Rheumatology Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory.

Specific peripheral B cell tolerance defects in patients with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a genetically mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. B cells have recently emerged as major contributors to disease pathogenesis, but the mechanisms responsible for the loss of B cell tolerance in patients with MS are largely unknown. In healthy individuals, developing autoreactive B cells are removed from the repertoire at 2 tolerance checkpoints during early B cell development. Both of these central and peripheral B cell tolerance checkpoints are defective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we found that only the peripheral, but not t...
Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation - May 16, 2013 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Tuure Kinnunen, Nicolas Chamberlain, Henner Morbach, Tineke Cantaert, Megan Lynch, Paula Preston-Hurlburt, Kevan C. Herold, David A. Hafler, Kevin C. O’Connor, Eric Meffre Source Type: research

Antiprotozoal and antimycobacterial activities of Persea americana seeds
Background: Persea americana seeds are widely used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat rheumatism, asthma, infectious processes as well as diarrhea and dysentery caused by intestinal parasites. Methods: The chloroformic and ethanolic extracts of P. americana seeds were prepared by maceration and their amoebicidal, giardicidal and trichomonicidal activity was evaluated. These extracts were also tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, four mono-resistant and two multidrug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis as well as five non tuberculosis mycobacterium strains by MABA assay. Results: The chloroformic and etha...
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - May 16, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Adelina Jiménez-ArellanesJulieta Luna-HerreraRicardo Ruiz-NicolásJorge Cornejo-GarridoAmparo TapiaLilián Yépez-Mulia Source Type: research

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Cocos nucifera var. typica
Conclusions: The extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of the cell migration. The mixture of extract constituents and methicillin could lead to the development of a new combination antibiotic against MRSA infections. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine - May 16, 2013 Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Rafaela SilvaDavi e SilvaHumberto FontesCeluta AlvianoPatricia FernandesDaniela Alviano Source Type: research

Systemic {alpha}-melanocyte-stimulating hormone administration decreases arthritis-induced anorexia and muscle wasting
In conclusion our data show that in arthritic rats peripheral α-MSH treatment has an anti-cachectic action increasing food intake and decreasing muscle wasting. (Source: AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology)
Source: AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology - May 15, 2013 Category: Physiology Authors: Gomez-SanMiguel, A. B., Martin, A. I., Nieto-Bona, M. P., Fernandez-Galaz, C., Lopez-Menduina, M., Villanua, M. A., Lopez-Calderon, A. Tags: Hormones, Reproduction and Development Source Type: research

CD161 expression characterizes a sub‐population of human regulatory T cells that produces IL‐17 in a STAT3 dependent manner
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved (Source: European Journal of Immunology)
Source: European Journal of Immunology - May 15, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Behdad Afzali, Peter J Mitchell, Francis C. Edozie, Giovanni AM Povoleri, Sophie E Dowson, Laura Demandt, Gina Walter, James B Canavan, Cristiano Scotta, Bina Menon, Prabhjoat S Chana, Wafa Khamri, Shahram Y Kordasti, Susanne Heck, Bodo Grimbacher, Timoth Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

Haemodynamically irrelevant pericardial effusion is associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Conclusion In chronic heart failure, even minor PEs are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, and need for transplantation. (Source: European Heart Journal)
Source: European Heart Journal - May 14, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Frohlich, G. M., Keller, P., Schmid, F., Wolfrum, M., Osranek, M., Falk, C., Noll, G., Enseleit, F., Reinthaler, M., Meier, P., Luscher, T. F., Ruschitzka, F., Tanner, F. C. Tags: Heart failure/cardiomyopathy Source Type: research

A novel in vitro bovine cartilage punch model for assessing the regeneration of focal cartilage defects with biocompatible bacterial nanocellulose
In vitro bovine cartilage punch model is a novel tool developed to evaluate potential bio-materials for use in cartilage regeneration and repair. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy - May 14, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: David PretzelStefanie LinssHannes AhremMichaela EndresChristian KapsDieter KlemmRaimund Kinne Source Type: research

Streptococcal‐vimentin cross‐reactive antibodies induce microvascular cardiac endothelial proinflammatory phenotype in Rheumatic Heart Disease
In conclusion streptococcal‐vimentin cross‐reactive antibodies were able to activate microvascular cardiac endothelium by amplifying inflammatory response in RHD. (Source: Clinical and Experimental Immunology)
Source: Clinical and Experimental Immunology - May 13, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Federica Delunardo, Valentina Scalzi, Antonella Capozzi, Serena Camerini, Roberta Misasi, Marina Pierdominici, Monica Pendolino, Marco Crescenzi, Maurizio Sorice, Guido Valesini, Elena Ortona, Cristiano Alessandri Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Methotrexate/iatrogenic lymphoproliferative disorders in rheumatoid arthritis: histology, Epstein–Barr virus, and clonality are important predictors of disease progression and regression
ConclusionsHistology, EBV positivity, and monoclonality of IGH are useful for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with RA‐LPD. (Source: European Journal of Haematology)
Source: European Journal of Haematology - May 13, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Ayako Ichikawa, Fumiko Arakawa, Junichi Kiyasu, Kensaku Sato, Hiroaki Miyoshi, Daisuke Niino, Yoshizo Kimura, Masanori Takeuchi, Maki Yoshida, Yukinao Ishibashi, Shinji Nakashima, Yasuo Sugita, Osamu Miura, Koichi Ohshima Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Inheritance of autoinflammatory diseases: shifting paradigms and nomenclature
Over 15 years have passed since the discovery of the first autoinflammatory gene, MEFV, responsible for familial Mediterranean fever. The identification of another gene, TNFRSF1A, in 1999 led to the concept of autoinflammation which characterises rheumatological conditions triggered by a defective innate immunity. Substantive progress has been made since then with the identification of 18 autoinflammatory genes accounting for up to 24 disease entities showing overlapping symptoms. The accumulation of studies reporting patients with missing or excess mutations as compared with expected numbers favours the hypothesis th...
Source: Journal of Medical Genetics - May 13, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Touitou, I. Tags: Editor's choice, Immunology (including allergy) Immune genetics Source Type: research

What can asymptomatic hyperuricaemia and systemic inflammation in the absence of gout tell us?
(Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Inaba, S., Sautin, Y., Garcia, G. E., Johnson, R. J. Tags: Crystal Arthritis EDITORIALS Source Type: research

Corticosteroid injections in osteoarthritis: should we care about predicting response?
(Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Conaghan, P. G. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage EDITORIALS Source Type: research

Friend or foe: high bone mineral density on routine bone density scanning, a review of causes and management
A finding of high BMD on routine DXA scanning is not infrequent and most commonly reflects degenerative disease. However, BMD increases may also arise secondary to a range of underlying disorders affecting the skeleton. Although low BMD increases fracture risk, the converse may not hold for high BMD, since elevated BMD may occur in conditions where fracture risk is increased, unaffected or reduced. Here we outline a classification for the causes of raised BMD, based on identification of focal or generalized BMD changes, and discuss an approach to guide appropriate investigation by clinicians after careful interpretation of...
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Gregson, C. L., Hardcastle, S. A., Cooper, C., Tobias, J. H. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Spondylarthropathies, Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease REVIEWS Source Type: research

An overlooked cause of back pain and stiffness
(Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Gualtierotti, R., De Marco, G., Marchesoni, A. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL VIGNETTES Source Type: research

Subcutaneous abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
The efficacy, safety and tolerability of i.v. abatacept are well established in patients with active RA. A s.c. abatacept formulation is now available in some countries. Here, we review clinical data for s.c. abatacept. Six trials are presented (Phase II dose-finding study, ACQUIRE, ALLOW, ACCOMPANY, ATTUNE and AMPLE) and issues important to both patients and clinicians are addressed. The primary focus assesses whether the i.v. and s.c. abatacept formulations have similar efficacy, including whether the recommended fixed dose of s.c. abatacept is comparable to the weight-tiered i.v. dosing and whether efficacy is sustained...
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Schiff, M. Tags: Pharmacology, Rheumatoid Arthritis REVIEWS Source Type: research

Delphinidin inhibits IL-1{beta}-induced activation of NF-{kappa}B by modulating the phosphorylation of IRAK-1Ser376 in human articular chondrocytes
Conclusion. These data identify delphinidin as a novel inhibitor of IL-1β-induced production of cartilage-degrading molecule PGE2 via inhibition of COX-2 expression and provide new insight into the mechanism of its action. Our results also identify inhibition of IRAK1Ser376 phosphorylation by delphinidin in IL-1β-induced activation of NF-B in human chondrocytes. Given the important role played by IL-1β-induced NF-B activation, COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in OA, our results may have important implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention/treatment of OA. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Haseeb, A., Chen, D., Haqqi, T. M. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage BASIC SCIENCE Source Type: research

Three-pointed star sign of lupus enteritis
(Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Kamata, Y., Minota, S. Tags: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmunity CLINICAL VIGNETTES Source Type: research

IL-34 is overexpressed in the inflamed salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's syndrome and is associated with the local expansion of pro-inflammatory CD14brightCD16+ monocytes
Conclusion. IL-34 seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of salivary gland inflammation in p-SS. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Ciccia, F., Alessandro, R., Rodolico, V., Guggino, G., Raimondo, S., Guarnotta, C., Giardina, A., Sireci, G., Campisi, G., De Leo, G., Triolo, G. Tags: Sjogren's Syndrome BASIC SCIENCE Source Type: research

Hyperuricaemia elevates circulating CCL2 levels and primes monocyte trafficking in subjects with inter-critical gout
Conclusion. Hyperuricaemia causes elevated serum CCL2 levels and increased monocyte recruitment that may be driven by soluble uric acid-induced CCL2 production. Hyperuricaemia may initiate subclinical priming of circulating blood monocytes for adhesion and trafficking during a gout attack. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Grainger, R., McLaughlin, R. J., Harrison, A. A., Harper, J. L. Tags: Crystal Arthritis CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Predictors of response to intra-articular steroid injections in knee osteoarthritis--a systematic review
Conclusion. Further larger-scale studies using standardized methods are required to characterize predictors of response and should focus on synovitis, effusion, pain and structural severity of disease. Such data would help in better targeting therapy to those most likely to benefit. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Maricar, N., Callaghan, M. J., Felson, D. T., O'Neill, T. W. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Body weight at early and middle adulthood, weight gain and persistent overweight from early adulthood are predictors of the risk of total knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis
Conclusion. Greater body weight and BMI at early and middle adulthood, weight gain and persistent overweight from early to middle adulthood are risk factors for knee and hip OA. Adult weight gain confers stronger risk on knee OA than hip OA. Weight control from early adulthood and avoiding weight gain are important for the prevention of OA. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Wang, Y., Wluka, A. E., Simpson, J. A., Giles, G. G., Graves, S. E., de Steiger, R. N., Cicuttini, F. M. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

High bone mass is associated with an increased prevalence of joint replacement: a case-control study
Conclusion. HBM is associated with increased prevalence of joint replacement surgery and NSAID use compared with unaffected controls. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Hardcastle, S. A., Gregson, C. L., Deere, K. C., Davey Smith, G., Dieppe, P., Tobias, J. H. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Predictors for the 5-year risk of serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy: a cohort study in the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring (DREAM) registry
Conclusion. Age, corticosteroid use, VAS pain, HAQ, TJC28 and the presence of comorbidities all at baseline were significant predictors for developing a serious infection during TNF inhibiting therapy in RA patients. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: van Dartel, S. A. A., Fransen, J., Kievit, W., Dutmer, E. A. J., Brus, H. L. M., Houtman, N. M., van de Laar, M. A. F., van Riel, P. L. C. M. Tags: Pharmacology, Rheumatoid Arthritis CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Effect on bone turnover markers of once-yearly intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid versus daily oral risedronate in patients treated with glucocorticoids
Conclusions. Once-yearly i.v. infusion of ZOL 5 mg was well tolerated in different subgroups of GIO patients. ZOL was non-inferior to RIS and even superior to RIS in the response of BTMs in GIO patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00100620. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Devogelaer, J.-P., Sambrook, P., Reid, D. M., Goemaere, S., Ish-Shalom, S., Collette, J., Su, G., Bucci-Rechtweg, C., Papanastasiou, P., Reginster, J.-Y. Tags: Pharmacology, Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Low risk of renal flares and negative outcomes in women with lupus nephritis conceiving after switching from mycophenolate mofetil to azathioprine
Conclusion. Replacing MMF with AZA in patients with quiescent LN for pregnancy planning rarely leads to renal flares. Pregnancy outcome was favourable. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Fischer-Betz, R., Specker, C., Brinks, R., Aringer, M., Schneider, M. Tags: Pharmacology, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmunity CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

The association of adipokine levels in plasma and synovial fluid with the severity of knee osteoarthritis
Conclusion. Plasma leptin positively correlated with the severity of knee OA. The ratio of SF to plasma leptin might be a marker related to the severity of knee OA. Further studies should investigate whether similar associations exist in other joints affected by OA. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Staikos, C., Ververidis, A., Drosos, G., Manolopoulos, V. G., Verettas, D.-A., Tavridou, A. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Characteristics of Sjogren's syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis
Conclusion. RA/SS patients have distinctive features, with more complications and systemic involvement. In addition, disease activity is higher in RA/SS. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: He, J., Ding, Y., Feng, M., Guo, J., Sun, X., Zhao, J., Yu, D., Li, Z. Tags: Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Comparison of three imaging techniques in diagnosis of chondrocalcinosis of the knees in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
Conclusion. US appeared to be a helpful tool, possibly better than CR or CT, in revealing CC in patients with CPDD. Informativity of CT and CR in the detection of CC is almost equal. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Barskova, V. G., Kudaeva, F. M., Bozhieva, L. A., Smirnov, A. V., Volkov, A. V., Nasonov, E. L. Tags: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Gastrointestinal motility disorder assessment in systemic sclerosis
Conclusion. GI involvement is very frequent in SSc patients. Oesophagus and small bowel are more frequently impaired, whereas delayed gastric emptying is less common. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Savarino, E., Mei, F., Parodi, A., Ghio, M., Furnari, M., Gentile, A., Berdini, M., Di Sario, A., Bendia, E., Bonazzi, P., Scarpellini, E., Laterza, L., Savarino, V., Gasbarrini, A. Tags: Systemic Sclerosis CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research

Telomere length in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its associations with carotid plaque
Conclusion. SLE women had significantly shorter TL than controls. SLE women trended towards shorter TL at a younger age. When carotid plaque was identified, the younger SLE women had shorter TL. Only older age but not shorter TL was independently associated with carotid plaque. Additional studies are needed to confirm if TL is a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease in SLE. (Source: Rheumatology)
Source: Rheumatology - May 11, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Skamra, C., Romero-Diaz, J., Sandhu, A., Huang, Q., Lee, J., Pearce, W., McPherson, D. D., Sutton-Tyrrell, K., Pope, R., Ramsey-Goldman, R. Tags: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmunity CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research