Standing and kneeling as risk factors in knee disorders

To determine the prevalence of knee disorders in some occupations possibly related to work positions that put strain on the knees. A cross-sectional study has been carried out on 46 floor layers and 38 carpenters who were exposed to knee straining at work as well as 48 clerks whose work does not strain the knees. The members of the study were interviewed using a questionnaire including personal, occupational and past histories and present knee complaints. They were subjected to clinical examination of the knees and workers who reported knee complaints were subjected to radiological imaging. The prevalence of knee complaints was significantly higher among floor layers [47.8%] and carpenters [34.2%] than among clerks [14.6%]. 28.3% of floor layers and 10.5% of carpenters had changed work tasks or working methods because of knee complaints. The prevalence of bursitis was significantly higher in floor layers [17.3%] as compared to clerks [2.08%] while there was no significant difference between carpenters and clerks as regard bursitis. The prevalence of hyperkeratosis was significantly higher in floor layers [58.7%] and carpenters [36.8%] as compared to clerks [14.6%]. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was significantly higher in floor layers [77.2%] as compared to clerks [28.5%], while there was no significant difference between carpenters and clerks as regard knee osteoarthritis. Comparison between clinical signs and radiological knee osteoarthritis showed no significant association between radiological knee osteoarthritis and intra-articular and retropatellar crepitation while there was no association with pain caused by knee bending. Risk factors of knee osteoarthritis were found to be occupation, obesity and duration of work. Work in which a considerable amount of time is spent in knee straining positions, as floor layers and carpenters, causes more self reported knee complaints and contributes to the development of knee disorders and osteoarthritis

Circulating levels of soluble scavenger receptors [SCD5 and SCD6] in primary and secondary Sjogren syndrome patients

To determine the existence of circulating levels of soluble scavenger receptors [sCD5 and sCD6] in Sjogren's syndrome patients, either 1ry or 2ry to rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and/or systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. Also, to analyze the correlation with clinical and immunological features of Sjogren's syndrome. Twelve consecutive RA patients, seven SLE patients and nine primary Sjogren's syndrome patients were studied. We used a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] to determine sCD5 and sCD6 levels. Immunological tests included antinuclear antibodies [ANA] tested with [indirect immunofluorescence using HEP-2 as the substrate], rheumatoid factor [RF] quantitative [Integra-400- Roche Diagnostics] and complement factors [C3 and C4] [Integra-400- Roche Diagnostics]. We also estimated precipitating antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B autoantibodies with ELISA [Shield Diagnostics]. Detectable levels of sCD5 were found in: 4 [25.7%] RA patients with mean +/- standard error values of 9.4 +/- 4.3 ng/mL; 2 SLE patients [18.2%] with mean +/- standard error values of 8.2 +/- 4.1ng/mL and 4 [41%] primary Sjogren's syndrome patients with mean +/- standard error values of 3.56 +/- 2.9ng/mL. Detectable levels of sCD6 were found in 3 [24.3%] RA patients with mean +/- standard error values of 39.6 +/- 9.61ng/mL; 1 SLE patient [14.3%] with mean +/- standard error values of 33.7 +/- 8.3 ng/mL and 6 [70%] primary Sjogren's syndrome patients with mean +/- standard error values of 26.3 +/- 7.9ng/mL On the other hand, when the CD5 and CD6 levels were compared according to the presence or absence of immunological features [i.e. hypo-complementemia] patients showed higher levels of circulating soluble scavenger receptors [sCD5 and sCD6] [p<0.05 and p<0.01] respectively than those without immunological features. Patients involved in this study showed higher levels of circulating sCD5 and sCD6 when compared with controls. Moreover, the existence of some immunological features [i.e. hypo-complementemia] was associated with high levels of both soluble scavenger receptors