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. This is page number 21.

Ultrasound applications for the practicing rheumatologist
Abstract: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an increasingly used tool for the evaluation and management of rheumatologic diseases. Its utilisation by rheumatologists is varied around the world and is dependent upon training and local expertise. Its applications can be broadly categorised into three main areas; for the education of patients, to aid the rheumatologist in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease, and therapeutically for joint aspiration and injection.Ultrasound is a safe, portable, easily repeatable, dynamic images in multiple planes and cheap form of imaging. Ultrasound however, is operator dependent and has a nu...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Fredrick Joshua Source Type: research

Controversies in conventional radiography in spondyloarthritis
Radiographic assessment of spondyloarthritis constitutes the primary imaging modality for diagnostic evaluation although it is insensitive in early disease. Several years are required before definite changes can be seen in the sacroiliac joints, and magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality when the clinical presentation suggests spondyloarthritis but the pelvic radiograph is normal or equivocal. There is little evidence that special views of the sacroiliac joints or a series of views depicting the joint are superior to a conventional antero-posterior radiograph. Studies in early disease suggest that o...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Walter P. Maksymowych Source Type: research

Imaging of gout – An overview
The diverse clinical states and sites of pathology in gout provide challenges when considering the features apparent on imaging. Ideally, an imaging modality should capture all aspects of disease including monosodium urate crystal deposition, acute inflammation, tophus, tissue remodelling and complications of disease. The modalities used in gout include conventional radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and dual-energy computed tomography. This review discusses the role of each of these imaging modalities in gout, focussing on the imaging characteristics, role in gout diagnosis and r...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Nicola Dalbeth, Anthony J. Doyle Source Type: research

MRI and ultrasonography for diagnosis and monitoring of psoriatic arthritis
Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) have been increasingly used in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) providing additional clues to the pathogenesis of this peripheral, axial and dermatologic disease. This has improved our understanding of the disease and can be used to aid diagnosis and then to follow outcomes of treatment. Both imaging modalities have highlighted the differing involvement of PsA when compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a significant burden of entheseal disease, flexor tenosynovitis (occurring alone or as part of dactylitis) and other extra-capsular inflammatory...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Laura C. Coates, Richard Hodgson, Philip G. Conaghan, Jane E. Freeston Source Type: research

Nuclear imaging of rheumatic diseases
Advanced imaging techniques are promising tools to assist in the early diagnosis and monitoring of therapy in various rheumatic diseases. As there is now increasing emphasis on diagnosing inflammatory rheumatic disease in the pre-clinical stages, so that treatment may be instituted early and ideally prevent irreversible tissue damage, highly sensitive techniques are needed to detect subclinical inflammation. Moreover, there is an increasing need to develop individualised treatment protocols at reasonable cost and with optimal therapeutic effect. Tools are required that can image the therapeutic target and sensitively trace...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Conny J. van der Laken, Marc H. Huisman, Alexandre E. Voskuyl Source Type: research

Should modern imaging be part of remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis?
With recent improvements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), remission has become an achievable goal for a large proportion of RA patients, and remission is now a defined target in current RA guidelines. However, studies have shown that progression of radiographic joint damage may occur in clinical remission, regardless of the choice of remission definition. Sub-clinical inflammation detected by modern imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging is present in the majority of patients in clinical remission, and is associated with progressive joint damage and disease activity flare in...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Espen A. Haavardsholm, Elisabeth Lie, Siri Lillegraven Source Type: research

The diagnostic utility of MRI in spondyloarthritis
The recently developed Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) are the first criteria ever to include findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints. Features indicating sacroiliac joint inflammation on MRI are weighted equally to structural changes on conventional radiography, and thus MRI has become an important tool for use in daily practice to evaluate patients with clinically suspected early spondyloarthritis. However, MRI can also detect structural changes such as erosions and fat infiltrations, and re...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Susanne J. Pedersen, Ulrich Weber, Mikkel Østergaard Source Type: research

Imaging in rheumatology: New tools for use in clinical practice in 2012
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?” Imaging has come a long way from simple surface reflections, but is yet to reach the prognostic accuracy of the mirror interrogated by the Wicked Queen. All the same, the analogy is an interesting one as all forms of imaging “mirror” aspects of reality, which in the rheumatology context usually means articular (or periarticular) inflammation and damage. Many ingenious methods have been developed to make such mirrors function, from the application of ultrasonic waves, to altering the moment of spinning protons using magnetic fields, to bombarding tissues wi...
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Fiona M. McQueen, Mikkel Østergaard Source Type: research

Editorial Board/Aims and Scope
Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint
We present a pictorial review of the spectrum of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology diagnosed with CT. Although MRI is the modality of choice for most TMJ pathology, CT is useful when MRI is contraindicated or not accessible. With attention to technique and viewing conditions, CT is capable of showing internal disc derangement, arthritis, neoplasms and non‐TMJ regional pathology at a relatively low radiation dose.
Source: Australasian Radiology - December 1, 2012 Category: Radiology Authors: Rudolf Boeddinghaus, Andy Whyte Tags: Radiology—Pictorial Essay Source Type: research

Atrial natriuretic peptide as a marker of heart failure in children with left ventricular volume overload
ConclusionANP increases in cases of LV volume overload irrespective of the aetiology of heart failure. It can differentiate between children in quiescent state from those in clinical failure even in the absence of echocardiographically detectable systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, it can monitor LV remodelling with treatment.
Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health - December 1, 2012 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Alyaa A Kotby, Khaled H Taman, Heba Tallah A Sedky, Nevin MM Habeeb, Eman S El‐Hadidi, Hanan S Yosseif Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Phenotype conversion from rheumatoid arthritis to systemic lupus erythematosus by introduction of Yaa mutation into FcγRIIB‐deficient C57BL/6 mice
We previously established an IgG Fc receptor IIB (FcγRIIB)‐deficient C57BL/6 (B6)‐congenic mouse strain (KO1), which spontaneously develops rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but not systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we show that when Y chromosome‐linked autoimmune acceleration (Yaa) mutation was introduced in KO1 strain (KO1.Yaa), the majority of KO1.Yaa mice did not develop RA, but instead did develop SLE. This phenotype conversion did not depend on autoantibody specificity, since KO1.Yaa mice, compared with KO1, showed a marked increase in serum levels of both lupus‐related and RA‐related autoantibodies. The i...
Source: European Journal of Immunology - December 1, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Shinya Kawano, Qingshun Lin, Hirofumi Amano, Toshiyuki Kaneko, Keiko Nishikawa, Hiromichi Tsurui, Norihiro Tada, Hiroyuki Nishimura, Toshiyuki Takai, Toshikazu Shirai, Yoshinari Takasaki, Sachiko Hirose Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

Variations in reporting doctor‐diagnosed osteoarthritis reflect contemporaneous severity of symptoms and functioning
ConclusionVariations in reporting osteoarthritis coincided with episodic fluctuations in symptoms and functioning. Inconsistent reporting of osteoarthritis could therefore reflect presence of symptoms rather than reporting error and should be considered in longitudinal studies. © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology
Source: Arthritis Care and Research - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Geeske Peeters, Lynne Parkinson, Elizabeth Badley, Mark Jones, Wendy J Brown, Annette J Dobson, Gita D Mishra Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Casitas B‐lineage‐lymphoma‐b is a key regulator of peripheral tolerance in systemic lupus erythematosus
Conclusions:Our data suggest that abnormal peripheral tolerance in SLE is caused by Cbl‐b deficiency and that this ubiquitin ligase plays a key role in regulating TCR signalling during the induction of peripheral tolerance. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Diana Gómez‐Martín, María Ibarra‐Sánchez, Jorge Romo‐Tena, José Cruz‐Ruíz, José Esparza‐López, Miguel Galindo‐Campos, Mariana Díaz‐Zamudio, Jorge Alcocer‐Varela Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

[Neuroendocrine Tumours of the GI Tract - Data from the German NET Registry].
, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Großhadern, München), Bartsch DK (Klinik f. Viszeral-, Thorax- u. Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen u. Marburg, Marburg), Bechstein WO (Klinik f. Allgemein- u. Viszeralchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main), Büchler MW (Chirurgische Universitätsklinik, Abt. f. Allgemein-, Viszeral- u. Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg), Daum S (Med. Klinik I, Gastroenterologie, Infektiologie, Rheumatologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin), F...
Source: Zentralblatt fur Chirurgie - December 1, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: Begum N, Maasberg S, Plöckinger U, Anlauf M, Rinke A, Pöpperl G, Lehnert H, Izbicki JR, Krausch M, Vashist YK, Raffel A, Bürk CG, Hoffmann J, Goretzki P, Pape UF, Weitere Vertreter des deutschen NET-Registers: Auernhammer C (Med. Klinik u. Poliklinik I Tags: Zentralbl Chir Source Type: research

Race, gender and total knee replacement consideration: The role of social support
ConclusionsAA patients reported less structural and functional social support than whites. Social support is an important determinant of preference for TKR surgery only among whites. © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology
Source: Arthritis Care and Research - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Ernest R. Vina, Yona K. Cloonan, Said A. Ibrahim, Michael J. Hannon, Robert M. Boudreau, C. Kent Kwoh Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

The results of uncemented total hip replacement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at ten years.
We report the medium-term results of 52 consecutive uncemented THRs undertaken in 35 paediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.4 years (10 to 16). The median follow-up was 10.5 years (6 to 15). During the study period 13 THRs underwent revision surgery. With revision as an endpoint, subgroup analysis revealed 100% survival of the 23 ceramic-on-ceramic THRs and 55% (16 of 29) of the metal- or ceramic-on-polyethylene. This resulted in 94% (95% CI 77.8 to 98.4) survivorship of the femoral component and 62% (95% CI 41.0 to 78.0) of the acetabular component. Rev...
Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume - December 1, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Daurka JS, Malik AK, Robin DA, Witt JD Tags: J Bone Joint Surg Br Source Type: research

Long-term results of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for the treatment of chronic scapholunate instability.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for the treatment of static scapholunate instability at a minimum follow-up of four years. A total of 59 patients who underwent capsulodesis for this condition were included in a retrospective analysis after a mean of 8.25 years (4.3 to 12). A total of eight patients underwent a salvage procedure at a mean of 2.33 years (0.67 to 7.6) and were excluded. The mean range of extension/flexion was 88° (15° to 135°) and of ulnar/radial deviation was 38° (0° to 75°) at final foll...
Source: The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume - December 1, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Megerle K, Bertel D, Germann G, Lehnhardt M, Hellmich S Tags: J Bone Joint Surg Br Source Type: research

Treatment of thumb carpometacarpal arthritis with arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and interposition arthroplasty.
This study revealed excellent short-term results at the minimum 1-year follow-up for a less invasive treatment option that is appropriate for select patients with moderate thumb carpometacarpal arthritis (Eaton stages 2 and 3). The authors demonstrated a comparably good outcome of arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy with Artelon spacer interposition arthroplasty with no evidence of foreign-body reaction. The authors also demonstrated the potential role of corticosteroid injections in the setting of a postoperative inflammatory reaction. PMID: 23218633 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Orthopedics - December 1, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Park MJ, Lee AT, Yao J Tags: Orthopedics Source Type: research

Serum B‐cell activating factor assessment in a population of Egyptian patients with systemic sclerosis
ConclusionSerum BAFF levels were significantly elevated in patients with SSc irrespective of disease subtype, disease duration or age of patients. This elevation in serum BAFF significantly related to gastrointestinal track involvement and MTX therapy.
Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Manal S. Abdo, Reem Hamdy A. Mohammed, Hala M. Raslan, Sabah M. Gaber Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Brain functional magnetic resonance activity is associated with response to tumor necrosis factor inhibition in rheumatoid arthritis
Conclusion. These data suggest that response to TNFi depends on the brain activity in RA patients reflecting the subjective perception of disease. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Juergen Rech, Andreas Hess, Stephanie Finzel, Silke Kreitz, Marina Sergeeva, Matthias Englbrecht, Arnd Doerfler, Marc Saake, Georg Schett Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Chronic leg ulcers in adult patients with rheumatological diseases – a 7‐year retrospective review
Chronic leg ulcers in patients with rheumatological diseases can cause significant morbidity. We performed a retrospective case review to describe the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of chronic leg ulcers in this group of patients. Twenty‐nine patients with underlying rheumatological conditions, namely, rheumatoid arthritis (15 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (8 patients), overlap syndromes (3 patients), systemic sclerosis (1 patient) and ankylosing spondylitis (1 patient) were included. The ulcers were mostly located around the ankle (55·2%) and calves (37·9%). The predominant aetiology of the ulce...
Source: International Wound Journal - December 1, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: Hui Y Chia, Mark BY Tang Source Type: research

Collagen type II‐specific antibodies induce cartilage damage independent of inflammation
Conclusions.The implication from these findings is that an autoimmune response to CII can disrupt articular cartilage particularly that of the small joints, and the subsequent integrity of the cartilage depends on a balance between breakdown and repair. This has relevance to RA where such autoantibodies occur, but the inflammatory response may dominate clinically and mask underlying features of the autoimmune response. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Allyson M Croxford, Senga Whittingham, Don McNaughton, Kutty S. Nandakumar, Rikard Holmdahl, Merrill J Rowley Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

A diclofenac suppository‐nabumetone combination therapy for arthritic pain relief and a monitoring method for the diclofenac binding capacity of HSA site II in rheumatoid arthritis
ABSTRACT Diclofenac suppository is widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with severe arthritic pain. As the binding percentage of diclofenac to serum proteins is high, its free (unbound) concentration after rectal administration is low. To increase temporarily free concentration of diclofenac and enhance its analgesic effect by inhibiting the protein binding of diclofenac, we examined the analgesic effect of diclofenac before and after the start of inhibitor administration to RA patients with insufficient control of arthritic pain, and how to evaluate the protein binding capacity of diclofenac. Binding experime...
Source: Biopharmaceutics and Drug Disposition - December 1, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Nao Setoguchi, Norito Takamura, Ken‐ichi Fujita, Kenji Ogata, Jin Tokunaga, Toyotaka Nishio, Etsuo Chosa, Kazuhiko Arimori, Keiichi Kawai, Ryuichi Yamamoto Tags: Original Paper Source Type: research

More evidence for a role of CpG methylation in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: David Alan Young Tags: Editorial Source Type: research

Autoimmune-mediated glucose intolerance in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against self-antigens such as double-stranded DNA and phospholipids. Classical comorbidities of SLE include glomerulonephritis, infection, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin disorders, and neurological disease. In addition to these classical comorbidities, there is emerging evidence that SLE patients are at higher risk of developing insulin resistance and other components of the metabolic syndrome. Visceral adipose tissue inflammation is a central mediator of insulin resistance in the obese setting, but the me...
Source: AJP: Endocrinology and Metabolism - December 1, 2012 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Gabriel, C. L., Smith, P. B., Mendez-Fernandez, Y. V., Wilhelm, A. J., Ye, A. M., Major, A. S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research

Thick legs – not always lipedema
Summary Due to its increased presence in the press and on television, the diagnosis of lipedema is on the way to becoming a trendy diagnosis for those with thick legs. Despite this, one must recognize that lipedema is a very rare disease. It is characterized by disproportional obesity of the extremities, especially in the region of the hip and the legs, hematoma development after minimal trauma, and increased pressure‐induced or spontaneous pain. Aids for making the correct diagnosis are (duplex) sonography, the waist‐hip index or the waist‐height index and lymphoscintigraphy. Important differential diagnoses are con...
Source: JDDG - December 1, 2012 Category: Dermatology Authors: Stefanie Reich‐Schupke, Peter Altmeyer, Markus Stücker Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Canine Stem Cell Therapy – Where are We?
The last several years have had an explosion of interest in using canine stem cells to treat everything from arthritic pain to chronic spinal cord injuries. Commercially available stem cell therapy has been available as far back as 2003. Numerous companies are promoting themselves as the leaders in the field with unparalleled results. Industry has been offering certification and training courses to make your practice the elite provider of these “cutting edge” therapies. Some will isolate and bank your cells, while others promote a table-side, in-clinic protocol that promises similar results. The idea is to get their pr...
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - December 1, 2012 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Jennifer L. Wardlaw Tags: Guest Editorial Source Type: research

Cam-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement
Cam-type femoroacetabular impingement is an anatomic hip condition that can lead to labral pathology, hip pain and arthritis. Hip arthroscopy can be a successful intervention used to address this condition. Arthroscopic techniques continue to evolve and allow for a reproducible and effective algorithm for addressing this condition.
Source: Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine - December 1, 2012 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Jonathan J. Streit, Chad M. Fortun, Michael J. Salata Source Type: research

Introduction
Over the past ten years, the our understanding and treatment of non-arthritic hip pathology has changed dramatically. We are recognizing and diagnosing pathology around the hip, groin, and pelvis that were previously poorly understood. There has been wide interest among all specialties in orthopedic surgery as well as disciplines outside our field.
Source: Operative Techniques in Sports Medicine - December 1, 2012 Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Shane J. Nho Source Type: research

Associations of educational attainment, occupation and community poverty with hip osteoarthritis
Conclusion:Our data provide evidence that hip OA outcomes are associated with both education and community SES measures, associations which remained after adjustment for covariates and all SES measures. © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology
Source: Arthritis Care and Research - December 1, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Rebecca J. Cleveland, Todd A. Schwartz, Lindsay Penny Prizer, Randy Randolph, Britta Schoster, Jordan B. Renner, Joanne M. Jordan, Leigh F. Callahan Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Treatment of the stiff elbow joint
Abstract: Elbow joint stiffness is a significant problem after elbow trauma, in degenerative and arthritic elbow joint disease, and following surgery to the elbow joint. Treatment of the disease can be difficult and it requires a team that can access a range of conservative and surgical treatment options.This paper describes the clinical presentation of the disease, its causes, diagnosis and management. The results obtained after treatment will be discussed, based both on the current literature and the senior authors extensive personal experience in treating patients with elbow joint stiffness.
Source: Orthopaedics and Trauma - December 1, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Bo Sanderhoff Olsen Tags: Elbow Source Type: research

Bone cement in arthroplasty
Abstract: Bone cement, or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement, is widely used to fix joint replacement prostheses to host bone. It acts as a grout, adapting the surface irregularities of the surrounding bone tissue to the surface of the inserted prosthesis.Knowledge of the components, exothermic reaction, exact mixing and handling times is important. Pressurizing the cement during insertion improves penetration into cancellous bone interstices, enabling better mechanical interdigitation. Optimal fixation of a cemented arthroplasty is critical to obtain long-term durability.Despite the increasing use of uncemented implants...
Source: Orthopaedics and Trauma - December 1, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Samena Chaudhry, David Dunlop Tags: Basic Science Source Type: research

Trapezial-Metacarpal Joint Arthritis: Radiographic Correlation Between First Metacarpal Articular Tilt and Dorsal Subluxation
Conclusions: Articular tilt and dorsal subluxation of the first metacarpal base are closely related, and both are increased with advanced-stage TM osteoarthritis. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.
Source: The Journal of Hand Surgery - November 30, 2012 Category: Surgery Authors: Kazuya Kurosawa, Ichiro Tsuchiya, Kenji Takagishi Tags: Scientific Articles Source Type: research

Identification of novel autoantigens by a triangulation approach.
Abstract High titer autoantibodies, which are often associated with specific clinical phenotypes, are useful diagnostically and prognostically in systemic autoimmune diseases. In several autoimmune rheumatic diseases (e.g. myositis and Sjogren's syndrome), 20-40% of patients are autoantibody negative as assessed by conventional assays. The recent discovery of new specificities (e.g., anti-MDA5) in a subset of these autoantibody-negative subjects demonstrates that additional specificities await identification. In this manuscript, we describe a rapid multidimensional method to identify new autoantigens. A central fou...
Source: Journal of Immunological Methods - November 30, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Cottrell TR, Hall JC, Rosen A, Casciola-Rosen L Tags: J Immunol Methods Source Type: research

Cartilage as a target of autoimmunity: A thin layer.
Abstract The articular cartilage is an important component of human organism that has elasticity, low-friction surface, and ability to withstand great physical forces. The structure consists of collagens and proteoglycans, whereas non-collagenous proteins are needed for the organization and modulation of the molecular networks. The structural elements of the cartilage are typical to that tissue and could, in part, account for the localization of the inflammatory response to the joint. For this reason cartilage is of particular interest in autoimmunity as it may represent a source of antigens. It is well known that ...
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews - November 30, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Frisenda S, Perricone C, Valesini G Tags: Autoimmun Rev Source Type: research

Immunogenicity and autoimmunity during anti-TNF therapy.
Abstract The introduction of anti-TNF agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) revolutionised the therapeutic approach to patients with active disease who failed to respond to conventional therapy. However, patients with RA, CD and SpA who are treated with selective tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors may develop autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Anti-phospholipid antibodies, which are mainly detected by means of anti-cardiolipin assays, have also been found in RA patients recei...
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews - November 30, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Atzeni F, Talotta R, Benucci M, Salaffi F, Cassinotti A, Varisco V, Battellino M, Ardizzone S, Pace F, Sarzi-Puttini P Tags: Autoimmun Rev Source Type: research

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-mediated autoimmunity: Lessons to learn from ANCA vasculitis and pemphigus vulgaris.
Abstract Evidence is beginning to accumulate that p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cellular and humoral autoimmune responses. The exact mechanisms and the degree by which the p38 MAPK pathway participates in the immune-mediated induction of diseases have started to emerge. This review discusses the recent advances in the molecular dissection of the p38 MAPK pathway and the findings generated by reports investigating its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmu...
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews - November 30, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Mavropoulos A, Orfanidou T, Liaskos C, Smyk DS, Billinis C, Blank M, Rigopoulou EI, Bogdanos DP Tags: Autoimmun Rev Source Type: research

In vivo confocal microscopic evaluation of corneal Langerhans cell density, and distribution and evaluation of dry eye in rheumatoid arthritis.
We examined the density and the distribution of LCs and compared the results with dry-eye parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fifty-two RA patients with various degrees of disease activity and 24 healthy subjects were enrolled. Peripheral and central LC number and morphology were assessed with in vivo laser confocal microscopy. In addition, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), lid parallel conjunctival folds, Schirmer test, and tear break-up time (TBUT) were evaluated. The prevalence of central and peripheral LC, and the central LC morphology values (LCM) were higher than normal in RA. Within the RA group, LC prevalen...
Source: Innate Immunity - November 30, 2012 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Marsovszky L, Resch MD, Németh J, Toldi G, Medgyesi E, Kovács L, Balog A Tags: Innate Immun Source Type: research

Letter to the Editor ‐ in Response to the article by Faurschou and colleagues
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Carol A. Langford, Gary S. Hoffman Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Bone parameters across different types of hip osteoarthritis and its relation to osteoporotic fracture risk
Conclusions:Individuals with atrophic hip OA have an increased risk for OP fractures not fully explained by systemically lower BMD compared to controls. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Martha C. Castaño‐Betancourt, Fernando Rivadeneira, Sita Bierma‐Zeinstra, Hanneke J.M. Kerkhof, Albert Hofman, Andre G. Uitterlinden, Joyce B.J. Van‐Meurs Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

“Raccoon sign”
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Carlos G. G. de Moura, Constança M. S. Cruz, Sérgio P. de Souza Tags: Clinical Image Source Type: research

Reply
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Mikkel Faurschou, Kerstin Westman, Niels Rasmussen, Kirsten de Groot, Oliver Flossmann, Peter Höglund, David Jayne Tags: Reply to Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Epidemiology and sociodemographics of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis among U.S. adults with medicaid coverage, 2000‐2004
Conclusions:In this nationwide Medicaid population, there was sociodemographic variation in SLE and LN prevalence and incidence. Understanding the increased burden of SLE and its complications in this low‐income population has implications for resource allocation and access to subspecialty care. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Candace H. Feldman, Linda T. Hiraki, Jun Liu, Michael A. Fischer, Daniel H. Solomon, Graciela S. Alarcón, Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer, Karen H. Costenbader Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Genetic and cellular evidence of decreased inflammation associated with reduced post‐traumatic arthritis in MRL/MpJ mice
Conclusion:C57BL/6 mice exhibited higher levels of inflammation than MRL/MpJ mice, which are protected from post‐traumatic arthritis in this model. These data thus suggest an association between joint tissue inflammation and post‐traumatic arthritis in mice. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: John S. Lewis, Bridgette D. Furman, Evan Zeitler, Janet L. Huebner, Virginia B. Kraus, Farshid Guilak, Steven A. Olson Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Effects of a modified shoe on knee load in people with and without knee osteoarthritis
Conclusions:The findings illustrate that a shoe incorporating both a lateral wedge and variable‐stiffness sole can significantly reduce parameters of medial knee joint load. Future research examining the effects of these shoes on pain, function and joint structural changes is warranted. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Kim L. Bennell, Crystal O. Kean, Tim V. Wrigley, Rana S. Hinman Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Livedoid vasculopathy: A vasculitic mimic
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Subramanian Shankar, Biju Vasudevan, Prabal Deb, Vijay Langer, Rajesh Verma, Velu Nair Tags: Clinical Image Source Type: research

Am80, a retinoic acid receptor agonist, ameliorates murine vasculitis through the suppression of neutrophil migration and activation
Conclusion:Am80 significantly suppressed CAWS‐induced vasculitis presumably through inhibition of neutrophil migration and activation. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Chie Miyabe, Yoshishige Miyabe, Noriko N. Miura, Kei Takahashi, Yuya Terashima, Etsuko Toda, Fumiko Honda, Tomohiro Morio, Naoko Yamagata, Naohito Ohno, Koichi Shudo, Jun‐ichi Suzuki, Mitsuaki Isobe, Kouji Matsushima, Ryoji Tsuboi, Nobuyuki Miyasaka, To Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Down‐regulation of Interferon signature in systemic lupus erythematosus patients by active immunization with Interferon α‐Kinoid
Conclusions:These results show that IFN‐K is well‐tolerated, immunogenic, and significantly improves disease biomarkers in SLE patients, indicating that further studies of its clinical efficacy are warranted. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Bernard R. Lauwerys, Eric Hachulla, François Spertini, Estibaliz Lazaro, Christian Jorgensen, Xavier Mariette, Edwige Haelterman, Géraldine Grouard‐Vogel, Bernard Fanget, Olivier Dhellin, Pierre Vandepapelière, Frédéric A. Houssiau Tags: Full Length Source Type: research

Therapeutic efficacy of Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK agonists in collagen‐induced arthritis
ConclusionsWe provide the first evidence that TAM receptor stimulation by Gas6 and Pros1 can be used to ameliorate arthritis when applied systemically or locally. TAM receptor stimulation limits proinflammatory signaling and the adaptive immunity. This pathway provides a novel strategy to combat rheumatoid arthritis. © 2012 American College of Rheumatology.
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism - November 30, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Authors: B.T. van den Brand, S. Abdollahi‐Roodsaz, E.A. Vermeij, M.B. Bennink, O.J. Arntz, C.V. Rothlin, W.B. van den Berg, F.A.J. van de Loo Tags: Full Length Source Type: research