Table of contents
December 2007 Volume 3 No 12
Editorial
Viewpoint
Possible implication of the effector CD4+ T-cell subpopulation TH17 in the pathogenesis of systemic scleroderma
682Systemic scleroderma is one of the most severe chronic autoimmune connective tissue diseases. In this Viewpoint, Dr Deleuran and Dr Abraham discuss the importance of understanding the development, regulation and function of the type 17 T-helper subpopulation of CD4+ T cells in order to explore treatment possibilities in systemic scleroderma.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0618 | Full Text | PDF (120K)
Research Highlights
Is pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor a potential therapeutic target for RA?
684Digital X-ray radiogrammetry can provide outcome measures throughout the course of RA
684Apoptotic cell–B cell interactions and IL-10 involved in T-cell-mediated immunoregulation
684Twin study shows that lifting force and body weight affect BMD
685Symptoms of depression are common among patients with systemic sclerosis
685Validation of an accurate and reliable radiographic scoring system for chronic gout
686Diagnosis of true osteoporotic vertebral fractures in men
686Can analysis of aortic calcification be used to predict risk of hip fracture?
687Infliximab does not completely inhibit radiographic progression in patients with AS
687Developing a valid health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with SLE
687A short questionnaire to assess physical function in children with JIA
688Gout is associated with increased overall and cardiovascular-related mortality
688HAQ and PSHAQ scores and the prediction of disease activity in patients with RA
689Practice Points
Does DMARD treatment slow or prevent development of RA in patients with UA?
690doi:10.1038/ncprheum0628 | Full Text | PDF (111K)
How effective are the available treatments for mechanical neck disorder?
692doi:10.1038/ncprheum0651 | Full Text | PDF (115K)
Proton-pump inhibitors as a protective treatment for high-risk patients receiving treatment with NSAIDs
694doi:10.1038/ncprheum0650 | Full Text | PDF (116K)
The battle between anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and rheumatoid factor tests—a winner at last?
696doi:10.1038/ncprheum0654 | Full Text | PDF (110K)
Reviews
Psoriatic disease—from skin to bone
698Psoriatic arthritis is a central feature of psoriatic disease, a systemic disorder that includes a range of musculoskeletal manifestations as well as features such as colitis, duodenitis, uveitis and metabolic syndrome. Evidence that psoriatic arthritis is distinct from rheumatoid arthritis and other spondyloarthropathies is outlined in this article.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0670 | Full Text | PDF (310K)
Tobacco smoking and autoimmune rheumatic diseases
707Cigarette smoking, in combination with genetic factors, creates a significant risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and can affect both the course and outcome of these rheumatic diseases. Also outlined in this article are the potential mechanisms by which smoking modulates the immune system.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0655 | Full Text | PDF (232K)
Adipokines as emerging mediators of immune response and inflammation
716White adipose tissue-derived adipokines are closely associated with obesity-related exogenous factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle, and the molecular events that lead to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions, and rheumatic diseases. In this Review, Dr Gualillo and colleagues discuss the progress in adipokine research, focussing on the roles of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, and other recently identified adipokines.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0674 | Full Text | PDF (1,096K)
Primer: administrative health databases in observational studies of drug effects—advantages and disadvantages
725Observational database studies provide important information on the safety and benefit of approved medications. As discussed in this Review, the limitations of these studies, and the nature of their design and analysis, should be taken into account when results are interpreted.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0652 | Full Text | PDF (229K)
Case Study
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: what is it and how should it be treated?
733Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is the most severe form of chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis and presents with clinical variability. This Case Study highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach for diagnosis and therapy of patients.
doi:10.1038/ncprheum0653 | Full Text | PDF (262K)
