bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Consensus Treatment Plans for New‐Onset Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ringold Sarah , Weiss Pamela F. , Colbert Robert A. , DeWitt Esi Morgan , Lee Tzielan , Onel Karen , Prahalad Sampath , Schneider Rayfel , Shenoi Susan , Vehe Richard K. , Kimura Yukiko ,   for the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Research Committee of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThere is no standardized approach to the initial treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among pediatric rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available will result in better health outcomes for polyarticular JIA. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies.MethodsA case‐based survey was administered to CARRA members to identify the common treatment approaches for new‐onset polyarticular JIA. Two face‐to‐face consensus conferences employed modified nominal group technique to identify treatment strategies, operational case definition, end points, and data elements to be collected. A core workgroup reviewed the relevant literature, refined plans, and developed medication dosing and monitoring recommendations.ResultsThe initial case‐based survey identified significant variability among treatment approaches for new‐onset polyarticular JIA. We developed 3 CTPs based on treatment strategies for the first 12 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The CTPs include a step‐up plan (nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] followed by a biologic DMARD), an early combination plan (nonbiologic and biologic DMARD combined within a month of treatment initiation), and a biologic only plan. This approach was approved by 96% of the CARRA JIA Research Committee members attending the 2013 CARRA face‐to‐face meeting.ConclusionThree standardized CTPs were developed for new‐onset polyarticular JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these CTPs will enable the study of their comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of polyarticular JIA.
Cost Offsets to Medicare Attributable to Receipt of Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , Hanrahan Brian W. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo estimate trends in numbers of and Medicare payments for hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasties for beneficiaries with osteoarthritis (OA) and potential savings to Medicare from arthroplasty during followup.MethodsThe analysis was based on longitudinal 5% Medicare enrollment and claims data for 1992–2010. The analysis of changes in Medicare payments attributable to total arthroplasty receipt used propensity score matching to obtain beneficiary control groups matched on demographic characteristics, general health, joint pain, and Medicare payments by major condition in the year preceding the index arthroplasty. An average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) overall and for each major condition was calculated for payments for care 7–36 months following the index arthroplasty procedure.ResultsGrowth in incident OA diagnoses of the hip, knee, and shoulder was substantially higher than growth in real Medicare spending on hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasties. ATTs showed a mean saving to Medicare of $471/beneficiary/procedure for hip, no difference for knee, and a payment increase of $1,062 for shoulder arthroplasty during followup. For hip arthroplasty, the largest savings was for the circulatory system. For shoulder arthroplasty, increased payments during followup reflected increased payments for musculoskeletal care, especially for hip and knee arthroplasty. Overall, payment differences during followup by major condition were small.ConclusionsProvision of hip but not knee and shoulder arthroplasty generated savings to Medicare during followup, but even for hip arthroplasty, the cost offset during followup was small relative to the program cost for the procedure itself.
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Salivary Gland Ultrasonography Using a Simplified Scoring System
Authors: Theander Elke , Mandl Thomas 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the usefulness and prognostic value of a simplified salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS) scoring system in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsPatients with primary SS (n = 105) and controls (n = 57) were evaluated using a simplified SGUS scoring system. Parenchymal homogeneity in salivary glands was graded from 0 to 3, with grades 0 (normal) and 1 (mild inhomogeneity) being interpreted as normal or unspecific, and grades 2 (several rounded) and 3 (numerous or confluent hypoechoic lesions) as primary SS typical. Associations between SGUS and clinical, histologic, and laboratory disease characteristics were analyzed.ResultsThe characteristic hypoechoic lesions (score 2 or 3) were found in 52% of primary SS patients and in 1 (1.8%) of controls (P < 0.001). Specificity and positive predictive value of abnormal SGUS for primary SS were both 98%, sensitivity and negative predictive values were 52% and 53%, respectively. Age or disease duration did not influence the SGUS result. Dryness did not differ between normal or abnormal SGUS. However, patients with pathologic SGUS had significantly more often signs and symptoms of systemic complications, higher disease activity, and more frequently markers of lymphoma development, such as salivary gland swelling, skin vasculitis, germinal center–like structures in salivary gland biopsy findings, and CD4+ T cell lymphopenia.ConclusionSGUS using a simplified score for assessment of parenchyma dyshomogeneity is highly specific for primary SS and offers the advantage of identifying patients with severe disease or at risk of lymphoma. However, early disease may be missed. SGUS is easy and rapidly performed and may be considered as an item in future modified classification criteria.
Novel kind of functional gradient poly(ε‐caprolactone) polyurethane nanocomposite: A shape‐memory effect induced in three ways
Authors: Cai Yan , Feng Xin , Jiang Ji‐Sen 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTMultiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) crosslinked polyurethane nanocomposites filled with iron (Fe) powders were synthesized by an in situ polymerization method. The Fe powders were deposited on one side of the nanocomposites during sample formation. Because of the gradient distribution of the Fe powders, the polymer part was affected little; this resulted in good mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The electrical conductivities on each side of the nanocomposites were different. Because of the good magnetic properties and high electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites, the shape‐memory effect could be induced by temperature heating (temperature = 45°C), electrically resistive Joule heating (voltage (U) = 30 V), and magnetic field heating (frequency (f) = 45 kHz, intensity of magnetic field (H) = 46.5 kA/m). The shape‐memory properties were dependent on the location of the side that contained the most Fe powders (Fe side), and the nanocomposites showed better shape‐memory properties when the Fe side was located inside of the folded samples. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40220.
Effects of carbon‐coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a photostabilizer on the photodegradation of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Sokhandani Parvane , Abdi Mohammad Adel , Ghaebi Mehmandoust Shadi , Babaluo Ali Akbar , Mehdizadeh Reza , Rezaei Mostafa , Rakhshani Masoud 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, nanocomposites of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (UPVC) using the synthesized carbon‐coated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and commercial powder of titanium dioxide (with rutile structure) were prepared by melt blending. The presence of carbon‐coated TiO2 nanoparticles with rutile structure in UPVC matrix led to an improvement in photo stability of UPVC nanocomposites in comparison with commercial UPVC. The photocatalytic degradation behavior of nanocomposites was investigated by measuring their structural changes, surface tension, and mechanical and morphological properties before and after UV exposure for 700 h. It was found that mechanical and physical properties of UPVC nanocomposites are not considerably reduced after UV exposure in the presence of carbon‐coated TiO2 nanoparticles even in small percentage of nanoparticles in comparison with the presence of commercial TiO2 particles. Therefore, it can be concluded that UPVC/TiO2 nanocomposite with low content of carbon‐coated TiO2 nanoparticles(0.25 wt %) illustrated high stability under light exposure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40228.
Assessment of cell proliferation in salt‐leaching using powder (SLUP) scaffolds with penetrated macro‐pores
Authors: Cho Yong Sang , Hong Myoung Wha , Kim Young Yul , Cho Young‐Sam 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this study, a salt‐leaching using powder (SLUP) scaffold with penetrated macropores was proposed to enhance cell proliferation. A SLUP scaffold is a salt‐leaching scaffold with an arbitrary pore configuration. Although SLUP scaffolds have several advantage over traditional salt‐leaching scaffolds, the cell ingrowth might be poor compared with solid freeform fabrication scaffolds, which have well‐interconnected pores. We therefore proposed SLUP scaffolds with penetrated macropores to assist the cell ingrowth. First, polycaprolactone (PCL) powders with a grain size of 63–100 μm and NaCl powders with a grain size of 100–180 μm were prepared. Next, a uniformly perforated mold was fabricated using an rapid prototyping (RP) system. Then, 500‐, 820‐, or 1200‐μm‐diameter needles were inserted into the holes of the RP mold. Subsequently, the mold was filled with a mixed powder of PCL/NaCl (30 : 70 vol %). The mold was then heated in the oven at 100°C for 30 min, and both the needles and the mold were removed from the PCL/NaCl mixture. Then, the PCL/NaCl mixture was soaked in DI water for 24 h to leach out NaCl particles and dried in a vacuum desiccator for 24 h. The porosity of fabricated scaffolds was calculated using a simple equation, and the compressive stiffness was measured using a universal testing machine. Moreover, each scaffold (10 × 10 × 10 mm3) was seeded with 100,000 Saos‐2 cells and cultured for 14 days. The cell proliferation characteristics were assessed using a CCK‐8 assay at 1, 7, and 14 days for comparison with the control scaffolds, that is, the SLUP scaffolds with no penetrated macropores. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40240.
Development and Validation of Modified Disease Activity Scores in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Superior Correlation With Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Detected Synovitis and Radiographic Progression
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Conaghan Philip G. , Smolen Josef S. , Aletaha Daniel , Shults Justine , Emery Paul , Baker Daniel G. , Østergaard Mikkel 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo develop and validate composite disease activity scores, based on widely available clinical measures, that would demonstrate improved correlation with detection of synovitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiographic progression, in comparison with conventional measures, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThis study was conducted as a secondary study of 2 RA clinical trials, GO‐BEFORE (development cohort) and GO‐FORWARD (validation cohort). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate independent cross‐sectional associations of component variables (from all time points) with concurrent MRI measures of synovitis and bone edema in the development cohort. Based on regression coefficients, modified versions of the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (M‐DAS28), Simplified Disease Activity Index (M‐SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (M‐CDAI) were generated for each subject in the validation cohort. The M‐DAS28, M‐SDAI, and M‐CDAI scores were compared to conventional scores of disease activity with regard to associations with MRI measures of synovitis and radiographic progression, assessed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlations, linear/logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsFour variables were independently associated with MRI‐detected synovitis and bone edema in the development cohort: C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), swollen joint count in 28 joints (SJC28), and evaluator's global assessment of disease activity using a visual analog scale (EvGA score). Modified disease activity scores were generated using the regression coefficients obtained in the synovitis models for all subjects in the validation cohort; modified scores were calculated as M‐DAS28 = 0.49 × ln(CRP) + 0.15 × SJC28 + 0.22 × EvGA + 1 and M‐SDAI = CRP + SJC28 + EvGA. Both modified and conventional disease activity scores correlated significantly with MRI measures of synovitis. Modified scores showed superior correlation with synovitis, as compared to conventional scores, at all time points (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the M‐DAS28 and M‐SDAI had superior test characteristics for prediction of radiographic progression at 52 weeks (both P < 0.05).ConclusionModified disease activity scores demonstrated superior correlation with MRI detection of synovitis at all time points, and more accurately predicted radiographic progression in patients with RA in a clinical trial setting.
Contribution of Functional LILRA3, but Not Nonfunctional LILRA3, to Sex Bias in Susceptibility and Severity of Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Du Yan , Cui Yong , Liu Xia , Hu Fanlei , Yang Yue , Wu Xinyu , Liu Xu , Ma Xiaoxu , Zuo Xianbo , Sheng Yujun , Liu Xiangyuan , Xu Jianhua , Zhu Ping , Sun Lingyun , Hong Nan , Zhang Xuejun , Guo Jianping , Li Zhanguo 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveLeukocyte immunoglobulin‐like receptor A3 belongs to a family of receptors with inhibitory or activating functions. Since Caucasian individuals lacking LILRA3 have been found to be susceptible to multiple sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome, we undertook this study to examine whether LILRA3 deletion is a novel genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (another autoimmune disease), whether there are sex‐specific effects, and whether LILRA3 influences the subtype and severity of RA.MethodsThe LILRA3 deletion and its tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs103294 were genotyped in a Northern Han Chinese cohort (N‐Han) (1,618 cases and 1,658 controls) and a Southern Han Chinese cohort (S‐Han) (575 cases and 549 controls). Association analyses were performed on the complete data set and subsets. The effect of the nondeleted (functional) LILRA3 allele on radiographic severity and LILRA3 expression was evaluated.ResultsIn the N‐Han discovery cohort, we unexpectedly observed a higher frequency of the functional LILRA3 in RA patients compared with healthy individuals (10.1% versus 6.3%; P = 4.01 × 10−5, odds ratio [OR] 1.92). The association was replicated in the S‐Han cohort and confirmed by meta‐analysis (P = 5.63 × 10−6, OR 1.83). Functional LILRA3 conferred greater risk for RA in males (P = 1.09 × 10−6, OR 4.47), and was specifically associated with anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive RA (P = 3.05 × 10−4, OR 1.75). Furthermore, functional LILRA3 was associated with higher radiographic scores in ACPA‐positive patients with early RA (P = 9.70 × 10−3) and higher LILRA3 messenger RNA levels (P = 3.31 × 10−8).ConclusionOur study provides the first evidence that functional LILRA3 is a novel genetic risk factor for RA, especially in males. It appears to highly predispose to ACPA‐positive RA and confers an increased risk of disease severity in patients with early RA.
Outcomes associated with balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation in neonatal univentricular and biventricular norwood‐type aortic arch reconstructions
Authors: Whiteside Wendy , Hirsch‐Romano Jennifer , Yu Sunkyung , Pasquali Sara K. , Armstrong Aimee 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesWe evaluated the use of, and outcomes associated with, balloon angioplasty (BA) for recurrent coarctation in single ventricle (SV) and two ventricle (2V) patients following a Norwood‐type aortic arch reconstruction (NTAR).BackgroundExtended patch augmentation of the aorta, a NTAR, is utilized in SV patients undergoing the Norwood procedure (NP) as well as 2V patients with a diffusely hypoplastic aorta. While many studies have evaluated recurrent coarctation following the NP, the incidence of recurrent coarctation and outcomes associated with BA in 2V patients following NTAR are unclear.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all neonates who underwent a NTAR at our institution between 2000 and 2010. The incidence of recurrent coarctation requiring intervention and factors associated with successful BA were evaluated.ResultsA NTAR was performed in 361 SV patients and 88 2V patients. The incidence of recurrent coarctation requiring intervention was 19.3% in 2V vs. 9.7% in SV patients (P = 0.01) at a median of 0.5 (interquartile range 0.3–1.2) years from initial surgery. BA was successful in 25 SV patients (81%) and 10 2V patients (71%; P = 0.70). Of the characteristics evaluated, lower initial peak‐to‐peak gradient (P = 0.02), larger balloon size for angioplasty (P = 0.02) and larger diameter of the descending aorta (P = 0.01) were associated with BA success.ConclusionsRecurrent coarctation following NTAR is more common in 2V patients than in SV patients. BA for recurrent coarctation has similar success in both groups and should continue to be utilized in this population. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of age on clinical outcomes in patients treated with the resolute zotarolimus‐eluting stent
Authors: Belardi Jorge , Manoharan Ganesh , Albertal Mariano , Widimský Petr , Neumann Franz‐Joseph , Silber Sigmund , Leon Martin B. , Saito Shigeru 
Published: December 2013

AimsTo evaluate the rate of clinical events and bleeding risk according to age in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a new‐generation drug‐eluting stent (DES) enrolled in the RESOLUTE Global Clinical Program.MethodsThis study represents a pooled analysis of five trials included in the RESOLUTE program including 5,130 patients, of whom 1,675 (32.6%) were ≥70 years old (elderly patients).ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, age ≥70 years was a significant predictor of high mortality at 30 days (0.6 vs. 0.1%, P = 0.017) and 2 years (7.2 vs. 2%, P < 0.001). No differences were seen with respect to acute myocardial infarction (MI) or target lesion and vessel revascularization rates between young and elderly patients. Bleeding rates were higher in the elderly throughout follow‐up. In the elderly, 7 of the 27 (26%) patients with bleeding episodes died, with a median time between bleeding episode to death of 21 days. In the younger population, 1 patient of 17 with a bleeding episode died (400 days later).ConclusionsElderly patients undergoing PCI with a new‐generation DES have increased mortality and bleeding risk, with similar rates of acute MI and repeat revascularization. Bleeding risk was higher in the elderly and strongly related to death. Target lesion failure rates were not significantly different between the two age groups, suggesting that the Resolute zotarolimus‐eluting stent (R‐ZES) is effective for patients younger and older than 70 years of age. R‐ZES may be recommended for elderly patients when PCI with a DES is identified as a suitable option. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solely abluminal drug release from coronary stents could possibly improve reendothelialization
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Deng Wei , Wang Xiangfei , Wang Shenguo , Ge Junbo , Toft Egon 
Published: December 2013

ObjectivesTo compare a new stent with an asymmetric coating, eluting the drug to the abluminal surface, to a stent with a conventional coating eluting the drug both to the luminal and the abluminal side.BackgroundStents with asymmetric coating, eluting the drug to the vessel wall (BPSES‐A), could potentially give faster reendothelialization after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and decrease in in‐stent thrombosis and late restenosis.MethodsBPSES‐A, conventional coated stents (BPSES‐C), biodegradable polymer stents without drug (BPS, for control), and bare metal stents (BMS, for control) were implanted into the coronary arteries of 38 pigs (75 stents). Pigs were sacrificed after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to compare in‐stent late lumen loss (LLL) and electron microscopy was used to reveal levels of reendothelialization.ResultsThe stents were all successfully implanted. LLL of BPSES‐A, BPSES‐C, BMS, and BPS were 0.56 ± 0.51, 0.60 ± 0.58, 0.89 ± 0.43, and 1.68 ± 0.30 mm, respectively, after 4 weeks. LLL of BPSES‐A and BPSES‐C were 0.63 ± 0.53 and 0.69 ± 0.24 mm, respectively, after 12 weeks. LLL of BPSES‐A, BPSES‐C, and BMS were 0.42 ± 0.15 m, 0.56 ± 0.28 mm, and 0.99 ± 0.13 mm, respectively, after 24 weeks. The scaling of reendothelialization was as follows: after 4 weeks BMS > = BPS > BPSES‐A > BPSES‐C, after 12 weeks BPSES‐A > BPSES‐C, and after 24 weeks BMS > BPSES‐A > BPSES‐C. Reendothelialization was better in BPSES‐A than BPSES‐C (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between LLL and reendothelialization (P = 0.42).ConclusionAsymmetric coating of coronary stents might be helpful to improve reendothelialization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Results of percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale with the GORE® septal occluder
Authors: Knerr Meike , Bertog Stefan , Vaskelyte Laura , Hofmann Ilona , Sievert Horst 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the GORE® Septal Occluder (GSO) at 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up in patients with a clinical indication for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure.BackgroundLimited data are available regarding the safety and efficacy of the GSO for PFO closure.MethodsSixty consecutive patients with an embolic event, migraine, or risk of decompression sickness were enrolled. Transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography and clinical follow‐up were performed at 1, 6 and 12 months after implantation. All patients received 100 mg aspirin and 75 mg clopidogrel for 6 months.ResultsProcedures were technically successful in 98.3% (59/60). In one case, the anterior interatrial septal rim proved too short to allow safe GSO implantation and, instead, a different occluder was implanted. One patient developed transient neurological symptoms during the procedure without evidence for a stroke by magnetic resonance imaging. At 6‐month follow‐up, the closure rate was 86.6% (52/60). The complete closure rate after 1 year was 93.3% (56/60). Stroke, thrombus formation and atrial fibrillation (AF)/flutter occurred in 1 (1.7%), 1 (1.7%), and 5 (8.3%) patients, respectively.ConclusionPFO closure with the GSO is accompanied by a high technical success rate and closure rates similar to other currently used devices. The incidence of AF was higher than reported with most other devices. This may be a chance finding but warrants further investigation in larger trials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.