bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Correlations of Osteoarthritis Associated with a Single‐Base Mutation (Arginine519 to Cysteine) in Type II Procollagen Gene
Authors: Pun Yvonne L. , Moskowitz Roland W. , Lie Sutek , Sundstrom Walter R. , Block Sidney R. , Mcewen Currier , Williams H. James , Bleasel Jane F. , Holderbaum Daniel , Haqqi Tariq M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate the occurrence and clinical correlation of the arg519‐to‐cys mutation in the type II procollagen gene in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).Methods. Sixty‐six subjects from 7 families with a strong family history of generalized OA and 13 patients with erosive OA were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Blood samples from 58 subjects in the familial OA group and from all 13 patients with erosive OA were obtained for DNA analysis. Exon 31 of COL2A1, which spans residue 519, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction.Results. The arg519‐to‐cys mutation was detected in 2 of the 7 families with generalized OA. In these 2 families, the mutation was present in the 2 probands and in 19 other clinically affected family members, as well as in 3 (so‐far) clinically unaffected family members (ages 25, 14, and 11 years). It was absent in 18 clinically unaffected members tested. The mutation was associated with a distinctive pattern of early‐onset, aggressive, generalized OA with a mild spinal chondrodysplasia. Inheritance was autosomal dominant. No mutation was found in any of the patients with erosive OA.Conclusion. The arg519‐to‐cys mutation defines a new pathogenic factor in generalized OA with characteristic clinical and radiologic features. The demonstration of a mutation in 3 of 8 families with OA studied thus far suggests a significant incidence of genetically related clinical OA.
Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kremer Joel M. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Lightfoot Robert W. , Willkens Robert F. , Furst Daniel E. , Williams H. James , Dent Peter B. , Weinblatt Michael E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) has become an important drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The American College of Rheumatology convened a committee to assess the risks of development of clinically significant liver disease (CSLD) during MTX treatment, to evaluate the risk and role of surveillance liver biopsies, and to provide recommendations about monitoring patients for liver toxicity. The committee recommends obtaining liver blood tests (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase, albumin, bilirubin), hepatitis B and C serologic studies, and other standard tests including complete blood cell count and serum creatinine tests prior to starting treatment with MTX. A pretreatment liver biopsy should be considered only for patients with a history of prior excessive alcohol consumption, persistently abnormal baseline AST values, or chronic hepatitis B or C infection. At intervals of every 4–8 weeks the AST, ALT, and albumin levels should be monitored. Routine surveillance liver biopsies are not recommended for RA patients receiving traditional doses of MTX. However, a biopsy should be performed if a patient develops persistent abnormalities on liver blood tests. These are defined as elevations (above the upper limit of laboratory normal) in the AST in 5 of 9 determinations within a given 12‐month interval (6 of 12 if tests are performed monthly) or a decrease in serum albumin below the normal range. The recommendations for monitoring and selection of patients for liver biopsy identify patients at potential risk for CSLD, and thus significantly reduce the number of patients who would be exposed to this procedure. Close monitoring is essential to reduce the risk of unrecognized serious liver disease. These recommendations should be revised as necessary to reflect new and compelling information.
A Cost‐Utility Analysis of Misoprostol Prophylaxis for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Receiving Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs
Authors: Gabriel Sherine E. , Campion Mary E. , O'Fallon W. Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the cost‐utility of low‐dose misoprostol prophylaxis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Methods. Prospectively collected, population‐ased data on 57 RA patients' preferences (obtained using the category scaling and time trade‐off techniques), charge data from a consecutive, populationbased cohort of 36 RA patients with NSAID‐related gastric ulcer, and literature‐derived probability estimates were incorporated into a decision analysis model.Results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis using 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that, on average, prophylaxis resulted in modest additional costs and no additional quality‐of‐life benefits. At best, the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year gained was $9,333. At worst, prophylaxis reduced quality of life. Prophylaxis was cost‐saving if the ulcer complication rate was > 1.5%, or if the 3‐month price of misoprostol was ≤$95.Conclusion. Whereas prophylaxis may be costsaving among high‐risk NSAID users, from some patients' perspective, it reduces quality of life. Although these data may not be generalizable to other clinical populations, they illustrate the importance of incorporating patient preferences into economic evaluations.
Transforming Growth Factor β1 Regulates Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases—1 Expression in Differentiated Human Articular Chondrocytes
Authors: Günther Monika , Haubeck Hans‐Dieter , Van De Leur Eddy , Bläser Jörg , Bender Sven , Gütgemann Ines , Fischer Dagmar‐Christiane , Tschesche Harald , Greiling Helmut , Heinrich Peter C. , Graeve Lutz 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate the role of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) in the regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases—1 (TIMP‐1) synthesis in human articular chondrocytes.Methods. Articular cartilage was obtained from human knee joints 24 hours after death. Chondrocytes were isolated by collagenase digestion and embedded in low‐gelling‐temperature agarose. After stimulation by cytokines, total RNA was isolated and analyzed by Northern blotting. TIMP‐1 protein levels were determined using a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results. Human chondrocytes in agarose culture expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for the IL‐6 receptor (gp80) and its signal‐transducing subunit gp130. In contrast to the findings in a previous study, IL‐6 did not stimulate TIMP‐1 expression in these cells, whereas TGF β1 was an important inducer of TIMP‐1 mRNA and protein synthesis.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that TGF β1 has a protective effect on the extracellular matrix of human articular chondrocytes.
Exacerbation of Established Collagen‐Induced Arthritis in Mice Treated with An Anti—T Cell Receptor Antibody
Authors: Maeda Takeshi , Saikawa Isao , Hotokebuchi Takao , Sugioka Yoichi , Eto Masatoshi , Murakami Yoshiyuki , Nomoto Kikuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To investigate the effect of T cell depletion on established collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, using monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to T cell receptor α/β (TCRα/β). In addition, experiments using anti‐CD3 MAb were performed for comparison.Methods. CIA was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunizing them twice with bovine type II collagen (CII). The arthritis score and anti‐CII antibody titers were examined serially. Proportions of T cells were determined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis on spleen cells or peripheral blood cells.Results. When anti‐TCRα/β MAb was injected on the day of CII priming, no arthritis was detected in association with depressed anti‐CII antibody titers. Unexpectedly, however, when MAb was given after arthritis was established, a rapid exacerbation of arthritis was observed, which resulted in ankylosis of most joints. Anti‐CII antibody titers were not affected. The addition of anti‐TCRγ/δ MAb had no effect on the augmented arthritis. T cell depletion by anti‐CD3 MAb during established CIA also caused an enhancement of arthritis, which was, however, weak and only transient. FACS analysis revealed that the early improvement of arthritis after the transient augmentation seen in the mice treated with anti‐CD3 MAb paralleled the early recovery of α/β T cells in the periphery.Conclusion. The present results support the concept that α/β T cells, in general, may play a regulatory role in the clinical course of murine CIA after disease onset. Therefore, caution is recommended when using intensive T cell—targeted therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Intraarticular Injections with Methylprednisolone Acetate Reduce Osteoarthritic Lesions in Parallel with Chondrocyte Stromelysin Synthesis in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Mineau FrançOis , Raynauld Jean‐Pierre , Woessner J. Frederick , Gunja‐Smith Zeenat , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the effect of intraarticular injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MA) on osteoarthritic lesions and chondrocyte stromelysin synthesis in experimental osteoarthritis (OA).Methods. In 15 mongrel dogs, the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee was sectioned by a stab wound. Eight dogs received intraarticular injections of MA (20 mg) at the time of surgery and 4 weeks later; 7 had no treatment. The dogs were killed 8 weeks after surgery. Five normal dogs were used as controls. Macroscopic evaluation of the lesions, including measurements of osteophytes and areas of surface lesions on the condyles and plateaus, was conducted, along with histologic evaluation of the severity of lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against stromelysin, followed by evaluation of matrix and chondrocyte staining using morphometric analysis.Results. Treatment with MA significantly reduced the incidence (P < 0.0004) and size (P < 0.0001) of osteophytes. The histologic grading of cartilage lesions was also significantly reduced both on condyles (P < 0.01) and on plateaus (P < 0.002). Immunohistochemical studies revealed, for OA cartilage, a marked increase (P < 0.002) in the percentage of chondrocytes positive for stromelysin and in the intensity of staining throughout all the layers of the cartilage, as well as specific matrix staining (P < 0.005). Treatment with MA reduced staining at both the chondrocyte (P < 0.002) and the matrix (P < 0.01) levels toward normal.Conclusion. These findings provide additional evidence for the protective effect of corticosteroid injections on OA lesions, and indicate that the effect of this drug may be mediated through the suppression of stromelysin synthesis.
Variation among rheumatologists in the use of prednisone and second‐line agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Criswell Lindsey A. , Redfearn William J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To test for and estimate variation among rheumatologists in their prescribing of prednisone and second‐line agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), after taking into account the characteristics of their patients.Methods. Multiple logistic regression incorporating random effects for rheumatologists, with adjustment for patient characteristics.Results. Values for the likelihood‐ratio statistic provided strong evidence of such variation. Random‐effect variance estimates showed that the variation is of great magnitude.Conclusion. Even after patient characteristics have been taken into account, the data show that the rheumatologist may strongly influence the use of prednisone and second‐line agents by a patient.
Diacerhein in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip
Authors: Nguyen Minh , Dougados Maxime , Berdah Laurent , Amor Bernard 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the efficacy and safety of diacerhein, a potential new therapeutic agent with properties differing from those of existing nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and of a combination of diacerhein and an NSAID (tenoxicam) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip.Methods. Two hundred eighty‐eight patients with painful OA of the hip were enrolled in an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 2 x 2 factorial design study. Four treatment groups were defined: 1) diacerhein placebo and tenoxicam placebo, 2) tenoxicam and diacerhein placebo, 3) diacerhein and tenoxicam placebo, and 4) diacerhein and tenoxicam. The daily dosages of diacerhein and tenoxicam were 100 mg and 20 mg, respectively.Results. Analyses of efficacy showed no interaction between diacerhein and tenoxicam in terms of efficacy, a clinically significant rapid (≤2 weeks) and persisting effect of tenoxicam during the 8 weeks of the study, and a slow‐acting (6 weeks) effect of diacerhein. Moderate, transient diarrhea was the most frequent side effect observed in the diacerhein group (37%) compared with the placebo group (4%).Conclusion. Both tenoxicam and diacerhein appear to be superior to placebo, and neither agent appears to significantly enhance or detract from the efficacy of the other when they are administered concomitantly. The onset of action of diacerhein appears to be delayed (≥4 weeks).
Expression of sequences homologous to htlv‐i tax gene in the labial salivary glands of japanese patients with sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Sumida Takayuki , Yonaha Fumiko , Maeda Toshiro , Kita Yasuhiko , Iwamoto Itsuo , Koike Takao , Yoshida Sho 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To address the question of whether the human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) gene is associated with the etiology of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).Methods. RNA expression of HTLV‐I gag, pol, env, and tax genes in labial salivary glands (LSGs) from SS patients who were seronegative for antibodies to HTLV‐I was examined using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction techniques.Results. The HTLV‐I tax gene, but not the HTLV‐I gag, pol, or env genes, was detected in LSG samples from 4 of 14 patients (29%). The nucleotide sequences of the HTLV‐I pXIV region in these 4 patients' LSGs showed 100% homology to the HTLV‐I pXIV gene from the MT‐2 cell line.Conclusion. These findings suggest that products encoding sequences homologous to the HTLV‐I pXIV gene in SS patients' LSGs might be candidates for self‐antigen and/or lead to activation of autoreactive T lymphocytes through trans‐acting transcriptional activation.
Determination of the blood lactate:pyruvate ratio as a noninvasive test for the diagnosis of zidovudine myopathy
Authors: Chariot Patrick , Monnet Isabelle , Mouchet Manuela , Rohr Magali , Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal , Dubreuil‐Lemaire Marie‐Laure , Chousterman Michel , Gherardi Romain 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the use of the lactate: pyruvate ratio as a test for the detection of zidovudine myopathy.Methods. Twenty consecutive human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients with muscle involvement and 20 without muscle involvement were studied prospectively. Blood lactate and pyruvate levels and serum creatine kinase levels were tested, muscle involvement was assessed both clinically and electrophysiologically, and muscle biopsy was performed in patients with myopathy.Results. Nine patients had biopsy‐proven zidovudine myopathy. All 9 had a high lactate:pyruvate ratio, with elevations on 2 of 2 determinations in 6 patients and on 1 of 2 in 3 patients. Two of 11 patients with other myopathies and 2 of 20 patients without myopathy had a high lactate:pyruvate ratio on 1 of 2 determinations.Conclusion. The lactate:pyruvate ratio, when determined repeatedly, is a sensitive test for detecting mitochondrial muscular toxicity of zidovudine.
Minocycline in active rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kloppenburg Margreet , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Terwiel JACK P. H. , Mallee Constant , Dijkmans BEN A. C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the efficacy of minocycline in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Minocycline (maximal oral daily dose 200 mg) or placebo was administered in a 26‐week, randomized, double‐blind study to 80 patients with active RA, who were treated or had previously been treated with at least one disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug.Results. There were 15 premature discontinuations: 6 (5 taking minocycline) because of adverse effects, 8 (all taking placebo) because of lack of efficacy, and 1 (taking placebo) because of intercurrent illness. There was a statistically significant improvement in the minocycline group over the placebo group. There was a pronounced improvement in laboratory parameters of disease activity; however, improvement in clinical parameters was less impressive. The observed adverse effects attributable to minocycline were mainly gastrointestinal symptoms and dizziness.Conclusion. The results of the present study suggest that minocycline is beneficial and relatively safe in RA patients.
Rheumatoid factor, HLA–DR4, and allelic variants of DRB1 in women with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Nelson J. , Dugowson Carin E. , Koepsell Thomas D. , Voigt Lynda F. , Branchaud Ann M. , Barrington Robert A. , Wener Mark H. , Hansen John A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To examine the relationship of rheumatoid factor (RF) to HLA–DR4 and alleles of DRB1 in women with recent‐onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Incident cases of RA were identified as part of a prospective, population‐based case–control study. HLA typing was completed for 246 cases meeting criteria for definite or classic RA.Results. One hundred thirty‐six patients (55%) were positive for DR4, and 130 (53%) were RF positive. DR4 was found to be strongly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio 4.1, P < 0.0001). Patients with a shorter interval from RA onset to RF testing had a higher frequency of seropositivity than those with a longer interval (≤18 months 60%, >18 months 33%). Further analysis of patients who had RF testing within 18 months of RA onset showed that the frequency of seropositivity was significantly greater among DR4‐positive patients who had the shared sequence stretch of DRβ1 associated with RA susceptibility (76% RF positive) than among DR1‐positive patients who had this sequence (45% RF positive) (odds ratio 3.8, P = 0.01). Moreover, the frequency of seropositivity among DR1‐positive patients with the sequence did not differ from that among all patients without the shared sequence (47%) (odds ratio 0.9, P = 0.8).Conclusion. HLA–DR4 is strongly associated with seropositivity in women with recent‐onset RA. The amino acid sequence of DRβ1 that is associated with susceptibility to RA and is shared between DR4 and DR1 appears not to be the primary determinant of seropositivity in these women.
Differences between men and women undergoing major orthopedic surgery for degenerative arthritis
Authors: Katz Jeffrey N. , Wright Elizabeth A. , Guadagnoli Edward , Liang Matthew H. , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Cleary Paul D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine whether women have worse functional status than men at the time of laminectomy for degenerative spinal stenosis or total joint arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis of the hip and knee.Methods. Consecutive patients undergoing laminectomy for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis or unilateral, primary hip or knee arthroplasty for advanced degenerative arthritis were recruited. Functional status was measured with self‐administered questionnaires. We compared preoperative functional status scores of men and women, using linear regression models that adjusted for age, comorbid conditions, work status, education, living arrangement, and body mass index. We also compared the rates of in‐hospital complications and 6‐month followup functional status scores for men and women.Results. Women had much worse functional status than men prior to laminectomy for spinal stenosis (P < 0.01) and prior to total hip arthroplasty (P < 0.001) and total knee arthroplasty (P < 0.0001). These differences persisted after statistical adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics. Women had comparable or greater functional improvement following surgery and experienced a similar number of complications compared with men.Conclusions. The observed gender differences in functional status prior to major orthopedic surgery indicate that women are operated on at a more advanced stage in the course of their disease. These results are not due to gender differences in demographic or clinical characteristics of the patients, and cannot be justified by differences between men and women in the outcome of surgery. The role of patient preferences and differential access to these procedures should be explored in future studies.
Quantitative analysis of crosslinks pyridinoline and pentosidine in articular cartilage of patients with bone and joint disorders
Authors: Takahashi Masaaki , Kushida Kazuhiro , Ohishi Tsuyoshi , Kawana Kouichi , Hoshino Hironobu , Uchiyama Akiyoshi , Inoue Tetsuo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective. To determine the content of two crosslinks, pyridinoline (a mature crosslink) and pentosidine (a senescent crosslink), in human articular cartilage, and to examine the effect of bone and joint disorders on the content of those crosslinks in articular cartilage.Methods. After pretreatment with SP‐Sephadex C‐25, high‐performance liquid chromatography was conducted on a hydrolysate of human articular cartilage from 53 patients with one of the following diseases: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, femoral head necrosis, and renal osteodystrophy (ROD).Results. Pyridinoline levels were either unchanged with age or were slightly decreased in elderly patients. Pentosidine levels increased with age in the entire patient population. There was no significant difference in the pyridinoline content among the study groups, but there was a significant difference in pentosidine content (P < 0.001). ROD patients had the highest mean level of pentosidine (407 μmoles/mole of hydroxyproline), and RA patients had a higher mean level than age‐matched OA patients (214 versus 103 μmoles/mole of hydroxyproline).Conclusion. Bone and joint disorders do not affect the pyridinoline content in articular cartilage, but they do affect the pentosidine content.