bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reactive fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Greenfield Stuart , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Esdaile John M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the frequency of a precipitating event occurring prior to the onset of fibromyalgia syndrome, in a consecutive series of patients. Outcome in patients in whom there was a causative factor was compared with that in patients with primary fibromyalgia.Methods. Records of patients presenting over a 4‐year period who fulfilled criteria for fibromyalgia were reviewed, and patients were classified as having reactive fibromyalgia if a specific event prior to the onset of illness could be identified. Outcome features, including employment status and disability compensation, were compared in patients with reactive fibromyalgia versus those with primary fibromyalgia.Results. Twenty‐nine of 127 patients (23%) with a primary rheumatologic diagnosis of fibromyalgia reported having trauma, surgery, or a medical illness before the onset of fibromyalgia, and were classified as having reactive fibromyalgia. Patients in this group were more disabled than those with primary fibromyalgia, resulting in loss of employment in 70%, disability compensation in 34%, and reduced physical activity in 45%Conclusion. The development of fibromyalgia after a precipitating event may represent the onset of a prolonged and disabling pain syndrome with considerable social and economic implications.
T Cell receptor γ variable gene locus polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chaouni Ilham , Lefranc Marie‐Paule , D'Angeac Arnaud Dupuy , Zanin Carole , Pellet Florence , Clot Jacques , Combe Bernard , Sany Jacques , Rème THIERRY 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. We sought new susceptibility markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among the T cell receptor γ (TCRγ) genes.Methods. We analyzed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of the first variable subgroup of TCRγ genes in a group of French control subjects and a group of French RA patients.Results. No significant difference in Eco RI RFLP was found between the 2 study populations: Allele frequencies were virtually identical. There was no polymorphism using Hind III.Conclusion. These results exclude TCRV γI polymorphism as a disease susceptibility marker in RA.
The effect of food on the absorption of methotrexate sodium tablets in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kozloski Gary D. , De Vito Joseph M. , Kisicki James C. , Johnson Jerry B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the effect of food on the absorption and bioavailability of low‐dose orally administered methotrexate sodium tablets.Methods. In this randomized, 2‐way crossover study, a 7.5‐mg dose of methotrexate (three 2.5‐mg tablets) was administered to 12 healthy male volunteers after an overnight fast or within 10 minutes of consuming a high fat‐content breakfast. Serum methotrexate concentrations over the next 24 hours were used to determine the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), the maximum concentration, the time to maximum concentration (tmax), and the serum half‐life for each phase.Results. Food delayed the tmax by approximately 30 minutes, but the extent of absorption, as measured by the AUC, for both phases was similar.Conclusion. These results demonstrate that the bioavailability of low‐dose orally administered methotrexate sodium tablets is not influenced by food.
Connective tissue activation. xxxv. detection of connective tissue activating peptide–iii isoforms in synovium from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: patterns of interaction with other synovial cytokines in cell culture
Authors: Castor C. W. , Smith E. M. , Hossler P. A. , Bignall M. C. , Aaron B. P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether extracts of unincubated osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue contain connective tissue activating peptide–III (CTAP‐III) isoforms and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and whether such extracts have growth‐promoting activity, and to determine whether binary combinations of CTAP‐III with other cytokines reported to be present in synovial tissue lead to synergistic, additive, or inhibitory effects on growth.Methods. Acid–ethanol extracts of human synovium were examined for growth‐promoting activity by measuring formation of 14C‐glycosaminoglycan (14CGAG) and 3H‐DNA in synovial cell cultures; PGE2 was measured by enzyme immunoassay, and CTAP‐III isoforms were identified by Western blotting of extracted proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Growth‐promoting activity of CTAP‐III and other cytokines was tested in synovial cultures treated with the agonists singly and in binary combination, by measuring changes in synthesis of 14C‐GAG and 3H‐DNA.Results. Platelet‐derived CTAP‐III and a cleavage isoform with the electrophoretic mobility of CTAP‐III–des 1–15/neutrophil‐activating peptide–2 (NAP‐2) and PGE2 were found in biologically active extracts of synovial samples from patients with RA and OA. Five growth factors (recombinant epidermal growth factor [rEGF], recombinant interleukin‐1β [rIL‐1β], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], PGE1, and PGE2) in binary combination with CTAP‐III showed synergism in stimulating GAG synthesis; two (recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor type BB [rPDGF‐BB] and recombinant transforming growth factor β [rTGFβ]) had an additive effect. In combination with CTAP‐III, rEGF and rPDGF‐BB had a synergistic effect in promoting DNA synthesis, rTGFβ and rbFGF had an additive effect, and rIL‐1β, PGE1, and PGE2 were antagonistic.Conclusions. The results suggest that, in addition to endogenous factors, CTAP‐III and other plateletderived cytokines may play roles in regulating synovial cell metabolism in RA and OA, and that combinations of growth factors may be more significant than single agents in amplification or suppression of important cell functions.
Peptide‐containing nerves in labial salivary glands in sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Konttinen YRJÖ T. , Hukkanen Mika , Kemppinen Pertti , Segerberg Margaretha , Sorsa Timo , MalmstrÖM Maria , Rose Sam , Itescu Silviu , Polak Julia M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. The presence and spatial distribution of peptide‐containing nerves in labial salivary glands from 10 Sjögren's syndrome patients were compared with those in salivary glands from 7 healthy controls.Methods. Immunoperoxidase staining was used to demonstrate vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)–immunoreactive (IR) fibers, postganglionic sympathetic fibers containing the C‐flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON), and sensory fibers containing calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) and substance P.Results. Acini, intralobular ducts, small arteries, and postcapillary veins were richly innervated by VIP‐IR fibers, whereas CPON‐, CGRP‐, and substance P–IR fibers were restricted to blood vessels. Peptide‐containing nerves were found surrounding, but not in the middle of, the highly inflamed mononuclear cell areas.Conclusion. This topologic distribution suggests involvement of VIP‐IR fibers in vascular, motor, and secretory components of the reflex salivary secretion, whereas the distribution and the vasoactive actions of CPON, CGRP, and substance P suggest a role in the regulation of the salivary gland circulation, and thus of transcapillary flow. Excessive release may contribute to a neurogenic inflammation. Local depletion and absence of trophic neuropeptide stimuli may contribute to acinar atrophy.
Comparison of azathioprine, methotrexate, and the combination of both in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Willkens Robert F. , Urowitz Murray B. , Stablein Donald M. , Mckendry Robert J. R. , Berger Robert G. , Box Jane H. , Fiechtner Justus J. , Fudman Edward J. , Paul Hudson N. , Marks Cara R. , Brooks Raye , Rooney Theodore W. , Rubin Bernard R. , Schmid Frank R. , Segal Allen M. , Thomas James W. , Goldstein Alben G. , Yunus Muhammad B. , Wortmann Robert L. , Sherrer Yvonne R. S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To compare the relative safety and efficacy of azathioprine (AZA), methotrexate (MTX), and the combination of both in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Two hundred twelve patients with active RA were entered into a 24‐week prospective, controlled, double‐blind, multicenter trial and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups.Results. One hundred fifty‐eight patients finished 24 weeks of the study. There were no remissions seen but response rates were greater than 30% for all outcome measures. Combination therapy was not statistically superior to MTX therapy alone, but both combination therapy and MTX alone were superior to AZA alone when patients were analyzed by intent‐to‐treat and with withdrawals treated as therapy failures. If only patients who continued taking the therapy were analyzed, the mean improvement was greater for AZA therapy than for MTX, while the combination remained the most active. Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract and elevations of liver enzyme levels were the most frequent causes for discontinuations.Conclusion. Both combination therapy and MTX alone were superior to therapy with AZA alone for active RA but were not statistically different in their effect on outcome assessment.
Inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins by interleukin‐4 in an ex vivo model of rheumatoid synovitis
Authors: Miossec Pierre , Briolay Jérǒme , Dechanet Julie , Wijdenes John , Martinez‐Valdez Hector , Banchereau Jacques 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the spontaneous production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis and modulation by interleukin‐4 (IL‐4).Methods. We developed an ex vivo model of RA synovitis using pieces of RA synovium, and have studied the regulation of the production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), IgM, and IgG.Results. Spontaneous production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro was active, with prolonged cytokine gene transcription and translation. IL‐6 was produced at higher levels than either IL‐1β or TNFα, and explants produced more IgG than IgM. In contrast, IL‐4 and interferon‐γ were undetectable. When pieces of synovium were incubated in the presence of IL‐4, reduction of spontaneous proinflammatory cytokine and Ig production was observed.Conclusion. These results extend the observations of the antiinflammatory properties of IL‐4 to an ex vivo situation, and provide the rationale for the clinical use of IL‐4 in RA.
Platelet‐activating factor inhibits proteoglycan synthesis and enhances neutrophil‐mediated proteoglycan degradation in cartilage explants
Authors: Kowanko Ingeborg C. , Bates Edna J. , Ferrante Antonio 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Platelet‐activating factor (PAF), which stimulates the release of tissue‐destructive enzymes and reactive oxygen metabolites from neutrophils, was investigated for its role in neutrophil‐mediated cartilage breakdown.Methods. Bovine cartilage explants were incubated with or without human neutrophils, PAF, and other reagents. Cartilage damage was measured as either proteoglycan degradation (percent release of 35S‐labeled proteoglycan from 35S‐labeled cartilage) or inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis (rate of incorporation of 35S into proteoglycan).Results. PAF increased neutrophil‐mediated proteoglycan degradation in the 2–20 μM range. Three specific PAF‐receptor antagonists, WEB2086, CV3988, and CV6209, reversed this effect of PAF. These antagonists also reduced the enhancement of neutrophilmediated cartilage damage caused by granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The results suggest that there may be a positive feedback mechanism whereby cytokine‐primed neutrophils produce PAF, which amplifies the release of other tissue‐damaging substances from neutrophils. In the absence of neutrophils, PAF (2–20 μM) inhibited the synthesis of proteoglycan by bovine cartilage. Neutrophils also inhibit proteoglycan synthesis, but PAF probably is not involved in this effect of neutrophils because the PAF receptor antagonists had no consistent effect.Conclusion. PAF increases neutrophil‐mediated cartilage proteoglycan degradation in vitro. GM‐CSF and TNFα enhancement of neutrophil damage to cartilage is partly due to PAF. PAF alone inhibits cartilage proteoglycan synthesis.
Mast cell changes in scleroderma
Authors: Irani Anne‐Marie A. , Gruber Barry L. , Kaufman Lee D. , Bashar Kahaleh M. , Schwartz Lawrence B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective.To analyze the concentration and distribution of the MCT(tryptase‐positive, chymase‐negative) and MCTC(tryptase‐positive, chymase‐positive) types of mast cell in cutaneous lesions of scleroderma.Methods.Biopsy specimens were obtained from skin lesions in 24 patients with scleroderma, and subjected to double immunohistochemical analysis using mouse monoclonal anti‐tryptase and anti‐chymase antibodies.Results.Dermal mast cell concentrations were below the normal range in 12 of the specimens, most of which were obtained between 1 and 4 years after disease onset. All other specimens contained normal concentrations of mast cells. MCTcells were present in 12 specimens and comprised between 8% and 100% of the total mast cells. Extracellular tissue deposits of tryptasepositive and/or chymase‐positive granular material were observed in 8 specimens, suggesting possible mast cell degranulation.Conclusion.These findings are in contrast to those in normal skin, where MCTCcells are essentially the only type of mast cell present in the dermis. The results suggest that mast cells are involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lesions in scleroderma.
T cell receptor vβ repertoire of double‐negative α/β t cells in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Sakamoto Akemi , Sumida Takayuki , Maeda Toshiro , Itoh Michihiro , Asai Takayoshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Yoshida Shouji , Koike Takao , Tomioka Hisao , Yoshida Sho 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To analyze the T cell receptor Vβ gene on double‐negative (DN) α/β T cells, which are increased in number, on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods. The DN α/β T cells were sorted by flow cytometry from PBL obtained from 3 patients with SSc. The Vβ repertoire was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.Results. Only 1 or 2 Vβ genes (Vβ5/7, 5, or 17) were predominantly expressed on DN α/β T cells from these 3 patients.Conclusion. The Vβ repertoire on DN α/β T cells in PBL from patients with SSc is rather restricted.
Fluorescent light photosensitivity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rihner Michael , Mcgrath Hugh 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the prevalence of fluorescent light toxicity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods. SLE patients were polled about their symptomatic responses to sunlight and cool white fluorescent light. Photometry was used to determine the levels of ultraviolet (UV) emissions from fluorescent lamps.Results. Thirteen of 30 photosensitive SLE patients described increases in disease activity following exposure to unshielded fluorescent lamps. Photometry indicated that these lamps emit substantial levels of UV‐B (280–320 nm) radiation, which is toxic to patients with SLE. Standard acrylic diffusers absorbed this radiation, and their use was associated with almost no patient‐reported problems.Conclusion. Fluorescent lamps, emitting UV‐B radiation, induce disease activity in photosensitive SLE patients. Standard acrylic diffusers absorb UV‐B radiation and appear to be protective against induction of disease activity with the use of fluorescent lamps.
Autoantigenic epitopes of the b polypeptide of SM small nuclear RNP particles
Authors: Ohosone Yasuo , Mimori Tsuneyo , Fujii Takao , Akizuki Masashi , Matsuoka Yasuo , Irimajiri Shoichiro , Hardin John A. , Craft Joe , Homma Mitsuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To analyze the autoantigenic epitopes of the Sm B polypeptide of the U1 small nuclear RNP (snRNP) using complementary DNA (cDNA) clones.Methods. Expression of Sm B fusion proteins in λ phage vectors, immunoblots, immunoprecipitations, and affinity purification of antibodies.Results. Immunoblots using antibodies affinitypurified from B fusion proteins demonstrated that there were cross‐reactive epitopes between the B'/B and A polypeptides of the U1 snRNP. Immunoprecipitation assays suggested that there were at least 3 different autoantigenic epitopes on the B polypeptide that could be classified into 2 general groups based upon autoantibody reactivity. The first group of autoantibodies, which bound 2 separate autoantigenic epitopes (BU1–1, BU1–2), participated in immunoprecipitation of the U1 snRNP alone. The second group, which bound the third type of autoantigenic epitope (BSm‐1), immunoprecipitated all the abundant Sm snRNPs.Conclusion. There is at least 1 region on the B proteins that is accessible to antibodies only within the structure of the U1 snRNP, as well as a region that is accessible on all Sm snRNPs. These data support the notion that the native U1 RNP, perhaps containing B proteins in a different conformation than those found on other Sm snRNPs, may drive the humoral immune response in systemic lupus erythematosus.
IX 207‐887 in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Dougados Maxime , Combe Bernard , Beveridge Thomas , Bourdeix Isabelle , Lallemand Anne , Amor Bernard , Sany Jacques 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the efficacy and the safety of IX 207‐887 treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. The IX compound [10‐methoxy‐4H‐benzo(4,5)cyclohepta‐(1,2‐b)thiophene‐4‐yliden acetic acid] is effective in several animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and has a mechanism of action involving the inhibition of interleukin‐1 release.Methods. A double‐blind, controlled trial of 16 weeks' duration comparing placebo with IX at a daily dosage of 800 mg or 1,200 mg (20 patients/group) was conducted.Results. Thirteen patients withdrew from the study, 3 because of lack of efficacy (all in the placebo group) and 10 because of side effects (1 in the placebo group [skin rash] and 9 in the IX groups [skin rash in 5, intestinal disturbances in 2, hepatitis in 1, meningitis in 1]). Intent‐to‐treat analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the variations of clinical and laboratory parameters between the 3 groups. Between‐group comparisons showed an improvement in all these variables in the IX groups versus the placebo group. According to Paulus' criteria, 2 of the 20 placebo‐treated patients (10%), 9 of the 20 IX 800 mg–treated patients (45%), and 11 of the 20 IX 1,200 mg–treated patients (55%) were considered responders (P = 0.008).Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that the tolerability of IX is acceptable in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and that IX is an effective slow‐acting drug for use in rheumatoid arthritis.
Variation in the risk of peptic ulcer complications with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug therapy
Authors: Savage R. L. , Moller P. W. , Ballantyne C. L. , Wells J. E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the risk of perforation or hemorrhage of peptic ulcer on treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both as a class and as individual agents.Methods. A case–control study of medication histories in 494 patients and 972 matched control subjects.Results. The increase in risk (odds ratio) with NSAID therapy was 5.1 times the risk in controls. The odds ratio for piroxicam was 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–12.0), as compared with 2.9 for diclofenac, ketoprofen, and sulindac combined (95% CI 2.0–4.2). The effect of other risk factors was also considered, and the adjusted odds ratios were 4.1 for all NSAIDs, 6.4 (95% CI 2.8–15.0) for piroxicam, and 3.3 (95% CI 2.0–5.5) for diclofenac, ketoprofen, and sulindac combined.Conclusion. The estimate of overall risk of peptic ulcer complications with NSAIDs is similar to that found in other studies. There appear to be differences in risk between agents.
Superoxide anion production and phagocytosis of crystals by cultured endothelial cells
Authors: Falasca Gerald F. , Ramachandrula Anand , Kelley Kathleen A. , O'Connor Carolyn R , Reginato Antonio J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To show that cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are capable of phagocytizing inflammation‐causing crystals and of generating superoxide anion (SOA) during phagocytosis.Methods. The superoxide dismutase‐inhibitable reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye was used as a measure of SOA production. Phagocytosis was quantified by light microscopy and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Cytochrome C was also studied but was found to undergo spontaneous reduction by monosodium urate (MSU) without cells.Results. Crystals of MSU, calcium oxalate, hydroxyapatite, and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) were phagocytized and, except for the CPPD crystals, induced NBT reduction. Cholesterol and cholesterol monohydrate were neither phagocytized nor did they induce NBT reduction.Conclusions. Endothelial cells may be a significant source of oxygen radicals in crystal‐associated and other arthritides.
Limited prognostic value of changes in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer in patients with wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Kerr Gail S. , Fleisher Thomas A. , Hallahan Claire W. , Leavitt Randi Y. , Fauci Anthony S. , Hoffman Gary S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To assess the correlation and prognostic value of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (cANCA) titers with disease activity in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).Methods. One hundred six patients with WG had serum ANCA determinations; 72 had serial titers obtained routinely at 1–3‐month intervals. One hundred twelve subjects (19 of whom were healthy donors) served as controls. All serum samples were tested for cANCA by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. A prospective analysis of disease activity and cANCA values was performed. Disease activity was assessed according to clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and histopathologic findings.Results. Positivity for cANCA was a sensitive (88%) marker of active WG. However, changes in serial titers temporally correlated with a change in disease status in only 64% of patients. Furthermore, an increase in the cANCA titer preceded clinical exacerbation of disease in only 24% of patients who had been in remission or had low‐grade, smoldering disease.Conclusion. A rise in cANCA titer alone should not be considered adequate evidence of an impending clinical exacerbation, and therefore does not justify initiating or increasing immunosuppressive therapy.