bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Poland: Retrospective analysis of patients in routine clinical practice
Authors: Świerkot Jerzy , Batko Bogdan , Wiland Piotr , Jędrzejewski Mariusz , Stajszczyk Marcin 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate methotrexate (MTX) treatment administered by Polish rheumatologists in everyday practice.Material and methodsThe study was based on a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 1957 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was conducted among 100 rheumatologists, each of whom received 20 questionnaires and completed them based on the data from their rheumatoid arthritis patients.ResultsMethotrexate was taken by 91% of patients, and 80% of them continued the treatment either as a monotherapy (65%) or concomitantly with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. In 60% of the cases, therapy was initiated within six months of diagnosis. Dose modifications were observed in 76% of cases and were contingent on different factors, e.g. lack of efficacy, presence of adverse events. The most prevalent adverse events were nausea and vomiting, weakness, and elevated liver enzyme activity. The most common initial dose of MTX was 10 or 15 mg/week. An increase in dose to the maximum of 25 mg/week was observed in 36% of cases, with continuation for 27% of patients. Treatment interruption was noted in 21% of patients, predominantly due to MTX intolerance; however, in 13% of cases, it was due to patient choice.ConclusionsMethotrexate is the most common agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Dose modifications are often applied to maximise efficacy and reduce adverse reactions, which could lead to withdrawal. Methotrexate is an effective drug for treatment of RA when used according to current recommendations. To optimise MTX therapy, regular medical visits are required.
Monocyte-related biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis development in undifferentiated arthritis patients – a pilot study
Authors: Kurowska Weronika , Kuca-Warnawin Ewa , Radzikowska Anna , Jakubaszek Michał , Maślińska Maria , Kwiatkowska Brygida , Maśliński Włodzimierz 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesEnhanced/disturbed activities of monocytes are crucial for perpetuation and for development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, knowledge about monocyte activities and regulation of molecular pathways operating within monocytes early in the course of RA development may help to predict the progression to the full-blown disease. We aimed to investigate the profile of miRNAs expression in circulating monocytes and monocyte-related cytokines in sera of individuals at undifferentiated arthritis (UA) stage, wich could serve as new biomarkers for RA development.Material and methodsMagnetically sorted monocytes from peripheral blood of 20 UA patients served for total RNA isolation. RNA samples were used for microRNA profiling. Concentrations of CCL3/MIP-1α, M-CSF, CCL2/MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-15 in sera of UA patients were measured using ELISA assays. Verification of diagnosis after 4 years of follow-up led to the identification of patients who developed RA (UA -> RA patients) and patients who remained still in UA phase (UA -> UA patients). Comparisons between patients groups were performed using two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsWe identified 50 miRNAs in monocytes with the largest variation of expression across all patients samples. From these selected miRNAs, expression of miR-642b-5p, miR-483-3p, miR-371b-5p were significantly up-regulated and miR-25-3p and miR-378d were significantly down-regulated in UA -> RA vs. UA -> UA patients. This specific pattern of miRNAs expression in circulating monocytes paralleled elevated IL-15 and M-CSF concentrations in sera of UA patients who progressed to RA.ConclusionsResults of our pilot study indicate that altered activity of monocytes can be detected at early stages of RA. We found new miRNA candidates differentially expressed in peripheral blood monocytes and elevated concentrations of IL-15 and M-CSF involved in monocyte activity and differentiation in patients with UA who subsequently developed RA, in comparison to UA patients who did not progress to RA after 4 years follow-up.
Frequency and associations of chronic kidney disease among gout patients from a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Akpabio Akpabio Akanimo , Dung-gwom Pam Stephen , Olaosebikan Babatunde Hakeem , Adelowo Olufemi Oladipo 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo highlight common precipitants and co-morbidities of gout in Nigerians; determine the frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigerian gout patients, as well as identify significant associations of CKD in gout patients.Material and methodsRetrospective cross-sectional study of gout cases seen at the Rheumatology Clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital over five years from January 2011 to December 2015. Gout was diagnosed using the 1977 American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted and examined for the presence of CKD defined using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, CKD-EPI) < 60 mls/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> body surface area for > 3 months.ResultsOne hundred and six gout patients were identified representing 4.5% out of a total of 2330 cases seen during the study period. There were 94 males and 12 females. Oligoarthritis was most frequent (41.5%) with the knee mostly affected (20.1%). Diuretic use was the most frequent precipitant (37.9%) with hypertension the commonest co-morbidity (62.9%). Of 70 patients with complete results, 29 had eGFR (CKD-EPI) < 60 mls/min (41.4%). Age, proteinuria, body mass index (BMI) and packed cell volume (PCV) were significant associations of CKD. Gout patients with CKD were significantly older (61.79 vs. 54.41 years, p = 0.003) with a significantly higher proportion developing proteinuria (15 vs. 4 patients, p  0.0001) compared to those without CKD. In contrast, those with CKD had a significantly lower BMI (27.31 vs. 29.65 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, p = 0.026) and PCV (31.97 vs. 37.95%, p = 0.005).ConclusionsThiazide diuretic use is the most common precipitant while hypertension is the commonest comorbidity in Nigerian gout patients. About two in five Nigerian gout patients had chronic kidney disease at presentation with age, proteinuria, BMI and PCV as significant associations. It is thus imperative to screen for chronic kidney disease when managing gout patients.
Clinical pattern of systemic sclerosis in Central Ukraine. Association between clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis and hypertension
Authors: Semenov Viktor , Kuryata Olexandr , Lysunets Tatiana 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease of connective tissue, manifestations of which may vary in different geographical areas. We aimed to describe the clinical portrait of patients with SSc in Dnipropetrovsk region and to investigate how initial clinical and laboratory characteristics are connected with the presence of hypertension in SSc onset.Material and methodsPatients were enrolled to this study from the registry of SSc patients, established in the Rheumatology Department, Mechnikov Dnipropetrovsk Regional Clinic, Dnipro. This registry contains histories of new cases of SSc from 1993 to 2014. Patients are followed-up and receive treatment according to EULAR and local standards. Diagnosis of SSc was based on ACR and EULAR Criteria for systemic Sclerosis. Two patients developed scleroderma renal crisis during follow-up. This report is a cross-sectional study. We analysed only data of the first visit to a rheumatologist.ResultsIn total 148 patients (median age [IQR] – 47 [40; 52] years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Male/female ratio was 1 : 20.1. The most frequent clinical signs were Raynaud’s phenomenon and arthritis. The prevalence of skin lesion in dcSSc patients was twice as high as in lcSSc patients. Pulmonary fibrosis occurred significantly more commonly in dcSSc patients. Hypertension occurred in 26–33% in both groups. Patients with hypertension at the SSc onset were seven years older than normotensive patients. More hypertensive patients were classified as lcSSc. Mean GFR was dramatically lower in hypertensive patients.ConclusionsThe most common clinical form in our study was diffuse cutaneous subset of SSc. Hypertension in patients with SSc may be associated with local cutaneous subset of SSc and renal impairment. The strongest predictors of clinical form of SSc are signs of fibrosis (skin lesion and pulmonary fibrosis) and inflammation (arthritis and elevated CRP).
Socio-demographic determinants of the acceptance of systemic connective tissue diseases
Authors: Puto Grażyna , Repka Iwona , Zurzycka Patrycja , Kowalska Urszula 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionSocio-demographic forecasts indicate a stable increase in the population of elderly people, which gives rise to the need to examine the relationship between the acceptance of chronic illness and socio-demographic variables not only in terms of subjective negative emotions but also because of possible social consequences. The acceptance of a chronic disease is determined by factors related to its character including its severity and the discomfort it brings about but also by factors connected with the patient that is socio-demographic determinants. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the acceptance of a chronic disease of locomotive organs.Material and methodsThe study was conducted in the group of 150 patients diagnosed with a systemic connective tissue disease during its stable phase. A socio-demographic questionnaire as well as a standardised Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) adapted by Juszczyński were applied in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsIn the group of 150 patients suffering from a systemic connective tissue disease the percentage of women was higher than the percentage of men (60.7% vs. 39.3%). The indicator of the acceptance of illness in the group examined reached 24.5 ±7.5. The strongest correlation was found between the acceptance level and married probants (eta = 0.26; p = 0.01), high education (eta = 0.24; p = 0.04) and working activity (eta = 0.20; p = 0.01).ConclusionsSocio-demographic factors which determine the level of illness acceptance include age, marital status, education and the source of income. The acceptance of illness in the examined group of patients with systemic connective tissue diseases reached 24.5.
Modeling the biogeochemical impact of atmospheric phosphate deposition from desert dust and combustion sources to the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Richon Camille , Dutay Jean-Claude , Dulac François , Wang Rong , Balkanski Yves 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Daily modeled fields of phosphate deposition to the Mediterranean from natural dust, anthropogenic combustion and wildfires were used to assess the effect of this external nutrient on marine biogeochemistry. The ocean model used is a high-resolution (1∕12°) regional coupled dynamical–biogeochemical model of the Mediterranean Sea (NEMO-MED12/PISCES). The input fields of phosphorus are for 2005, which are the only available daily resolved deposition fields from the global atmospheric chemical transport model LMDz-INCA. Traditionally, dust has been suggested to be the main atmospheric source of phosphorus, but the LMDz-INCA model suggests that combustion is dominant over natural dust as an atmospheric source of phosphate (PO4, the bioavailable form of phosphorus in seawater) for the Mediterranean Sea. According to the atmospheric transport model, phosphate deposition from combustion (Pcomb) brings on average 40.5×10−6 mol PO4 m−2 yr−1 over the entire Mediterranean Sea for the year 2005 and is the primary source over the northern part (e.g., 101×10−6 mol PO4 m−2 yr−1 from combustion deposited in 2005 over the north Adriatic against 12.4×10−6 from dust). Lithogenic dust brings 17.2×10−6 mol PO4 m−2 yr−1 on average over the Mediterranean Sea in 2005 and is the primary source of atmospheric phosphate to the southern Mediterranean Basin in our simulations (e.g., 31.8×10−6 mol PO4 m−2 yr−1 from dust deposited in 2005 on average over the south Ionian basin against 12.4×10−6 from combustion). The evaluation of monthly averaged deposition flux variability of Pdust and Pcomb for the 1997–2012 period indicates that these conclusions may hold true for different years. We examine separately the two atmospheric phosphate sources and their respective flux variability and evaluate their impacts on marine surface biogeochemistry (phosphate concentration, chlorophyll a, primary production). The impacts of the different phosphate deposition sources on the biogeochemistry of the Mediterranean are found localized, seasonally varying and small, but yet statistically significant. Differences in the geographical deposition patterns between phosphate from dust and from combustion will cause contrasted and significant changes in the biogeochemistry of the basin. We contrast the effects of combustion in the northern basin (Pcomb deposition effects are found to be 10 times more important in the northern Adriatic, close to the main source region) to the effects of dust in the southern basin. These different phosphorus sources should therefore be accounted for in modeling studies.
Effectiveness of E‑Learning in Higher Schools
Authors: Adamska Agata 
Published: April 2018

The article provides a review of the literature, containing research into various aspects of e‑learning, especially in universities. The starting point was an attempt to define the concept of e‑learning itself, the understanding of which is varied and changes over time. The next step was to analyze the use of various forms and tools of e‑learning in the practice of university in the context of its three functions in relation to a traditional teaching: support, supplement or replace. Then two dimensions of the effectiveness of e‑learning were discussed – learning effectiveness and cost effectiveness. Referring to the results of earlier published studies, the main barriers and factors affecting the growth of this effectiveness were indicated. The analyzes carried out lead to the conclusion that the best way of development of modern forms of education within universities is blended learning.
Diversification of Labour Market Policy Instruments in the Process
of Elderly Unemployed Occupational Activation
Authors: Maksim Monika , Wiśniewski Zenon 
Published: April 2018

Extending the economic activity of the elderly is now an important development
challenge, especially given the shrinking and ageing of the population and
increasing risk to the stability of the pension system. Activation of the elderly
unemployed and retaining them in employment is a key priority of labour market
policy. The article attempts to analyze the causes of older people’s difficulties
in the labour market, reviews active labour market programs targeted to the
elderly unemployed while pointing out their pros and cons. The paper suggests
that in case of the elderly unemployed activation there should be complex and
individually based approach. It is also recommended to use non‑standard and
innovative measures at the stage of diagnosis, participation in programs and after
getting employment.
Diversity of Methods in Diagnosing Managerial Competencies
– Theoretical and Empirical Approach
Authors: Tyrańska Małgorzata 
Published: April 2018

The limitation or elimination of the competence gap can be achieved by
applying a broad spectrum of assessment methods, including methods allowing
to diagnose: manager’s competence profile, progress in achieving objectives,
quality of work as well as manager’s utility in a workplace and allowing to develop
a manager career path. For the purpose of the article it was assumed that the
variety of applied methods creates the conditions for obtaining a comprehensive
and objective assessment of the owned and used managerial competences in the
current activity. The aim of the article was to present methods for diagnosing
the competences of management staff and to show the scope of their use in the
practice of enterprises.
Vancomycin Versus Vancomycin Plus Rifampin for the Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Exacerbations of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Fusco Nicholas M. , Meaney Calvin J. , Wells Corey , Frederick Carla A. , Prescott William A. 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare the change in pulmonary function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) who were infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) treated with either vancomycin (VAN) alone or vancomycin plus rifampin (VAN-RIF).METHODS Included patients were ages 6 to 20 years; hospitalized for an acute pulmonary exacerbation (APE) of CF from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2014; had a respiratory tract culture positive for MRSA within 1 month of index hospital admission; received at least 48 consecutive hours of VAN or VAN-RIF; and had admission and discharge pulmonary function tests. The primary end point was change in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).RESULTS A total of 39 encounters met inclusion criteria: 24 in the VAN group (mean age 15.1 years) and 15 in the VAN-RIF group (mean age 13.7 years). There were no between-group differences in mean percent change in FEV1 (32.6% ± 28.8% vs. 21.1% ± 12.1%; p = 0.091), mean percent change in forced vital capacity (22.6% ± 25.8% vs. 14% ± 9.4%; p = 0.127), or return to baseline FEV1 (20 [83.3%] vs. 14 [93.3%] patients; p = 0.631). Median (IQR) length of stay (13 days [11–14 days] vs. 13 days [9–14 days]; p = 0.6) and median (IQR) time to readmission (82 days [43–129 days] vs. 147 days [78–219 days]; p = 0.2) were similar between the VAN and VAN-RIF groups, respectively.CONCLUSIONS Vancomycin monotherapy appears to be adequate when treating APEs of CF in children and adolescents with moderate lung disease and high MRSA VAN minimum inhibitory concentrations. Therefore, the addition of RIF may be unnecessary; however, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Ampelisca eschrichtii Krøyer, 1842 (Ampeliscidae) of the Sakhalin Shelf in the Okhotsk Sea starve in summer and feast in winter
Authors: Durkina Valentina B. , Chapman John W. , Demchenko Natalia L. 
Published: April 2018

Background. Ampelisca eschrichtii Krøyer, 1842 of the Sakhalin Shelf of the Okhotsk Sea, Far Eastern Russia, comprise the highest known biomass concentration of any amphipod population in the world and are a critically important prey source for western gray whales. Growth and reproduction in this population has not been apparent in summer. However, they are not accessible for sampling in winter to test a previous default conclusion that they grow and reproduce in winter.
Methods. We tested the default winter growth and reproduction hypothesis by detailed comparisons of the brood and gonad development among 40 females and 14 males and brood sizes among females observed since 2002. Our test included six predictions of reproductive synchrony that would be apparent from gonad and brood morphology if active reproduction occurs in summer.
Results. We found high prevalences of undersized and damaged oocytes, undersized broods, a lack of females brooding fully formed juveniles, atrophied ovaries, and males with mature sperm but lacking fully developed secondary sex morphologies required for pelagic mating. All of these conditions are consistent with trophic stress and starvation.
Discussion. These A. eschrichtii populations therefore appear to starve in summer and to grow and reproduce in winter. The Offshore A. eschrichtii populations occur in summer below water strata bearing high phytoplankton biomasses. These populations are more likely to feed successfully in winter when storms mix phytoplankton to their depths.
Glykole – Methode zur Bestimmung von Diethylenglykol, Ethylenglykol und Propylenglykol in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz mittels Gaschromatographie [Air Monitoring Methods in German language, 2018]
Authors: Giesen Y. , Friedrich C. , Breuer D. , Fauss J. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination and limit value monitoring of diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol and 1,2‐propylene glycol in workplace air. With this method simultaneously airborne glycols in the gaseous state as well as particles are collected. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through the sampling system GGP‐Mini consisting of a glass fibre filter and a charcoal tube connected downstream using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 0.33 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of 40 L. The collected glycols are desorbed with a mixture of dichloromethane/methanol containing 1‐hexanol as internal standard and then analysed by means of gas chromatography using FID. The quantitative evaluation is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the individual glycols is 0.5 mg/m3based on an air sample volume of 40 L.
Thiodiethylenbis(3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionsäureester) [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2018]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated thiodiethylene bis[3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionate] [
41484‐35‐9
] to derive a maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value), considering all toxicological endpoints. Available publications and unpublished study reports are described in detail. Critical effects are hepatic hypertrophy and increased liver weight in male rats in a subchronic feeding study with a NOAEL of 12.5 mg/kg body weight and day. As there is no irritating potential, the oral study can be used to derive a MAK value of 2 mg/m
3
for the inhalable fraction. As the critical effect is systemic, Peak Limitation Category II is assigned. The default excursion factor of 2 is set as no half‐life in blood is known. Classification in Pregnancy Risk Group D is indicated because developmental toxicity studies are lacking. Thiodiethylene bis[3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionate] is not genotoxic. Carcinogenicity studies are not available. The substance is not a contact sensitizer in humans and guinea pigs. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity.