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	Efalizumab: Rheumatoid arthritis (Source: Reactions)<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> CD200R1 regulates the severity of arthritis but has minimal impact on the adaptive immune response CD200R1 is a member of the immunoglobulin supergene family that is thought to play an inhibitory role in immunity. Previous studies have established the anti-arthritic effect of CD200Fc, an agonist of CD200R1. However, the physiological role played by CD200R1 in arthritis remains to be established. The aims of this study are to assess the contribution of endogenous CD200R1 in regulating the severity of arthritis and to determine its role in shaping the immune response to type II collagen within the context of collagen-induced arthritis, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice by immunization with type II collagen and the kinetics of expression of CD200R1 and CD200 were monitored by quantitative reverse transcription[ndash]polymerase chain reaction. Next... Ross Operation in a Patient With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Authors: Melina G, Sheppard MN, Pepper JR A 32-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis underwent a redo aortic valve replacement 7 years after a Ross procedure for severe aortic valve regurgitation. Interestingly, the cause of autograft failure was not related to the rheumatoid inflammation process. PMID: 20667306 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery) Expression of ADAMTS4 in Ewing's sarcoma. In this study, we identified ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) as a possible tumor marker for EWS using the retrovirus-mediated signal sequence trap method. ADAMTS4 is a secreted protein of 837 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 98-100 kDa. It is a member of metalloprotease family, is expressed mainly in cartilage and brain, and regulates the degradation of aggrecans. ADAMTS4 has been suggested to be involved in arthritic diseases and gliomas. Herein, we show that ADAMTS4 mRNA was expressed in all primary EWS samples and all EWS-derived cell lines examined, while its expression was detected only in small subpopulations of other solid tumors. Furthermore, ADAMTS4 expression was found to be regulated by EWS-FLI1 fusion gene-dependent manner.... Perioperative anesthetic concerns in a child with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis syndrome. Authors: Garg R, Hariharan UR, Sood R, Pawar M, Gupta A PMID: 20670244 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Paediatric Anaesthesia) Production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (matrilysin 1) in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions.-proMMP-7 is excessively produced by hyperplastic alveolar and metaplastic bronchiolar epithelial cells and activated locally in the lungs of IPF patients, suggesting that MMP-7 may contribute to the pathology of IPF. PMID: 20670133 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory 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> The Risk Of Malignancy In Children May Be Increased By TNF Blockers The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of malignancies in children using tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) blockers, raising concerns of an associated risk and prompting an investigation. Researchers from the FDA set out to identify all reports of malignancy in children using infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and their report is published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Interaction Of Multiple Brain Networks Provides Insight Into How Pain Occurs A recent study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan provides the first direct evidence of linkage between elevated intrinsic (resting-state) brain connectivity and spontaneous pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). This research shows an interaction of multiple brain networks, offering greater understanding of how pain arises. Details of the study appear online and in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Psoriasis and obesity: literature review and recommendations for management Estudos recentes demonstram uma relação entre obesidade e inflamação crônica, confirmada através da associação de níveis elevados de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-±), interleucina seis (IL-6) e proteína C reativa, com aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC). O estado inflamatório, nos indivíduos obesos, poderia contribuir para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento da psoríase. Fenômenos análogos já foram descritos, em outras doenças inflamatórias crônicas, como a artrite reumatóide e doença de Chrön. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram uma prevalência elevada de comorbidades cardiovasculares, secundárias às alterações metabólicas, associadas à psoríase e obesidade. Permanecem ainda não elucidados alguns aspectos desta associação, como: o impacto da obesida... Alcohol reduces rheumatoid arthritis risk SHEFFIELD, England, July 31 (UPI) -- Alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as its severity, researchers in Britain say. Arthritis - Alcoholic beverage - England - Rheumatoid arthritis - Health (Source: Health News - UPI.com) Could drinking alcohol help ward off rheumatoid arthritis? Drinking alcohol may help keep rheumatoid arthritis at bay, possibly because it dampens the body's immune response, new research suggests. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)<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> Doing Prescribed Exercises May Help Relieve Arthritis Pain Adhering to recommended routine reduced aches, boosted strength, researchers found (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge) Alcohol Consumption Inversely Associated with Risk and Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite study limitations, alcohol consumption appeared to have an inverse and dose-related association with both risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines) Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings) Overlapping juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report Abstract  Hereby, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl developing oligoarthritis and progressing into a polyarticular form. Rheumatoid factor was positive, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was diagnosed. After a poor response to DMARDs, an anti-TNF agent (infliximab) was initiated, but to be discontinued due to an allergic reaction. The same complication was observed with the fully human derivative, adalimumab. At the age of 22, the patient presented septicemia with severe anemia and subsequent development of leukopenia, myocarditis with heart failure, and ANA, aSm, aSS-A, aCL positives, and nephrotic syndrome. These new clinical manifestations fulfilled the classification criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Due to the poor therapeutic res... White cells count in smokers affected by rheumatic diseases Abstract  Evidence shows that tobacco smoking interacts with development of rheumatic diseases. Increase in white cells count (leukocytosis) is frequently present, and in smokers, it is considered a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. Aim of the study is to evaluate this biomarker in smokers with rheumatic diagnosis. We carried out an observational study on 115 rheumatic outpatients (26 men and 89 women) divided into two groups according to their smoking habit: one composed of 56 smokers, the other of 59 not smokers. Diagnosis and common routinary clinical parameters were collected. In the total sample, smokers were 48.69%. Most common diagnosis was osteoarthritis (OA) (40.87% of the total); smokers in OA women were 36.11%, smokers in OA men were 54.55%. Second most common 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> Echinococcus multilocularis infection and TNF inhibitor treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1570-7Authors S. M. Weiner, Teaching Hospital of the University of Mainz Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Nordallee 1 54292 Trier GermanyV. Krenn, Institute of Pathology Trier GermanyC. Koelbel, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Gastroenterology Trier GermanyH. G. Hoffmann, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Radiology Trier GermanyK. Hinkeldey, Institute of Pathology Trier GermanyD. Ockert, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Surgery Trier Germany Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International) MBD4 gene is associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese patients in Taiwan This study examines whether or not MBD4 polymorphism is a marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility or severity for Chinese patients in Taiwan. This study included 193 patients with RA, while 190 unrelated healthy individuals living in Central Taiwan served as controls. The relationship between MBD4 polymorphism and clinical manifestations of RA was evaluated. For the genotype and allelic frequency of MBD4-1057 polymorphism, there were no statistically significant differences between patients with RA and controls. There were significant differences in the distribution of MBD4-8666 polymorphism frequencies between patients with RA and controls [P = 0.013; P corrected (Pc) = 0.039]. There were also significant relationships in the distribution of MBD4-9229... Shear-induced Interleukin-6 Synthesis in Chondrocytes: ROLES OF E PROSTANOID (EP) 2 AND EP3 IN cAMP/PROTEIN KINASE A- AND PI3-K/Akt-DEPENDENT NF-{kappa}B ACTIVATION [Gene Regulation] Mechanical overloading of cartilage producing hydrostatic stress, tensile strain, and fluid flow can adversely affect chondrocyte function and precipitate osteoarthritis (OA). Application of high fluid shear stress to chondrocytes recapitulates the earmarks of OA, as evidenced by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, matrix degradation, and chondrocyte apoptosis. Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and interleukin (IL)-6 have been reported in OA cartilage in vivo, and in shear-activated chondrocytes in vitro. Although PGE2 positively regulates IL-6 synthesis in chondrocytes, the underlying signaling pathway of shear-induced IL-6 expression remains unknown. Using the human T/C-28a2 chondrocyte cell line as a model system, we demonstrate that COX-2-derive... Alcohol 'helps alleviate arthritis' Drinking alcohol helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis and alleviates symptoms in those who have the condition, according to new research. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News) More Evidence Links Fractures to Diabetes Drugs Title: More Evidence Links Fractures to Diabetes DrugsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/30/2010 11:22:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 11:22:29 AM (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> Study: Calcium May Increase Heart Attack Risk Title: Study: Calcium May Increase Heart Attack RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/30/2010 11:14:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 11:14:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Knee, Hip Replacements May Aid Weight Loss: Study Title: Knee, Hip Replacements May Aid Weight Loss: StudyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/29/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Alcohol "may lower arthritis risk" A new study has suggested that drinking alcohol may lower the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reduce its severity (Source: Nursing in Practice) Judge Allows Claims For Negligence, Failure To Warn Against Abbott Over Humira SAN FRANCISCO - A California federal judge on June 14 refused to dismiss negligence and failure-to-warn claims brought by parents of a boy who contracted fatal hepatosplenic T-Cell lymphoma after being given three drugs, including Abbott Laboratories' Humira, to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Stephen Wendell, et al. v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., No. 09-04124, N.D. Calif.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68874; See January, 2010, Page 4). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Vioxx MDL Judge: Merck Does Not Owe Louisiana Reimbursement NEW ORLEANS - Merck & Co. does not owe the State of Louisiana a refund over Medicaid payments for Vioxx because the state failed to show that it would or could have restricted reimbursements had the company provided stronger warnings of cardiovascular risk, the Vioxx multidistrict litigation judge ruled June 29 (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, State of Louisiana, ex rel. James D. Caldwell Jr. v Merck & Co. Inc., No. 05-3700, E.D. La.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 64388; See May 2010, Page 6). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ 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> Federal Judge Dismisses Consumer Class Suit Over Pfizer Drugs PHILADELPHIA - A federal judge in Pennsylvania on July 20 dismissed a putative consumer class action that alleged fraudulent marketing of 12 Pfizer Inc. drugs, saying the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate an injury or reliance upon the allegedly fraudulent marketing (Kathleen Zafarana, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., et al., No. 09-cv-4026, E.D. Pa.; See June 2010, Page 8). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Federal Judge Rules Pfizer's Repeated Violations Of Law Show Demand Futility NEW YORK - Pfizer Inc.'s continued violations of federal law after paying fines and entering guilty pleas stemming from previous violations as well as the personal liability faced by its directors and executives demonstrate demand futility, a New York federal judge ruled July 14; the company had moved to dismiss shareholder derivative claims stemming from a $2.3 billion settlement the company entered into in 2009, saying the plaintiffs failed to make a demand on the board as required by securities laws (In re Pfizer Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigation, No. 09-cv-7822, S.D. N.Y.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69593; See March 2010, Page 11). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Wrongful Death Plaintiffs Say Defendants' Citation Supports Their Remand Motion RICHMOND, Va. - Parents of a 17-year-old girl who died of cardiac arrest after several infusions with Johnson & Johnson's Remicade say in a June 24 appeal brief before the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that the case on which the defendants relied to defeat remand, although "somewhat distinguishable," nevertheless supports the plaintiffs' motion to remand (James Mack, et al. v. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, et al., No. 10-1019, 4th Cir.; See June 2010, Page 4). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Merck Moves To Dismiss Purchase Price Class In Federal Vioxx Litigation NEW ORLEANS - Saying that the plaintiffs fail to allege any plausible claims, plead their fraud-based claims with the requisite particularity or allege a cognizable injury, Merck & Co. Inc. on June 30 asked the Vioxx multidistrict litigation judge to dismiss a putative master class for purchase price claims (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, 2:05-md-01657, E.D. La.; See March 2009, Page 7). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) 5th Circuit: Holdouts Lack Standing To Object To Vioxx Settlement NEW ORLEANS - Former Vioxx users who did not opt in to the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with Merck & Co. have no standing to object to the terms of the settlement, and discovery orders whereby their cases were dismissed in the multidistrict litigation were not an abuse of discretion, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said in a July 16 per curiam opinion (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 April 2010, Page 10). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ 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> Attorney Blasts MDL Judge, Seeks Remand Of Cases NEW ORLEANS - An attorney representing former Vioxx users who did not opt in to the master settlement agreement (MSA) with Merck & Co. blasted the multidistrict litigation judge, who also administers the settlement, saying in a July 8 motion for suggestion of remand that the judge's commitment to the settlement's success trumps the rights of his clients to pursue their claims at trial (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, E.D. La.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Common Benefit Fee Denial In Bextra, Celebrex MDL Is Upheld In 9th Circuit SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on June 25 affirmed the Bextra and Celebrex multidistrict litigation judge's denial of common benefit funds to Louisiana attorney Daniel E. Becnel Jr. (In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, No. M 05-1699; N.D. Calif.; Plaintiffs' Steering Committee v. Daniel E. Becnel Jr., et al., No. 09-16928 9th Cir.; 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 13129; See July 2009, Page 6). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Doctor Gets 6 Months For Falsifying Data For Celebrex Pain Study BOSTON - A former member of Pfizer Inc.'s speakers' bureau who pleaded guilty earlier this year to falsifying data in support of a published study on Pfizer's Celebrex was sentenced to six months in prison on June 25 in Massachusetts federal court (United States of America v. Scott Reuben, No. 10-30002, D. Mass.; See February 2010, Page 5). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News) Aching Joints? Drinking Alcohol May Be The Answer (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- One in Five adults in the United States has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but relief could be given to these victims by drinking alcohol. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com) Microarray Analysis of response of Salmonella during the Infection of HLA-B27-Transfected Human Macrophage-Like U937 Cells Conclusions: This is the first report to show the regulation of Salmonella gene expression by HLA-B27 during infection of host cells. This regulation probably leads to increased Salmonella survival and replication in HLA-B27-positive cells. SPI-2 genes seem to contribute significantly to the increased replication. (Source: BioMed Central)<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> Exercise Adherence Helps Osteoarthritis Patients Greater adherence to home exercise and more physical activity in general appear to enhance the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee, according to research published in the August issue of Arthritis Care & Research. (Source: Modern Medicine) New developments in osteoarthritis. Sex differences in magnetic resonance imaging-based biomarkers and in those of joint metabolism This report highlights recent studies of sex differences in individual joint components, imaged by magnetic resonance imaging, and in systemic biomarkers of joint metabolism. Particularly important are those studies that examine this issue in young, unaffected adults and children, before the development of disease. Despite some variation across studies, for the most part, women appear to have thinner and reduced volume of cartilage in the knee than men, and this may occur from early childhood. It is not clear if women have an accelerated rate of cartilage volume loss than men. Few data exist on sex differences in systemic biomarkers of joint metabolism. In these studies, it is critically important to characterize the total body burden of OA and the presence of co-morbid conditions likely t... Efficacy assessed in follow-ups of clinical trials: methodological conundrum Increasingly, we see papers describing the long-term follow up results of randomised clinical trials (RCT). Sometimes, like in an article by Rantalaiho et al in this issue of Arthrtis Research & Therapy, the follow up extends to more than 10 years. It is not uncommon that authors of such articles describe their results as a comparison of the original treatment groups in the original RCT. Methodologically, such a comparison is fallible for several reasons. In this editorial, two important sources of bias that may jeopardise the results of such follow-up studies are discussed: Confounding by indication and confounding by trial completion. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy) Rheumatoid granuloma of the cervix and vagina: a challenging diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION:: Rheumatoid nodules can occur in the genital tract, which poses diagnostic and treatment challenges. PMID: 20664433 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology) Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8): friend or foe for rheumatoid arthritis? Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1582-3Authors Rui-Xue Leng, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of ChinaHai-Feng Pan, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of ChinaJin-Hui Tao, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University Department of Rheumatology 17 Lujiang Road Hefei Anhui 230001 People?s Republic of ChinaDong-Qing Ye, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of China Journal Rh...<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> Interposition Arthroplasty Options for Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis of the thumb affects half of postmenopausal women and up to 25% of elderly men. This disease can cause significant disability in affected patients often necessitating surgical intervention. Various surgical options have been used to treat refractory CMC arthritis. Any successful surgical intervention must address three goals: removal of diseased joint surfaces, reconstruction of ligamentous stabilizers, and preservation of the joint space. In this article we will discuss various interposition arthroplasty options for CMC arthritis of the thumb. (Source: Hand Clinics) Implant Arthroplasty of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb Resection arthroplasty with or without ligament reconstruction for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis can be complicated by thumb shortening and pinch-strength weakness. Implant arthroplasties have been developed to limit loss of thumb length, improve strength, and limit postoperative convalescence. The ideal thumb carpometacarpal implant should be strong and stable, provide full range of motion, and prevent loosening. Unfortunately, no current prosthesis accomplishes all of these goals. Until the ideal implant is developed, clinical acumen must be used to determine appropriate patients and implants. (Source: Hand Clinics) A breakthrough in tuberculosis research (McGill University) The key to the fate of the macrophages is the balance between two kinds of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are molecules that contribute to the control of our immune system. The genetic code of TB bacteria enables it to tip this balance in favor of necrosis, and human genetic analysis revealed that modification in eicosanoids production is associated with susceptibility or resistance to TB. Fortunately, drugs that target the production of eicosanoids are already in use for treating other inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health) Resting brain activity associated with spontaneous fibromyalgia pain (Wiley-Blackwell) A recent study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan provides the first direct evidence of linkage between elevated intrinsic (resting-state) brain connectivity and spontaneous pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia. This research shows an interaction of multiple brain networks, offering greater understanding of how pain arises. Details of the study appear online and in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health) TNF blockers may increase the risk of malignancy in children (Wiley-Blackwell) The Food and Drug Administration received reports of malignancies in children using tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) blockers, raising concerns of an associated risk and prompting an investigation. Researchers from the FDA set out to identify all reports of malignancy in children using infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and their report is published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)<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> ITGAM Arg77His Is Associated with Disease Susceptibility, Arthritis, and Renal Symptoms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients from a Sample of the Polish Population DNA and Cell Biology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology) Usability Testing of an Online Self-management Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Conclusions: We describe the usability testing of a self-management health portal designed for English- and French-speaking youth with arthritis and their parents, which uncovered several usability issues. Usability testing is a crucial step in the development of self-management health portals to ensure that the various end users (youth and parents) have the ability to access, understand, and use health-related information and services that are delivered via the Internet and that they are delivered in an efficient, effective, satisfying, and culturally competent manner. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research) A Review of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants Important for Health and Longevity. Authors: Wojcik M, Burzynska-Pedziwiatr I, Wozniak LA Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the presence of O(2) by mitochondria, phagocytic cells, peroxisomes, and cytochrome P450 enzymes under physiological conditions, may play a dual function in the human organism. On the one hand, they participate in cell signal transduction cascades, leading to the activation of some transcription factors responsible for regulating of the expression of genes relevant for cell growth and differentiation. On the other hand, they cause oxidative damage of cellular DNA, protein and lipids, resulting in the initiation or development of numerous diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, or different neurodegenerative diseases. Both e... The Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Sleep-and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Persons With Arthritis Few studies have examined the effects of physical activity on sleep in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the short- and long-term effects of an 8-week, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity program on improvements in sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a sample of community-based older adults with arthritis (N = 346). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group that received the intervention on a delayed basis. Sleep and HROQL were assessed with self-report instruments at baseline and 8 weeks using intention-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated (AT) analyses. The intervention group was also assessed at 3 and 6 months. At 8 weeks, the intervention group reported fewer days waking up tired (ITT and AT results) and fewer da... Leap forward in efforts to develop treatments for Huntington's disease Research reveals that an enzyme linked with multiple disorders -- including stroke, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis -- is also involved in the generation of toxic protein fragments in Huntington's disease. (Source: ScienceDaily 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> Prevalence of reactivation of hepatitis B virus replication in rheumatoid arthritis patients Abstract  Reactivation of hepatitis B involves the reappearance of active necroinflammatory liver disease after an inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier state or resolved hepatitis B, occurring during or after immunosuppression therapy or chemotherapy. We prospectively investigated the reactivation rate for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA replication in cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with resolved hepatitis B. HBV markers were evaluated in 428 RA patients. Patients with positive findings of HBsAg or HBV DNA at enrolment were excluded. The study population comprised 422 RA patients, with resolved hepatitis B diagnosed in 135 patients based on HBsAg-negative and antihepatitis B core antibody/antihepatitis B surface antibody-positive results. HBV DNA was measure... Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis? Early study suggests it might, but that's no reason to imbibe heavily, experts say (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News) Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis? Early study suggests it might, but that's no reason to imbibe heavily, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Alcohol, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News) Alcohol Use Lowers RA Risk (CME/CE) (MedPage Today) -- Alcohol consumption was associated with a significant and dose-related reduction in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, a retrospective British study found. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics) Alcohol can lessen arthritis symptoms, study claims Results show that teetotallers are four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who drink alcohol on more than ten days a month. (Source: the Mail online \| Health)<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> New Study Reveals UK Patients Are Less Likely To Receive Innovative Medicines One of the most comprehensive reports comparing the use of medicines in the UK with that in other countries has been published by the Department of Health. The report shows that the UK still lags behind comparable countries in Europe and elsewhere on its use of newer cancer treatments and medicines for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and dementia... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Reduced By Alcohol Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis according to new research justg published. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies. The study which is published online in the journal Rheumatology, looked at 873 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compared them with 1004 people without RA (the control group)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Alcohol and arthritis link examined Conclusion This study appears to show an association between a higher frequency of alcohol consumption and both reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and decreased severity of the disease. However, there are limitations to this study (many of which the researchers highlight), which mean that the conclusions should be interpreted cautiously: This study required the patients to recall their own alcohol consumption, meaning the patients and controls may have over- or under-estimated the amount of alcohol they had consumed. The study asked the participants about the frequency of their drinking rather than about how much they typically drank. As we cannot tell what quantities of alcohol were consumed, it is therefore possible that some individuals who drank less frequently might... Alcohol reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, study finds Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines) Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis? Title: Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis?Category: Health NewsCreated: 7/28/2010 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/28/2010 (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> Surveillance of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases using administrative data Abstract  There is growing interest in developing tools and methods for the surveillance of chronic rheumatic diseases, using existing resources such as administrative health databases. To illustrate how this might work, we used population-based administrative data to estimate and compare the prevalence of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) across three Canadian provinces, assessing for regional differences and the effects of demographic factors. Cases of SARDs (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary Sjogren?s, polymyositis/dermatomyositis) were ascertained from provincial physician billing and hospitalization data. We combined information from three case definitions, using hierarchical Bayesian latent class regression models that account for the i... Rheumatologic Manifestations of Sarcoidosis We present two cases of sarcoidosis with rheumatologic manifestations. Our intent is to encourage a multidisciplinary, translational approach to meet the challenges and difficulties in understanding and treating sarcoidosis.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents \| Abstract \| Full text (Source: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine) Managing Gout in the Primary Care Setting: What You and Your Patients Need to Know Abstract: The US prevalence of gout, a rapidly progressive inflammatory arthritic condition linked to serum uric acid levels, has grown in recent years, in part due to the increasing prevalence and incidence of predisposing factors in the population, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and the use of diuretics. Left untreated, gout can be debilitating and cause deformity. Although a definitive diagnosis requires joint aspiration, only ?11% of patients with suspected gout undergo this procedure, and a presumptive diagnosis based on patient medical history and presentation with characteristic symptoms and comorbidities is a reasonable guidelines-based approach that has utility in the primary care setting, where approximately 70% of all cases and nearly 3,000,000 visits occur. The therapeu... Study: Alcohol Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Rheumatoid arthritis patients who drink alcohol tend to have less severe symptoms than those who don?t, a new study finds. (Source: WebMD Health) Septic arthritis: Stopping the pain, damage to your joint Septic arthritis — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of joint infections caused by bacteria. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)<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> Subchondral Bone Changes Contribute to Cartilage Damage and Loss This study looks at the issue. Arthritis & Rheumatism Research News Alerts (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines) Leap forward in efforts to develop treatments for Huntington's disease (Buck Institute for Age Research) Research reveals that an enzyme linked with multiple disorders -- including stroke, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis -- is also involved in the generation of toxic protein fragments in Huntington's disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health) Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found (Source: BBC News \| Health \| UK Edition) Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found (Source: BBC News \| Health \| UK Edition) A regular tipple may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms DRINKING alcohol reduces the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a pioneering new study has revealed. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)<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> Alcohol may fight rheumatoid arthritis Moderate drinking has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to a new study, drinking alcohol may also ease the pain of -- and lower the risk of developing -- rheumatoid arthritis, a potentially crippling autoimmune disorder. (Source: CNN.com - Health) Metabolic panniculitis: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis and pancreatic panniculitis Panniculitis can be the initial presentation of both alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and pancreatic disease. They can both present with abscess-like draining nodules, but may present like other forms of panniculitis with erythematous nodules. It is important to consider these in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with panniculitis. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively common disorder mainly affecting the lungs and liver. It frequently goes undiagnosed, yet critical interventions can be made to minimize disease progression. Panniculitis associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can be difficult to treat. Pancreatic panniculitis occurs in less than 3% of patients with underlying pancreatic disease and is often associated with arthritis. Diagnosis and treatment of... Tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Background Tocilizumab, a new biologic that inhibits interleukin-6, is approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Europe, Japan and the US.   Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with RA using the data from published randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs).     Search strategy We performed a search of the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to issue 3, 2009; OVID MEDLINE(1966 to 1 October 2009); CINAHL(1982 to 2009); EMBASE (1980 to week 39, 2009); Science Citation Index (Web of Science) (1945 to 2009) and Current Controlled Trials.   Selection criteria Tocilizumab al... CADTH Review: Biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis Source: CADTH Area: News The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has conducted a therapeutic review to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, harms, and cost-effectiveness of biologic response modifier agents for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: NeLM - News) Drinking Alcohol May Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis Drinking alcohol appears to be protective against the development of rheumatoid arthritis and to be associated with less severe symptoms in those who have the condition, according to research published online July 28 in Rheumatology. (Source: Modern 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> Osteoarthritis and a high-fat diet: the full 'osteoarthritis syndrome' in a small animal model Obesity is one of the main risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) and due to the global rise in obesity this will increasingly contribute to OA development. The article of Griffin and co-workers in this issue shows that a high-fat diet leads to obesity and OA in part of the studied animals and that this is related to alterations in locomotor function. Furthermore, a high-fat diet leads to pain sensitization and depression/anxiety-like behavior unrelated to structural OA changes in the knee. Their findings demonstrate that the majority of features of the human "OA syndrome" can be reproduced in a small animal model. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy) Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis Non-drinkers are four times more likely to develop RA than regular drinkersRelated items from OnMedicaHyaluronate gets thumbs up for chronic shoulder painAdult pain linked to childhood bad behaviourHeavy babies risk rheumatoid arthritis in adulthoodRegular tipple may halve risk of rheumatoid arthritisRCN will appeal if rheumatoid arthritis drug is restricted (Source: OnMedica Latest News) Epstein-Barr virus-infected subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma associated with methotrexate treatment. We report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) in a 60-year-old Japanese man treated with MTX for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SPTCL is a rare cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma characterized by involvement of subcutaneous fat mimicking panniculitis. The patient, who had been on MTX therapy for RA, manifested high fever and lumbago. Physical examination showed multiple subcutaneous nodules on the trunk including axillary and inguinal regions. Biopsy of the inguinal nodule showed profuse infiltration of CD8(+) T-cell lymphoma cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissues. A diagnosis of SPTCL was made according to the diagnostic criteria of World Health Organization classification. EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization revealed that the l... RF vs. anti-CCP: competitor or companion? Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1585-0Authors Duck-An Kim, The Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center Department of Early Arthritis/Laboratory Medicine 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-792 Republic of KoreaThink-You Kim, The Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center Department of Early Arthritis/Laboratory Medicine 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-792 Republic of Korea Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International) Lack of association between Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis in a Korean population Abstract  Several studies have investigated the roles of genetic polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of these studies reported that polymorphisms of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 gene (PARP-1) are linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is an enzyme involved in DNA repair, genomic stability, apoptosis, gene transcription, proliferation, and autoimmunity. To determine whether genetic polymorphisms of PARP-1 are related to rheumatoid arthritis in a Korean population, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were selected based on LDs and minor allele frequency (MAF > 0.05) in our previous study, were genotyped in 1,202 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 979 unrelated healthy controls. As a result, no significant associa...<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> Nicotine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-? induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis In conclusion, nicotine can inhibit the TNF? dependant inflammatory pathway in synoviocytes by suppressing the activation of the NF-?B pathway. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1549-4Authors Yaou Zhou, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaXiaoxia Zuo, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaYisha Li, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaYanping Wang, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital ... Expression levels and association of gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13 with VEGF in synovial fluid of patients with arthritis This study was performed to provide evidence, albeit indirectly, as to which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), among the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13, play a more proactive role in the angiogenic process in arthritic joint. Joint fluid was collected from 33 patients with rhuematoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), and protein (MMPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) levels were measured by ELISA, and the association of MMPs with VEGF was evaluated in joint fluid of patients with RA or OA. The levels of collagenases (total MMP-1 and total MMP-13) and gelatinases (total MMP-2 and total MMP-9) in RA joint fluid were significantly higher than those in OA fluid. Total MMP-9 levels were significantly associated with VEGF levels in RA ... Measurement of Erythrocyte Methotrexate Polyglutamate Levels: Ready for Clinical Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Abstract  Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly prescribed and most effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Given the partial response of many patients and the side effect profile of the drug, there is considerable interest in identifying biomarkers to guide MTX therapy in RA. Upon entering cells, MTX is polyglutamated. Measuring MTX polyglutamate (MTX PG) levels in circulating red blood cells has been proposed as an objective measure to help optimize MTX therapy in RA. Data are conflicting with regard to the clinical utility of MTX PG measurements as a predictor of the efficacy or toxicity of low-dose MTX effects in RA. Should large, randomized clinical trials of this assay show consistent, reproducible, long-term correlations between MTX P... Ross Operation in a Patient With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis [CASE REPORTS] A 32-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis underwent a redo aortic valve replacement 7 years after a Ross procedure for severe aortic valve regurgitation. Interestingly, the cause of autograft failure was not related to the rheumatoid inflammation process. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery) Clinical Trials Update: July 27, 2010 Iron Deficiency Anemia Hepatitis C Rheumatoid Arthritis (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> Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand: Monitoring with a Simplified MR Imaging Scoring Method--Preliminary Assessment [MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING] Although Simplified Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (SAMIS) must be further validated in more patients and longitudinal studies, our results indicated that damage to joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be reliably evaluated with SAMIS; SAMIS was closely correlated with and as reproducible as Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score, while being less time-consuming. (Source: Continuous Publishing articles) Safety of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis. Authors: Covelli M, Sarzi-Puttini P, Atzeni F, Macchioni P Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that requires a long-term administration of immunomodulatory drugs with a greater risk of side effects like malignancies, serious infections and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, patients with RA are more prone than general population to these manifestations. Safety of rituximab has been evaluated in the short-term (6 months) and in the medium-term (up to 10 years) in patients who had been previously treated with antagonists of tumor necrosis factor (a-TNF) and/or with methotrexate (MTX) and in patients who were not. Data obtained from clinical trials demonstrated that rituximab is well tolerated either after a single course or after multiple courses. The overall rate of advers... Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results Of Phase 3 Study Of LODOTRA® Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy And Safety In Rheumatoid Arthritis Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumatoid Arthritis-1 (CAPRA-1) Phase 3 European registration study of LODOTRA®, a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone, which showed sustained improvement in reducing the duration of morning stiffness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over a 12 month period... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Pleurisy (Pleuritis) Title: Pleurisy (Pleuritis)Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 2/20/2002 11:32:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/27/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Study Explores Links Between Obesity and Chronic Pain Title: Study Explores Links Between Obesity and Chronic PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/27/2010 (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> Adherence to recommended exercise improves physical function, reduces pain for OA patients (Wiley-Blackwell) Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip who adhere to the recommended home physical therapy exercises and physically active lifestyle experience more improvement in pain, physical function, and self-perceived effect according to a study from researchers in the Netherlands. Details of the study are available online and will publish in the August print issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health) 'I start my day by thinking about what we're going to have for dinner'– a qualitative study on approaches to food-related activities among elderly men with somatic diseases Scand J Caring Sci; 2010'I start my day by thinking about what we're going to have for dinner'[ndash] a qualitative study on approaches to food-related activities among elderly men with somatic diseases The aim of this study was to address the question of how older men with somatic diseases living in their own home approach the question of food-related activities (FRA). Further, any adaptations of these activities necessitated by effects of diseases and of altered life circumstances were explored. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 18 co-living and single-living men, 64[ndash]84 years old. They were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or stroke. In the analysis, a thematic framework was used. The findings revealed three food-related approaches, namel... No evidence of association between anti-TNF treatment and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism Area: News According to research published early online in Arthritis and Rheumatism, compared to patients treated with standard DMARDs, the addition of anti-TNF therapy was not associated with an increase in mortality.   Researchers prospectively followed 12,672 patients starting anti-TNF therapy and 3522 biologic-naive patients receiving DMARDs until 31 July 2008 or death, whichever was sooner. Patients for this study were participants in the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR), which recruits patients with a physician diagnosis of RA starting one of the three available anti-TNF therapies etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab. The primary aim of the BSRBR is to assess the long-term safety of these agents in patients with R... "It's this whole picture, this well-being": patients' understanding of "feeling well" with rheumatoid arthritis. DISCUSSION: Well-being is a multidimensional concept that is meaningful to RA patients regardless of medication type and disease severity. Patients commonly illustrated a process of actively engaging in cognitive and behavioural adjustments to move towards wellness. Clinical practice and research must take account of the complexity of well-being in long-term conditions, in order to fulfil patients' expectations. PMID: 20663799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chronic Illness) Plasma soluble IL-6 receptor concentration in rheumatoid arthritis: associations with the rs8192284 IL6R polymorphism and with disease activity Abstract  Soluble interleukin-6 receptor ? subunit (sIL-6R) is primarily generated by shedding of the membrane-bound form. This process is influenced by the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8192284 (A > C) resulting in an aspartic acid to alanine substitution (D358A) at the proteolytic cleavage site. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma levels of sIL6R are influenced by the rs8192284 polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to assess the association between plasma sIL-6R levels and disease activity as reflected by anti-CCP status. Thirty-nine patients were randomly selected from a cohort of patients with RA of Spanish descent. Plasma sIL-6R concentrations were measured using sandwich ELISA. Genotyping of the rs8192284 (A >...<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> Influence of Rituximab on markers of bone remodeling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective open-label pilot study Abstract  Immune system and bone are interacting in a complex way. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized not only by joint destruction, but also by development of systemic osteopenia and osteoporosis. The CD20-depleting antibody Rituximab (Rtx) is a novel therapeutic option able significantly to slow the destructive joint process of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are little data whether Rtx influences systemic bone remodeling. In the present prospective study, we evaluated the influence of Rtx on markers of bone metabolism with a follow-up of 3?15 months after Rtx therapy (2 dose of each 1,000 mg) in 13 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There was no significant change of the bone formation markers bone alkaline phosphatase and c-terminal propeptide of co... Risk Factors for Hip Problems Among Assembly Plant Workers Conclusions Hip disorders are associated with a history of biomechanical trauma to the hip but also from gait abnormalities such as pes planus. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10926-010-9259-zAuthors Robert A. Werner, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USANancy Gell, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USAAnne Hartigan, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USANeal Wiggermann, University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics, Industrial and Operations Engineering Ann Arbor MI USAMonroe Keyserling, University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics, Industrial and Operations Engineering Ann Ar... San Antonio researcher wins $450,000 grant to advance arthritis treatments Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research scientist Lorena M. Havill has been awarded major financial support for her research into the genetic causes of osteoarthritis. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines) San Antonio researcher wins $450,000 grant to advance arthritis treatments Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research scientist Lorena M. Havill has been awarded major financial support for her research into the genetic causes of osteoarthritis. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines) New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's in the Pipeline The latest on research and development about oral biologics to treat rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: WebMD Health)<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> Treating Your RA: Is It Time for a Biologic? Learn about your options for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, including what your doctor looks for, and the benefits and alternatives to a biologic. (Source: WebMD Health) Obesity at Age 18 Years Linked to Greater Risk for Psoriatic Arthritis In a case series, adiposity was associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines involved in psoriasis; early management of obesity may decrease the risk for psoriatic arthritis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines) Dosing patterns and costs of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor use for rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion Dose increases with TNF inhibitors commonly occurred in RA patients in the clinical setting and were associated with greater costs of anti-TNF therapy. PMID: 20651319 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP) 'Miracle' tea is the choice of celebrities but fears of side-effects linger It's been hailed as the miracle tea that can do everything, promising to fight cancer, ward off infections, treat arthritis and even help you lose weight. (Source: the Mail online \| Health) Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain 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> Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General) New Pain Drug May Be Alternative to Oxycodone Title: New Pain Drug May Be Alternative to OxycodoneCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 10:11:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 10:11:03 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Brain Title: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the BrainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 9:34:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 9:34:40 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) NETAG appraisal and recommendations on tocilizumab (RoActemra®) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis Source: North East Treatment Advisory Group Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews The North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has published an appraisal report and associated recommendations regarding the use of tocilizumab (RoActemra®) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.   The group's recommendations are as follows:   . Tocilizumab is recommended within NHS North East as an alternative to anakinra for the treatment of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis in those who have already received treatment with etanercept and adalimumab.  . Tocilizumab is not recommended within NHS North East for the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  The decision summary notes that individual patients in exceptional circumstances may b...<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> Back Pain Diagnostic Blocks Delay Pain Relief, Add Cost Performing one or more temporary diagnostic nerve blocks to establish arthritis as the cause of back pain before treatment with radiofrequency denervation results in unnecessary tests, delayed pain relief, and added cost, according to a study in the August issue of Anesthesiology. (Source: Modern Medicine) Trait-stratified genome-wide association study identifies novel and diverse genetic associations with serologic and cytokine phenotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, characterized by differences in autoantibody profile, serum cytokines, and clinical manifestations. SLE-associated autoantibodies and high serum interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) are important heritable phenotypes in SLE which are correlated with each other, and play a role in disease pathogenesis. These two heritable risk factors are shared between ancestral backgrounds. The aim of the study was to detect genetic factors associated with autoantibody profiles and serum IFN-alpha in SLE. Methods: We undertook a case-case genome-wide association study of SLE patients stratified by ancestry and extremes of phenotype in serology and serum IFN-alpha. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seven loci were selected f... Interplay of concurrent positive and negative interpersonal events in the prediction of daily negative affect and fatigue for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Conclusion: The examination of concurrent PIE and NIE provides a unique perspective on the role of interpersonal events in affective and physiological outcomes, beyond that which can be gained from the examination of either type of event in isolation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Health Psychology) Calgary man receives historic live cartilage transplant A Calgary man has made history after receiving the first transplant of live cartilage into his shoulder. Researchers hope the technique will one day lead to a treatment for arthritis. (Source: CTV Health) 'Miracle' tea is the choice of celebrities but fears on side effects linger It's been hailed as the miracle tea that can do everything, promising to fight cancer, ward off infections, treat arthritis and even help you lose weight. (Source: the Mail online \| Health)<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> Price regulation, new entry, and information shock on pharmaceutical market in Taiwan: a nationwide data-based study from 2001 to 2004 Conclusions: Our empirical study found that new drug entry was the main driving force behind escalating drug spending, especially by altering the market share. (Source: BMC Health Services Research) Cold and heat pattern of rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine: distinct molecular signatures indentified by microarray expression profiles in CD4-positive T cell Abstract  The research is aimed to explore the distinct molecular signatures in discriminating the rheumatoid arthritis patients with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cold pattern and heat pattern. Twenty patients with typical TCM cold pattern and heat pattern were included. Microarray technology was used to reveal gene expression profiles in CD4+ T cells. The signal intensity of each expressed gene was globally normalized using the R statistics program. The ratio of cold pattern to heat pattern in patients with RA at more or less than 1:2 was taken as the differential gene expression criteria. Protein?protein interaction information for these genes from databases was searched, and the highly connected regions were detected by IPCA algorithm. The significant pathways we... Serum cystatin C level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after single infusion of infliximab Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1572-5Authors M. Kopec-Medrek, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandM. Widuchowska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandA. Kotulska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandE. Zycinska-D?bska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandE. J. Kucharz, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice Poland Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International) Influence of sex on surgical time in primary total knee arthroplasty. Conclusion: Total knee arthroplasty in men requires more time than in women because of the complexity of exposure and to achieve the desired alignment of the components. Our data may allow a better resolution of surgery time planning, which could lead to better use of health system resources. PMID: 20646400 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Surgery) Possible Protective Role of Chloramphenicol in TSST-1 and Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Septic Arthritis with Altered Levels of Inflammatory Mediators Abstract  Chloramphenicol is mostly used against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus, and its protective role against coagulase-positive S. aureus is not well studied. In our study, arthritis was induced in mice by S. aureus (Apollo Gleneagles 33 (AG-33) or American Type Culture Collection 25923 (ATCC-25923)) infection. Chloramphenicol was administered after 2 h of infection. Mice were killed at 1, 3, 5 days post-infection. Mice inoculated with pathogenic Staphylococci (AG-33) expressing coagulase and Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), displayed severe arthritis with enhanced bacterial burden in the spleen, cytokine production in serum and synovial tissue, neutrophil recruitment, and cyclooxegenase-2 expression in synovial tissue compared with ATCC-25923-in...<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> Assessment of cardiac and pulmonary function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis In this study, children with JIA had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, resting heart rate, left ventricle systolic size and volume (4.35 ± 0.68 vs. 3.92 ± 0.28, P value = 0.02). On Doppler and tissue Doppler analysis, the JIA group had lower peak early filling velocity (E, m/s), higher peak atrial filling velocity (A, m/s) and prolonged diastolic E and A waves deceleration times and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) compared to control. Regarding pulmonary function tests, children with JIA showed significant decrease in FVC, PEF, Pimax, Pemax and DLCO compared to normal controls. This decrease was not related to age, height or weight of these patients. There was significant inverse correlation between lung function parameters and the rheuma... Immune complex reaction after successful treatment of meningococcal disease: an excellent response to IVIG We report excellent response to intravenous immunoglobulin in a child with immune complex reaction following meningococcal sepsis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1555-6Authors Rashna Dass, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 793018 IndiaHimesh Barman, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 793018 IndiaSaurabh Gohain Duwarah, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 79301... IL-6 blockade preferentially inhibits Th17 differentiation in collagen-induced arthritis In conclusion, IL-6 inhibition preferentially suppresses the induction of Th17 cells and does not seem to impact on cytokine production of already differentiated Th17 cells. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1552-9Authors Hiroto Yoshida, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 JapanMisato Hashizume, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 JapanMasahiko Mihara, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 Japan Journal Rheumatology International... Diagnostic "Guidelines" A Barrier To Prompt Relief For Some Back Pain Slavishly following long-held guidelines for diagnosing the cause of arthritis-related back pain is resulting in excessive tests, delays in pain relief and wasteful spending of as much as $10,000 per patient, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. Arthritis is a common cause of back pain, though difficult to precisely diagnose, experts say, because of the poor correlation between a finding of arthritis on an X-ray or MRI and the degree of a patient's back pain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) The changing face of rheumatoid arthritis: sustained remission for all? Nature Reviews Immunology 10, 605 (2010). doi:10.1038/nri2804 Author: John D. Isaacs Earlier diagnosis and treatment, plus biological therapies, have transformed the outlook for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In the future, new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response will further improve outcomes. Additionally, preclinical diagnosis and tolerogenic therapies could provide sustained remission for some individuals, (Source: Nature Reviews Immunology)<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> Swiss Consensus Statement: Recommendations for optimising re-treatment with MabThera(R) (rituximab) in rheumatoid arthritis. Authors: Dudler J, Finckh A, Kyburz D, MÃ¶ller B, Schmiedel U, Villiger P, Walker U Rituximab is an effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe disease in patients with an inadequate response to anti-TNF therapies. Rituximab differs from other available biological agents for RA by way of its unique mode of action and unrivalled long dosing interval. The efficacy of rituximab subsides progressively over time and re-therapy is generally required to maintain long term disease control. The timing of re-treatment is currently not well established and varies widely in clinical practice. The present document is a concise recommendation regarding re-treatment with rituximab, based on validated outcomes such as the DAS28 an... Ultrasonography in early assessment of elderly patients with polymyalgic symptoms: a role in predicting diagnostic outcome? Conclusions: US and PDUS can be useful in distinguishing, at onset of disease, pure PMR from other diseases mimicking this condition. PMID: 20653466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology) Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests As first step, radiofrequency denervation would slash costs, researchers say (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News) Doubt cast on common back pain management NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many people with arthritis-related back pain might be prevented from getting long-lasting pain relief under the current management guidelines, US researchers said Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health) Doubt Cast on Common Back Pain Management Many people with arthritis-related back pain might be prevented from getting long-lasting pain relief under the current management guidelines, US researchers said Friday.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Arthritis, Back Pain (Source: MedlinePlus 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> [A cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis] Authors: Ferreira O, Duarte AF, Baudrier T, Mota A, SimÃµes JS, Azevedo F There are no pathognomonic findings for cutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae. The type and duration of therapy varies considerably among reports and no single antibiotic is considered the treatment of choice. A 61-year-old patient, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (treated with metotrexate and salazopyrine), presented with violaceous nodules of the right leg that had been evolving for 6 months. She was underwent several skin biopsies. Tissue culture of the last showed an atypical mycobacteria, identified as M. chelonae. Despite improvement after a two-week course of treatment with clarithromycin, a switch to ciprofloxacin was made because of gastrointestinal intolerance. After 3 months, only ... Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News) Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News) Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News) Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging 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> Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results of Phase 3 Study of Lodotra Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy and Safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis - Results published in July Issue of Annals of Rheumatic Diseases - NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials) Cat's Claw This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb cats claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cats claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.What Cat's Claw Is Used ForCat's claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and arthritis.Cat's claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content) Inflammatory Arthritis Patients Lacking in Preventive Care (CME/CE) Older patients with inflammatory arthritis are not receiving the full range of age-related preventive care they need, despite their being at increased risk for cardiovascular events, infection, and osteoporosis, a new study found. (Source: MedPage Today State Required CME) Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results of Phase 3 Study of LODOTRA(R) Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy and Safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis Results published in July Issue of Annals of Rheumatic Diseases NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 23 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumat... BiopharmaceuticalsHorizon Pharma, LODOTRA, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: HSMN NewsFeed) Leukotriene B4 BLT Receptor Signaling Regulates the Level and Stability of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA through Restricted Activation of Ras/Raf/ERK/p42 AUF1 Pathway [Gene Regulation] Recent studies suggest that active resolution of the inflammatory response in animal models of arthritis may involve leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-dependent stimulation of "intermediate" prostaglandin production, which in turn favors the synthesis of "downstream" anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins. We explored a putative mechanism involving LTB4-dependent control of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, the rate-limiting step in inflammatory prostaglandin biosynthesis. Indeed, LTB4 potently up-regulated/stabilized interleukin-1β-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression under conditions of COX-2 inhibitor-dependent blockade of PGE2 release in human synovial fibroblasts (EC50 = 16.5 ± 1.7 nm for mRNA; 19 ± 2.4 nm for protein, n = 4). The latter...<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> Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results Of Phase 3 Study Of LODOTRA® Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy And Safety In Rheumatoid Arthritis Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumatoid Arthritis-1 (CAPRA-1) Phase 3 European registration study of LODOTRA, a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone, which showed sustained improvement in reducing the duration of morning stiffness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over a 12 month period. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News) Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of bone: two cases occurring in long bone We present two examples of IMT arising in a long bone: one in the humerus and one in the femur. In both cases, imaging shows a poorly delineated osteolytic lesion with cortical bone destruction that aggressively extends into surrounding soft tissue. Histologically, the lesion is dominated by differentiated spindle cells with aprominent collagenous stroma and an inflammatory component including plasma cells and lymphocytes, and with positive immunoreactivity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The absence of cytologic atypia helps differentiate this lesion from malignant spindle cell tumors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00256-010-0998-xAuthors Jianyu Chen, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Department of Radiology 107 Yanjiangxi Rd.... Comparative Effectiveness of Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapies Abstract  Physicians and patients must choose between several therapeutic interventions for rheumatoid arthritis and need to compare the available therapeutic options. Although randomized, placebo-controlled trials are essential to establish the efficacy of a new treatment, they are not much help when it comes to selecting the best therapy for an individual patient. Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is set to provide direct comparisons between therapeutic strategies. CER attempts to weigh the benefits against the potential harms of a particular intervention. Furthermore, CER may help identify specific patient subgroups that are more likely to benefit from a particular therapy or at increased risk of adverse events. Several study designs are available for CER, includi... Arboviral Encephalitides: Transmission, Emergence, and Pathogenesis Abstract  Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are of paramount concern as a group of pathogens at the forefront of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Although some arboviral infections are asymptomatic or present with a mild influenza-like illness, many are important human and veterinary pathogens causing serious illness ranging from rash and arthritis to encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever. Here, we discuss arboviruses from diverse families (Flaviviruses, Alphaviruses, and the Bunyaviridae) that are causative agents of encephalitis in humans. An understanding of the natural history of these infections as well as shared mechanisms of neuroinvasion and neurovirulence is critical to control the spread of these viruses and for the development of effective vaccines and treatmen... Candidal arthritis in revision knee arthroplasty successfully treated with sequential parenteral-oral fluconazole and amphotericin B-loaded cement spacer We present a case of a patient with preoperative cutaneous candidiasis, who developed candidal infection during stage revision knee arthroplasty. The patient received intravenous fluconazole for 6 weeks and resection arthroplasty with an amphotericin B-loaded cement spacer and continuous oral fluconazole therapy for 9 weeks. Revision surgery was successful. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory KneeDOI 10.1007/s00167-010-1211-4Authors Meng-Huang Wu, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi Department of Orthopedic Surgery Chiayi TaiwanKuo-Yao Hsu, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Department of Orthopedic Surgery 5th, Fu-Hsin St. Kweishan, Taoyuan 333 Taiwan, ROC Journal Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, ArthroscopyOnline ISSN 1433-7347Print ISSN 0942-2056 (Sou...<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> Travel Medicine: Healthcare When Traveling Abroad Title: Travel Medicine: Healthcare When Traveling AbroadCategory: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 3/31/2006Last Editorial Review: 7/23/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Insurance Woes Can Add to Burden of Psoriasis Title: Insurance Woes Can Add to Burden of PsoriasisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/22/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/23/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General) Evaluation of telomerase expression in chronic periodontitis Conclusion : Various mechanisms have been explained to account for telomerase elevation in chronic periodontitis .This study helps us understand the role of telomerase in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. It could be concluded that telomerase could be used as a marker to assess the severity of inflammation in chronic periodontitis. (Source: Table of Contents : Indian Journal of Dental Research : 2006 - 17(3)) Diagnostic 'guidelines' a barrier to prompt relief for some back pain (Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions) Slavishly following long-held guidelines for diagnosing the cause of arthritis-related back pain is resulting in excessive tests, delays in pain relief and wasteful spending of as much as $10,000 per patient, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Your arthritis knee surgery Guide

What Are The Alternatives To Vioxx?
By Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PC, Fri Dec 9th

With the withdrawal of Vioxx from the pharmaceutical market,doctors and patients are left scrambling for alternatives toVioxx.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR INFORMATION ON MEDICATIONS ANDALTERNATIVES TO VIOXX.

The below is only informational, and is not offered as medicaladvice! Only your doctor can determine what pain killers will beright for you.

Vioxx is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by the FDA inMay 1999 for the relief of osteoarthritis, for menstrualsymptoms, and the management of acute pain in adults. Painrelievers called NSAIDs, work against two enzymes -- COX-1 andCOX-2 -- that frequently cause inflammation and pain. Cox-1 isfound in the stomach and Vioxx and its alternatives that attackit often cause upset stomachs and ulcers. Vioxx and Vioxxalternatives are known as a class of drugs called COX-2inhibitors attack that sole enzyme, minimizing stomach sideeffects.

Are other alternatives to Vioxx safe? COX-2 drugs have thetendency to raise blood pressure, but only Vioxx has been linkedto a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and othercardiovascular problems. Although there is now study showingthat some alternatives to Vioxx also cause heart problems. Forexample, the study released in October 2004 regarding Bextra andheart surgery patients.

Two COX-2 inhibitor alternatives to Vioxx are sold in the U.S. –Celebrex and Bextra. However, the safety has of thesealtnernatives to Vioxx been questioned. Drug manufacturers –Pharmacia and Pfizer have huge advertising budgets and sales inthe millions.

Bextra, an alternative to Vioxx, also known as Valdecoxib, wasapproved by the

Efalizumab: Rheumatoid arthritis
(Source: Reactions)<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>
CD200R1 regulates the severity of arthritis but has minimal impact on the adaptive immune response
CD200R1 is a member of the immunoglobulin supergene family that is thought to play an inhibitory role in immunity. Previous studies have established the anti-arthritic effect of CD200Fc, an agonist of CD200R1. However, the physiological role played by CD200R1 in arthritis remains to be established. The aims of this study are to assess the contribution of endogenous CD200R1 in regulating the severity of arthritis and to determine its role in shaping the immune response to type II collagen within the context of collagen-induced arthritis, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice by immunization with type II collagen and the kinetics of expression of CD200R1 and CD200 were monitored by quantitative reverse transcription[ndash]polymerase chain reaction. Next...
Ross Operation in a Patient With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Authors: Melina G, Sheppard MN, Pepper JR A 32-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis underwent a redo aortic valve replacement 7 years after a Ross procedure for severe aortic valve regurgitation. Interestingly, the cause of autograft failure was not related to the rheumatoid inflammation process. PMID: 20667306 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Expression of ADAMTS4 in Ewing's sarcoma.
In this study, we identified ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) as a possible tumor marker for EWS using the retrovirus-mediated signal sequence trap method. ADAMTS4 is a secreted protein of 837 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 98-100 kDa. It is a member of metalloprotease family, is expressed mainly in cartilage and brain, and regulates the degradation of aggrecans. ADAMTS4 has been suggested to be involved in arthritic diseases and gliomas. Herein, we show that ADAMTS4 mRNA was expressed in all primary EWS samples and all EWS-derived cell lines examined, while its expression was detected only in small subpopulations of other solid tumors. Furthermore, ADAMTS4 expression was found to be regulated by EWS-FLI1 fusion gene-dependent manner....
Perioperative anesthetic concerns in a child with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis syndrome.
Authors: Garg R, Hariharan UR, Sood R, Pawar M, Gupta A PMID: 20670244 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Paediatric Anaesthesia)
Production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (matrilysin 1) in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Conclusions.-proMMP-7 is excessively produced by hyperplastic alveolar and metaplastic bronchiolar epithelial cells and activated locally in the lungs of IPF patients, suggesting that MMP-7 may contribute to the pathology of IPF. PMID: 20670133 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory 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>
The Risk Of Malignancy In Children May Be Increased By TNF Blockers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of malignancies in children using tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) blockers, raising concerns of an associated risk and prompting an investigation. Researchers from the FDA set out to identify all reports of malignancy in children using infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and their report is published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Interaction Of Multiple Brain Networks Provides Insight Into How Pain Occurs
A recent study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan provides the first direct evidence of linkage between elevated intrinsic (resting-state) brain connectivity and spontaneous pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). This research shows an interaction of multiple brain networks, offering greater understanding of how pain arises. Details of the study appear online and in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Psoriasis and obesity: literature review and recommendations for management
Estudos recentes demonstram uma relação entre obesidade e inflamação crônica, confirmada através da associação de níveis elevados de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-±), interleucina seis (IL-6) e proteína C reativa, com aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC). O estado inflamatório, nos indivíduos obesos, poderia contribuir para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento da psoríase. Fenômenos análogos já foram descritos, em outras doenças inflamatórias crônicas, como a artrite reumatóide e doença de Chrön. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram uma prevalência elevada de comorbidades cardiovasculares, secundárias às alterações metabólicas, associadas à psoríase e obesidade. Permanecem ainda não elucidados alguns aspectos desta associação, como: o impacto da obesida...
Alcohol reduces rheumatoid arthritis risk
SHEFFIELD, England, July 31 (UPI) -- Alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as its severity, researchers in Britain say. Arthritis - Alcoholic beverage - England - Rheumatoid arthritis - Health (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Could drinking alcohol help ward off rheumatoid arthritis?
Drinking alcohol may help keep rheumatoid arthritis at bay, possibly because it dampens the body's immune response, new research suggests. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)<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>
Doing Prescribed Exercises May Help Relieve Arthritis Pain
Adhering to recommended routine reduced aches, boosted strength, researchers found (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)
Alcohol Consumption Inversely Associated with Risk and Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Despite study limitations, alcohol consumption appeared to have an inverse and dose-related association with both risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
(Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings)
Overlapping juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Abstract  Hereby, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl developing oligoarthritis and progressing into a polyarticular form. Rheumatoid factor was positive, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was diagnosed. After a poor response to DMARDs, an anti-TNF agent (infliximab) was initiated, but to be discontinued due to an allergic reaction. The same complication was observed with the fully human derivative, adalimumab. At the age of 22, the patient presented septicemia with severe anemia and subsequent development of leukopenia, myocarditis with heart failure, and ANA, aSm, aSS-A, aCL positives, and nephrotic syndrome. These new clinical manifestations fulfilled the classification criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Due to the poor therapeutic res...
White cells count in smokers affected by rheumatic diseases
Abstract  Evidence shows that tobacco smoking interacts with development of rheumatic diseases. Increase in white cells count (leukocytosis) is frequently present, and in smokers, it is considered a biomarker of cardiovascular risk. Aim of the study is to evaluate this biomarker in smokers with rheumatic diagnosis. We carried out an observational study on 115 rheumatic outpatients (26 men and 89 women) divided into two groups according to their smoking habit: one composed of 56 smokers, the other of 59 not smokers. Diagnosis and common routinary clinical parameters were collected. In the total sample, smokers were 48.69%. Most common diagnosis was osteoarthritis (OA) (40.87% of the total); smokers in OA women were 36.11%, smokers in OA men were 54.55%. Second most common 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>
Echinococcus multilocularis infection and TNF inhibitor treatment in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1570-7Authors S. M. Weiner, Teaching Hospital of the University of Mainz Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Nordallee 1 54292 Trier GermanyV. Krenn, Institute of Pathology Trier GermanyC. Koelbel, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Gastroenterology Trier GermanyH. G. Hoffmann, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Radiology Trier GermanyK. Hinkeldey, Institute of Pathology Trier GermanyD. Ockert, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Department of Surgery Trier Germany Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International)
MBD4 gene is associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese patients in Taiwan
This study examines whether or not MBD4 polymorphism is a marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility or severity for Chinese patients in Taiwan. This study included 193 patients with RA, while 190 unrelated healthy individuals living in Central Taiwan served as controls. The relationship between MBD4 polymorphism and clinical manifestations of RA was evaluated. For the genotype and allelic frequency of MBD4-1057 polymorphism, there were no statistically significant differences between patients with RA and controls. There were significant differences in the distribution of MBD4-8666 polymorphism frequencies between patients with RA and controls [P = 0.013; P corrected (Pc) = 0.039]. There were also significant relationships in the distribution of MBD4-9229...
Shear-induced Interleukin-6 Synthesis in Chondrocytes: ROLES OF E PROSTANOID (EP) 2 AND EP3 IN cAMP/PROTEIN KINASE A- AND PI3-K/Akt-DEPENDENT NF-{kappa}B ACTIVATION [Gene Regulation]
Mechanical overloading of cartilage producing hydrostatic stress, tensile strain, and fluid flow can adversely affect chondrocyte function and precipitate osteoarthritis (OA). Application of high fluid shear stress to chondrocytes recapitulates the earmarks of OA, as evidenced by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, matrix degradation, and chondrocyte apoptosis. Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and interleukin (IL)-6 have been reported in OA cartilage in vivo, and in shear-activated chondrocytes in vitro. Although PGE2 positively regulates IL-6 synthesis in chondrocytes, the underlying signaling pathway of shear-induced IL-6 expression remains unknown. Using the human T/C-28a2 chondrocyte cell line as a model system, we demonstrate that COX-2-derive...
Alcohol 'helps alleviate arthritis'
Drinking alcohol helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis and alleviates symptoms in those who have the condition, according to new research. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)
More Evidence Links Fractures to Diabetes Drugs
Title: More Evidence Links Fractures to Diabetes DrugsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/30/2010 11:22:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 11:22:29 AM (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>
Study: Calcium May Increase Heart Attack Risk
Title: Study: Calcium May Increase Heart Attack RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/30/2010 11:14:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 11:14:12 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Knee, Hip Replacements May Aid Weight Loss: Study
Title: Knee, Hip Replacements May Aid Weight Loss: StudyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/29/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Alcohol "may lower arthritis risk"
A new study has suggested that drinking alcohol may lower the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reduce its severity (Source: Nursing in Practice)
Judge Allows Claims For Negligence, Failure To Warn Against Abbott Over Humira
SAN FRANCISCO - A California federal judge on June 14 refused to dismiss negligence and failure-to-warn claims brought by parents of a boy who contracted fatal hepatosplenic T-Cell lymphoma after being given three drugs, including Abbott Laboratories' Humira, to treat inflammatory bowel disease (Stephen Wendell, et al. v. Johnson & Johnson, et al., No. 09-04124, N.D. Calif.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68874; See January, 2010, Page 4). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Vioxx MDL Judge: Merck Does Not Owe Louisiana Reimbursement
NEW ORLEANS - Merck & Co. does not owe the State of Louisiana a refund over Medicaid payments for Vioxx because the state failed to show that it would or could have restricted reimbursements had the company provided stronger warnings of cardiovascular risk, the Vioxx multidistrict litigation judge ruled June 29 (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, State of Louisiana, ex rel. James D. Caldwell Jr. v Merck & Co. Inc., No. 05-3700, E.D. La.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 64388; See May 2010, Page 6). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ 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>
Federal Judge Dismisses Consumer Class Suit Over Pfizer Drugs
PHILADELPHIA - A federal judge in Pennsylvania on July 20 dismissed a putative consumer class action that alleged fraudulent marketing of 12 Pfizer Inc. drugs, saying the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate an injury or reliance upon the allegedly fraudulent marketing (Kathleen Zafarana, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., et al., No. 09-cv-4026, E.D. Pa.; See June 2010, Page 8). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Federal Judge Rules Pfizer's Repeated Violations Of Law Show Demand Futility
NEW YORK - Pfizer Inc.'s continued violations of federal law after paying fines and entering guilty pleas stemming from previous violations as well as the personal liability faced by its directors and executives demonstrate demand futility, a New York federal judge ruled July 14; the company had moved to dismiss shareholder derivative claims stemming from a $2.3 billion settlement the company entered into in 2009, saying the plaintiffs failed to make a demand on the board as required by securities laws (In re Pfizer Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigation, No. 09-cv-7822, S.D. N.Y.; 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 69593; See March 2010, Page 11). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Wrongful Death Plaintiffs Say Defendants' Citation Supports Their Remand Motion
RICHMOND, Va. - Parents of a 17-year-old girl who died of cardiac arrest after several infusions with Johnson & Johnson's Remicade say in a June 24 appeal brief before the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals that the case on which the defendants relied to defeat remand, although "somewhat distinguishable," nevertheless supports the plaintiffs' motion to remand (James Mack, et al. v. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, et al., No. 10-1019, 4th Cir.; See June 2010, Page 4). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Merck Moves To Dismiss Purchase Price Class In Federal Vioxx Litigation
NEW ORLEANS - Saying that the plaintiffs fail to allege any plausible claims, plead their fraud-based claims with the requisite particularity or allege a cognizable injury, Merck & Co. Inc. on June 30 asked the Vioxx multidistrict litigation judge to dismiss a putative master class for purchase price claims (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, 2:05-md-01657, E.D. La.; See March 2009, Page 7). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
5th Circuit: Holdouts Lack Standing To Object To Vioxx Settlement
NEW ORLEANS - Former Vioxx users who did not opt in to the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with Merck & Co. have no standing to object to the terms of the settlement, and discovery orders whereby their cases were dismissed in the multidistrict litigation were not an abuse of discretion, the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals said in a July 16 per curiam opinion (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 April 2010, Page 10). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ 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>
Attorney Blasts MDL Judge, Seeks Remand Of Cases
NEW ORLEANS - An attorney representing former Vioxx users who did not opt in to the master settlement agreement (MSA) with Merck & Co. blasted the multidistrict litigation judge, who also administers the settlement, saying in a July 8 motion for suggestion of remand that the judge's commitment to the settlement's success trumps the rights of his clients to pursue their claims at trial (In Re: VIOXX Products Liability Litigation, MDL 1657, E.D. La.). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Common Benefit Fee Denial In Bextra, Celebrex MDL Is Upheld In 9th Circuit
SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on June 25 affirmed the Bextra and Celebrex multidistrict litigation judge's denial of common benefit funds to Louisiana attorney Daniel E. Becnel Jr. (In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Marketing Sales Practices and Product Liability Litigation, No. M 05-1699; N.D. Calif.; Plaintiffs' Steering Committee v. Daniel E. Becnel Jr., et al., No. 09-16928 9th Cir.; 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 13129; See July 2009, Page 6). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Doctor Gets 6 Months For Falsifying Data For Celebrex Pain Study
BOSTON - A former member of Pfizer Inc.'s speakers' bureau who pleaded guilty earlier this year to falsifying data in support of a published study on Pfizer's Celebrex was sentenced to six months in prison on June 25 in Massachusetts federal court (United States of America v. Scott Reuben, No. 10-30002, D. Mass.; See February 2010, Page 5). Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Arthritis Drugs Legal News)
Aching Joints? Drinking Alcohol May Be The Answer
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- One in Five adults in the United States has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but relief could be given to these victims by drinking alcohol. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)
Microarray Analysis of response of Salmonella during the Infection of HLA-B27-Transfected Human Macrophage-Like U937 Cells
Conclusions: This is the first report to show the regulation of Salmonella gene expression by HLA-B27 during infection of host cells. This regulation probably leads to increased Salmonella survival and replication in HLA-B27-positive cells. SPI-2 genes seem to contribute significantly to the increased replication. (Source: BioMed Central)<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>
Exercise Adherence Helps Osteoarthritis Patients
Greater adherence to home exercise and more physical activity in general appear to enhance the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee, according to research published in the August issue of Arthritis Care & Research. (Source: Modern Medicine)
New developments in osteoarthritis. Sex differences in magnetic resonance imaging-based biomarkers and in those of joint metabolism
This report highlights recent studies of sex differences in individual joint components, imaged by magnetic resonance imaging, and in systemic biomarkers of joint metabolism. Particularly important are those studies that examine this issue in young, unaffected adults and children, before the development of disease. Despite some variation across studies, for the most part, women appear to have thinner and reduced volume of cartilage in the knee than men, and this may occur from early childhood. It is not clear if women have an accelerated rate of cartilage volume loss than men. Few data exist on sex differences in systemic biomarkers of joint metabolism. In these studies, it is critically important to characterize the total body burden of OA and the presence of co-morbid conditions likely t...
Efficacy assessed in follow-ups of clinical trials: methodological conundrum
Increasingly, we see papers describing the long-term follow up results of randomised clinical trials (RCT). Sometimes, like in an article by Rantalaiho et al in this issue of Arthrtis Research & Therapy, the follow up extends to more than 10 years. It is not uncommon that authors of such articles describe their results as a comparison of the original treatment groups in the original RCT. Methodologically, such a comparison is fallible for several reasons. In this editorial, two important sources of bias that may jeopardise the results of such follow-up studies are discussed: Confounding by indication and confounding by trial completion. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Rheumatoid granuloma of the cervix and vagina: a challenging diagnosis and treatment.
CONCLUSION:: Rheumatoid nodules can occur in the genital tract, which poses diagnostic and treatment challenges. PMID: 20664433 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8): friend or foe for rheumatoid arthritis?
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1582-3Authors Rui-Xue Leng, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of ChinaHai-Feng Pan, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of ChinaJin-Hui Tao, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University Department of Rheumatology 17 Lujiang Road Hefei Anhui 230001 People?s Republic of ChinaDong-Qing Ye, Anhui Medical University Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health 81 Meishan Road Hefei Anhui 230032 People?s Republic of China Journal Rh...<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>
Interposition Arthroplasty Options for Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb
Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis of the thumb affects half of postmenopausal women and up to 25% of elderly men. This disease can cause significant disability in affected patients often necessitating surgical intervention. Various surgical options have been used to treat refractory CMC arthritis. Any successful surgical intervention must address three goals: removal of diseased joint surfaces, reconstruction of ligamentous stabilizers, and preservation of the joint space. In this article we will discuss various interposition arthroplasty options for CMC arthritis of the thumb. (Source: Hand Clinics)
Implant Arthroplasty of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb
Resection arthroplasty with or without ligament reconstruction for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis can be complicated by thumb shortening and pinch-strength weakness. Implant arthroplasties have been developed to limit loss of thumb length, improve strength, and limit postoperative convalescence. The ideal thumb carpometacarpal implant should be strong and stable, provide full range of motion, and prevent loosening. Unfortunately, no current prosthesis accomplishes all of these goals. Until the ideal implant is developed, clinical acumen must be used to determine appropriate patients and implants. (Source: Hand Clinics)
A breakthrough in tuberculosis research
(McGill University) The key to the fate of the macrophages is the balance between two kinds of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are molecules that contribute to the control of our immune system. The genetic code of TB bacteria enables it to tip this balance in favor of necrosis, and human genetic analysis revealed that modification in eicosanoids production is associated with susceptibility or resistance to TB. Fortunately, drugs that target the production of eicosanoids are already in use for treating other inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Resting brain activity associated with spontaneous fibromyalgia pain
(Wiley-Blackwell) A recent study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan provides the first direct evidence of linkage between elevated intrinsic (resting-state) brain connectivity and spontaneous pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia. This research shows an interaction of multiple brain networks, offering greater understanding of how pain arises. Details of the study appear online and in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
TNF blockers may increase the risk of malignancy in children
(Wiley-Blackwell) The Food and Drug Administration received reports of malignancies in children using tumor necrosis factor a (TNF) blockers, raising concerns of an associated risk and prompting an investigation. Researchers from the FDA set out to identify all reports of malignancy in children using infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab and their report is published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)<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>
ITGAM Arg77His Is Associated with Disease Susceptibility, Arthritis, and Renal Symptoms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients from a Sample of the Polish Population
DNA and Cell Biology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)
Usability Testing of an Online Self-management Program for Adolescents With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Conclusions: We describe the usability testing of a self-management health portal designed for English- and French-speaking youth with arthritis and their parents, which uncovered several usability issues. Usability testing is a crucial step in the development of self-management health portals to ensure that the various end users (youth and parents) have the ability to access, understand, and use health-related information and services that are delivered via the Internet and that they are delivered in an efficient, effective, satisfying, and culturally competent manner. (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)
A Review of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants Important for Health and Longevity.
Authors: Wojcik M, Burzynska-Pedziwiatr I, Wozniak LA Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the presence of O(2) by mitochondria, phagocytic cells, peroxisomes, and cytochrome P450 enzymes under physiological conditions, may play a dual function in the human organism. On the one hand, they participate in cell signal transduction cascades, leading to the activation of some transcription factors responsible for regulating of the expression of genes relevant for cell growth and differentiation. On the other hand, they cause oxidative damage of cellular DNA, protein and lipids, resulting in the initiation or development of numerous diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, or different neurodegenerative diseases. Both e...
The Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Sleep-and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Persons With Arthritis
Few studies have examined the effects of physical activity on sleep in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the short- and long-term effects of an 8-week, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity program on improvements in sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a sample of community-based older adults with arthritis (N = 346). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group that received the intervention on a delayed basis. Sleep and HROQL were assessed with self-report instruments at baseline and 8 weeks using intention-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated (AT) analyses. The intervention group was also assessed at 3 and 6 months. At 8 weeks, the intervention group reported fewer days waking up tired (ITT and AT results) and fewer da...
Leap forward in efforts to develop treatments for Huntington's disease
Research reveals that an enzyme linked with multiple disorders -- including stroke, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis -- is also involved in the generation of toxic protein fragments in Huntington's disease. (Source: ScienceDaily 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>
Prevalence of reactivation of hepatitis B virus replication in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Abstract  Reactivation of hepatitis B involves the reappearance of active necroinflammatory liver disease after an inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier state or resolved hepatitis B, occurring during or after immunosuppression therapy or chemotherapy. We prospectively investigated the reactivation rate for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA replication in cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with resolved hepatitis B. HBV markers were evaluated in 428 RA patients. Patients with positive findings of HBsAg or HBV DNA at enrolment were excluded. The study population comprised 422 RA patients, with resolved hepatitis B diagnosed in 135 patients based on HBsAg-negative and antihepatitis B core antibody/antihepatitis B surface antibody-positive results. HBV DNA was measure...
Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Early study suggests it might, but that's no reason to imbibe heavily, experts say (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)
Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Early study suggests it might, but that's no reason to imbibe heavily, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Alcohol, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Alcohol Use Lowers RA Risk (CME/CE)
(MedPage Today) -- Alcohol consumption was associated with a significant and dose-related reduction in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, a retrospective British study found. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)
Alcohol can lessen arthritis symptoms, study claims
Results show that teetotallers are four times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who drink alcohol on more than ten days a month. (Source: the Mail online | Health)<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>
New Study Reveals UK Patients Are Less Likely To Receive Innovative Medicines
One of the most comprehensive reports comparing the use of medicines in the UK with that in other countries has been published by the Department of Health. The report shows that the UK still lags behind comparable countries in Europe and elsewhere on its use of newer cancer treatments and medicines for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and dementia... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity Reduced By Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis according to new research justg published. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies. The study which is published online in the journal Rheumatology, looked at 873 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and compared them with 1004 people without RA (the control group)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Alcohol and arthritis link examined
Conclusion This study appears to show an association between a higher frequency of alcohol consumption and both reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and decreased severity of the disease. However, there are limitations to this study (many of which the researchers highlight), which mean that the conclusions should be interpreted cautiously: This study required the patients to recall their own alcohol consumption, meaning the patients and controls may have over- or under-estimated the amount of alcohol they had consumed. The study asked the participants about the frequency of their drinking rather than about how much they typically drank. As we cannot tell what quantities of alcohol were consumed, it is therefore possible that some individuals who drank less frequently might...
Alcohol reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, study finds
Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Title: Could Drinking Help Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis?Category: Health NewsCreated: 7/28/2010 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/28/2010 (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>
Surveillance of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases using administrative data
Abstract  There is growing interest in developing tools and methods for the surveillance of chronic rheumatic diseases, using existing resources such as administrative health databases. To illustrate how this might work, we used population-based administrative data to estimate and compare the prevalence of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) across three Canadian provinces, assessing for regional differences and the effects of demographic factors. Cases of SARDs (systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary Sjogren?s, polymyositis/dermatomyositis) were ascertained from provincial physician billing and hospitalization data. We combined information from three case definitions, using hierarchical Bayesian latent class regression models that account for the i...
Rheumatologic Manifestations of Sarcoidosis
We present two cases of sarcoidosis with rheumatologic manifestations. Our intent is to encourage a multidisciplinary, translational approach to meet the challenges and difficulties in understanding and treating sarcoidosis.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)
Managing Gout in the Primary Care Setting: What You and Your Patients Need to Know
Abstract: The US prevalence of gout, a rapidly progressive inflammatory arthritic condition linked to serum uric acid levels, has grown in recent years, in part due to the increasing prevalence and incidence of predisposing factors in the population, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and the use of diuretics. Left untreated, gout can be debilitating and cause deformity. Although a definitive diagnosis requires joint aspiration, only ?11% of patients with suspected gout undergo this procedure, and a presumptive diagnosis based on patient medical history and presentation with characteristic symptoms and comorbidities is a reasonable guidelines-based approach that has utility in the primary care setting, where approximately 70% of all cases and nearly 3,000,000 visits occur. The therapeu...
Study: Alcohol Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who drink alcohol tend to have less severe symptoms than those who don?t, a new study finds. (Source: WebMD Health)
Septic arthritis: Stopping the pain, damage to your joint
Septic arthritis — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of joint infections caused by bacteria. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)<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>
Subchondral Bone Changes Contribute to Cartilage Damage and Loss
This study looks at the issue. Arthritis & Rheumatism Research News Alerts (Source: Medscape Rheumatology Headlines)
Leap forward in efforts to develop treatments for Huntington's disease
(Buck Institute for Age Research) Research reveals that an enzyme linked with multiple disorders -- including stroke, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis -- is also involved in the generation of toxic protein fragments in Huntington's disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis
Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis
Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
A regular tipple may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
DRINKING alcohol reduces the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a pioneering new study has revealed. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)<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>
Alcohol may fight rheumatoid arthritis
Moderate drinking has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to a new study, drinking alcohol may also ease the pain of -- and lower the risk of developing -- rheumatoid arthritis, a potentially crippling autoimmune disorder. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Metabolic panniculitis: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis and pancreatic panniculitis
Panniculitis can be the initial presentation of both alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and pancreatic disease. They can both present with abscess-like draining nodules, but may present like other forms of panniculitis with erythematous nodules. It is important to consider these in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with panniculitis. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively common disorder mainly affecting the lungs and liver. It frequently goes undiagnosed, yet critical interventions can be made to minimize disease progression. Panniculitis associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can be difficult to treat. Pancreatic panniculitis occurs in less than 3% of patients with underlying pancreatic disease and is often associated with arthritis. Diagnosis and treatment of...
Tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis
Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Background Tocilizumab, a new biologic that inhibits interleukin-6, is approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Europe, Japan and the US.   Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with RA using the data from published randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs).     Search strategy We performed a search of the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to issue 3, 2009; OVID MEDLINE(1966 to 1 October 2009); CINAHL(1982 to 2009); EMBASE (1980 to week 39, 2009); Science Citation Index (Web of Science) (1945 to 2009) and Current Controlled Trials.   Selection criteria Tocilizumab al...
CADTH Review: Biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis
Source: CADTH Area: News The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has conducted a therapeutic review to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, harms, and cost-effectiveness of biologic response modifier agents for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: NeLM - News)
Drinking Alcohol May Thwart Rheumatoid Arthritis
Drinking alcohol appears to be protective against the development of rheumatoid arthritis and to be associated with less severe symptoms in those who have the condition, according to research published online July 28 in Rheumatology. (Source: Modern 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>
Osteoarthritis and a high-fat diet: the full 'osteoarthritis syndrome' in a small animal model
Obesity is one of the main risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) and due to the global rise in obesity this will increasingly contribute to OA development. The article of Griffin and co-workers in this issue shows that a high-fat diet leads to obesity and OA in part of the studied animals and that this is related to alterations in locomotor function. Furthermore, a high-fat diet leads to pain sensitization and depression/anxiety-like behavior unrelated to structural OA changes in the knee. Their findings demonstrate that the majority of features of the human "OA syndrome" can be reproduced in a small animal model. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Non-drinkers are four times more likely to develop RA than regular drinkersRelated items from OnMedicaHyaluronate gets thumbs up for chronic shoulder painAdult pain linked to childhood bad behaviourHeavy babies risk rheumatoid arthritis in adulthoodRegular tipple may halve risk of rheumatoid arthritisRCN will appeal if rheumatoid arthritis drug is restricted (Source: OnMedica Latest News)
Epstein-Barr virus-infected subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma associated with methotrexate treatment.
We report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) in a 60-year-old Japanese man treated with MTX for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SPTCL is a rare cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma characterized by involvement of subcutaneous fat mimicking panniculitis. The patient, who had been on MTX therapy for RA, manifested high fever and lumbago. Physical examination showed multiple subcutaneous nodules on the trunk including axillary and inguinal regions. Biopsy of the inguinal nodule showed profuse infiltration of CD8(+) T-cell lymphoma cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissues. A diagnosis of SPTCL was made according to the diagnostic criteria of World Health Organization classification. EBV-encoded small RNA in situ hybridization revealed that the l...
RF vs. anti-CCP: competitor or companion?
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1585-0Authors Duck-An Kim, The Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center Department of Early Arthritis/Laboratory Medicine 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-792 Republic of KoreaThink-You Kim, The Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center Department of Early Arthritis/Laboratory Medicine 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu Seoul 133-792 Republic of Korea Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International)
Lack of association between Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis in a Korean population
Abstract  Several studies have investigated the roles of genetic polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of these studies reported that polymorphisms of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 gene (PARP-1) are linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase is an enzyme involved in DNA repair, genomic stability, apoptosis, gene transcription, proliferation, and autoimmunity. To determine whether genetic polymorphisms of PARP-1 are related to rheumatoid arthritis in a Korean population, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were selected based on LDs and minor allele frequency (MAF > 0.05) in our previous study, were genotyped in 1,202 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 979 unrelated healthy controls. As a result, no significant associa...<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>
Nicotine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-? induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis
In conclusion, nicotine can inhibit the TNF? dependant inflammatory pathway in synoviocytes by suppressing the activation of the NF-?B pathway. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1549-4Authors Yaou Zhou, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaXiaoxia Zuo, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaYisha Li, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital 110 Xiangya Road 410008 Changsha Hunan ChinaYanping Wang, Central South University Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiangya Hospital ...
Expression levels and association of gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13 with VEGF in synovial fluid of patients with arthritis
This study was performed to provide evidence, albeit indirectly, as to which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), among the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the collagenases MMP-1 and MMP-13, play a more proactive role in the angiogenic process in arthritic joint. Joint fluid was collected from 33 patients with rhuematoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), and protein (MMPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) levels were measured by ELISA, and the association of MMPs with VEGF was evaluated in joint fluid of patients with RA or OA. The levels of collagenases (total MMP-1 and total MMP-13) and gelatinases (total MMP-2 and total MMP-9) in RA joint fluid were significantly higher than those in OA fluid. Total MMP-9 levels were significantly associated with VEGF levels in RA ...
Measurement of Erythrocyte Methotrexate Polyglutamate Levels: Ready for Clinical Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Abstract  Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most commonly prescribed and most effective drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Given the partial response of many patients and the side effect profile of the drug, there is considerable interest in identifying biomarkers to guide MTX therapy in RA. Upon entering cells, MTX is polyglutamated. Measuring MTX polyglutamate (MTX PG) levels in circulating red blood cells has been proposed as an objective measure to help optimize MTX therapy in RA. Data are conflicting with regard to the clinical utility of MTX PG measurements as a predictor of the efficacy or toxicity of low-dose MTX effects in RA. Should large, randomized clinical trials of this assay show consistent, reproducible, long-term correlations between MTX P...
Ross Operation in a Patient With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis [CASE REPORTS]
A 32-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis underwent a redo aortic valve replacement 7 years after a Ross procedure for severe aortic valve regurgitation. Interestingly, the cause of autograft failure was not related to the rheumatoid inflammation process. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Clinical Trials Update: July 27, 2010
Iron Deficiency Anemia Hepatitis C Rheumatoid Arthritis (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>
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand: Monitoring with a Simplified MR Imaging Scoring Method--Preliminary Assessment [MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING]
Although Simplified Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (SAMIS) must be further validated in more patients and longitudinal studies, our results indicated that damage to joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be reliably evaluated with SAMIS; SAMIS was closely correlated with and as reproducible as Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score, while being less time-consuming. (Source: Continuous Publishing articles)
Safety of rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: Covelli M, Sarzi-Puttini P, Atzeni F, Macchioni P Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that requires a long-term administration of immunomodulatory drugs with a greater risk of side effects like malignancies, serious infections and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, patients with RA are more prone than general population to these manifestations. Safety of rituximab has been evaluated in the short-term (6 months) and in the medium-term (up to 10 years) in patients who had been previously treated with antagonists of tumor necrosis factor (a-TNF) and/or with methotrexate (MTX) and in patients who were not. Data obtained from clinical trials demonstrated that rituximab is well tolerated either after a single course or after multiple courses. The overall rate of advers...
Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results Of Phase 3 Study Of LODOTRA® Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy And Safety In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumatoid Arthritis-1 (CAPRA-1) Phase 3 European registration study of LODOTRA®, a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone, which showed sustained improvement in reducing the duration of morning stiffness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over a 12 month period... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
Title: Pleurisy (Pleuritis)Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 2/20/2002 11:32:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/27/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Study Explores Links Between Obesity and Chronic Pain
Title: Study Explores Links Between Obesity and Chronic PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/27/2010 (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>
Adherence to recommended exercise improves physical function, reduces pain for OA patients
(Wiley-Blackwell) Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip who adhere to the recommended home physical therapy exercises and physically active lifestyle experience more improvement in pain, physical function, and self-perceived effect according to a study from researchers in the Netherlands. Details of the study are available online and will publish in the August print issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
'I start my day by thinking about what we're going to have for dinner'– a qualitative study on approaches to food-related activities among elderly men with somatic diseases
Scand J Caring Sci; 2010'I start my day by thinking about what we're going to have for dinner'[ndash] a qualitative study on approaches to food-related activities among elderly men with somatic diseases The aim of this study was to address the question of how older men with somatic diseases living in their own home approach the question of food-related activities (FRA). Further, any adaptations of these activities necessitated by effects of diseases and of altered life circumstances were explored. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 18 co-living and single-living men, 64[ndash]84 years old. They were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or stroke. In the analysis, a thematic framework was used. The findings revealed three food-related approaches, namel...
No evidence of association between anti-TNF treatment and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism Area: News According to research published early online in Arthritis and Rheumatism, compared to patients treated with standard DMARDs, the addition of anti-TNF therapy was not associated with an increase in mortality.   Researchers prospectively followed 12,672 patients starting anti-TNF therapy and 3522 biologic-naive patients receiving DMARDs until 31 July 2008 or death, whichever was sooner. Patients for this study were participants in the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR), which recruits patients with a physician diagnosis of RA starting one of the three available anti-TNF therapies etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab. The primary aim of the BSRBR is to assess the long-term safety of these agents in patients with R...
"It's this whole picture, this well-being": patients' understanding of "feeling well" with rheumatoid arthritis.
DISCUSSION: Well-being is a multidimensional concept that is meaningful to RA patients regardless of medication type and disease severity. Patients commonly illustrated a process of actively engaging in cognitive and behavioural adjustments to move towards wellness. Clinical practice and research must take account of the complexity of well-being in long-term conditions, in order to fulfil patients' expectations. PMID: 20663799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chronic Illness)
Plasma soluble IL-6 receptor concentration in rheumatoid arthritis: associations with the rs8192284 IL6R polymorphism and with disease activity
Abstract  Soluble interleukin-6 receptor ? subunit (sIL-6R) is primarily generated by shedding of the membrane-bound form. This process is influenced by the single nucleotide polymorphism rs8192284 (A > C) resulting in an aspartic acid to alanine substitution (D358A) at the proteolytic cleavage site. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma levels of sIL6R are influenced by the rs8192284 polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to assess the association between plasma sIL-6R levels and disease activity as reflected by anti-CCP status. Thirty-nine patients were randomly selected from a cohort of patients with RA of Spanish descent. Plasma sIL-6R concentrations were measured using sandwich ELISA. Genotyping of the rs8192284 (A >...<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>
Influence of Rituximab on markers of bone remodeling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective open-label pilot study
Abstract  Immune system and bone are interacting in a complex way. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized not only by joint destruction, but also by development of systemic osteopenia and osteoporosis. The CD20-depleting antibody Rituximab (Rtx) is a novel therapeutic option able significantly to slow the destructive joint process of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are little data whether Rtx influences systemic bone remodeling. In the present prospective study, we evaluated the influence of Rtx on markers of bone metabolism with a follow-up of 3?15 months after Rtx therapy (2 dose of each 1,000 mg) in 13 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There was no significant change of the bone formation markers bone alkaline phosphatase and c-terminal propeptide of co...
Risk Factors for Hip Problems Among Assembly Plant Workers
Conclusions Hip disorders are associated with a history of biomechanical trauma to the hip but also from gait abnormalities such as pes planus. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10926-010-9259-zAuthors Robert A. Werner, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USANancy Gell, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USAAnne Hartigan, University of Michigan Health System Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ann Arbor MI USANeal Wiggermann, University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics, Industrial and Operations Engineering Ann Arbor MI USAMonroe Keyserling, University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics, Industrial and Operations Engineering Ann Ar...
San Antonio researcher wins $450,000 grant to advance arthritis treatments
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research scientist Lorena M. Havill has been awarded major financial support for her research into the genetic causes of osteoarthritis. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)
San Antonio researcher wins $450,000 grant to advance arthritis treatments
Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research scientist Lorena M. Havill has been awarded major financial support for her research into the genetic causes of osteoarthritis. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)
New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What's in the Pipeline
The latest on research and development about oral biologics to treat rheumatoid arthritis. (Source: WebMD Health)<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>
Treating Your RA: Is It Time for a Biologic?
Learn about your options for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, including what your doctor looks for, and the benefits and alternatives to a biologic. (Source: WebMD Health)
Obesity at Age 18 Years Linked to Greater Risk for Psoriatic Arthritis
In a case series, adiposity was associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines involved in psoriasis; early management of obesity may decrease the risk for psoriatic arthritis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Dosing patterns and costs of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor use for rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusion Dose increases with TNF inhibitors commonly occurred in RA patients in the clinical setting and were associated with greater costs of anti-TNF therapy. PMID: 20651319 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)
'Miracle' tea is the choice of celebrities but fears of side-effects linger
It's been hailed as the miracle tea that can do everything, promising to fight cancer, ward off infections, treat arthritis and even help you lose weight. (Source: the Mail online | Health)
Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests
Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain 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>
Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests
Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)
New Pain Drug May Be Alternative to Oxycodone
Title: New Pain Drug May Be Alternative to OxycodoneCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 10:11:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 10:11:03 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Brain
Title: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the BrainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/26/2010 9:34:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 9:34:40 AM (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests
Title: Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study SuggestsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/23/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/26/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
NETAG appraisal and recommendations on tocilizumab (RoActemra®) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Source: North East Treatment Advisory Group Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews The North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has published an appraisal report and associated recommendations regarding the use of tocilizumab (RoActemra®) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis.   The group's recommendations are as follows:   . Tocilizumab is recommended within NHS North East as an alternative to anakinra for the treatment of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis in those who have already received treatment with etanercept and adalimumab.  . Tocilizumab is not recommended within NHS North East for the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  The decision summary notes that individual patients in exceptional circumstances may b...<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>
Back Pain Diagnostic Blocks Delay Pain Relief, Add Cost
Performing one or more temporary diagnostic nerve blocks to establish arthritis as the cause of back pain before treatment with radiofrequency denervation results in unnecessary tests, delayed pain relief, and added cost, according to a study in the August issue of Anesthesiology. (Source: Modern Medicine)
Trait-stratified genome-wide association study identifies novel and diverse genetic associations with serologic and cytokine phenotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus
IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, characterized by differences in autoantibody profile, serum cytokines, and clinical manifestations. SLE-associated autoantibodies and high serum interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) are important heritable phenotypes in SLE which are correlated with each other, and play a role in disease pathogenesis. These two heritable risk factors are shared between ancestral backgrounds. The aim of the study was to detect genetic factors associated with autoantibody profiles and serum IFN-alpha in SLE. Methods: We undertook a case-case genome-wide association study of SLE patients stratified by ancestry and extremes of phenotype in serology and serum IFN-alpha. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in seven loci were selected f...
Interplay of concurrent positive and negative interpersonal events in the prediction of daily negative affect and fatigue for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Conclusion: The examination of concurrent PIE and NIE provides a unique perspective on the role of interpersonal events in affective and physiological outcomes, beyond that which can be gained from the examination of either type of event in isolation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Health Psychology)
Calgary man receives historic live cartilage transplant
A Calgary man has made history after receiving the first transplant of live cartilage into his shoulder. Researchers hope the technique will one day lead to a treatment for arthritis. (Source: CTV Health)
'Miracle' tea is the choice of celebrities but fears on side effects linger
It's been hailed as the miracle tea that can do everything, promising to fight cancer, ward off infections, treat arthritis and even help you lose weight. (Source: the Mail online | Health)<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>
Price regulation, new entry, and information shock on pharmaceutical market in Taiwan: a nationwide data-based study from 2001 to 2004
Conclusions: Our empirical study found that new drug entry was the main driving force behind escalating drug spending, especially by altering the market share. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)
Cold and heat pattern of rheumatoid arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine: distinct molecular signatures indentified by microarray expression profiles in CD4-positive T cell
Abstract  The research is aimed to explore the distinct molecular signatures in discriminating the rheumatoid arthritis patients with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cold pattern and heat pattern. Twenty patients with typical TCM cold pattern and heat pattern were included. Microarray technology was used to reveal gene expression profiles in CD4+ T cells. The signal intensity of each expressed gene was globally normalized using the R statistics program. The ratio of cold pattern to heat pattern in patients with RA at more or less than 1:2 was taken as the differential gene expression criteria. Protein?protein interaction information for these genes from databases was searched, and the highly connected regions were detected by IPCA algorithm. The significant pathways we...
Serum cystatin C level in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after single infusion of infliximab
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1572-5Authors M. Kopec-Medrek, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandM. Widuchowska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandA. Kotulska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandE. Zycinska-D?bska, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice PolandE. J. Kucharz, Medical University of Silesia Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology Katowice Poland Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International)
Influence of sex on surgical time in primary total knee arthroplasty.
Conclusion: Total knee arthroplasty in men requires more time than in women because of the complexity of exposure and to achieve the desired alignment of the components. Our data may allow a better resolution of surgery time planning, which could lead to better use of health system resources. PMID: 20646400 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Surgery)
Possible Protective Role of Chloramphenicol in TSST-1 and Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Septic Arthritis with Altered Levels of Inflammatory Mediators
Abstract  Chloramphenicol is mostly used against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus, and its protective role against coagulase-positive S. aureus is not well studied. In our study, arthritis was induced in mice by S. aureus (Apollo Gleneagles 33 (AG-33) or American Type Culture Collection 25923 (ATCC-25923)) infection. Chloramphenicol was administered after 2 h of infection. Mice were killed at 1, 3, 5 days post-infection. Mice inoculated with pathogenic Staphylococci (AG-33) expressing coagulase and Toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), displayed severe arthritis with enhanced bacterial burden in the spleen, cytokine production in serum and synovial tissue, neutrophil recruitment, and cyclooxegenase-2 expression in synovial tissue compared with ATCC-25923-in...<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>
Assessment of cardiac and pulmonary function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
In this study, children with JIA had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, resting heart rate, left ventricle systolic size and volume (4.35 ± 0.68 vs. 3.92 ± 0.28, P value = 0.02). On Doppler and tissue Doppler analysis, the JIA group had lower peak early filling velocity (E, m/s), higher peak atrial filling velocity (A, m/s) and prolonged diastolic E and A waves deceleration times and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) compared to control. Regarding pulmonary function tests, children with JIA showed significant decrease in FVC, PEF, Pimax, Pemax and DLCO compared to normal controls. This decrease was not related to age, height or weight of these patients. There was significant inverse correlation between lung function parameters and the rheuma...
Immune complex reaction after successful treatment of meningococcal disease: an excellent response to IVIG
We report excellent response to intravenous immunoglobulin in a child with immune complex reaction following meningococcal sepsis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1555-6Authors Rashna Dass, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 793018 IndiaHimesh Barman, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 793018 IndiaSaurabh Gohain Duwarah, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Disciplines Room no. 218, PO: Mawdiangdiang Shillong Meghalaya 79301...
IL-6 blockade preferentially inhibits Th17 differentiation in collagen-induced arthritis
In conclusion, IL-6 inhibition preferentially suppresses the induction of Th17 cells and does not seem to impact on cytokine production of already differentiated Th17 cells. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00296-010-1552-9Authors Hiroto Yoshida, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 JapanMisato Hashizume, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 JapanMasahiko Mihara, Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Product Research Department 1-135, Komakado Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-8513 Japan Journal Rheumatology International...
Diagnostic "Guidelines" A Barrier To Prompt Relief For Some Back Pain
Slavishly following long-held guidelines for diagnosing the cause of arthritis-related back pain is resulting in excessive tests, delays in pain relief and wasteful spending of as much as $10,000 per patient, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. Arthritis is a common cause of back pain, though difficult to precisely diagnose, experts say, because of the poor correlation between a finding of arthritis on an X-ray or MRI and the degree of a patient's back pain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
The changing face of rheumatoid arthritis: sustained remission for all?
Nature Reviews Immunology 10, 605 (2010). doi:10.1038/nri2804 Author: John D. Isaacs Earlier diagnosis and treatment, plus biological therapies, have transformed the outlook for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In the future, new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response will further improve outcomes. Additionally, preclinical diagnosis and tolerogenic therapies could provide sustained remission for some individuals, (Source: Nature Reviews Immunology)<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>
Swiss Consensus Statement: Recommendations for optimising re-treatment with MabThera(R) (rituximab) in rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: Dudler J, Finckh A, Kyburz D, MÃ¶ller B, Schmiedel U, Villiger P, Walker U Rituximab is an effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe disease in patients with an inadequate response to anti-TNF therapies. Rituximab differs from other available biological agents for RA by way of its unique mode of action and unrivalled long dosing interval. The efficacy of rituximab subsides progressively over time and re-therapy is generally required to maintain long term disease control. The timing of re-treatment is currently not well established and varies widely in clinical practice. The present document is a concise recommendation regarding re-treatment with rituximab, based on validated outcomes such as the DAS28 an...
Ultrasonography in early assessment of elderly patients with polymyalgic symptoms: a role in predicting diagnostic outcome?
Conclusions: US and PDUS can be useful in distinguishing, at onset of disease, pure PMR from other diseases mimicking this condition. PMID: 20653466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology)
Docs May Be Slow to Diagnose Arthritis of Back, Study Suggests
As first step, radiofrequency denervation would slash costs, researchers say (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)
Doubt cast on common back pain management
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many people with arthritis-related back pain might be prevented from getting long-lasting pain relief under the current management guidelines, US researchers said Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)
Doubt Cast on Common Back Pain Management
Many people with arthritis-related back pain might be prevented from getting long-lasting pain relief under the current management guidelines, US researchers said Friday.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Arthritis, Back Pain (Source: MedlinePlus 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>
[A cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis]
Authors: Ferreira O, Duarte AF, Baudrier T, Mota A, SimÃµes JS, Azevedo F There are no pathognomonic findings for cutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae. The type and duration of therapy varies considerably among reports and no single antibiotic is considered the treatment of choice. A 61-year-old patient, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (treated with metotrexate and salazopyrine), presented with violaceous nodules of the right leg that had been evolving for 6 months. She was underwent several skin biopsies. Tissue culture of the last showed an atypical mycobacteria, identified as M. chelonae. Despite improvement after a two-week course of treatment with clarithromycin, a switch to ciprofloxacin was made because of gastrointestinal intolerance. After 3 months, only ...
Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain
Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News)
Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain
Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News)
Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain
Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging News)
Study: No nerve blocks, just RF to treat arthritic back pain
Relying on nerve blocks to diagnose arthritis-related back pain prior to treatment may result in excessive tests, delay pain relief and increase costs, according to a study published in the August edition of Anesthesiology. (Source: Health Imaging 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>
Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results of Phase 3 Study of Lodotra Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy and Safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Results published in July Issue of Annals of Rheumatic Diseases - NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)
Cat's Claw
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb cats claw—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cats claw grows wild in many countries of Central and South America, especially in the Amazon rainforest. The use of this woody vine dates back to the Inca civilization.What Cat's Claw Is Used ForCat's claw has been used for centuries in South America to prevent and treat disease.It has been used for a variety of health conditions, including viral infections (such as herpes and HIV), Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and arthritis.Cat's claw has been used to support the immune system and promote kidney health, as well as to prevent and abort pregnancy. (Source: NCCAM Featured Content)
Inflammatory Arthritis Patients Lacking in Preventive Care (CME/CE)
Older patients with inflammatory arthritis are not receiving the full range of age-related preventive care they need, despite their being at increased risk for cardiovascular events, infection, and osteoporosis, a new study found. (Source: MedPage Today State Required CME)
Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results of Phase 3 Study of LODOTRA(R) Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy and Safety in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Results published in July Issue of Annals of Rheumatic Diseases NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 23 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumat... BiopharmaceuticalsHorizon Pharma, LODOTRA, Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)
Leukotriene B4 BLT Receptor Signaling Regulates the Level and Stability of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA through Restricted Activation of Ras/Raf/ERK/p42 AUF1 Pathway [Gene Regulation]
Recent studies suggest that active resolution of the inflammatory response in animal models of arthritis may involve leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-dependent stimulation of "intermediate" prostaglandin production, which in turn favors the synthesis of "downstream" anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins. We explored a putative mechanism involving LTB4-dependent control of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, the rate-limiting step in inflammatory prostaglandin biosynthesis. Indeed, LTB4 potently up-regulated/stabilized interleukin-1β-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression under conditions of COX-2 inhibitor-dependent blockade of PGE2 release in human synovial fibroblasts (EC50 = 16.5 ± 1.7 nm for mRNA; 19 ± 2.4 nm for protein, n = 4). The latter...<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>
Horizon Pharma, Inc. Announces Results Of Phase 3 Study Of LODOTRA® Demonstrate 12-Month Sustained Efficacy And Safety In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Horizon Pharma, Inc. announced today the results from the extended open label portion of The Circadian Administration of Prednisone in Rheumatoid Arthritis-1 (CAPRA-1) Phase 3 European registration study of LODOTRA, a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone, which showed sustained improvement in reducing the duration of morning stiffness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over a 12 month period. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of bone: two cases occurring in long bone
We present two examples of IMT arising in a long bone: one in the humerus and one in the femur. In both cases, imaging shows a poorly delineated osteolytic lesion with cortical bone destruction that aggressively extends into surrounding soft tissue. Histologically, the lesion is dominated by differentiated spindle cells with aprominent collagenous stroma and an inflammatory component including plasma cells and lymphocytes, and with positive immunoreactivity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The absence of cytologic atypia helps differentiate this lesion from malignant spindle cell tumors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00256-010-0998-xAuthors Jianyu Chen, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Department of Radiology 107 Yanjiangxi Rd....
Comparative Effectiveness of Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapies
Abstract  Physicians and patients must choose between several therapeutic interventions for rheumatoid arthritis and need to compare the available therapeutic options. Although randomized, placebo-controlled trials are essential to establish the efficacy of a new treatment, they are not much help when it comes to selecting the best therapy for an individual patient. Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is set to provide direct comparisons between therapeutic strategies. CER attempts to weigh the benefits against the potential harms of a particular intervention. Furthermore, CER may help identify specific patient subgroups that are more likely to benefit from a particular therapy or at increased risk of adverse events. Several study designs are available for CER, includi...
Arboviral Encephalitides: Transmission, Emergence, and Pathogenesis
Abstract  Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are of paramount concern as a group of pathogens at the forefront of emerging and re-emerging diseases. Although some arboviral infections are asymptomatic or present with a mild influenza-like illness, many are important human and veterinary pathogens causing serious illness ranging from rash and arthritis to encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever. Here, we discuss arboviruses from diverse families (Flaviviruses, Alphaviruses, and the Bunyaviridae) that are causative agents of encephalitis in humans. An understanding of the natural history of these infections as well as shared mechanisms of neuroinvasion and neurovirulence is critical to control the spread of these viruses and for the development of effective vaccines and treatmen...
Candidal arthritis in revision knee arthroplasty successfully treated with sequential parenteral-oral fluconazole and amphotericin B-loaded cement spacer
We present a case of a patient with preoperative cutaneous candidiasis, who developed candidal infection during stage revision knee arthroplasty. The patient received intravenous fluconazole for 6 weeks and resection arthroplasty with an amphotericin B-loaded cement spacer and continuous oral fluconazole therapy for 9 weeks. Revision surgery was successful. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory KneeDOI 10.1007/s00167-010-1211-4Authors Meng-Huang Wu, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi Department of Orthopedic Surgery Chiayi TaiwanKuo-Yao Hsu, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Department of Orthopedic Surgery 5th, Fu-Hsin St. Kweishan, Taoyuan 333 Taiwan, ROC Journal Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, ArthroscopyOnline ISSN 1433-7347Print ISSN 0942-2056 (Sou...<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>
Travel Medicine: Healthcare When Traveling Abroad
Title: Travel Medicine: Healthcare When Traveling AbroadCategory: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 3/31/2006Last Editorial Review: 7/23/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Insurance Woes Can Add to Burden of Psoriasis
Title: Insurance Woes Can Add to Burden of PsoriasisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/22/2010 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/23/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Arthritis General)
Evaluation of telomerase expression in chronic periodontitis
Conclusion : Various mechanisms have been explained to account for telomerase elevation in chronic periodontitis .This study helps us understand the role of telomerase in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. It could be concluded that telomerase could be used as a marker to assess the severity of inflammation in chronic periodontitis. (Source: Table of Contents : Indian Journal of Dental Research : 2006 - 17(3))
Diagnostic 'guidelines' a barrier to prompt relief for some back pain
(Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions) Slavishly following long-held guidelines for diagnosing the cause of arthritis-related back pain is resulting in excessive tests, delays in pain relief and wasteful spending of as much as $10,000 per patient, new Johns Hopkins-led research suggests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

FDA in 2001 for the treatment of pain,tenderness, and swelling caused by osteoarthritis and adultrheumatoid arthritis. In some people, especially those withallergies to sulfonamides, this alternative to Vioxx has shownside effects could prove fatal.

Originally, side effects of this alternative to Vioxx includedstandard ailments such as stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn,back pain, headache, nausea, and upper respiratory infection. InNovember 2002, the FDA increased adverse reactions to includeserious and life-threatening skin diseases such as StevensJohnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and exfoliativedermatitis. When the FDA made its new warnings about the Bextraalternative to Vioxx, an estimated 800,000 to one million peoplehad taken Bextra since it first went on sale.

Celebrex, another alternative to Vioxx, boasted that it didn’tcreate the heart problems that Vioxx does. Celebrex is nopanacea as it may cause bleeding stomach ulcers. None of theCOX-2 alternatives to Vioxx are without risks and could possiblybe more life threatening than the conditions they are meant totreat.

Non-prescription alternatives to Vioxx include aspirin,ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Another kind of painreliever, acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also be used. The priceof alternatives to Vioxx is far less than Vioxx, Celebrex, andBextra.

Natural alternatives to Vioxx may include a combination ofimproved nutritional choices, reasonable exercise and physicaltherapies, and acupuncture.

About the author:Michael Monheit, Esquire is the managing attorney for MonheitLaw. The practice is focuses on plaintiff personal injury casesand Vioxx Lawyers info can be found at Vioxx Lawyer - Monheit Law

Below you will find some first articles about arthritis knee surgery to start your research with:

Career Options For The Ambitious Nurse Entrepreneur
By Mericle RN Staffing LLC
Nurses are taking control of their careers by exploring options other than the traditional roles of yester-year. Independent RN Contractors are storming the healthcare field. There was a time when Read more...

Suffering From Osteoarthritis Pain? Natural Relief Is Available
By Janet Hahn, CPRS, Thu Dec 8th
It is clearly evident that hyaluronic acid in its oral formsupports optimal joint health. The reality of the situation isthat after 65 years of age approximately 30 percent of alldoctor visits Read more...