J Rheumatol
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To determine the relationship of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in patients with mild ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with disease activity, bone mineral density (BMD), and vertebral fractures. ⋯ Bone turnover in patients with mild AS is characterized by low serum osteocalcin and ALP in the presence of normal calciotropic hormones. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism do not correlate with BMD or vertebral fractures. The disparity between osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase in patients with AS needs further evaluation.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
The 19 kDa protein of Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 is recognized on the cellular and humoral level by patients with Yersinia induced reactive arthritis.
Gastrointestinal infections with Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 (YE O:3) can trigger reactive arthritis (ReA). The cellular immune response seems to be of pathogenic importance in ReA, since synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMC) of patients with ReA have been shown to recognize YE O:3 antigens. One of these, a 19 kDa protein identified as the beta-urease subunit of YE, has been identified as a target of SFMC. We investigated the humoral immune response to this antigen. ⋯ This study provides evidence of a cellular and a significant humoral immune response to the 19 kDa protein in Yersinia triggered arthritis. Detection of IgG antibodies to the 19 kDa correlates with a synovial cellular immune response in YE induced arthritis. These antibodies can be used as a screening system for research and possibly also for clinical purposes, since absence of such antibodies seems to negatively predict YE O:3 directed immune reactivity.
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To determine the frequency and character of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in Oriental patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to investigate the relationship between TMD and RA in a tertiary referral center. ⋯ Patients with RA who had prolonged disease duration of RA and active peripheral joints tended to have osteoarthrosis of the TMJ. Presence of rheumatoid factor or peripheral joint erosions was not associated with TMJ osteoarthrosis.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Early detection of sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent development of sacroiliitis on plain radiography. A prospective, longitudinal study.
To investigate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of early sacroiliitis. ⋯ Our data suggest that MRI of the SI joints can be used to identify sacroiliitis earlier than PR.
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To validate a translated version of the revised and expanded Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2) to be used by Hebrew speaking populations. ⋯ The AIMS2 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring health status and physical functioning in Israeli women with FM.