[Intracellular signaling pathways of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Intrazelluläre Signalwege synovialer Fibroblasten bei rheumatoider Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of still unknown etiology that results in characteristic destructive changes of the joints. Research of the past years has demonstrated that synovial fibroblasts play a central role in the initiation and perpetuation of these destructive changes. Stimulation of the synovial fibroblasts through complex and interacting intracellular signaling pathways results in a stable activation that is maintain even without continuous stimulation by inflammatory cells and their mediators. The pathological attachment to articular cartilage, increased secretion of matrix degrading enzymes and alterations in programmed cell death are main characteristics of synovial fibroblasts from patients with RA and result in the progressive destruction of articular structures. The permanent activation of a number of intracellular signaling pathways constitutes the underlying responsible mechanism for the activation of synovial fibroblasts in RA. These signaling pathways do not only show a high degree of complexity, but are also interconnected in multiple ways. This article summarizes recent findings on the activation of intracellular signaling pathways in fibroblasts and points to potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.

The prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease in patients who had had CABG.

The conclusion of Ranjith and his co-workers from their study 'Demographic data and the outcome of acute coronary syndrome in the South African Asian Indian population' drew our attention. Young South African Indians frequently have premature atherosclerosis with diffuse and aggressive disease. This should be taken into account for risk intervention. We would like to add to this.

Portable Fourier transform infrared spectroradiometer for field measurements of radiance and emissivity.

A hand-held, battery-powered Fourier transform infrared spectroradiometer weighing 12.5 kg has been developed for the field measurement of spectral radiance from the Earth's surface and atmosphere in the 3-5-µm and 8-14-µm atmospheric windows, with a 6-cm(-1) spectral resolution. Other versions of this instrument measure spectral radiance between 0.4 and 20 µm, using different optical materials and detectors, with maximum spectral resolutions of 1 cm(-1). The instrument tested here has a measured noise-equivalent delta T of 0.01 °C, and it measures surface emissivities, in the field, with an accuracy of 0.02 or better in the 8-14-µm window (depending on atmospheric conditions), and within 0.04 in accessible regions of the 3-5-µm window. The unique, patented design of the interferometer has permitted operation in weather ranging from 0 to 45 °C and 0 to 100% relative humidity, and in vibration-intensive environments such as moving helicopters. The instrument has made field measurements of radiance and emissivity for 3 yr without loss of optical alignment. We describe the design of the instrument and discuss methods used to calibrate spectral radiance and calculate spectral emissivity from radiance measurements. Examples of emissivity spectra are shown for both the 3-5-µm and 8-14-µm atmospheric windows.