bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human immunodeficiency virus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fox Robin A. , Isenberg David A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis report describes a female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Using stored serum, the precise timing of HIV seroconversion was determined and the early effects of HIV infection on SLE examined. This infection resulted in clinical improvement and the disappearance of autoantibody production. A literature review of the association between HIV and SLE is provided.
Association of early osteoarthritis of the knee with a Taq I POLYMORPHISM OF THE VITAMIN D RECEPTOR GENE
Authors: Keen R. W. , Hart D. J. , Lanchbury J. S. , Spector T. D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether a polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, already associated with osteoporosis, might also relate to the risk of osteoarthritis (OA).Methods. A population cohort of 351 postmenopausal women (ages 45‐64 years) was studied using anteroposterior radiographs of the knee, which were graded for OA according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification system. The VDR genotype was determined by using polymerase chain reaction and by digestion with the restriction enzyme Taq I.Results. The VDR allele “T” was associated with an increased risk of knee OA compared with the “t” allele, with an odds ratio of 2.82 (95% confidence interval 1.16‐6.85; P = 0.02). A dominant pattern of risk was suggested. The frequency of the VDR genotype differed significantly between OA cases and controls (P = 0.03 by Fisher's exact test).Conclusion. A Taq I polymorphism of the VDR gene appears to be associated with an increased risk of knee OA. This is the first genetic locus that has been shown to influence the risk of early knee OA within the general population.
Nitric oxide as s‐nitrosoproteins in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hilliquin P. , Borderie D. , Hernvann A. , Menkes C. J. , Ekindjian O. G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical involved in inflammation and immune reactions. The presence of NO is usually assessed by assaying its degradation products, nitrite and nitrate. NO binds to thiol‐containing proteins to form S‐nitrosoproteins (S‐NP). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of S‐NP, together with nitrite and nitrate, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Forty patients with RA were studied and compared with 24 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 21 control subjects. Fourteen patients were treated with 3 consecutive pulses of methylprednisolone for flares of RA. Nitrite was measured by the Griess reaction, and nitrate by a spectrophotometric assay using nitrate reductase. Spectrofluorometry coupled with the inner filter effect was used for the measurement of S‐NP.Results. S‐NP was detected in all RA samples, both in serum and synovial fluid (SF). Serum and articular S‐NP concentrations were correlated ( P < 0.03). In RA, nitrite and S‐NP levels were higher in SF than in serum; higher SF levels of the 3 compounds were observed in RA than in OA. S‐NP levels in RA patients decreased significantly ( P < 0.03) after pulse methylprednisolone treatment, in parallel with the clinical improvement.Conclusion. S‐NP, a biologically active form of NO, was consistently present in RA, with higher concentrations within the arthritic joint. S‐NP assays should be added to nitrite and nitrate assays for the evaluation of NO metabolism. S‐NP could be a stable storage form of active NO in RA, and its measurement could be useful in evaluating pharmacologic interventions that modulate NO generation.
Transcriptional regulation of the HOX4C gene by basic fibroblast growth factor on rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Xue Chengsen , Hasunuma Tomoko , Asahara Hiroshi , Yin Weihong , Maeda Toshiro , Fujisawa Koushi , Dong Yi , Sumida Takayuki , Nishioka Kusuki 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the expression of genes of the HOX D cluster in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) influences the expression and transcriptional regulation of the gene.Methods. The expression of genes of the HOX D cluster, including HOX4C, HOX4D, HOX4H, and HOX4I, was determined in the synovium of 4 patients with RA and 4 with osteoarthritis (OA) by in situ reverse transcription (RT) and RT‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The induction of HOX4C messenger RNA (mRNA) by bFGF was determined by RT‐PCR. The binding activity of a transcriptional regulator of the HOX4C gene, C2, was analyzed by the mobility shift assay. NIH‐3T3 cells transfected with a construct containing C2 binding sequence were incubated with bFGF, and the activity of the reporter was measured by luciferase assay.Results. Using an in situ RT assay, specific expression of HOX4C mRNA was detected in 3 of 4 RA synovial samples, whereas none of the OA synovia expressed HOX4C. HOX4D, HOX4H, and HOX4I genes were expressed in all synovial samples from RA and OA patients. The presence of HOX4C mRNA was also confirmed by RT‐PCR and Southern blotting. Treatment with bFGF increased the expression of HOX4C mRNA in RA fibroblasts. The mobility shift assay and luciferase assay showed that bFGF enhanced C2 binding activity and significantly increased the transcriptional activity on RA fibroblasts.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that HOX4C is involved in synovial hyperplasia, and that the transcriptional regulation of HOX4C genes by bFGF may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA.
Outcome of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis following autologous stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancy
Authors: Cooley Helen M. , Snowden John A. , Grigg Andrew P. , Wicks Ian P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBased on successful results in animal models, it has been proposed that high‐dose myeloablative therapy followed by autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (ABMT/ASCT) may cure autoimmune disease. The coexistence of autoimmune disease and hematologic malignancy provides an opportunity to examine the response of autoimmune disease to ABMT or ASCT. We describe 4 patients with autoimmune disease (3 with psoriasis and 1 with rheumatoid arthritis) and hematologic malignancy. In each patient, the autoimmune disease remitted posttransplantation, but, in 4 patients with long‐term followup, it recurred at 8–24 months. The earliest relapse occurred in a patient treated with interferon‐α. Our experience suggests that a single autograft with unpurged stem cells is unlikely to cure autoimmune disease, but that other strategies building on this approach are worthy of investigation.
Invasive soft tissue infections with Streptococcls Pneumoniae in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Case report and review of the literatur
Authors: Hill Michael D. , Karsh Jacob 
Published: February 2007

Abstractpneumococcal infections of the soft tissues are uncommon. However, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) may be predisposed to this condition,perhaps by virtue of hypocomplementemia and low, nonprotective concentrations of antipneumococcal antibodies. We report a case of severe cellulitis and fasciitis of the anterior neck in a young woman with SLE. The literature on SLE and pneumococcal soft tissue infections is reviewed. A clinical syndrome of SLE and pneumococcal soft‐tissue infections of the neck and pharynx is described.
Antibodies against A peptide sequence located in the linker region of the HMG‐1/2 box domains in sera from patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jung Frank , Neuer Gunter , Bautz Friedlinde A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To extend our work on the mapping of B cell epitopes on nucleosomal high mobility group (HMG) proteins in the sera of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).Methods. Seventy‐seven pauciarticular‐onset JRA serum samples from antinuclear antibody (ANA)‐ positive patients and 42 polyarticular‐onset JRA patient sera found to react with HMG‐2 by immunoblotting were used in this study. To identify B cell epitopes on HMG‐2, recombinant HMG‐2 protein fragments were used in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in competition ELISA experiments with a set of overlapping synthetic peptides. Fine epitope mapping was achieved by oligopeptide synthesis, followed by immunoblotting.Results. Pauciarticular, but not polyarticular, JRA patient sera were found to recognize a lysine‐rich major epitope (KKGKKKDP), which is located in the linker region of the HMG box domains of the HMG‐2 nonhistone chromosomal protein. No significant immunoreactions were observed in sera from ANA‐negative JRA patients and in sera from children with nonrheumatic diseases, indicating that this epitope seems to be specific for pauciarticular‐onset JRA.Conclusion. In addition to our previous finding that JRA sera will react with a defined epitope on HMG‐17, pauciarticular JRA patient sera were also found to recognize a defined epitope on the HMG‐2 protein, thus suggesting the importance of this epitope in the etiology of JRA.
A phase 1 study to address the safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor for the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells in active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: McGonagle Dennis , Rawstron Andrew , Richards Stephen , Isaacs John , Bird Howard , Jack Andrew , Morgan Gareth , Emery Paul 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with resistant active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Five patients with resistant active RA were studied. A dose of 5 μg/kg of G‐CSF (Filgrastim) was given subcutaneously each day for 5 days, and the number of stem cells mobilized into the peripheral blood was assessed by daily CD34 counts. RA disease activity was assessed by standard clinical methods.Results. The absolute numbers of peripheral blood CD34+ cells peaked on day 4, with a mean value of 0.025 × 109/liter (range 0.013–0.048 × 109/liter). There was no significant change in disease activity during the study or in the month following therapy.Conclusion. Using G‐CSF alone, CD34+ progenitor peripheral blood cells were mobilized in numbers suitable for leukopheresis. G‐CSF therapy was welltolerated in patients with active RA, and was not associated with a flare during treatment or in the month following treatment.
The value of the health assessment questionnaire and special patient‐generated scales to demonstrate change in systemic sclerosis patients over time
Authors: Steen Virginia D. , Medsger Thomas A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the validity and usefulness of a modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for measurement of disease status and changes in disease status over time in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods. Since 1985,1,250 patients attending the University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Clinic have completed a modified HAQ annually. In addition to the standard HAQ questions about disability, the questionnaire includes visual analog scales (VAS) to evaluate SSc organ system symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and lung involvement, pain, and overall disease severity. In this study, the disability index (DI) (from the HAQ) and the VAS scores (on a 0–3 scale) were compared with various clinical and laboratory features recorded within 3 months of administration of the HAQ and VAS, using t‐tests and Spearman's correlation tests.Results. The HAQ DI correlated directly with skin involvement, scleroderma heart or kidney disease, tendon friction rubs, hand contractures, and proximal muscle strength. Over time, the DI correlated with changes in skin score and was a good predictor of survival. There was a significant improvement in the DI during a 2‐year time period in patients treated with D‐penicillamine. The VAS for digital ulcers, GI symptoms, and lung symptoms correlated very closely with subjective and objective findings for these organ systems. The presence of new digital ulcers or improvement in digital ulcers showed significant associations with the Vascular scale, new GI symptoms or improvement in GI symptoms and institution of H2‐blockers showed appropriate strong correlations with the GI scale, and changes in the forced vital capacity had an excellent correlation with the Lung scale (r = 0.58, P < 0.001). By Cox regression analysis, the HAQ DI was one of the best predictors of survival.Conclusion. These data provide convincing evidence that a self‐administered questionnaire is an accurate and inexpensive tool to measure disease status changes in SSc. Prospective studies with the HAQ administered at regular intervals, as in controlled trials, should be performed to further assess the benefits and limitations of this instrument.
Human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA is rarely detected in salivary gland biopsy tissues from patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Rigby Shirley P. , Venables Patrick J. W. , Griffiths David J. , Weiss Robin A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine whether human retrovirus‐5 (HRV‐5) infection is associated with Sjögren's syndrome.Methods. Salivary gland DNA was tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HRV‐5 proviral DNA. Rigorous precautions were taken to prevent false‐positive results from PCR contamination. Positive samples were confirmed by testing with an additional independent set of primers and were then sequenced.Results. Ninety‐two samples were examined (55 from Sjögren's syndrome patients, 37 from non‐Sjögren's syndrome patients), 2 of which were positive. One was from a patient who had sicca symptoms but who did not satisfy the criteria for a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. The other was from a patient with secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Owing to the extremely low virus load in minor salivary glands, the number of HRV‐5—infected patients may be underestimated. In total, 3 different sequences of HRV‐5 were identified which were 98% identical to the original sequence but which displayed variations between and within individuals.Conclusion. This is the first study to systematically seek a disease association with HRV‐5, although with this method, an association with Sjögren's syndrome was not identified.
Correlation of morphologic and biochemical changes in the natural history of spontaneous osteoarthrosis in guinea pigs
Authors: Wei L. , Svensson O. , Hjerpe A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To study how the concentrations of proteoglycans (PGs) and collagen change in various parts of tibial articular cartilage during aging, and to evaluate the development of spontaneous osteoarthrosis (OA) in guinea pigs.Methods. PGs were extracted from guinea pig cartilage samples using 4M guanidine hydrochloride, and the amount of hydroxyproline was determined in the extraction remainder. The molecular size and aggregation of PGs were analyzed by electrophoresis, and the glycosaminoglycan composition was assessed by highperformance liquid chromatography.Results. The PG concentration was proportional to the load distribution. However, when OA became histologically manifest, the PG concentration decreased by 50% (from a mean of 44 μg to 22 μg per mg fresh tissue) and the collagen level decreased by 40% (from a mean of 17 μg to 10 μg per mg fresh tissue), while the proportion of water increased by 13% (from a mean of 710 mg to 800 mg per mg fresh tissue).Conclusion. Unmineralized cartilage can, within physiologic load limits, respond to increased mechanical demands by increasing the PG and collagen concentrations. Beyond a certain limit, however, the cartilage can no longer compensate for further increases in stress, which results in cartilage degeneration and losses of matrix constituents. These losses seemed to appear earlier in the disease process than has been described in previous animal models of secondary OA.
Heterogenous nuclear RNP C1 and C2 core proteins are targets for an autoantibody found in the serum of a patient with systemic sclerosis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Vencovský Jiří , Kafková Jarmila , Staněk David , Raška Ivan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective.To determine a target recognized by anti‐Bh autoantibody, found in the serum of a patient with the unusual coexistence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods. Antigens recognized by the anti‐Bh serum were characterized by indirect immunofluorescence on HeLa cells, by conventional immunoblotting using nuclear extract or partially purified preparation of heterogenous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) proteins, and by 2‐dimensional immunoblotting. For the analysis of cross‐reactivity and immunofluorescence patterns, autoantibodies were affinity‐purified by blot elution and then retested.Results.Comparison of the reactivity of the anti‐Bh antibody with the monoclonal antibody 4F4 against both the hnRNP C proteins, together with the determination of biochemical properties of the autoantigens, led to the identification of C1 and C2 core proteins as the targets for the anti‐Bh autoantibody.Conclusion. Several essential components of the spliceosome are targeted by autoantibodies that are present in the sera of patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. We also found that the hnRNP core proteins C1 and C2 are recognized by the autoantibody present in the serum of a patient with SSc and PsA. C1 and C2 hnRNP proteins should be added to the several intracellular autoantigens recently shown to be cleaved by interleukin‐1β‐ converting enzyme‐like enzymes during apoptosis.
Increased phosphate content in complement component C3, fibrinogen, vitronectin, and other plasma proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus. Covariation with platelet activation and possible association with thrombosis
Authors: Ekdahl Kristina Nilsson , Rönnblom Lars , Nilsson Bo , Sturfelt Gunnar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate whether extracellular phosphorylation of plasma proteins takes place in vivo in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to determine possible correlations between phosphate levels and clinical and/or laboratory parameters, and to identify individual phosphorylated plasma proteins.Methods. Sera from SLE patients were analyzed for total amounts of protein‐bound phosphate by a colorimetric technique, and for levels of β‐thromboglobulin by radioimmunoassay. In addition, the ability of these sera to activate platelets, resulting in the release of protein kinase, was tested using an assay in which platelet‐rich plasma from healthy blood donors was incubated with sera or immune complexes from SLE patients. In this assay, [γ‐32P]ATP was added, and 32P‐labeled C3 was quantified. Phosphate in individual proteins was detected by Western blot analysis.Results. 32P‐labeled, activated platelets were able to phosphorylate exogenously added proteins, without the addition of ATP or cations. Platelet‐rich plasma from healthy blood donors became activated by sera or by polyethylene glycol‐precipitated immune complexes from patients with SLE, which led to the extracellular phosphorylation of plasma proteins, exemplified in the C3 assay. The phosphate content in plasma proteins was increased in SLE patients with previous thrombosis. The degree of phosphorylation increased up to 3‐fold in serial samples obtained from 2 SLE patients during periods of disease exacerbation. Substantial phosphate increases were seen in C3 and fibrinogen. The changes were linked to platelet activation because of the observed covariation with the levels of β‐thromboglobulin.Conclusion. In SLE patients, the phosphate content in plasma proteins (including C3 and fibrinogen) increases due to platelet activation.
Social support and psychosocial adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis quantitative and qualitative findings
Authors: Affleck Glenn , Pfeiffer Carol , Tennen Howard , Fifield Judith 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOne hundred twenty‐nine individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were interviewed, and their satisfaction with several aspects of social support was rated. Quantitative analyses showed that patients' overall support satisfaction was related to health care providers' ratings of their psychosocial adjustment, independent of patients' demographic characteristics, illness duration, disease activity, and functional disability. Furthermore, the relation between support satisfaction and psychosocial adjustment increased as a function of patients' level of disability, suggesting a stress‐buffering function of support. Among the important qualitative findings emerging from content analyses of interview material was that disruptions in relationships with actual and potential support providers constituted a source of stress. However, several participants stated that the illness had actually strengthened valued relationships. Patients' views of helpful and unhelpful support gestures are also classified and discussed. Directions for future research on the support process are suggested.
The importance of aspects of treatment for fibromyalgia (Fibrositis): Differences between patient and physician views
Authors: Potts Marilyn K. , Silverman Stuart L. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThirty‐five individuals with fibromyalgia (fibrositis), 22 of their physicians, and 49 rheumatologists on an Arthritis Foundation referral list rated the importance of 24 aspects of fibromyalgia treatment. These encompassed symptom control, psychosocial factors, information, and physical therapy. Respondents with fibromyalgia rated their satisfaction with the way each aspect of treatment had been managed by their physician, and each completed a health status questionnaire. Fibromyalgia patients viewed 8 of the 24 aspects of treatment as significantly more important than did their own physician, and 18 of the 24 as significantly more important than did area rheumatologists. Satisfaction with the way treatment had been managed was generally low. Some evidence suggested that patients' health status was affected positively by the extent to which their physician viewed certain aspects of treatment as important. The results are expected to be useful in the design of fibromyalgia education programs for both lay and health professional audiences.
Four psychosocial theories and their application to patient education and clinical practice
Authors: Gonzalez Virginia M. , Goeppinger Jean , Lorig Kate 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlthough the development of theoretically based and empirically verified practice guidelines is now possible, some health education practice still remains uninformed by this research‐based knowledge. This article describes four psychosocial theories that have been useful in our practices: self‐efficacy, stress and coping, learned helplessness, and social support. The theories are introduced and compared; practical suggestions for their use in the development of health education interventions are then discussed. Skills mastery, modeling, reinterpretation of physical signs and symptoms, and persuasion are presented as ways of enhancing self‐efficacy. Some similar strategies are presented as examples of coping techniques, including positive reappraisal or reinterpretation. Other coping strategies such as confronting, distancing, self‐care, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, escape avoidance or ignoring, problem solving, activity, distraction, self‐talk, and prayer are also introduced. Cognitive restructuring is examined most fully as an example of an intervention strategy derived from learned helplessness theory. And finally, five strategies for fostering positive social support are presented: enhancing personal networks, linking volunteers, establishing mutual aid networks, identifying and supporting neighborhood helpers, and community empowerment.