Pathogenic mechanisms in the rheumatoid nodule: comparison of proinflammatory cytokine production and cell adhesion molecule expression in rheumatoid nodules and synovial membranes from the same patient

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of cell adhesion molecules in the rheumatoid nodule. METHODS: Cytokine content (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta], and IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1Ra]), at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, and cell adhesion molecule expression were studied in 16 rheumatoid nodules and 6 synovial membranes. RESULTS: Macrophages in the rheumatoid nodules contained TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IL-1Ra mRNA and protein, particularly in perivascular cells of the stroma and in the palisading layer. All cell adhesion molecules studied were expressed in both the rheumatoid nodules and synovial membranes, with increased expression of E-selectin in the rheumatoid nodule compared with the synovial membrane, and with the absence of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression on cells of the palisading layer in the rheumatoid nodule. CONCLUSION: The presence of similar proinflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in the rheumatoid nodule and synovial membrane suggests that similar pathogenic processes result in the chronic inflammation and tissue destruction in these lesions.     

New optically pumped far-infrared lasers

Ninety-seven new far-infrared (FIR) laser transitions have been observed in optically pumped ethylene glycol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, and monomethyl amine, all excited by a pulsed CO2laser.     

The anodic oxidation of poly-fluorinated aromatic compounds in fluorosulphonic acid—the production of stable cation radicals

Voltammetric data are reported for a series of fluoroaromatic hydrocarbons in fluorosulphonic acid containing a base, acetic acid (0·1 M). In this medium and at room temperature, all but one of the compounds show an initial one electron oxidation to form a cation radical which is stable on the timescale of cyclic voltammetry; with the exception of the cation radical of octafluoronapthalene, none are stable indefinitely and approximate half lives are reported.Experiments at low temperatures or in solutions in this solvent where the supporting electrolyte is the acid, antimony pentafluoride, show that conditions may be defined where the cation radicals are stable indefinitely.Some preliminary preparative results are reported and these show that fluorosulphonate esters may be prepared.     

Magnesium-lead chloride batteries

The preparation of lead chloride cathodes, and their discharge in magnesium-lead chloride batteries, is described. The lead chloride blended with graphite is pasted on grids of expanded copper, using urea formaldehyde solutions as the binder. One-, five-, and fifteen-cell batteries were discharged at temperatures between –40°C and +45°C, at low current drains. For five-cell batteries energy densities in the range 10–30 Wh/lb were obtained. Mechanical properties of the cathode, so far as investigated, were excellent. The main difficulty was cathode softening during prolonged runs at high temperatures. At –40°C the battery attained working voltage in about 5 minutes; although slower than the Mg-AgCl system, the Mg-PbCl₂ system should meet many applications at this temperature.     

On the vibrational spectra of poly-1,1,2,2-tetrachlorobutane-a model for head-to-head poly(vinylidene chloride)

Infra-red and Raman spectra of poly (1,1,2,2-tetrachlorobutane), a model polymer for head-to-head poly(vinylidene chloride), are presented. Mutual exclusion of the infra-red and Raman spectra is observed and the polymer appears to be highly ordered. The preferred conformation of the polymer chain is inferred to be most probably in the form of a planar zigzag.