Arthritis Basics
By George Harper
Maybe pain occurs, like when trying to open a jar. What’s it all about? Let’s look at the basics and learn more.

Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and has over 100 related conditions or type / forms of disease. Left untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that cannot be undone or reversed. So early detection and treatment are important.

The two most common types of are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both happen for different reasons. When joints are overused and misused, the results can be OA. What happens is that the cushioning cartilage that protects the joint breaks down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. This generally happens in the knees, but can be found in the hips, spine and hands often, too. And only in later stages will a person most often feel pain, after quite a bit of cartilage is lost.

The second type, RA, refers to the body’s immune system attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the medical community, this condition most often starts in a person’s hands, wrists and feet. Then it advances to shoulders, elbows and hips.

Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. And both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. affecting the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body.

A difference in OA and RA to note is with swelling. With RA, people report “soft and squishy” swelling. While with OA, people report “hard and bony” swelling. Another difference is that a person is more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While a person with a history of joint damage, either an injury or chronic strain, runs a higher risk for developing OA.

There is no specific age for sufferers. While it can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over 45 years of age.And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent of OA cases (or just over 15 million) occur with women and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. People with excess weight tend to develop OA, especially in the knees when reaching over 45 years of age. However, losing weight can turn the odds around almost by half. Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk, strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.

Although there are no cure-alls for arthritis, there are a variety of pain relief treatment strategies. Aside from medications, remedies, replacement alternatives and other helpful treatment options and alternatives, the four main relief aids are gentle exercise, good nutrition, a positive attitude and rest. And each will be discussed further in subsequent sections, because education can play a huge role to dispel “old wives tales” and myths that “nothing can be done about arthritis.” Notable is that today, only a small percentage of those afflicted with become crippled. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices.

Also note if you suspect you may have arthritis, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Because healthcare providers can help to determine if the symptoms are not something else like a virus or tendonitis or other similar problem that cold potentially worsen if left untreated.

Types Of Arthritis

There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain today to find relief. Available are arthritic diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow, check out the other options.

After osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid (RA), three other major types of are systemic lupus erythematosis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Let’s take a look at each:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) – This form of mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – This form or affects

Genetic and therapeutic targeting of properdin in mice prevents complement-mediated tissue injury
The alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation is constitutively active and must be regulated by host proteins to prevent autologous tissue injury. Dysfunction of AP regulatory proteins has been linked to several human inflammatory disorders. Properdin is a positive regulator of AP complement activation that has been shown to extend the half-life of cell surface&#x02013;bound C3 convertase C3bBb; it may also initiate AP complement activation. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for properdin in autologous tissue injury mediated by AP complement activation. We identified myeloid lineage cells as the principal source of plasma properdin by generating mice with global and tissue-specific knockout of Cfp (which encodes properdin) and by generating BM chimeric mice. Properdin deficiency...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Ancient 'Paleo' diet key to healthy living and weight loss, some say
(NaturalNews) Eat like a cave man to lose weight, build muscle and feel great. This is what advocates of the "Paleo" diet say is the key to healthy living, a diet that consists only of meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and mushrooms -- also known as the "Paleolithic", or Paleo diet.A recent Chicago Tribune article tells the story of Rick Larson, co-owner of a West Sacramento, Calif., gym called CrossFit. Larson, a Paleo diet supporter, explains in the story that many of his gym members were getting great workouts, but that few were following healthy diets. After experiencing incredible success himself on the Paleo diet, he decided to offer the program to his members as well."For the first time in my life, I started to feel quite healthy. I didn't get any respiratory problems, my arthri...
Hydrocortisone/methotrexate/prednisone: Septic arthritis in an elderly patient: case report
(Source: Reactions)
Avesthagen gets 'process' patent for arthritis drug
Bangalore-based drugmaker Avesthagen has got the Indian patent for the process to make a biosimilar drug of Amgen's blockbuster medicine Enbrel. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)
Avesthagen gets 'process' patent for arthritis drug
Bangalore-based drugmaker Avesthagen has got the Indian patent for the process to make a biosimilar drug of Amgen's blockbuster medicine Enbrel. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)
Achieving Drug-free Remission: Elucidating the Role of TNF in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Read this study to learn about the increasing role of biologic therapies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. International Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Efficacy and Safety of Various Repeat Treatment Dosing Regimens of Rituximab in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Phase III Randomized Study (MIRROR)
What is the most effective dosing method of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatology (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)
Arthritis may block Alzheimer's
A protein produced in arthritis may ?protect against the development of Alzheimer's disease,? reported BBC News. US research on mice has discovered that a protein called GM-CSF, produced in rheumatoid arthritis, may trigger the immune system to destroy the protein plaques found in Alzheimer?s disease. (Source: Neurological Conditions Specialist Library)
DNA From National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank Released For Study
Millions of Americans struggling with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are one step closer to a cure with the first-ever release of National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank DNA samples for use in psoriasis research. The samples will allow scientists to uncover the unknowns about the genetics of psoriatic disease and its causes. James T. Elder, M.D., Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Original Article: Rheumatoid arthritis and birth outcomes: a Danish and Swedish nationwide prevalence study
Abstract.? (Source: Journal of Internal Medicine)
Editorial Comment: Rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy: where do we go from here?
(Source: Journal of Internal Medicine)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Overactive Blood Platelets May Play Role in Lupus
Title: Overactive Blood Platelets May Play Role in LupusCategory: Health NewsCreated: 9/1/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 9/2/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Case Study Reveals 'Percussionist Wrist' Injury
Title: Case Study Reveals 'Percussionist Wrist' InjuryCategory: Health NewsCreated: 9/1/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 9/2/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Ketoprofen pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability in pediatric patients.
In conclusion, ketoprofen is effective and well tolerated in children for the control of post-surgical pain and for the control of pain and fever in inflammatory conditions. PMID: 20799760 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Paediatric Drugs)
Predictors of interstitial lung disease in early systemic sclerosis: a prospective longitudinal study of the GENISOS cohort
The objective was to examine the association of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics with sequentially obtained measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC, expressed as a percentage of the predicted value) and to identify predictors of decline rate in FVC over time in the Genetics versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study (GENISOS). Methods: To date, 266 patients were enrolled in GENISOS, a prospective, observational cohort of patients with early systemic sclerosis. In addition to pulmonary function tests (PFT), clinical and laboratory data were obtained from each patient. We analyzed 926 FVC measurements utilizing generalized linear mixed models. The predictive significance of baseline variables for the decline rate in FVC was investigated by the interaction term betwee...
Impact of Prevalent Fractures on Quality of Life: Baseline Results From the Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women
CONCLUSION: Previous fractures at a variety of bone locations, particularly spine, hip, and upper leg, or involving more than 1 location are associated with significant reductions in quality of life. (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mainstream media now citing ridiculous junk science to discredit omega-3s
(NaturalNews) A study out of the Netherlands has put the mainstream media in a mindless tizzy about the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Because a group of people fed four teaspoons of omega-3-enriched margarine a day for more than three years did not experience a reduction in heart events, many media outlets are foolishly reporting that omega-3s are not as beneficial as commonly believed.Margarine, as many people now know, is a synthetic, hydrogenated food product that is actually not a food at all. It is a product composed of synthetic trans-fatty acids that are highly toxic and harmful to health. Margarine is exactly the type of substance that causes heart attacks and cardiovascular illness, making it ridiculous to include as part of a health study."[T]rans-fatty acids not only in...
Foot Pain
Title: Foot PainCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 5/13/2008Last Editorial Review: 9/1/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Behind the headlines - Genetic effects of vitamin D studied
?Stocking up on vitamin D supplements and enjoying the summer sun could cut the risk of a host of diseases,? reported the Daily Mail. This news story is based on a study that investigated how vitamin D might influence the risk of certain diseases by affecting the activity of genes. It found that vitamin D binds directly to genes associated with several common autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer. Studies of this kind add to our knowledge of the function of vitamin D, and will be used to assess the guidelines for recommended vitamin D intake. What does NHS Choices make of this study? This is a valuable addition to our knowledge of the effects of vitamin D in the cells and how it might affect our risk of certain di...
Behind the headlines - Genetic effects of vitamin D studied
?Stocking up on vitamin D supplements and enjoying the summer sun could cut the risk of a host of diseases,? reported the Daily Mail. This news story is based on a study that investigated how vitamin D might influence the risk of certain diseases by affecting the activity of genes. It found that vitamin D binds directly to genes associated with several common autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer. Studies of this kind add to our knowledge of the function of vitamin D, and will be used to assess the guidelines for recommended vitamin D intake. What does NHS Choices make of this study? This is a valuable addition to our knowledge of the effects of vitamin D in the cells and how it might affect our risk of certain di...
Behind the headlines - Genetic effects of vitamin D studied
?Stocking up on vitamin D supplements and enjoying the summer sun could cut the risk of a host of diseases,? reported the Daily Mail. This news story is based on a study that investigated how vitamin D might influence the risk of certain diseases by affecting the activity of genes. It found that vitamin D binds directly to genes associated with several common autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer. Studies of this kind add to our knowledge of the function of vitamin D, and will be used to assess the guidelines for recommended vitamin D intake. What does NHS Choices make of this study? This is a valuable addition to our knowledge of the effects of vitamin D in the cells and how it might affect our risk of certain di...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
U-M researchers receive largest single collection of psoriasis DNA samples
(University of Michigan Health System) Millions of Americans struggling with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are one step closer to a cure with the release of the first National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank DNA samples for use in research at the University of Michigan Health System; research that hopes to uncover the unknowns about the genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Heterogeneity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Impact of molecular profiling based on DNA polymorphism and gene expression patterns
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
?Muscles ? and bones?
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Mast cells and type I interferon responses in the skin of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: Are current therapies just scratching the surface?
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Edward D. Harris, Jr., MD, 1937?2010
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Risk factors for severe infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab in the autoimmunity and rituximab registry
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Anti?apolipoprotein A?1 IgG predicts major cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Glucocorticoid?induced leucine zipper is an endogenous antiinflammatory mediator in arthritis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Increased friction coefficient and superficial zone protein expression in patients with advanced osteoarthritis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Involvement of different risk factors in clinically severe large joint osteoarthritis according to the presence of hand interphalangeal nodes
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Human articular chondrocytes secrete parathyroid hormone?related protein and inhibit hypertrophy of mesenchymal stem cells in coculture during chondrogenesis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Hypoxia?inducible factor regulation of ANK expression in nucleus pulposus cells: Possible implications in controlling dystrophic mineralization in the intervertebral disc
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Blockade of the interleukin?7 receptor inhibits collagen?induced arthritis and is associated with reduction of T cell activity and proinflammatory mediators
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
In vivo microfocal computed tomography and micro?magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of antiresorptive and antiinflammatory drugs as preventive treatments of osteoarthritis in the rat
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Attenuation of osteoarthritis progression by reduction of discoidin domain receptor 2 in mice
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
A novel autoantibody recognizing 200?kd and 100?kd proteins is associated with an immune?mediated necrotizing myopathy
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Racial disparities in age at time of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular?related death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Interferon???dependent inhibition of B cell activation by bone marrow?derived mesenchymal stem cells in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Long?term remission after cessation of interferon?? treatment in patients with severe uveitis due to Behçet's disease
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Lesional and nonlesional skin from patients with untreated juvenile dermatomyositis displays increased numbers of mast cells and mature plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Abstract (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Association of subclinical atherosclerosis and leukopenia in systemic autoimmune diseases: Comment on the article by Huang et al
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Reply
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Reply
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Lymphoid aggregation is not lymphoid neogenesis: Comment on the article by Klaasen et al
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Comparison between adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab in rheumatoid arthritis: Comment on the article by Hetland et al
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Reply
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Imaging artifact explains apparent metacarpophalangeal joint erosions in healthy individuals: Comment on the article by Stach et al
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Reply
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Osteoarthritis, a basic calcium phosphate crystal?associated arthropathy? Comment on the article by Fuerst et al
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
National Psoriasis Foundation Discovery Research Grant
The National Psoriasis Foundation is seeking grant applications that encourage the advancement of innovative research in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Discovery Research Grants are intended to allow researchers to undertake preliminary and proof of concept studies with the goal of developing competitive grant proposals that lead to long-term funding from the National Institutes of Health or other federal agencies. Research pathways: The National Psoriasis Foundation supports basic and clinical research that leads to the prevention, diagnosis and cure of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Priority consideration will be given to applications that address one or more of the Foundation&rsquo;s research pathways: (1) genetics, (2) cell biology, (3) immunology, and (4) epidemiological...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
National Psoriasis Foundation Translational Research Grant
The National Psoriasis Foundation is seeking grant applications that focus on the rapid translation of scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical or population-based studies into clinical applications that have a clear benefit for patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Research pathways: Priority consideration will be given to applications that address one or more of the Foundation&#39;s research pathways: (1) genetics, (2) cell biology, (3) immunology, and (4) epidemiological/health services research. Anticipated number of awards: It is anticipated that as many as four new Translational Research Grants will be awarded in 2011. Awards are contingent on the availability of funds and the receipt of sufficiently meritorious applications. Budget and Projec...
Increased muscle interstitial levels of inflammatory cytokines in polymyalgia rheumatica
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Motion Deficit of the Thumb in CMC Joint Arthritis
Conclusions: Severe stages of thumb CMC OA cause an asymmetrical motion deficit with decreased ROM in extension and adduction, leading to decreased capability of counteropposition. (Source: The Journal of Hand Surgery)
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Long?term study of infliximab in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, pustular psoriasis and psoriatic erythroderma
(Source: The Journal of Dermatology)
Ultrasound in American Rheumatology Practice: Report of the American College of Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Task Force
(Source: Arthritis Care and Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Varus?valgus laxity and passive stiffness in medial knee osteoarthritis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Thigh muscle strength, functional capacity, and self?reported function in patients at high risk of knee osteoarthritis compared with controls
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Life strain?related tiredness and illness?related fatigue in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Serum uric acid and risk of occupational disability: Findings from a cohort study of male construction workers in Germany
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Musculoskeletal pain and incident disability in community?dwelling older adults
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Risk factors associated with renal lithiasis during uricosuric treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with Gout
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Prevalence of cam?type deformity on hip magnetic resonance imaging in young males: A cross?sectional study
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Rituximab therapy for myopathy associated with anti?signal recognition particle antibodies: A case series
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Frequency and effectiveness of dose increase of adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab in daily clinical practice
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Cross?sectional comparison of extended anteroposterior and posteroanterior fixed flexion positioning to assess radiographic osteoarthritis at the knee: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Abstract (Source: Arthritis Care and Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
A 39?year?old woman with Lupus, Myositis, and a Recalcitrant Vasculopathy
(Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Does the intraclass correlation coefficient always reliably express reliability? Comment on the article by Cheung et al
(Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Reply
(Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
ARHP announcements
(Source: Arthritis Care and Research)
Certain Exercises Benefit Arthritic Dogs
Walking uphill, over low obstacles may help Fido stay flexible, study shows (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Certain Exercises Benefit Arthritic Dogs
Walking uphill, over low obstacles may help Fido stay flexible, study shows Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Pet Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Delayed Gadolinium-enhanced MR Imaging of Cartilage--A Feasibility Study [Musculoskeletal Imaging]
Conclusion: Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage of the MCP joints is feasible at 3.0 T. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage may help to assess cartilage degeneration in morphologically normal-appearing MCP II and III cartilage in patients with RA. &copy; RSNA, 2010 (Source: Continuous Publishing articles)
New Insights Into Detecting Osteoarthritis Via Sodium MRI, NYU Researchers Find
Researchers at New York University have developed an innovative way to look at the development of osteoarthritis in the knee joint - one that relies on the examination of sodium ions in cartilage. Their work, which appears in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance, may provide a non-invasive method to diagnose osteoarthritis in its very early stages. The concentration of sodium ions, which are distributed in the body, is known to reveal the location of glycosaminogycans (GAGs) in cartilage tissues... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Health Tip: Snug Shoes Can Damage Feet
Title: Health Tip: Snug Shoes Can Damage FeetCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/30/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/31/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
New developments in osteoarthritis. Prevention of injury-related knee osteoarthritis
Purpose of Review: This review presents recent data on knee joint injury as a major cause of osteoarthritis (OA), and promising developments in primary and secondary prevention of OA related to injury. In particular, the role of neuromuscular and biomechanical factors in primary injury prevention and their proposed role in treatment after injury to prevent OA are reviewed and discussed.Recent Findings: Knee OA after injury is common, especially in young adults. There has been an alarming increasing in knee injuries, particularly in females, in the past two decades. Knee OA due to injury estimated at 14-25% a decade ago may be higher now. Convincing level 1 and 2 evidence has shown that the majority of ACL and other injuries are preventable with neuromuscular training programs to improve tr...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
NHGRI selects new scientific director for intramural research
Daniel L. Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.,has been selected to be the Scientific Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), NHGRI Director Eric D. Green, M.D., Ph.D., announced. Dr. Kastner currently serves as Clinical Director and Director of Translational Research at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). NHGRI and NIAMS are two of the 27 institutes and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Kastner will assume his position at NHGRI in early October Top of page August 15, 2010: Discovered gene causes Kabuki syndrome Using a new, rapid and less expensive DNA sequencing strategy, scientists have discovered genetic alterations that account for most cases of Kabuki syndrome, a rare disorder that causes multip...
A Step Closer To Development Of Drug To Prevent Deadly Immune Response
Researchers have isolated a molecule, small enough to be used as a drug, that can shut down a dysfunctional immune response that causes deadly hemorrhagic shock, results in delayed death of heart attack patients, promotes rejection of transplanted organs and destroys joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a paper published in Molecular Immunology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Vitamin D really does prevent cancer, autoimmune diseases
(NaturalNews) A new study out of Oxford University pinpoints vitamin D deficiency as a culprit in serious illnesses like cancer and autoimmune disorders. According to the report, which was recently published online in the journal Genome Research, genetic receptors throughout the body need adequate vitamin D levels to prevent these and other serious illnesses from developing.Multiple sclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Chron's disease, leukemia -- these and many more diseases are often caused by a lack of vitamin D. Your genes literally have receptors that need vitamin D in order to properly express themselves. If there is not enough of the vitamin, serious illness is prone to develop.The Oxford team made specific observations about the importance of vitamin D in the genome regions a...
Bladder Cancer
Title: Bladder CancerCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Food Better Than Supplements for Cancer Prevention: Expert
Title: Food Better Than Supplements for Cancer Prevention: ExpertCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/27/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/30/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
The complications of high tibial osteotomy: CLOSING- VERSUS OPENING-WEDGE METHODS.
Authors: Song EK, Seon JK, Park SJ, Jeong MS We compared the incidence and severity of complications during and after closing- and opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy used for the treatment of varus arthritis of the knee, and identified the risk factors associated with the development of complications. In total, 104 patients underwent laterally based closing-wedge and 90 medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy between January 1993 and December 2006. The characteristics of each group were similar. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. We assessed the outcome using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score, and recorded the complications. Age, gender, obesity (body mass index &gt; 27.5 kg/m(2)), the type of osteotomy (closing versus opening) and the pre-operativ...
Revision interposition arthroplasty of the elbow.
Authors: Larson AN, Adams RA, Morrey BF Between 1996 and 2008, nine patients with severe post-traumatic arthritis underwent revision of a failed interposition arthroplasty of the elbow with a further interposition procedure using an allograft of tendo Achillis at a mean of 5.6 years (0.7 to 13.1) after the initial procedure. There were eight men and one woman with a mean age of 47 years (36 to 56). The mean follow-up was 4.7 years (2 to 8). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score improved from 49 (15 to 65) pre-operatively to 73 (55 to 95) (p = 0.04). The mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 26 (7 to 42). One patient was unavailable for clinical follow-up and one underwent total elbow replacement three months post-operatively. Of the remaining patients, one had an exce...
Septic arthritis or transient synovitis of the hip in children: THE VALUE OF CLINICAL PREDICTION ALGORITHMS.
Authors: Sultan J, Hughes PJ The crucial differentiation between septic arthritis and transient synovitis of the hip in children can be difficult. In 1999, Kocher et al introduced four clinical predictors which were highly predictive (99.6%) of septic arthritis. These included fever (temperature &gt;/= 38.5 degrees C), inability to bear weight, white blood-cell count &gt; 12.0 x 10(9) cells/L and ESR &gt;/= 40 mm/hr; CRP &gt;/= 20 mg/L was later added as a fifth predictor. We retrospectively evaluated these predictors to differentiate septic arthritis from transient synovitis of the hip in children over a four-year period in a primary referral general hospital. When all five were positive, the predicted probability of septic arthritis in this study was only 59.9%, with fever being the ...
Role of extracellular membrane vesicles in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, renal diseases, atherosclerosis, and arthritis
Authors: H Clarke Anderson, Douglas Mulhall & Rama Garimella (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)
Arthritis Impacts African-Americans and Hispanics More than Whites
Arthritis causes more pain and limitations for African-Americans and Hispanics than for whites, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Source: Disabled World)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Sparboe Farms Initiated Voluntary Recall Fresh Shell Eggs
Sparboe Farms is voluntarily recalling shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms which were packaged by Sparboe Farms, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. (Source: Food and Drug Administration)
Rheumatoid arthritis drugs approved
A number of new drugs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been recommended by NICE. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)
Sunlight protects against diabetes and MS
A lack of exposure to sunlight can be a factor in a number of diseases including multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and some forms of cancer, a major UK study has concluded. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)
Physiotherapy For Arthritic Pets
On receiving an honour, the American entertainer Jack Benny once said, "I don't deserve this award but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either." Unfortunately, Benny was not alone in suffering from arthritis as he grew older. Arthritis is associated with significant discomfort and simple activities such as going for walks and climbing stairs often become extremely painful. A variety of treatments are available, usually involving a combination of drugs and physiotherapy, but these generally only address the symptoms rather than curing the condition... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Reimbursement of pharmaceuticals: reference pricing versus health technology assessment
This study focussed on decisions about the initial price and reimbursement status of innovative drugs and discussed the consequences for market access and cost. Four countries were studied: Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. These countries have operated one, or both, of the two policies at certain points in time, sometimes in parallel. Drugs in four groups were considered: cholesterol-lowering agents, insulin analogues, biologic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and ?atypical? drugs for schizophrenia. Compared with HTA, reference pricing is a relatively blunt instrument for obtaining value for money from pharmaceuticals. Thus, its role in making reimbursement decisions should be limited to drugs which are therapeutically equivalent. HTA is a superior strategy ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
[Juvenile arthritides.]
Authors: Horneff G Arthritis in children represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The diagnostic spectrum is broad and a very precise indication for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, especially in small children, is important. In addition to acute arthritides - viral arthritis, reactive arthritis, Lyme arthritis and septic arthritis - secondary chronic arthritis related to an underlying disease as well as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the most common chronic inflammatory systemic disease in children, need to be considered. This overview is a guide to the diagnosis of arthritis in childhood and to evidence-based therapy of JIA in particular. This consists of a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic and intraarticular corticosteroids, traditio...
CCR5 Antagonist AZD5672 Ineffective in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Despite showing promise in preclinical studies, the CCR5 antagonist AZD5672 was no better than placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers report in the online July 26th Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)
Orbital Inflammatory Pseudotumors: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Management
Abstract&nbsp;&nbsp;Orbital inflammation is typically an idiopathic process that occasionally may be identified with a specific local or systemic disease as the causative agent. Orbital inflammatory pseudotumor (also known as idiopathic orbital inflammation syndrome, orbital pseudotumor, nonspecific orbital inflammation, and orbital inflammatory syndrome) is defined as an idiopathic tumor-like inflammation consisting of a pleomorphic cellular response and a fibrovascular tissue reaction. Various rheumatologic disorders are associated with orbital inflammation and must be ruled out in cases of orbital inflammatory pseudotumor, including Wegener?s granulomatosis, giant cell arteritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The mainstay of therapy is co...
Gout and coexisting pseudogout in the knee joint
Conclusions&nbsp;&nbsp;Our findings suggest that the coexistence of gout and pseudogout should be considered in the diagnosis of crystal-induced arthritis. Careful crystal evaluation using compensated polarized microscopy may reveal similar cases with MSU and CPPD crystals in the same joint. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00167-010-1236-8Authors Yonsik Yoo, Center for Arthroscopy, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, 94-200 Youngdeungpo-Dong, Youngdeungpo-Ku, 150-719 Seoul, KoreaYoung-Jin Seo, Center for Arthroscopy, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, 94-200 Youngdeungpo-Dong, Youngdeungpo-Ku, 150-719 Seoul, KoreaMina Huh, Center for Arthroscopy, Department of Orthopaedic ...
Does broccoli aid gut problems?
Conclusion This carefully conducted laboratory study indicates that soluble fibres from certain plant foods can reduce the transport of E coli strains associated with Crohn?s, and their transfer across specialised cells of the bowel lining. It also shows that one emulsifier used in food processing has the opposite effect, by increasing transport. This is early research aimed at furthering our understanding of how dietary and environmental factors might have a role in the development of Crohn?s. However, the findings have no current implications for the prevention or treatment of the disease, and it cannot be concluded from this study alone that any of these substances affect the development of Crohn?s. The study has not shown that eating broccoli or plantain reduces disease activity ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Rodent of the Week: Can having rheumatoid arthritis protect against Alzheimer's disease?
A protein released when rheumatoid arthritis is present in the body may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The surprise finding in a mouse study may explain why people with rheumatoid arthritis have lower rates of developing Alzheimer's. Experts... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)
Quality and Coordination of Care for Patients With Multiple Conditions: Results From an International Survey of Patient Experience
This article presents patient-reported experiences of health care among 8,973 of chronically ill adults from eight countries, using telephone survey data. We designed a &lsquo;&lsquo;morbidity score&rsquo;&rsquo; combining the number of conditions and reported health status. Respondents with high morbidity scores reported less favorable experience with coordination of care compared to those with low morbidity scores. They also reported lower ratings of overall quality of care. There were no differences in reported experience with the individual physicians. Comparing type of comorbidity, chronic lung, and mental health problems were associated with lower ratings than hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed in...
Self?management strategies used during flares of rheumatoid arthritis in an ethnically diverse population
(Source: Musculoskeletal Care)
Vascularized Bone Grafting of Scaphoid Nonunions
Scaphoid fractures represent the most common carpal fracture and must always be included in the differential diagnosis for wrist pain in the athlete. In the short-term, nonunions may result in mild discomfort; however, the long-term sequelae of nonunions result in a predictable descent into wrist arthrosis. Athletes with excellent compensatory ability and multiple incentives to continue in sport may neglect these injuries until significant disruption of the scaphoid blood supply or arthritic changes have already occurred. The restoration and evaluation of scaphoid vascularity represent a challenging and important area of hand surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) scans have important roles in evaluating these injuries before and after surgery. Stable fixation and...
Does Hope Have a Dark Side?
Title: Does Hope Have a Dark Side?Category: Health NewsCreated: 8/26/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/27/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Health Tip: When Hip Pain Signals Bursitis
Title: Health Tip: When Hip Pain Signals BursitisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/26/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/27/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Long-Term Exercise Can Reduce Vets' Muscle Pain
Title: Long-Term Exercise Can Reduce Vets' Muscle PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/26/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 8/27/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Lung Disease Plaintiff Says Learned Intermediary Requires Adequate Warning
CLEVELAND - A drug manufacturer may not assert the learned intermediary as a defense when it has not warned of the injury asserted, a plaintiff who alleges that Remicade caused noninfectious interstitial lung disease (NILS) says in a July 30 brief in Ohio federal court opposing dismissal (Anthony DeGidio v. Centocor, Inc., et al., No. 3:09-cv-721, N.D. Ohio.; See July 2009, Page 10). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Colorado Taxpayer Ruled To Have No Standing To Sue On Behalf Of State
NEW ORLEANS - A Colorado taxpayer does not have standing to sue Merck & Co. Inc. on behalf of the state to recover Medicaid reimbursements for Vioxx, the judge supervising the multidistrict litigation ruled July 26 (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, James Franklin on behalf of the State of Colorado v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 07-2073, E.D. La.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Common Benefit Request Would Further Reduce Plaintiff Attorney Fees
NEW ORLEANS - Counsel representing former Vioxx users participating in the $4.85 billion Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) would see their fees further reduced from the multidistrict litigation judge's 32 percent cap to 24.5 percent to fund a 7.5 percent common benefit fee request the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) makes in a July 30 petition (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, E.D. La.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Vioxx Law Firms Reject Insurers' Attack On Settlement Benefits
NEW ORLEANS - A group of ERISA health plans' attempt to enjoin distribution of payments from the $4.85 billion settlement stemming from litigation over Merck & Co. Inc.'s painkiller Vioxx until they can be reimbursed for benefits provided to participants is untimely and legally flawed, 11 plaintiff law firms targeted by the companies say in an opposition brief filed in the multidistrict litigation on Aug. 3 (In re: Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1657, AvMed, Inc., et al. v. BrownGreer, PLC, et al., No. 08-1633, E.D. La.; See November 2008, Page 5). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Merck Agrees To Accept Pro Se Plaintiff's Doctor's Injury Report
NEW ORLEANS - Merck & Co. has agreed to allow the claims of a pro se plaintiff to be reinstated in Vioxx multidistrict litigation, saying in an Aug. 10 joint motion that the plaintiff had a statement from her physician that would have satisfied discovery requirements but failed to file it due to inadvertence (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, Elena Strujan v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., No. 07-906, E.D. La.) Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
5th Circuit Denies Rehearing En Banc For Vioxx Settlement Objectors
NEW ORLEANS - The Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied en banc rehearing to an attorney who has mounted several unsuccessful challenges to the Vioxx national settlement and the multidistrict litigation judge's discovery orders, saying in an Aug. 19 per curiam, boilerplate order that "[n]o member of the panel nor judge in regular active service of the court . . . requested that the court be polled on Rehearing En Banc" (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, E.D. La., Glenn L. Dier, et al. v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 09-30446, 5th Cir.; See July 2010, Page 11). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Merck Shareholders Say Merck's Conduct Shows Scienter Regarding Vioxx
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Merck & Co. knew that Vioxx posed cardiovascular risks as early as 1998 and took a variety of steps to blunt the impact of unfavorable studies and to neutralize critics, derivative plaintiffs say in an Aug. 8 opposition to dismissal in New Jersey federal court in a case on remand from the U.S. Supreme Court (In re Merck & Co. Inc. Securities, Derivative & "ERISA" Litigation, MDL No. 1658 [SRC], No. 3:05-CV-01151-SRC-MAS and No. 3:05-CV-02367-SRC-MAS). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Magistrate Sets Trial For Early 2012 In Drug-Related Pfizer Securities Litigation
NEW YORK - Trial is set for early 2012 in securities litigation stemming from Pfizer Inc.'s marketing of painkillers Bextra and Celebrex, according to the pretrial schedule set in an Aug. 20 order by a U.S. magistrate judge in New York (In re Pfizer Inc. Securities Litigation, MDL No. 1688, No. 04-9866, S.D. N.Y.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Maine's Punitives Law Applied To Children's Motrin Claims Pending In Pa. Court
PHILADELPHIA - In a ruling dated July 30 but posted Aug. 3, a Pennsylvania federal judge applied Pennsylvania law to all but the punitive and comparative damage claims of a woman allegedly injured by Children's Motrin, applying instead the more strict standard of Maine, where the injury took place 14 years ago (Kiley Wolfe v. McNeil-PPC, Inc., et al., No. 07-348, E.D. Pa.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 77604). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis&#174; Mealey's&#8482; Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
NHS Choices "Behind the Headlines" assessment of press reports on the genetic effects of vitamin D
Source: NHS Choices Area: News NHS Choices has published a 'Behind the Headlines' assessment of recent press reports that "Stocking up on vitamin D supplements and enjoying the summer sun could cut the risk of a host of diseases". The press reports are based on a laboratory study that investigated how vitamin D might influence the risk of certain diseases by affecting the activity of genes. It was found that vitamin D binds directly to genes associated with several common autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer. The NHS Choices assessment concludes that whilst this research is valuable, this study alone does not tell us for certain if lack of vitamin D causes any of the diseases in question, or if a certain intake of v...
Benefit Seen in RA From Combo of Rituximab, Methotrexate
Rituximab plus methotrexate is associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to methotrexate, according to research published in the September issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. (Source: Modern Medicine)
Myopathy Patients With Novel Autoantibodies Identified
Researchers have identified a subgroup of necrotizing myopathy patients with novel autoantibodies who are potential candidates for immunosuppressive therapy, according to a study in the September issue of Arthritis &amp; Rheumatism. (Source: Modern Medicine)
TRAIL Death Receptor-4, Decoy Receptor-1 and Decoy Receptor-2 expression on CD8+ T cells correlate with the disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Conclusions: Our data suggest that TRAIL/TRAIL receptor expression profiles on T cells might be important in revelation of RA pathogenesis. (Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
High mobility group box 1 potentiates the pro-inflammatory effects of interleukin-1beta in osteoarthritic synoviocytes
Conclusions: Our results indicate that HMGB1 is overexpressed in OA synovium and mostly present in extracellular form. In OA synoviocytes, HMGB1 cooperates with IL-1beta to amplify the inflammatory response leading to the production of a number of cytokines, chemokines and MMPs. Our data support a pro-inflammatory role for this protein contributing to synovitis and articular destruction in OA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Prompt Aggressive Treatment Improves Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Early aggressive treatment improves rheumatoid arthritis outcomes regardless of the presence of poor prognostic factors. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
The chemokine receptor CXCR5 is pivotal for ectopic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue neogenesis in chronic Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation
In conclusion, the development of mucosal tertiary ectopic follicles during chronic H. pylori infection is strongly dependent on the CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling axis, and lack of de novo lymphoid tissue formation attenuates chronic immune responses. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00109-010-0658-6Authors Susann Winter, Department of Tumor Genetics and Immunogenetics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, 13125 GermanyChristoph Loddenkemper, Department of Pathology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, 12200 GermanyAnton Aebischer, Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, 10117 GermanyKatrin Räbel, Department of Tumor Genetics and Immunogenetics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, 13125 Ge...
Systemic lupus erythematosus: From mouse models to human disease and treatment
On Sept. 2-3, 2010, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) will convene a two-day conference on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Mouse Models to Human Disease and Treatment. This meeting will bring together basic research scientists working on models of autoimmune disease relevant to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with clinicians treating lupus patients. There are numerous mouse models of lupus, but their relevance to the actual disorder is still a subject for debate. Moreover, since SLE is a heterogeneous disease, some features of the disorder may be better reflected in one or anot...
Embryonic Stem Cell Research In The Toilet, According To Arthritis Treatment Center
The recent ruling by federal judge Royce C. Lamberth halting embryonic stem cell research may present a hurdle for some disease research but not necessarily for arthritis. A key note presentation, entitled "Guided Mesenchymal Stem Cell Layering Technique for Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee" will be made on November 9, 2010 at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Atlanta. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated with the loss of cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones and which provides cushioning and shock absorption... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Septic arthritis in the elderly
Aging Health , August 2010, Vol. 6, No. 4, Pages 495-500. (Source: Future Medicine: Aging Health)
I?B? acts to inhibit and activate gene expression during the inflammatory response
I&#954;B&#946; acts to inhibit and activate gene expression during the inflammatory response Nature 466, 1115 (2010). doi:10.1038/nature09283 Authors: Ping Rao, Mathew S. Hayden, Meixiao Long, Martin L. Scott, A. Philip West, Dekai Zhang, Andrea Oeckinghaus, Candace Lynch, Alexander Hoffmann, David Baltimore & Sankar Ghosh The activation of pro-inflammatory gene programs by nuclear factor-&#954;B (NF-&#954;B) is primarily regulated through cytoplasmic sequestration of NF-&#954;B by the inhibitor of &#954;B (I&#954;B) family of proteins. I&#954;B&#946;, a major isoform of I&#954;B, can sequester NF-&#954;B in the cytoplasm, although its biological role remains unclear. Although cells lacking I&#954;B&#946; have been reported, in vivo studies have been limited and suggested redundancy ...
NICE Recommends Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis
People with rheumatoid arthritis will benefit from two new pieces of NICE guidance published today (25 August 2010). NICE recommends rituximab, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and abatacept , in certain circumstances, as possible treatments for rheumatoid arthritis after treatment with a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor has failed. In separate guidance, NICE also recommends tocilizumab , under certain circumstances, as an additional option for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
NICE Improves Access To Drug Treatments For Psoriatic Arthritis
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has extended the range of drugs that NHS healthcare professionals can prescribe for people who have active and progressive psoriatic arthritis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
The catabolic role of toll?like receptor 2 (TLR?2) mediated by the NF??B pathway in septic arthritis
(Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
A dog's life: Physiotherapy for arthritic pets
Animals with osteoarthritis are generally offered the same types of physiotherapy as humans, although most of the methods have not been directly tested on animals. Recent work addresses this deficit and shows that relatively simple measures such as walking uphill or over low obstacles can significantly help the bending of dogs' joints and thus mitigate the suffering caused by arthritis. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Sampling and coverage issues of telephone surveys used for collecting health information in Australia: results from a face-to-face survey from 1999 to 2008
Conclusion: The rate of mobile only households has been increasing in Australia and is following worldwide trends, but has not reached the high levels seen internationally (12% to 52%). In general, the impact of mobile telephones on current sampling frames (exclusion or non-listing of mobile only households or not listed in the White Pages directory) may have a low impact on health estimates obtained using telephone surveys. However, researchers need to be aware that mobile only households are distinctly different to households with a landline connection, and the increase in the number of mobile-only households is not uniform across all groups in the community. Listing in the White Pages directory continues to decrease and only a small proportion of mobile only households are listed. Resea...
Burden of anemia in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in French secondary care
Conclusions: Arthritis patients with concomitant anemia have a longer length of stay, undergo more procedures, and have higher hospitalization costs than nonanemic arthritis patients in public hospitals in France. In private hospitals, concomitant anemia was associated with modest increases in length of stay and number of procedures; however, this did not translate into higher costs. Such evidence of anemia-related health care utilization and costs can be considered as a proxy for the clinical significance of anemia. (Source: BMC Geriatrics)
Extra-Articular Manifestations of RA Have Declined Since 2000
The prevalence of extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis has declined in recent years, with the timing and pattern of the decline indicating that disease-modifying rheumatoid arthritis treatments may be changing the natural history of the disease, according to a study in the September issue of Rheumatology. (Source: Modern Medicine)
Circulating mediators of bone remodeling in psoriatic arthritis: implications for disordered osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion
Conclusions: Systemic expression of soluble factors that promote osteoclastogenesis is disordered in patients with PsA, and may contribute to periarticular bone loss in this disease. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
A new tool for detection of type I interferon activation in systemic lupus erythematosus
The Type I Interferon (IFN-I) pathway is activated in SLE and appears to be important in the pathogenesis of the disease. As a result, several clinical trials with anti-IFN monoclonal antibodies have been launched and hold promise to control the disease. Additionally, activation of IFN-I, might be important in prognosis and activity assessment of the disease. Therefore new biomarkers that reflect activity of the IFN-I pathway, and are simple to measure, such as the monocyte CD64 receptor, are expected to have a great impact in the management of SLE, if properly validated. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Extra-Articular Manifestations of RA Have Declined Since 2000
The prevalence of extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis has declined in recent years, with the timing and pattern of the decline indicating that disease-modifying rheumatoid arthritis treatments may be changing the natural history of the disease, according to a study in the September issue of Rheumatology. (Source: Modern Medicine)
The research?based rheumatologist: Strategies to remove the species from the endangered list
(Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
Title: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 10/31/2007Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Out-of-Pocket Costs Put Arthritis Drugs Out of Reach for Some
05/20/2010, Health Services Research, People with rheumatoid arthritis whose health insurance requires them to pay a higher share of the cost are less likely to use biotech drugs than those with coverage that is more generous. High family medical bills also appear to reduce the use of these powerful but expensive medications, according to a new study in Health Services Research. (Source: Health Behavior News Service)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Ethnic differences in femur geometry in the women's health initiative observational study
Conclusion&nbsp;&nbsp;Differences in the geometry at the proximal femur are consistent with the lower hip fracture rates among AA and MA women compared to whites. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00198-010-1349-4Authors D. A. Nelson, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 5057 Woodward Avenue, Suite 6305, Detroit, MI 48202, USAT. J. Beck, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USAG. Wu, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USAC. E. Lewis, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USAT. Bassford, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USAJ. A. Cauley, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USAM. S. LeBoff, University of Pittsbu...
Dystrophic calcinosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
We report a rare case of dystrophic calcinosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in bilateral buttock lesions and the right elbow joint. The calcinosis was surgically removed because it caused severe local pain, possible infection, and difficulty in sitting. Because no recommended standard pharmacotherapy exists for dystrophic calcinosis, surgical treatment should be taken into consideration when calcinosis causes severe local pain or restricts activities of daily life. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10165-010-0344-0Authors Kengo Harigane, Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 232-0024, JapanYuichi Mochida, Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 U...
Arthritis: The Secret to Treating Alzheimer's?
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers know that people with rheumatoid arthritis are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)
A dog's life -- physiotherapy for arthritic pets
(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) Animals with osteoarthritis are generally offered the same types of physiotherapy as humans, although most of the methods have not been directly tested on animals. Recent work performed at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna addresses this deficit and shows that relatively simple measures such as walking uphill or over low obstacles can significantly help the bending of dogs' joints and thus mitigate the suffering caused by arthritis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
NICE advises on blackouts, BP in pregnancy and RA
NICE has issued advice on diagnosing blackouts, alongside guidance on hypertension in pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Cartilage biology, pathology, and repair.
Authors: Umlauf D, Frank S, Pap T, Bertrand J Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of musculoskeletal disease and the most prominent type of arthritis encountered in all countries. Although great efforts have been made to investigate cartilage biology and osteoarthritis pathology, the treatment has lagged behind that of other arthritides, as there is a lack of effective disease-modifying therapies. Numerous approaches for dealing with cartilage degradation have been tried, but enjoyed very little success to develop approved OA treatments with not only symptomatic improvement but also structure-modifying effect. In this review we discuss the most recent findings regarding the regulation of cartilage biology and pathology and highlight their potential therapeutic values. PM...
NICE costing report for guidance on tocilizumab and other drugs for the rheumatoid arthritis after failure of TNF inhibitors
Source: NICE Area: News NICE has published a costing template and report to accompany its guidance on tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (technology appraisal guidance TA198). This costing template is published in conjunction with the costing report for the guidance on drugs for treatment after failure of a TNF inhibitor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. &nbsp; NICE estimates that the cost of implementing these guidelines per 100,000 of the local population will be £32,000. &nbsp; Please see link for details. (Source: NeLM - News)
NICE costing report on guidance for the use of etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis
Source: NICE Area: News NICE has issued a costing report for the guidance on etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (NICE technology appraisal guidance 199), and concludes that implementation of this guidance is unlikely to result in a significant change in resource use in the NHS. &nbsp; Please see link for details. (Source: NeLM - News)
Black Women With Lupus Develop CVD at Younger Age
Black women with systemic lupus erythematosus are hospitalized for cardiovascular disease events and die from them at younger ages than female lupus patients of other races and ethnic groups, according to a study published online May 6, ahead of the print issue of Arthritis &amp; Rheumatism. (Source: Modern Medicine)
The effect of risedronate on osteogenic lineage is mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 gene upregulation
IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of risedronate (Ris) in the modulation of bone formation in rats with glucocorticoid (GC) - induced osteoporosis by histomorphometric, immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses. Methods: We analyzed structure, turnover and microarchitecture, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) levels and osteocyte apoptosis in 40 female rats divided as follows: 1) vehicle of methylprednisolone (vGC) + vehicle of risedronate (vRis); 2) Ris 5[microg]/Kg + vGC; 3) methylprednisolone (GC) 7mg/Kg + vRis; 4) GC 7mg/Kg +Ris 5[microg]/Kg. In addition, we evaluated cell proliferation and expression of COX-2 and bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) genes in bone marrow cells and MLO-y4 osteocytes treated with Ris alone or in co-treatment with the selective C...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Relationship between patient-reported disease severity in osteoarthritis and self-reported pain, function and work productivity
The objective of this study was to determine how patient-reported OA severity correlates with the patient-reported outcomes including pain, function and productivity. Methods: We used the Adelphi disease specific programme (DSP) for OA, a database aggregated from large, multinational, observational studies for specific chronic diseases. Data were obtained based on a 0-100 mm pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and a series of questions including functioning (i.e. activities of daily living) and work productivity. OA severity was rated by the patients based on the question "How bad would you say your arthritis is now?" with potential responses of "mild," "moderate," and "severe." Regression models and chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between self-reported OA severity...
Monocytes/macrophages express CCR9 in rheumatoid arthritis and CCL25 stimulates their differentiation
Conclusions: CCR9 expression by monocytes is increased in RA. CCL25 may be involved in the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages particularly in RA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Arthritis Research & Therapy evolves: online only from 2011
This article has no abstract. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
NICE guidance on tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Source: NICE Area: Evidence > Guidelines The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a technology appraisal on the use of tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which makes the following recommendations (taken directly from source): &nbsp; .&nbsp;Tocilizumab, in combination with methotrexate, is recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in people whose rheumatoid arthritis has responded inadequately to one or more tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alfa) inhibitors and: -&nbsp;whose rheumatoid arthritis has responded inadequately to rituximab or -&nbsp;in whom rituximab is contra-indicated or when rituximab is withdrawn because of an adverse effect. &nbsp; .&nbsp;People who are currently receiv...

the spine and can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart, shoulders and eyes.

Gout – This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint, generally the big toe, and become inflamed.

Science Of Arthritis

Joints can handle some heavy pressure. For example, knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight on average just talking a walk. The force of a deep knee bend during a squat can increase to nine times the body weight. So just imagine multiplying weight of more than 150 pounds times a minimum of three or four, and then even more. That can sure add up to a lot of heavy work on knee joints over time.

Now for the science of this scenario. Where two bones meet, called the joint, the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristl

This cartilage is sturdy, elastic and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body. Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy.

Other parts of the body features involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting. They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock. Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And throughout all the coordination of these parts during movement, the brain is a part. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles for this scenario, to prepare joints for activity.

The exact science of what actually causes is still being researched. For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (like skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles) can lead to arthritis. And many point to issues relating to bacteria and germs as some of the problem. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis. So have diet, poor circulation and lack of movement.

INFLAMMATION
Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. Symptoms of inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis, are redness, swelling and tender joints.

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George Harper writes for www.arthritisresolved.info where you can find out more about athritis and other topics.