bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of body mass index and weight on etanercept efficacy in patients with psoriasis: A retrospective study
Authors: Giunta Alessandro , Babino Graziella , Ruzzetti Manuela , Manetta Sara , Chimenti Sergio , Esposito Maria 
Published: October 2016

Aim To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI) and weight in the long-term efficacy of etanercept in patients with psoriasis. Methods Medical records were retrospectively analysed. Extracted data included weight, BMI, comorbidities and psoriasis area severity index (PASI). Patients were stratified by weight (<80 kg or ≥80 kg) and BMI (healthy, BMI 22 – 24.99 kg/m2; overweight, BMI 25 – 29.99 kg/m2; obese, BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Results The study included 66 patients. Body weight had no effect on etanercept efficacy. There was a significant reduction in etanercept efficacy in obese patients ( n = 12) compared with healthy weight ( n = 33) or overweight ( n = 21) patients. Conclusion Obesity has a negative effect on the efficacy of etanercept in psoriasis.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine and arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A case–control study
Authors: Erre Gian Luca , Piras Alessandra , Mura Silvia , Mundula Nicola , Piras Marco , Taras Loredana , Longu Maria Giovanna , Saba Pier Sergio , Ganau Antonello , Carru Ciriaco , Passiu Giuseppe 
Published: October 2016

Objective To investigate whether levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as a measure of endothelial dysfunction, are higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy control subjects. The relationships between ADMA and surrogate measures of arterial stiffness were evaluated. Methods Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy control subjects were recruited. ADMA was quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using pulse wave analysis. Results There was no significant difference in plasma ADMA concentration between patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( n = 30) and healthy controls ( n = 30). Aortic augmentation pressure was significantly higher in patients than in controls. C-reactive protein and Health Assessment Questionnaire score were independent predictors of arterial stiffness in patients. There was no relationship between ADMA concentration and aortic augmentation pressure in the study population as a whole. Conclusions Arterial stiffness appears to be increased in rheumatoid arthritis and independently associated with systemic inflammation and physical disability. ADMA concentration was not increased in this small group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls; nor was it associated with arterial stiffness.
Beneficial effects of long-term treatment with bosentan on the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Murdaca Giuseppe , Lantieri Francesca , Puppo Francesco , Bezante Gian Paolo , Balbi Manrico 
Published: October 2016

Objective To investigate the effects of long-term treatment with bosentan on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with systemic sclerosis. Methods Patients with systemic sclerosis were followed between 2003 and 2014; those who developed digital ulcers were treated with standard regimens of bosentan. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 12 months using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, 6-min walking distance test, Borg dyspnoea index and monitoring of plasma levels of 76-amino-acid N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. Patients who developed PAH underwent right heart catheterization to confirm the diagnosis. Results Sixty-nine patients with systemic sclerosis were enrolled in the study. Of these, 25 developed digital ulcers and received treatment with bosentan; the remaining 44 comprised the control group. None of the patients treated with bosentan developed PAH during the follow-up period. Furthermore, in these patients the mean ± SD systolic pulmonary arterial pressure significantly decreased from 33.64 ± 2.91 mmHg at baseline to 26.20 ± 1.78 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. In contrast, in the control group, seven patients developed PAH during the follow-up period, with the mean ± SD systolic pulmonary arterial pressure significantly increasing from 33.57 ± 2.75 mmHg at baseline to 39.41 ± 4.11 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusion Long-term treatment with bosentan reduces the risk of developing PAH in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Combination therapy with etanercept in psoriasis: Retrospective analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes from real-life practice
Authors: Babino Graziella , Giunta Alessandro , Ruzzetti Manuela , Sole Chimenti Maria , Chimenti Sergio , Esposito Maria 
Published: October 2016

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety outcomes of combination therapy used to optimize etanercept treatment in patients with psoriasis treated in real-life clinical practice. Methods Data from patients presenting with psoriasis, treated initially with etanercept monotherapy, were analysed retrospectively. Patients subsequently treated with combination therapy were further analysed. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was recorded for all patients receiving comedication; a subjective pain score was recorded in those with psoriatic arthritis receiving comedication after 12, 24 and 48 weeks’ treatment and thereafter at 6-month intervals. Results From the database of 400 patients treated with etanercept, 37 patients (18 male; 19 female; mean age 59.43 years) underwent combination therapy due to lack of efficacy. Patients received mostly short-term (range 4–34 weeks) comedication with corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acitretin or sulphasalazine. There were significant reductions in the mean PASI score from baseline at all timepoints. There were also significant reductions in the mean pain VAS score from baseline at all timepoints in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The drug survival rate was 59.6% over a mean duration of 323 weeks of etanercept treatment. The safety profile of combination therapy was satisfactory. Conclusions Short-term comedication in combination with etanercept may optimize treatment options and improve long-term drug survival in patients with psoriasis.
The role of methotrexate as combination therapy with etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis: Retrospective analysis of a local registry
Authors: Becciolini Andrea , Biggioggero Martina , Favalli Ennio Giulio 
Published: October 2016

Objective In a real-life setting, to analyse retrospectively the effects of different methotrexate regimens on etanercept efficacy during the first year of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Demographic characteristics, clinical parameters and treatment data from patients with RA receiving the first-line biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, etanercept, as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate were analysed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The study population was stratified into three groups according to the level of concomitant methotrexate therapy: no methotrexate, low-dose methotrexate (≤ 10 mg/week) or high-dose methotrexate (>10 mg/week). Results Clinical response at 6 and 12 months and clinical outcome at 12 months were significantly better in patients concomitantly treated with high-dose methotrexate. Furthermore, this regimen was associated with the lowest discontinuation rate, suggesting a favourable safety profile. Conclusion These data confirm, in a real-life setting, the importance of methotrexate as a combination therapy with etanercept and suggest that the minimal effective dose of methotrexate is >10 mg/week.
Remission and low disease activity in a cohort of real-life patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with first-line antitumour necrosis factor
Authors: Conigliaro Paola , Chimenti Maria Sole , Triggianese Paola , Ballanti Eleonora , Sunzini Flavia , Duca Iaria , Perricone Roberto 
Published: October 2016

Objectives This retrospective study used various indices to evaluate remission and low disease activity in ‘real life’ patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), given antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) as a first-line treatment; changes in concomitant steroid and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) treatment were also assessed. Methods Remission and low disease activity were analysed in patients with RA treated with anti-TNF using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Remission and low disease activity were recorded after 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, along with concomitant prednisone and csDMARD treatment. Results A total of 271 patients with RA were included in the study. After 6 months, remission rates were 18.0%, 20.3% and 23.0% as assessed by CDAI, SDAI and DAS28, respectively. After 1 year and 2 years, respectively, remission rates were 18.4% and 15.9% using CDAI, 21.8% and 17.3% using SDAI, and 22.1% and 17.3% using DAS28. Low disease activity was achieved in 30–40% of patients, depending on the indices used. There was a significant reduction in the number of patients on prednisone and csDMARDs during anti-TNF treatment. Conclusion Remission with first-line anti-TNF treatment is an achievable goal in clinical practice, allowing a reduction in concomitant csDMARD and prednisone treatment.
From patients’ needs to treatment outcomes in psoriasis: Results from the ‘pSORRIDI’ experience
Authors: Esposito Maria , Faleri Sara , Babino Graziella , Messinese Serena , Mazzotta Annamaria , Schipani Caterina , Chimenti Maria Sole , Marchei Massimo , Rizza Stefano , Pandolfi Marta , Chimenti Sergio , Giunta Alessandro 
Published: October 2016

Objective To evaluate results of the ‘pSORRIDI’ experience (which is a prevention campaign to evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities, multidisciplinary needs and appropriateness of the therapeutic approach for comorbidities) in patients already being treated for psoriasis. Methods Telephone interviews were conducted in patients with psoriasis, who then underwent comprehensive evaluation and investigation of comorbidities. If necessary, patients were referred to specialist cardiology, endocrinology and/or rheumatology services. Results Overall, 72.0% (54/75) of patients required a multidisciplinary consultation. Among patients referred to cardiology, therapeutic adjustment was needed in 33.3% (five of 15) patients and a redefined diagnosis in 26.7% (four of 15) cases. Among patients undergoing endocrinology evaluations, therapeutic adjustment and a redefined diagnosis were needed in 61.1% (11/18) and 33.3% (six of 18) patients, respectively; for rheumatology evaluations, therapeutic adjustment and a redefined diagnosis were needed in 76.2% (16/21) and 19.0% (four of 21) of patients, respectively. Conclusions Among patients with psoriasis, there may be a need for an improvement in the diagnosis of underlying comorbid conditions, and in disease management of both psoriasis and any comorbid conditions.
Expression of immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 as an inhibitory receptor in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Chimenti Maria Sole , Bergamini Alberto , Triggianese Paola , Guarino Maria Domenica , Gigliucci Gianfranco , Conigliaro Paola , Perricone Carlo , Perricone Roberto 
Published: October 2016

Objectives To investigate the presence of immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)4 and costimulatory proteins (CD40, CD80 and CD86), as well as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) from patients with psoriatic arthritis, before and after treatment with the antitumour necrosis factor-α therapy, adalimumab. Methods Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with psoriatic arthritis and healthy controls were cultured with CD40 ligand (CD40L) to stimulate differentiation to APCs. Cell-surface phenotype was analysed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Results CD40L-stimulation resulted in significantly more ILT4+ monocytes in cultures from control subjects ( n = 21) than those from patients ( n = 20). ILT4-positivity on CD40L-stimulated monocytes was negatively correlated with disease activity in patients. Adalimumab treatment resulted in significant increases from baseline in ILT4-positivity, and in decreases in CD40, CD80 and CD86-positivity in monocytes from patients. Conclusion The effect of adalimumab on monocyte surface phenotype may be due to modification of the inflammatory milieu associated with therapy-induced reduction of disease activity in psoriatic arthritis.
S100A8/A9 in psoriatic plaques from patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Chimenti Maria Sole , Triggianese Paola , Botti Elisabetta , Narcisi Alessandra , Conigliaro Paola , Giunta Alessandro , Teoli Miriam , Perricone Roberto , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: October 2016

Objective To evaluate levels of the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 in the skin of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Methods Skin punch biopsies were obtained from patients with psoriatic arthritis and healthy control subjects. S100A8/A9 were semiquantified via immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The study included biopsies from nine patients with psoriatic arthritis and nine control subjects. S100A8 and S100A9 were present at visibly higher levels in psoriatic plaques compared with normal skin samples. S100A8 and S100A9 RNA levels were significantly higher in the peripheral region of plaques compared with the central region. Conclusion Both S100A8 and S100A9 may represent good therapeutic targets in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Salivary interleukin-1β: Oral inflammatory biomarker in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Ganzetti Giulia , Campanati Anna , Santarelli Andrea , Sartini Davide , Molinelli Elisa , Brisigotti Valerio , Di Ruscio Giulia , Bobyr Ivan , Emanuelli Monica , Offidani Annamaria 
Published: October 2016

Objective To evaluate salivary interleukin (IL)-1β levels in patients with psoriasis, before and after treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors. Methods In this pilot study, salivary secretions were collected from patients with psoriasis and untreated healthy control subjects at baseline, and from patients after 12 weeks’ treatment with TNF-α inhibitors. IL-1β levels were determined in saliva samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, undertaken before and after TNF-α inhibitor treatment. Psoriasis-specific analysis of disease severity and activity were also undertaken. Results At baseline, patients ( n = 25) had significantly higher salivary IL1β levels than controls ( n = 20). In patients with psoriasis, TNF-α inhibitor treatment resulted in significantly reduced IL1β levels compared with baseline, but IL1β levels remained significantly higher than in control subjects even after treatment. There was a positive correlation between IL-1β levels, psoriasis activity and disease index score after TNF-α inhibitor treatment. Conclusion Saliva is a valid noninvasive tool for monitoring inflammation in psoriasis. TNF-α inhibitor treatments appear to interfere with the oral inflammatory process in patients with psoriasis.
Glomerular filtration rate in patients with psoriasis treated with etanercept
Authors: Gisondi Paolo , Girolomoni Giampiero 
Published: October 2016

Objective To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and evaluate renal function in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis treated with etanercept (an anti-tumour necrosis factor-α drug). Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Kidney function was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR). Results The prevalence of CKD at baseline was 3.9% (two of 51 patients). EGFR was unaffected by etanercept therapy (83.6 ± 23.9 at baseline vs 82.2 ± 21.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2 after 6 months). Conclusion EGFR was unaffected by 6 months’ etanercept treatment. Physicians should be aware of the risk of CKD when providing comprehensive care to patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Microangiopathic antiphospholipid antibody-associated syndrome in a pregnant lady
Authors: Kew G S , Cho J , Lateef A 
Published: October 2016

We describe a gravid 37-year-old Chinese lady with known triple positive primary antiphospholipid syndrome with previous recurrent deep vein thrombosis and early spontaneous miscarriages. She was managed with low-molecular weight heparin, aspirin, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone and monthly intravenous immunoglobulin. She presented with recurrent per-vaginal bleeding at 22 weeks of gestation and was found to have abruptio placentae. Anti-coagulation was held off. She subsequently delivered a stillborn at 24 weeks and anti-coagulation was restarted. Day 5 post-delivery, she developed HELLP, with hemolytic anaemia (Hb 10.1 g/dL, haptoglobin <30 g/L, LDH 2206 U/L), elevated transaminases (AST 1196 U/L, ALT 1130 U/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelet 28 × 10^9/L). There were also episodes of acute severe headache and abdominal pain assessed to be secondary to microvascular ischemia as CT did not reveal any thrombosis. Her blood pressure hovered persistently above systolic 180 mmHg, and required at least three anti-hypertensives. These were coupled with a new onset proteinuria of 2 to 3 g/day. There was no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. She was assessed to have microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome and was started on plasmapheresis. On Day 10 post-partum, the patient complained of foul-smelling vaginal discharge and was found to have retained products of conception, which was immediately evacuated. Her course was followed by poly-microbial sepsis secondary to Enterococcus fecalis, Klebsiella Pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. The patient was further treated with imipenem and she completed eight exchanges of plasmapheresis followed by five days of intravenous immunoglobulins with good clinical and biochemical improvement.
Psychiatrists' follow-up of identified metabolic risk: a mixed-method analysis of outcomes and influences on practice
Authors: Patterson Sue , Freshwater Kathleen , Goulter Nicole , Ewing Julie , Leamon Boyd , Choudhary Anand , Moudgil Vikas , Emmerson Brett 
Published: October 2016

Aims and methodTo describe and explain psychiatrists' responses to metabolic abnormalities identified during screening. We carried out an audit of clinical records to assess rates of monitoring and follow-up practice. Semi-structured interviews with 36 psychiatrists followed by descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted.ResultsMetabolic abnormalities were identified in 76% of eligible patients screened. Follow-up, recorded for 59%, was variable but more likely with four or more abnormalities. Psychiatrists endorse guidelines but ambivalence about responsibility, professional norms, resource constraints and skills deficits as well as patient factors influences practice. Therapeutic optimism and desire to be a ‘good doctor’ supported comprehensive follow-up.Clinical implicationsPsychiatrists are willing to attend to physical healthcare, and obstacles to recommended practice are surmountable. Psychiatrists seek consensus among stakeholders about responsibilities and a systemic approach addressing the social determinants of health inequities. Understanding patients' expectations is critical to promoting best practice.
Acute consumption of Peppermint and Chamomile teas produce contrasting effects on cognition and mood in healthy young adults
Authors: Moss Mark , Jones Robert , Moss Lucy , Cutter Richard , Wesnes Keith 
Published: October 2016

This study aimed to assess the acute effects of Peppermint and Chamomile herbal teas on cognitive performance and mood in healthy young adults. A single factor independent groups design was employed. One hundred and eighty undergraduate students volunteered to take part in the study for which they received course credit. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: Peppermint tea, Chamomile tea or hot water (Control). Mood scales were completed and participants then consumed their drink over a ten minute period and rested for twenty minutes. Cognitive performance was assessed using a tailored version of The Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment system. Post testing mood scales were then completed. Data were analysed using independent groups ANOVAs followed by Tukey post hoc comparisons. The analysis revealed that Peppermint tea significantly improved long term memory and speed of memory compared to both Chamomile and control treatments. Chamomile tea significantly slowed speed of attention and impaired working memory compared to the Peppermint treatment. Peppermint tea significantly increased subjective alertness compared to the Chamomile and control conditions. Chamomile significantly increased subjective calmness compared to the Peppermint treatment. The data show that acute consumption of Peppermint and Chamomile teas can impact on cognition and mood in healthy adults in contrasting directions. The enhancing and arousing effects of Peppermint and calming/sedative effects of Chamomile observed are in keeping with the purported properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.
Herbal supplement formula of Elephantopus scaber and Sauropus androgynus promotes IL-2 cytokine production of CD4+T cells in pregnant mice with typhoid fever
Authors: Djati Muhammad Sasmito , Dwijayanti Dinia Rizqi , Rifa’i Muhaimin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractProduction of IL-2 by CD4+ T cells is shown to be suppressed in pregnant women infected by bacteria such as Salmonella typhi. Elephantopus scaber and Sauropus androgynus may be used as herbal supplement to ameliorate this condition. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of E. scaber and S. androgynus formulation to promote lymphoid proliferation and CD4 cytokine productions. The pregnant mice were randomly divided into seven experimental groups: K- (control), K+ (with S. typhi), P1 (S. typhi + E. scaber 100%), P2 (S. typhi E. scaber 75% and S. androgynus 25%), P3 (S. typhi+ E. scaber 50% and S. androgynus 50%), P4 (S. typhi+scaber 25% and S. androgynus 75%), and P5 (S. typhi S. androgynus 100%). FACS analysis was done on day 18. Typhoid fever caused decreasing IL-2 and IFN-γ and in contrast increasing IL-4 production. In this experiment we clearly showed that typhoid fever decreased the amount of CD4 T cells but rather increased the amount of B cells. Formulation of E. scaber and S. andogynus was able to ameliorate the condition by increasing IL-2, IFN-γ, CD4 T cells and decreasing both IL-4 cytokine production and the amount of B cells.