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Abstract:
(1) Molecular pharmacology which is a starting to reach the market place, what is expected to be the next big step in the biotechnology revolution: the creation of complex compounds that are custom-designed to meet human needs. The new technology known as protein engineering promises to take us one step further by modifying natural proteins or by creating new ones especially by using somatic gene transfer and germ gene transfer and its influence on progeny. By doing this we hope to control some of genetic diseases as well to find cure for arthritis. (2) Demonstration of infective agent as a cause of Lymes Arthritis excellent example were a good epidemiologic study culminate in finding the causative agent Borrelia burgdorferi. (3) Description of new syndromes: a) the anticardiolipin syndrome by defining the role of anticardiolipin, antiphospholipid antibodies and presence of lupus anticoagulant and false reactive test for syphilis. Their role in vascular thromboses, recurrent abortions and different forms of lupus. The role of those autoantibodies as a marker in young people with myocardial infraction; b) mixed connective tissue disease as emphasized by extractable nucleolar antigen, and c) CREST syndrome and its detection by anticentromere antibodies. (4) Role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders showing excellent contrast between soft tissue and bone. Ability to see tendons, ligament, cartilage (fibrocartilage from hyaline cartilage), synovial hypertrophy from effusions. Role in early non invasive detaction of ischemic necrosis of bone which is frequently seen in patients with lupus and patients treated with high doses of corticosteroids, being more sensitive than radiology, computed tomography or radionuclide bone scanning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)