bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors of Rituximab Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a French University Hospital
Authors: Couderc M. , Mathieu S. , Pereira B. , Glace B. , Soubrier M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo study the influence of several factors (rheumatoid factor [RF], anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti‐CCP], serum Ig level, and Epstein‐Barr virus [EBV] load) on clinical response to rituximab (RTX) after 6 months in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.MethodsSixty‐four patients receiving RTX (two 1‐gm doses 2 weeks apart) for active RA were prospectively included. RF, anti‐CCP, gamma globulin level, and EBV load were assessed prior to the first RTX cycle. Clinical responses were analyzed 6 months after RTX initiation using the European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with RTX response at 6 months.ResultsThe mean disease duration was 16.4 years and 46 patients (71.9%) had already received at least 1 anti–tumor necrosis factor agent prior to RTX. At 6 months, 46 patients (71.9%) had a good to moderate response to RTX. Anti‐CCP positivity was associated with a good to moderate response (odds ratio [OR] 4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–15.5; P = 0.04). RF positivity (P = 0.26) and positive initial EBV load (P = 0.16) were not associated with a good to moderate response. Hyperimmunoglobulin was correlated with a poorer response to RTX than normal Ig levels (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.005–0.28; P = 0.002).ConclusionAnti‐CCP positivity was a predictor of good to moderate response to RTX in RA patients. On the other hand, high Ig levels were associated with a poorer outcome in contrast to previous findings. Further support from larger studies is necessary so as to optimize the management of the RA patients with high Ig levels.
Association of Severity of Coexisting Patellofemoral Disease With Increased Impairments and Functional Limitations in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Farrokhi Shawn , Piva Sara R. , Gil Alexandra B. , Oddis Chester V. , Brooks Maria M. , Fitzgerald G. Kelley 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association between severity of coexisting patellofemoral (PF) disease with lower extremity impairments and functional limitations in patients with tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsRadiographic views of the TF and PF compartments, knee extension strength, and knee range of motion were obtained for 167 patients with knee OA. Additionally, knee‐specific symptoms and functional limitations were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADLS).ResultsModerate/severe PFOA was associated with lower knee extension strength (mean ± SD 1.4 ± 0.5 Nm/body weight [BW]) compared to no PFOA (mean ± SD 1.8 ± 0.5 Nm/BW). Additionally, total knee range of motion was significantly lower for patients with moderate/severe PFOA (mean ± SD 120.8° ± 14.4°) compared to no PFOA (mean ± SD 133.5° ± 10.7°) and mild PFOA (mean ± SD 125.8° ± 13.0°). Moderate/severe PFOA and mild PFOA were also associated with less pain while standing (odds ratio [OR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.1–0.7 and OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.6, respectively) on the WOMAC, and moderate/severe PFOA was associated with greater difficulty with going downstairs (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.1) on the ADLS.ConclusionIt appears that knees with more severe coexisting PF disease demonstrate features distinct from those observed in TFOA in isolation or in combination with mild PF disease. Treatment strategies targeting the PF joint may be warranted to mitigate the specific lower extremity impairments and functional problems present in this patient population.
Updated Analysis of Standardized Photoprovocation in Patients With Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ruland Vincent , Haust Merle , Stilling Roman M. , Metze Dieter , Amler Susanne , Ruzicka Thomas , Kuhn Annegret 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the frequency and reproducibility of standardized photoprovocation in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and report our long‐term experience.MethodsPhotoprovocation using a standardized protocol was evaluated retrospectively in 566 patients. A diagnosis of CLE was clinically and/or histologically confirmed in 431 patients, and 315 patients with polymorphic light eruption (PLE) were additionally included as controls. Data were statistically analyzed using an SPSS database.ResultsA total of 61.7% of the 431 CLE patients exhibited a positive photoprovocation, with a significantly longer latency period for the development of skin lesions after ultraviolet (UV) A and/or UVB irradiation than PLE patients (P < 0.001). The frequency of positive photoprovocation varied among the CLE subtypes, and intermittent CLE was the most photosensitive disease entity (74.8%). Subsequent photoprovocation in 35 patients demonstrated that CLE patients with an initial positive result exhibited a significantly higher frequency of a positive photoprovocation at a later time point (P = 0.013). However, an initial positive photoprovocation did not definitively predict a positive reaction at a later time point. Moreover, patient history of photosensitivity was not a predictor for the photoprovocation outcome.ConclusionStandardized photoprovocation is a useful tool to reproducibly induce skin lesions and objectively evaluate photosensitivity in patients with CLE. These data further suggest that the reaction to UV light may change during the course of this heterogeneous disease and that photosensitivity should not be excluded in patients with a negative history of photosensitivity.
Relationship of intermuscular fat volume in the thigh with knee extensor strength and physical performance in women at risk of or with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Maly Monica R. , Calder Kristina M. , MacIntyre Norma J. , Beattie Karen A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the extent to which thigh intermuscular fat (IMF) and quadriceps muscle (QM) volumes explained variance in knee extensor strength and physical performance in women with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (ROA) and without.MethodsBaseline data from 125 women (age ≥50 years) in the Osteoarthritis Initiative study, with or at risk of knee ROA were included. Knee extensor strength was measured using a fixed force transducer, normalized to body mass (N/kg). Physical performance was the time required for 5 repeated chair stands (seconds). The IMF and QM volumes, normalized to height (cm3/meter), were yielded from analyses of T1‐weighted axial magnetic resonance images of the midthigh. Mean IMF and QM volumes, extensor strength, and physical performance were compared between women with and without ROA, controlling for age. Hierarchical multiple regressions determined whether IMF and QM volumes were related to strength and performance after controlling for age, ROA status (yes/no), alignment, and pain.ResultsCompared to subjects with ROA, the subjects without ROA were stronger and performed chair stands faster (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, those subjects without ROA had less mean ± SD IMF (61.1 ± 20.3 cm3/meter) compared to mean ± SD ROA (72.0 ± 25.0 cm3/meter; P < 0.05). In the entire sample, 21.1% of variance in knee extensor strength was explained by alignment, pain, and IMF. A model explaining 13.4% of variance in physical performance included OA status and IMF. QM volume was unrelated to strength and physical performance.ConclusionIMF volume explained a small amount of variance in knee extensor strength and physical performance among women with or at risk of knee ROA.
Performance of Matrix‐Based Risk Models for Rapid Radiographic Progression in a Cohort of Patients With Established Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lillegraven Siri , Paynter Nina , Prince Femke H. M. , Shadick Nancy A. , Haavardsholm Espen A. , Frits Michelle L. , Iannaccone Christine K. , Kvien Tore K. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Solomon Daniel H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveMatrix‐based risk models have been proposed as a tool to predict rapid radiographic progression (RRP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the experience with such models is limited. We tested the performance of 3 risk models for RRP in an observational cohort.MethodsSubjects from an observational RA cohort with hand radiographs and necessary predictor variables to be classified by the risk models were identified (n = 478). RRP was defined as a yearly change in the Sharp/van der Heijde score of ≥5 units. Patients were placed in the appropriate matrix categories, with a corresponding predicted risk of RRP. The mean predicted probability for cases and noncases, integrated discrimination improvement, Hosmer‐Lemeshow statistics, and C statistics were calculated.ResultsThe median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR] 50–66 years), the median disease duration was 12 years (IQR 4–23 years), the median swollen joint count was 6 (IQR 2–13), 84% were women, and 86% had erosions at baseline. Twelve percent of patients (32 of 271) treated with synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) at baseline and 10% of patients (21 of 207) treated with biologic DMARDs experienced RRP. Most of the predictor variables had a skewed distribution in the population. All models had a suboptimal performance when applied to this cohort, with C statistics of 0.59 (model A), 0.65 (model B), and 0.57 (model C), and Hosmer‐Lemeshow chi‐square P values of 0.06 (model A), 0.005 (model B), and 0.05 (model C).ConclusionMatrix risk models developed in clinical trials of patients with early RA had limited ability to predict RRP in this observational cohort of RA patients.
Eradicating Antibiotic‐Resistant Biofilms with Silver‐Conjugated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Durmus Naside Gozde , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractConcerns about antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms, such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is causing a resurgence in the search for novel strategies which can eradicate infections without the use of antibiotics. In this study, the unique magnetic and antibacterial properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and silver have been combined through the design of silver‐conjugated SPION. For the first time, it is demonstrated that MRSA biofilms can be eradicated by silver‐conjugated SPION without resorting to the use of antibiotics. A significant decrease in biofilm mass, which corresponds to a seven orders of magnitude decrease in viability, is observed when MRSA biofilms are treated with 1 mg/mL of silver‐conjugated SPION (p < 0.01). Moreover, SPION anti‐biofilm efficacy is further improved in the presence of an external magnetic field. The anti‐biofilm property of silver‐conjugated SPION treatment is due to the significant increases in intracellular or membrane‐bound iron (p < 0.001), sulfur (p < 0.05), and silver (p < 0.001) concentrations, thus increases in SPION uptake within the biofilms. For this reason, this study demonstrates for the first time that silver‐conjugated SPION could be used as a targeted antibacterial therapy to the infection site. Thus, this novel infection eradication strategy holds great promise to be an alternative to the antibiotic of last resort, vancomycin, which bacteria have already started to develop a resistance towards.
Magnetic Silicone Composites with Uniform Nanoparticle Dispersion as a Biomedical Stent Coating for Hyperthermia
Authors: Kim Chang‐Yeoul , XU LIXING , Lee Eun‐Hee , Choa Yong‐Ho 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) offer some attractive possibilities in the field of medicine such as magnetic separation for purification and immunoassay and hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Hyperthermia uses the thermal energy adsorbed by magnetite NPs to kill cancer cells. Concerns regarding esophageal cancer treatment by hyperthermia are related to the development of an advanced film as a polymeric stent cover for hyperthermia. In this paper, we tried to confer the hyperthermia function to the stent cover by the composition of magnetite NPs with a silicone rubber film. Herein, we fabricated the hybrid composite of magnetite NPs and a silicone matrix with a uniform particle dispersion. Forty percent of magnetite NPs could be dispersed in silicone matrices, which was confirmed in the scale of hundreds of nanometers by transmission electron microscopy. The composition could be possible via the surface modification of magnetite NPs with oleic acid in the silicone rubber, which was identified by the analysis of FT‐IR. Plasma treatment of the composite film transforms the hydrophobicity of the film to the hydrophlicity. The hyperthermia effect of the composite film increased temperature from 36 to 42°C. Moreover, our manufacturing strategy could readily control the thickness of the smooth composite film, facilitate large‐scale synthesis, and enable multifunctionalization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E714–E723, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21314
Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Polyaniline Doped with Carboxyl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Kar Pradip , Choudhury Arup 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPolyaniline nanocomposites containing various concentrations of carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI/c‐MWCNT) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline monomer using ammonium persulfate in the absence of any added acids. The electrical conductivity measurements evidenced the effect of COOH groups of c‐MWCNTs on PANI units. The morphology of PANI/c‐MWCNT nanocomposites was studied using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The uniform and thick coating of PANI on the c‐MWCNT surface was observed. The electrical conductivity of PANI/c‐MWCNT (3 wt%) nanocomposite is recorded about three orders of magnitude higher than that of pure PANI. In addition, the increase in the conductivity with respect to temperature revealed the semiconductor behavior of the nanocomposites. Similarly, the dielectric permittivity of the nanocomposites enhanced from 3.34 to 10.2 at 1 kHz as the c‐MWCNT concentration increased from 0.5 to 3 wt%. The loss tangent was still low (<0.025) even at a higher concentration of c‐MWCNT, i.e., 3 wt%. The response of permittivity to temperature is increased with increasing the c‐MWCNT concentration in the nanocomposite. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E760–E770, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21319
The Barth Syndrome Registry: Distinguishing disease characteristics and growth data from a longitudinal study
Authors: Roberts Amy E. , Nixon Connie , Steward Colin G. , Gauvreau Kimberly , Maisenbacher Melissa , Fletcher Matthew , Geva Judith , Byrne Barry J. , Spencer Carolyn T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBarth syndrome (BTHS); MIM accession # 302060) is a rare X‐linked recessive cardioskeletal mitochondrial myopathy with features of cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, and growth abnormalities. The objectives of this study were to further elucidate the natural history, clinical disease presentation, and course, and describe growth characteristics for males with BTHS. Patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of BTHS are referred to the BTHS Registry through the Barth Syndrome Foundation, self‐referral, or physician referral. This study is based on data obtained from 73 subjects alive at the time of enrollment that provided self‐reported and/or medical record abstracted data. The mean age at diagnosis of BTHS was 4.04 ± 5.45 years. While the vast majority of subjects reported a history of cardiac dysfunction, nearly 6% denied any history of cardiomyopathy. Although most subjects had only mildly abnormal cardiac function by echocardiography reports, 70% were recognized as having cardiomyopathy in the first year of life and 12% have required cardiac transplantation. Of the 73 enrolled subjects, there have been five deaths. Growth curves were generated demonstrating a shift down for weight, length, and height versus the normative population with late catch up in height for a significant percentage of cases. This data also confirms a significant number of patients with low birth weight, complications in the newborn period, failure to thrive, neutropenia, developmental delay of motor milestones, and mild learning difficulties. However, it is apparent that the disease manifestations are variable, both over time for an individual patient and across the BTHS population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of image‐guided surgery in endoscopic sinus surgery: an evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Orlandi Richard R. , Citardi Martin J. , Smith Timothy L. , Fried Marvin P. , Kingdom Todd T. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe frequency of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) appears to be increasing, and the use of image‐guided surgery (IGS) in these procedures is becoming more widespread. The use of IGS in ESS and anterior skull base surgery is predicated on the notion that its ability to aid in anatomic identification during surgery will lead to fewer complications and improved surgical outcomes. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based examination of the benefits of IGS in ESS.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed and recommendations were created based on the Clinical Practice Guideline Manual, Conference of Guideline Standardization (COGS), and the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research Evaluation (AGREE) instruments.ResultsThis review identified and evaluated literature regarding the effect of IGS on surgical complications and on postoperative outcomes in ESS. Currently, there is grade C evidence to support the use of IGS in ESS.ConclusionBased on the best available evidence in the literature, the use of IGS has not clearly been shown to decrease surgical complications or improve surgical outcomes. These evidence‐based recommendations are based on limited literature with suboptimal research methodology. However, the importance, utility, and acceptance of IGS through expert opinion and consensus are supported by the available literature. Therefore, the use of IGS in ESS is an option and should be based on clinical judgment and applied on a case‐by‐case basis.
Topical therapies in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis: an evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Rudmik Luke , Hoy Monica , Schlosser Rodney J. , Harvey Richard J. , Welch Kevin C. , Lund Valerie , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundTopical therapies have become an integral component in the management plan for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Several topical therapy strategies have been evaluated, but a formal comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has never been performed. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based approach for the utilization of topical therapies in the management of CRS.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed and the guidelines for development of an evidence‐based review with recommendations were followed. Study inclusion criteria were: adult population >18 years old; chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) based on published diagnostic criteria; and clearly defined primary clinical end‐point. We focused on reporting higher‐quality studies (level 2b or higher), but reported on lower‐level studies if the topic contained insufficient evidence. We excluded drug‐eluting spacer and stent therapy from this review.ResultsThis review identified and evaluated the literature on 5 topical therapy strategies for CRS: saline irrigation, topical steroid, topical antibiotic, topical antifungal, and topical alternatives (surfactant, manuka honey, and xylitol irrigations).ConclusionBased on the available evidence, sinonasal saline irrigation and standard topical nasal steroid therapy are recommended in the topical treatment of CRS. Nonstandard (off‐label) topical sinonasal steroid therapies can be an option for managing CRS. The evidence recommends against the use of topical antifungal therapy and topical antibiotic therapy delivered using nebulized and spray techniques in routine cases of CRS. There is insufficient clinical research to provide recommendations for alternative therapies or topical antibiotic therapy delivered using other delivery methods (eg, irrigations).
Efficacy and safety of a once‐daily sublingual immunotherapy without escalation regimen in house dust mite–induced allergic rhinitis
Authors: Mun Sue Jean , Shin Jae Min , Han Doo Hee , Kim Jeong‐Whun , Kim Dong‐Young , Lee Chul Hee , Min Yang‐Gi , Rhee Chae‐Seo 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe conventional escalation regimen for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis has been proven to be safe and successful in reducing allergic symptoms. However, few studies compared the efficacy and safety between a conventional escalation regimen for SLIT and once‐daily SLIT. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of once‐daily SLIT without escalation (SLITsE) to conventional escalation therapy (SLITwE).MethodsThis study was a nonrandomized open label observational study. In total, 153 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms and sensitized to the perennial house dust mite allergens Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, were enrolled in this study from July 2008 to December 2009. The patients were divided into 2 groups, SLITwE and SLITsE. Each patient was followed with a diary card on which a symptom score, a rescue medication score, and adverse events were recorded.ResultsAll of the nasal symptoms, including rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itching, and olfactory symptoms, defined as a total nasal symptom score, were reduced after 6 months in both groups (p < 0.05). The rescue medication score, defined as the sum of all of the allergy medications used, also decreased in both groups. Adverse events were similar in both groups, and no major adverse events, such as anaphylaxis, were reported.ConclusionOnce‐daily SLITsE was well tolerated and showed safe and comparable efficacy compared with a conventional SLITwE regimen.
Olfactory and sinonasal outcomes in endoscopic transsphenoidal skull‐base surgery
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J. , Gross Menachem , Broad Robert , Wright Erin D. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundEndoscopic anterior skull‐base surgery has been previously suggested to cause a significant deterioration in olfactory function. Given the impact on quality of life, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral middle‐turbinate–sacrificing approach on olfactory function and sinonasal outcome.MethodsProspective cohort study comparing olfactory and sinonasal outcomes pre‐ and post‐transsphenoidal skull‐base surgery. Olfaction was the primary outcome and was measured prospectively using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (SIT). Sinonasal symptoms were assessed subjectively via sinonasal‐specific questions from the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), and objectively via the Lund‐Kennedy Endoscopic Scoring system (LKES).ResultsTwenty‐two patients met study inclusion criteria and completed all data acquisition. The mean preoperative SIT score was 34.8 and the mean postoperative SIT value was 35.1 (p = 0.37). The average change in score (delta) was an increase of 0.3, with changes ranging from −3 to +4. When examined categorically, 91% of patients maintained their preoperative olfactory function classification. There was no significant difference in mean pre‐ and postoperative symptom scores. A small increase in the LKES was noted, from a mean of 0.6 to 2.5 (p = 0.001) in the early postoperative period.ConclusionOlfactory function, as measured by the SIT test, was preserved with a middle‐turbinate–sacrificing skull‐base approach. Subjective sinonasal symptom scores were unaffected, but a slight worsening of objective endoscopic appearance was noted.