intervals, and the expression of genes encoding types I, II, and IX collagen and aggrecan core protein was determined by Northern hybridizations of total cellular RNA with human–specific complementary DNAs.Results. Human fetal epiphyseal chondrocytes cultured for 180 days under conditions that prevented their attachment to the underlying substratum formed nodular structures with morphologic and structural characteristics resembling mature articular cartilage. The cells in the center of the nodules remained spherical and were surrounded by an abundant cartilaginous extracellular matrix, as evidenced by histochemical and ultrastructural examinations. The cells in the periphery of the nodules acquired a discoid morphology and were surrounded by a sparse extracellular matrix. Biosyn–thetic studies demonstrated the maintenance of a cartilagespecific phenotype throughout the 180 days of culture, with the production of aggrecan and types II, IX, and XI collagens but not type I collagen. Northern hybridizations showed high levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for aggrecan core protein, type II procollagen, and type IX collagen, but type I procollagen mRNA was not detectable even at 180 days of culture.Conclusion. The human chondrocyte culture system described here allows the maintenance of a chondrocyte–specific phenotype for prolonged periods (up to 180 days). The long–term chondrocyte cultures formed nodular structures that resemble mature articular cartilage morphologically, ultrastructurally, biosynthetically, and in the pattern of cartilage–specific gene expression.
Type vi collagen—specific messenger rna is expressed constitutively by cultured human synovial fibroblasts and is suppressed by interleukin–1
Authors: Bathon Joan M. , Hwang John J. , Shin Lynn H. , Precht Patricia A. , Towns Marilyn C. , Horton Walter E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Type VI collagen is a prominent constituent of the synovial extracellular matrix. The cellular source of this matrix protein and the identity of local factors in synovium that may regulate its expression have not been delineated, however. We examined the capacity of human fibroblast–like synovial cells to synthesize type VI collagen as well as the effect of interleukin–1 (IL–1) on this expression.Methods. RNA was extracted from cultured human synovial cells derived from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Northern blots were analyzed using sequence–specific probes, and steady–state messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the 3 α(VI) procollagen chains were measured. The effect of IL–1 treatment on these levels was determined.Results. Abundant expression of 3 characteristic mRNA transcripts, corresponding to the α1 (4.2–kb), α2 (3.5–kb), and α3 (8.5–kb) chains of type VI procollagen, was observed in untreated cells derived from RA and OA patients. IL–1 treatment consistently suppressed steady–state mRNA levels for all 3 α(VI) procollagen chains in a time– and dose–dependent manner. Tumor necrosis factor α induced a response similar to that of IL–1, while IL–2 was ineffective in this regard. Indomethacin partially restored α(VI) mRNA expression in IL–1–treated cells.Conclusion. These studies provide novel data demonstrating abundant steady–state levels of mRNA transcripts coding for all 3 type VI procollagen polypeptides in human synovial fibroblast–like cells, as well as coordinated down–regulation of these transcripts by IL–1. Local production of IL–1 may thus constitute an important means in vivo of regulating the production of type VI collagen.
Increased collagen synthesis in skin fibroblasts from patients with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. evidence for trans–activational regulation of collagen transcription
Authors: Padula Steven J. , Broketa Goran , Sampieri Alicia , Arakawa Masami , Matucci –Cerinic Marco , Downie Elaine , Korn Joseph H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate collagen synthesis in skin fibroblasts from patients with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), a disorder characterized clinically by skin thickening.Methods. Collagenase–digestible protein, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, and transcriptional activity of the α1(I) procollagen gene were assessed in skin–derived fibroblast lines.Results. Compared with fibroblasts from uninvolved skin, fibroblasts from involved skin had elevated levels of collagen synthesis and α1(I) procollagen mRNA, and increased transcriptional activity of the α1(I) procollagen promoter.Conclusion. Abnormalities of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts from patients with primary HOA can be accounted for, at least in part, by a trans–activated upregulation of collagen transcription.
Esophageal involvement in wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Spiera Robert F. , Filippa Daniel A. , Bains Manjit S. , Paget Stephen A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWegener's granulomatosis (WG) is characterized by granulomatous vasculitis, renal disease, and upper and lower respiratory tract disease. Although most organ systems can be involved, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are notably uncommon. We describe a patient with WG whose presentation was unique for the prominence of odynophagia. Esophagoscopy revealed erosive esophagitis, which on biopsy was shown to be due to direct involvement by the underlying vasculitis. This is first antemortem documentation of esophageal disease secondary to WG. The GI manifestations of WG are reviewed.
Clonally expanded lymphocytes in the minor salivary glands of sjögren's syndrome patients without lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Pablos Jose L. , Carreira Patricia E. , Morillas Luis , Montalvo Gregoria , Ballestin Claudio , Gomez‐Reino Juan J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether clonally expanded B cells are present in the early infiltrates of minor labial salivary glands (LSG) of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients.Methods. Available paraffin‐embedded LSG biopsies from 14 patients with primary SS were studied. DNA from LSG tissue was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction directed toward rearranged immunoglobulin gene DNA.Results. All LSG specimens showed oligoclonal or monoclonal B cell expansion. In one patient with plasma cell neoplasm, tumor and LSG specimens obtained at the same operation displayed different immunoglobulin gene rearrangements.Conclusion. Clonal expansion is characteristic of primary SS, and it is uniformly found in the early LSG infiltrates of patients who do not experience further progression to pseudolymphoma or lymphoma (mean followup 4.1 years after biopsy). This feature, together with the clonal discordance between the LSG and the B cell neoplasm found in one patient, suggests that additional steps are critical for the progression to malignancy.
Analysis of the specificity of anti‐pm‐scl autoantibodies
Authors: Ge Qun , Wu Yajuan , Trieu Edward P. , Targoff Ira N. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the specificity of anti‐PM‐Scl autoantibodies in serum samples from 43 patients with myositis, scleroderma, or both.Methods. Anti‐PM‐Scl immunoprecipitates from HeLa cell extract were used as antigen for immunoblot analyses to determine the antigenic components. A series of complementary DNA fragments was expressed in Escherichia coli for immunoblot examination of the reaction with the 100‐kd protein.Results. The immunoblot against immunoprecipitates was sensitive and specific for detecting reactions with components of the PM‐Scl antigen: 42 of 43 sera (97.7%) reacted with the 100‐kd, 27 of 43 (62.8%) with the 70‐kd, and 5 of 43 (11.6%) with the 37‐kd protein (not previously recognized as antigenic). Forty‐one sera reacted with N‐terminal protein S1 (amino acids 11–437), 39 with central protein S2 (amino acids 439–749), and 24 with C‐terminal protein S3 (amino acids 750–882). Of 42 sera tested, 28 (66.7%) reacted most strongly with S1, and 6 (14.3%) reacted most strongly with S2. Absorption studies implied additional, conformational epitopes not present on the bacterially expressed antigen.Conclusion. There was an overall similarity in reactivity to the PM‐Scl antigen, but there were differences in the reactivity to the 70‐kd and 37‐kd proteins, as well as in the relative strength of the reactivity to the S2 protein.
A cross‐sectional and longitudinal comparison of the rome criteria for active rheumatoid arthritis (equivalent to the american college of rheumatology 1958 criteria) and the american college of rheumatology 1987 criteria for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jacobsson Lennart T. H. , Knowler William C. , Pillemer Stanley , Hanson Robert L. , Pettitt David J. , Mccance David R. , Bennett Mb Peter H. , 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the diagnostic properties of the Rome 1961 criteria for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR; formerly, the American Rheumatism Association) 1987 criteria for RA with regard to their ability to classify, diagnose, and predict outcome in RA.Methods. Analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal data from repeated health examinations and review of clinical records of 3,509 Pima Indians followed up from January 1966 to December 1990.Results. The ACR 1987 criteria identified ˜50% of the cases identified by the Rome 1961 criteria, in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses. The ACR 1987 criteria were better predictors of subsequent development of a clinically supported diagnosis and treatment with slow‐acting antirheumatic drugs (both P < 0.001), but were less sensitive than the Rome 1961 criteria for detecting cases for which there already was a clinically supported diagnosis (P < 0.001).Conclusion. In a population‐based analysis, the ACR 1987 criteria are less sensitive for detecting clinical disease, but predict a clinically more severe prognosis, compared with the Rome 1961 criteria. The sensitivity of both sets of criteria to identify clinical disease is improved if multiple examinations or inactive disease are taken into account.
Radiologic evidence of disease modification in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with cyclosporine. results of a 48‐week multicenter study comparing low‐dose cyclosporine with placebo
Authors: Md ØYstein FØRre 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 46 weeks of treatment with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg/day) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. A 48‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study of cyclosporine was conducted in 122 patients with active RA. Patients were evaluated by objective and subjective clinical and radiologic measurements at baseline and at the end of the study.Results. Statistically significant improvement and clinically important changes were seen for the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, pain score, duration of morning stiffness, and Lee's functional index in the cyclosporine‐treated group at the end of the study. Radiographic examination showed that cyclosporine was capable of retarding joint destruction. In the cyclosporine‐treated group, serum creatinine levels increased by 17.5 μmoles/liter (23%) at week 24 and by 21.8 μmoles/liter (26%) at week 48. There was no significant difference in mean serum creatinine levels in patients treated with cyclosporine alone and those treated with cyclosporine plus nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Five patients had to be treated with antihypertensive drugs, and 2 patients were withdrawn from the study because of increased serum creatinine.Conclusion. The study shows that cyclosporine seems to have disease‐modifying effects in RA.
Unique clinical and psychological correlates of fibromyalgia tender points and joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Urrows Susan , Affleck Glenn , Tennen Howard , Higgins Pamela 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. We investigated the relationship of fibromyalgia (FM) tender points to other manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Sixty‐seven RA patients completed questionnaires at study entry and described symptoms, emotionally significant events, and mood every evening for 75 days. Joint and tender point examinations were conducted every 2 weeks.Results. Controlling for joint tenderness, the tender point count correlated with the degree of daily stress. Depression was not significantly related when daily stress was controlled for.Conclusion. We conclude that FM tender point counts correlate uniquely with RA patients' reports of daily stress.
Characteristics of hprt‐mutant t cell lines in a lupus patient treated with cyclophosphamide
Authors: Wood Geryl M. , Dawisha Sahar , Gourley Mark 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis report describes T cell lines derived from a patient with subacute cutaneous lupus after treatment with intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide. We selected for mitotically active, hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase—deficient (HPRT—) T cells, by culture in a selective medium containing 6‐thioguanine. When HPRT— cell lines were derived 6 days after pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment, they were predominantly CD8+ and T cell receptor (TCR) γ/δ+, producing interferon‐γ (IFNγ). Cell lines derived 21 days after CYC treatment were CD4+, TCRα/β+ and produced both IFNγ and interleukin‐4. These results support a possible role for γ/δ+ T cells in subacute cutaneous lupus and suggest a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of CYC.
Stress fractures of the distal fibula presenting as monarticular flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wei Nathan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMonarticular flares occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually signify either a worsening of the underlying condition or a superimposed septic process. This report describes 2 patients with RA who had stress fractures of the fibular head, masquerading as monarticular flares of ankle arthritis.
Effects of local heat and cold treatment on surface and articular temperature of arthritic knees
Authors: Oosterveld Fredrikus G. J , Rasker Johannes J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate and compare the effects of locally applied heat and cold treatments on skin and intraarticular temperature in patients with arthritis.Methods. Thirty‐nine patients with arthritis of the knee were divided at random into 4 treatment groups (ice chips, nitrogen cold air, ligno‐paraffin, and placebo short wave). A temperature probe was inserted into the knee joint cavity and another placed on the overlying skin, and changes in temperature over 3 hours were recorded for each treatment group.Results. The mean temperature of the surface of the skin dropped from 32.2°C to 16.0°C after application of ice chips and from 32.6°C to 9.8°C after application of nitrogen cold air; the mean intraarticular temperature decreased from 35.5°C to 29.1°C and from 35.8°C to 32.5°C, respectively, after these treatments. Treatment with ligno‐paraffin increased the surface temperature by 7.5°C and the temperature in the joint cavity by 1.7°C. No significant changes were observed with placebo short wave diathermy.Conclusion. The traditional model, that intraarticular temperature is decreased by superficial heat and increased by superficial cold, must be discarded. In arthritis patients, intraarticular temperature is increased by superficial heat and decreased by superficial cold. This has clear consequences for treatment policy.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis perturbations in patients with fibromyalgia
Authors: Crofford Leslie J. , Pillemer Stanley R. , Kalogeras Konstantine T. , Cash Joseph M. , Michelson David , Kling Mitchel A. , Sternberg Esther M. , Gold Philip W. , Chrousos George P. , Wilder Ronald L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine basal and stimulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and related hormone levels, including adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).Methods. Basal and ovine corticotropin‐releasing hormone (oCRH)–stimulated HPA axis function were assessed in 12 patients with FM and in age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects. Basal plasma AVP levels and AVP release after postural change were assessed, and plasma NPY levels were measured in the same samples.Results. Patients with FM had low 24‐hour urinary free cortisol, but normal peak and elevated trough plasma cortisol levels, compared with normal subjects. The net integrated ACTH response to oCRH in FM was not significantly different from that in normal subjects, but tended toward an exaggerated response. There was a significant decrease in net integrated cortisol response to oCRH in FM patients, indicating adrenal hyporesponsiveness. AVP levels were not significantly different between FM patients and control subjects, but variability was greater among the FM patients. Plasma NPY levels were significantly lower in FM patients than in normal subjects.Conclusion. These data support the view that HPA axis function is perturbed in patients with FM. Further study is required to ascertain the cause of HPA axis perturbations and their relationship to symptoms in patients with FM.
Use of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis. report of two cases
Authors: Al‐Shaikh A. , Freeman C. , Avruch L. , Mckendry R. J. R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), selection of appropriate biopsy site, and followup of treatment.Methods. MRI was used to examine 2 patients with EF at the time of their initial clinical presentation and after several months of treatment. T2‐weighted axial, T2‐weighted axial with fat saturation, and T1‐weighted axial post‐gadolinium with fat saturation scans at 1.5T were obtained.Results. MRI demonstrated hyperintensity within the fascia. This defect resolved with treatment and clinical improvement.Conclusion. MRI is a useful noninvasive tool for diagnosing EF and for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus induced by ovulation induction treatment
Authors: Ben‐Chetrit Avraham , Ben‐Chetrit Eldad 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInfertile women are treated with various regimens for ovulation induction. The ultimate end‐result of these treatments is a significant rise in levels of serum gonadotropins and estradiol—the most potent natural estrogen. Estrogens may affect diverse biologic functions, including immune and inflammatory reactions. A role for estrogens in the development or exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been suggested by many studies. In this report, we present 3 cases of otherwise healthy women who received ovulation induction agents and subsequently developed full‐blown SLE. The possible association between this treatment and SLE is discussed.
Occult subacute thyroiditis mimicking classic giant cell arteritis
Authors: Rosenstein Elliot D. , Kramer Neil 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe report the case of a 60‐year‐old man who presented with fever, weight loss, generalized aching, left temporal and ear pain, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 125 mm/hour. Due to the presumed diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), the patient was treated with prednisone (60 mg daily), with immediate improvement in his symptoms. Biopsy of the temporal arteries revealed no significant inflammatory infiltrate. Further evaluation included assessments of thyroid function, which revealed an elevated T4 level, low thyroid‐stimulating hormone level, and suppressed radioactive iodine uptake on thyroid scintigraphy. A diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis was made, prednisone therapy was tapered over 3 weeks, and treatment with beta blockers was instituted. The patient remained asymptomatic and returned to a euthyroid state. This case illustrates that subacute thyroiditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of GCA.
Primary systemic amyloidosis presenting as giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Salvarani Carlo , Gabriel Sherine E. , Gertz Morie A. , Bjornsson Johannes , Li Chin‐Yang , Hunder Gene G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrimary systemic amyloidosis may present with features suggesting a vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). In this report, we describe the clinical characteristics, temporal artery biopsy findings, and the response of vascular and musculoskeletal symptoms to corticosteroid therapy in 4 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis who presented with manifestations of GCA or PMR.