bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Use and the Risk of Incident Hyperlipidemia in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Desai Rishi J. , Eddings Wesley , Liao Katherine P. , Solomon Daniel H. , Kim Seoyoung C. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the risk of incident hyperlipidemia in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients after initiation of various disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).MethodsWe conducted a cohort study using insurance claims data (2001–2012) in early RA patients. Early RA was defined by the absence of any RA diagnosis or DMARD prescriptions for 12 months. Four mutually exclusive groups were defined based on DMARD initiation: tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors ± nonbiologic (nb) DMARDs, methotrexate (MTX) ± nonhydroxycholorquine nbDMARDs, hydroxychloroquine ± non‐MTX nbDMARDs, and other nbDMARDs only. The primary outcome was incident hyperlipidemia, defined by a diagnosis and a prescription for a lipid‐lowering agent. For the subgroup of patients with laboratory results available, change in lipid levels was assessed. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and propensity score (PS) decile stratification with asymmetric trimming were used to control for confounding.ResultsOf the 17,145 early RA patients included in the study, 364 developed incident hyperlipidemia. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) for hyperlipidemia were 1.41 (95% CI 0.99, 2.00) for TNFα inhibitors, 0.81 (95% CI 0.63, 1.04) for hydroxychloroquine, and 1.33 (95% CI 0.95, 1.84) for other nbDMARDs compared with MTX in the full cohort, while HRs for the PS trimmed cohort were 1.18 (95% CI 0.80, 1.73), 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.98), and 1.41 (95% CI 1.01, 1.98), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, hydroxychloroquine use showed significant reduction in low‐density lipoprotein (−8.9 mg/dl, 95% CI −15.8, −2.0), total cholesterol (−12.3 mg/dl, 95% CI −19.8, −4.8) and triglyceride levels (−19.5 mg/dl, 95% CI −38.7, −0.3) from baseline compared with MTX.ConclusionUse of hydroxychloroquine may be associated with a lower risk of hyperlipidemia among early RA patients.
Relationship Between Isometric Thigh Muscle Strength and Minimum Clinically Important Differences in Knee Function in Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Ruhdorfer Anja , Wirth Wolfgang , Eckstein Felix 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between thigh muscle strength and clinically relevant differences in self‐assessed lower leg function.MethodsIsometric knee extensor and flexor strength of 4,553 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants (2,651 women and 1,902 men) was related to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function scores by linear regression. Further, groups of male and female participant strata with minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs) in WOMAC function scores (6 of 68 units) were compared across the full range of observed values and to participants without functional deficits (WOMAC score 0). The effect of WOMAC knee pain and body mass index on the above relationships was explored using stepwise regression.ResultsPer regression equations, a 3.7% reduction in extensor strength and a 4.0% reduction in flexor strength were associated with an MCID in WOMAC function in women, and, respectively, a 3.6% and 4.8% reduction in men. For strength divided by body weight, reductions were 5.2% and 6.7%, respectively, in women and 5.8% and 6.7%, respectively, in men. Comparing MCID strata across the full observed range of WOMAC function confirmed the above estimates and did not suggest nonlinear relationships across the spectrum of observed values. WOMAC pain correlated strongly with WOMAC function, but extensor (and flexor) muscle strength contributed significant independent information.ConclusionReductions of approximately 4% in isometric muscle strength and of 6% in strength per body weight were related to a clinically relevant difference in WOMAC functional disability. Longitudinal studies will need to confirm these relationships within persons. Muscle extensor (and flexor) strength (per body weight) provided significant independent information in addition to pain in explaining variability in lower leg function.
Relationship Between Disease Characteristics and Orofacial Manifestations in Systemic Sclerosis: Canadian Systemic Sclerosis Oral Health Study III
Authors: Baron Murray , Hudson Marie , Tatibouet Solène , Steele Russell , Lo Ernest , Gravel Sabrina , Gyger Geneviève , el Sayegh Tarek , Pope Janet , Fontaine Audrey , Masetto Ariel , Matthews Debora , Sutton Evelyn , Thie Norman , Jones Niall , Copete Maria , Kolbinson Dean , Markland Janet , Nogueira Getulio , Robinson David , Fritzler Marvin , Gornitsky Mervyn 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is associated with decreased saliva production and interincisal distance, more missing teeth, and periodontal disease. We undertook this study to determine the clinical correlates of SSc with these oral abnormalities.MethodsSubjects were recruited from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort. Detailed dental and clinical examinations were performed according to standardized protocols. Associations between dental abnormalities and selected clinical and serologic manifestations of SSc were examined.ResultsOne hundred sixty‐three SSc subjects were included: 90% women, mean ± SD age 56 ± 11 years, mean ± SD disease duration 14 ± 8 years, 72% with limited cutaneous disease, and 28% with diffuse cutaneous disease. Decreased saliva production was associated with Sjögren's syndrome–related autoantibodies (β = −43.32; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −80.89, −5.75), but not with disease severity (β = −2.51; 95% CI −8.75, 3.73). Decreased interincisal distance was related to disease severity (β = −1.02; 95% CI −1.63, −0.42) and the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (β = −0.38; 95% CI −0.53, −0.23). The number of missing teeth was associated with decreased saliva production (relative risk [RR] 0.97; 95% CI 0.94, 0.99), worse hand function (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.13, 2.02), and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; RR 1.68 [95% CI 1.14, 2.46]). No clinical or serologic variables were correlated with periodontal disease.ConclusionIn SSc, diminished interincisal distance is related to overall disease severity. Decreased saliva production is related to concomitant Sjögren's syndrome antibodies. Tooth loss is associated with poor upper extremity function, GERD, and decreased saliva. The etiology of excess periodontal disease is likely multifactorial and remains unclear.
Economic and Comorbidity Burden Among Moderate‐to‐Severe Psoriasis Patients with Comorbid Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Feldman Steven R. , Zhao Yang , Shi Lizheng , Tran Mary Helen , Lu Jackie 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of comorbidities, health care utilization, and costs between moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis (PsO) patients with comorbid psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and matched controls.MethodsAdults ages 18–64 years with concomitant diagnoses of PsO and PsA (PsO+PsA) were identified in the OptumHealth Reporting and Insights claims database between January 2007 and March 2012. Moderate‐to‐severe PsO was defined based on the use of at least one systemic or phototherapy during the 12‐month study period after the index date (randomly selected date after the first PsO diagnosis). Control patients without PsO and PsA were demographically matched 1:1 with PsO+PsA patients. Multivariate regressions were employed to examine PsO/PsA‐related comorbidities, medications, health care utilization, and costs between PsO+PsA patients and controls, adjusting for demographics, index year, insurance type, and non–PsO/PsA‐related comorbidities.ResultsAmong 1,230 matched pairs of PsO+PsA patients and controls, PsO+PsA patients had significantly more PsO/PsA‐related comorbidities, with the top 3 most common in both groups being hypertension (35.8% versus 23.5%), hyperlipidemia (34.6% versus 28.5%), and diabetes mellitus (15.9% versus 10.0%). Compared with controls, PsO+PsA patients had a higher number of distinct prescriptions filled (incidence rate ratio 2.3, P < 0.05); were more likely to have inpatient admissions (odds ratio [OR] 1.6), emergency room visits (OR 1.3), and outpatient visits (OR 62.7) (all P < 0.05); and incurred significantly higher total, pharmacy, and medical costs (adjusted annual cost differences per patient $23,160, $17,696, and $5,077, respectively; all P < 0.01).ConclusionCompared with matched PsO‐ and PsA‐free controls, moderate‐to‐severe PsO patients with comorbid PsA had higher comorbidity and health care utilization and costs.
Contralateral Knee Effect on Self‐Reported Knee‐Specific Function and Global Functional Assessment: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Wirth Wolfgang , Pena Rossi Claudia , Eckstein Felix , Günther Oliver H. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of contralateral knee pain on sensitivity of patient‐reported outcomes and objectively measured functional performance tests in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsSubjects with discordant knee pain status (i.e., 1 knee being painful [≥4 on a numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)], with the contralateral knee being pain free [NPRS 0]) were selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative and matched to subjects with bilaterally pain‐free and painful knees by age, sex, body mass index, and radiographic knee OA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function score, the global Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and objective functional performance tests were cross‐sectionally compared in a matched case–control design.ResultsA total of 378 subjects with discordant knee pain status were matched to 359 controls with bilaterally pain‐free knees and to 323 controls with bilaterally painful knees. WOMAC scores in pain‐free knees of discordant knee pain cases significantly differed compared to scores of bilaterally pain‐free knees (P = 0.003). Likewise, scores in painful knees of discordant knee pain cases significantly differed compared to scores of bilaterally painful knees (P < 0.001). PASE levels between these groups were not significantly different (P > 0.68). Functional performance tests differed in subjects with discordant knee pain compared to subjects with bilaterally pain‐free knees and when compared to subjects with bilaterally painful knees, with the chair stand test showing the strongest effect size (standardized response mean 0.28 and 0.33, respectively).ConclusionThe WOMAC physical function score, although knee specific, is impacted by the contralateral knee pain status. The repeated chair stand test appears to be the most sensitive assessment in differentiation between groups with different status of knee pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is Associated With Higher Ninety‐Day Hospital Readmission Rates Compared to Osteoarthritis After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Cohort Study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Inacio Maria C. S. , Namba Robert S. , Paxton Elizabeth W. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo examine whether an underlying diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) impacts the 90‐day readmission rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsWe analyzed prospectively collected data from an integrated health care system, Total Joint Replacement Registry, of adults with RA or OA undergoing unilateral primary THA or TKA during 2009–2011. Adjusted logistic regression models for 90‐day readmission were fit. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Study year was an effect modifier for the outcome; therefore separate analyses were conducted for each of the 3 study years.ResultsOf the 34,311 patients, 496 had RA and 33,815 had OA. Comparisons of RA and OA patients, respectively, were 73% and 61% women, 45% and 70% white, and patients had a mean age of 61 versus 67 years (P < 0.001). Crude 90‐day readmission rates for RA and OA were 8.5% and 6.7%, respectively. The adjusted odds of 90‐day readmission increased from year to year for RA compared to OA patients, from 0.89 (95% CI 0.46–1.71) in 2009 to 1.34 (95% CI 0.69–2.61) in 2010, and to 1.74 (95% CI 1.16–2.60) in 2011. The 2 most common readmission reasons were joint prosthesis infection (10.2%) and septicemia (10.2%) in RA and joint prosthesis infection (5.7%) and other postoperative infection (5.1%) in OA.ConclusionRA is a risk factor for 90‐day readmission after primary THA or TKA. An increasing risk of readmissions noted in RA in 2011 is concerning and indicates that further studies should examine the reasons for this increasing trend.
Inferring demographic structure with moccasin size data from the Promontory Caves, Utah
Authors: Billinger Michael , Ives John W. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThe moccasin assemblage Julian Steward recovered from the Promontory caves in 1930–31 provides a novel example in which material culture can be used to understand the structure of an AD thirteenth century population. Several studies shed light on the relationship between shoe size, foot size, and stature. We develop an anthropometric model for understanding the composition of the Promontory Cave population by using moccasin size as a proxy for foot size. We then predict the stature of the individual who would have worn a moccasin. Stature is closely related to age for children, subadults and adult males. Although there are predictable sex and age factors biasing moccasin discard practices, moccasin dimensions suggest a relatively large proportion of children and subadults occupied the Promontory caves. This bison and antelope hunting population appears to have thrived during its stay on Promontory Point. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:76–89, 2015 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct Imaging of Light Emission Centers in Two‐Dimensional Crystals and Their Luminescence and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Ida Shintaro , Koga Shota , Daio Takeshi , Hagiwara Hidehisa , Ishihara Tatsumi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTo fully understand the fundamental properties of light‐energy‐converting materials, it is important to determine the local atomic configuration of photofunctional centers. In this study, direct imaging of one‐ and two‐Tb‐atom emission centers in a two‐dimensional Tb‐doped Ca2Ta3O10 nanocrystal was carried. The emission centers were located at the Ca sites in the perovskite structure, and no concentration‐based quenching was observed even when the emission centers were in close proximity to each other. The relative photoluminescence efficiency for green emission of the nanosheet suspension was 38.1 %. Furthermore, the Tb‐doped Ca2Ta3O10 nanocrystal deposited co‐catalyst showed high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from water (quantum efficiency: 71 % at 270 nm). Tb3+ dopants in the two‐dimensional crystal might have the potential to stabilize the charge separation state.
Activation of Syk in Peripheral Blood B Cells in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Potential Target for Abatacept Therapy
Authors: Iwata Shigeru , Nakayamada Shingo , Fukuyo Shunsuke , Kubo Satoshi , Yunoue Naoki , Wang Sheau‐Pey , Yoshikawa Maiko , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveB cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although Syk functions as a key molecule in B cell receptor signaling, the pathologic role of Syk in B cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of activation of Syk in B cells to the pathologic development of RA and to the responsiveness of RA patients to treatment with biologics.MethodsHealthy subjects (n = 36) and patients with moderate or severe RA disease activity (n = 70) were studied. The phosphorylation of Syk (pSyk) in peripheral blood B cells was measured by flow cytometry, and its correlation with clinical characteristics and changes after administration of biologic agents was evaluated.ResultsLevels of pSyk in peripheral blood B cells were preferentially higher in patients with RA compared to healthy subjects. Patients with significantly higher pSyk levels were strongly positive for anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). High pSyk levels were not correlated with the severity of disease activity. Treatment with abatacept, but not tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, significantly reduced the levels of pSyk in RA peripheral blood B cells. Abatacept also significantly reduced the proportion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells.ConclusionLevels of pSyk in peripheral blood B cells were significantly elevated in patients with RA, and these patients also exhibited strong positivity for ACPAs. These data suggest that abatacept seems to inhibit the phosphorylation of Syk in B cells, as well as the development of Tfh cells, thus highlighting the relevance of B cell–T cell interactions as a potential target of abatacept therapy in RA.
Antibiotic‐Killed Staphylococcus aureus Induces Destructive Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Ali Abukar , Zhu Xuefeng , Kwiecinski Jakub , Gjertsson Inger , Lindholm Catharina , Iwakura Yoichiro , Wang Xiaoyang , Lycke Nils , Josefsson Elisabet , Pullerits Rille , Jin Tao 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivePermanent reduction in joint function is a severe postinfectious complication in patients with Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis. We undertook this study to determine whether this reduction in joint function might be caused by persistent joint inflammation after the adequate eradication of bacteria by antibiotics.MethodsAfter intraarticular injection of cloxacillin‐killed S aureus into mouse knee joints, we investigated whether antibiotic‐killed S aureus induced joint inflammation and elucidated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this type of arthritis.ResultsIntraarticular injection of antibiotic‐killed S aureus induced mild‐to‐moderate synovitis and bone erosions that lasted for a minimum of 14 days. Compared with wild‐type animals, mice deficient in tumor necrosis factor receptor type I (TNFRI), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), or Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) had a significantly reduced frequency and severity of synovitis. Combined depletion of monocytes and neutrophils also resulted in a significantly lower frequency of synovitis. Among bacterial factors, insoluble cell debris played a more important role than bacterial DNA or soluble components in inducing joint inflammation. Importantly, anti‐TNF therapy abrogated joint inflammation induced by antibiotic‐killed S aureus.ConclusionAntibiotic‐killed S aureus induced and maintained joint inflammation mediated through TLR‐2, TNFRI, and RAGE. The cross‐talk between neutrophils and monocytes is responsible for this type of arthritis. Anti‐TNF therapy might be used as a novel strategy, in combination with antibiotics, to treat staphylococcal septic arthritis.
Evidence of Cartilage Repair by Joint Distraction in a Canine Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wiegant Karen , Intema Femke , van Roermund Peter M. , Barten‐van Rijbroek Angelique D. , Doornebal Arie , Hazewinkel Herman A. W. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Mastbergen Simon C. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by cartilage, bone, and synovial tissue changes that lead to pain and functional impairment. Joint distraction is a treatment that provides long‐term improvement in pain and function accompanied by cartilage repair, as evaluated indirectly by imaging studies and measurement of biochemical markers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cartilage tissue repair directly by histologic and biochemical assessments after joint distraction treatment.MethodsIn 27 dogs, OA was induced in the right knee joint (groove model; surgical damage to the femoral cartilage). After 10 weeks of OA development, the animals were randomized to 1 of 3 groups. Two groups were fitted with an external fixator, which they wore for a subsequent 10 weeks (one group with and one without joint distraction), and the third group had no external fixation (OA control group). Pain/function was studied by force plate analysis. Cartilage integrity and chondrocyte activity of the surgically untouched tibial plateaus were analyzed 25 weeks after removal of the fixator.ResultsChanges in force plate analysis values between the different treatment groups were not conclusive. Features of OA were present in the OA control group, in contrast to the generally less severe damage after joint distraction. Those treated with joint distraction had lower macroscopic and histologic damage scores, higher proteoglycan content, better retention of newly formed proteoglycans, and less collagen damage. In the fixator group without distraction, similarly diminished joint damage was found, although it was less pronounced.ConclusionJoint distraction as a treatment of experimentally induced OA results in cartilage repair activity, which corroborates the structural observations of cartilage repair indicated by surrogate markers in humans.
On the Existence and Design of Functional Observers for LTI Systems, with Application to User Modeling
Authors: Eskandari Neda , Wang Z. Jane , Dumont Guy A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObserving the states of a linear system has been an extensively studied topic over the past few decades. Different from full‐state observers and reduced‐order observers which are used to reconstruct the entire state space and the unmeasured states, respectively, functional observers are developed for applications in which only a linear combination of the states is required. For linear time‐invariant (LTI) systems with known and/or unknown inputs and assuming availability of the derivatives of the input and the output signals, we study the existence of a novel stable functional observer. Considering the output to be the extended vector of the output and its derivatives, we derive the existence conditions for a functional observer by making the estimation error asymptotically approach zero. The derived existence conditions are applicable to multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) systems (e.g., with either known or unknown inputs, and with or without the derivatives of the signals being available). We also provide an estimate of the required observer order for the reconstruction of a desired functional and present how to design this functional observer by modifying certain current techniques. As an application, we apply the designed functional observer to model the stage of information comprehension in the user of a shared/human controlled system.