bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of Sickle Cell Self-efficacy Scale
Authors: Javadipour Sheyda , Javadipour Shiva , Keikhaeidehdezi Bijan , Akbari Meymanat 
Published: August 2014

Correction: On 20/08/2014 the spelling of the third author was changed from Bijan Keykhah DehdeziTO Bijan Keikhaeidehdezi.Correction: On 20/08/2014 the affiliation of the first author was changed fromMusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences of Ahvaz, IranTO Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Abstract:Background: psychometric properties of a 9-item self-appraisal scale for studying self-efficacy in sickle cell disease was evaluated in order to survey people’s comprehension of their capabilities to be engaged in functional activities of daily living who were suffering from sickle cell disease and in order to manage syndromes.Methods: the participants of this study were aged between 11-19 years with sickle cell disease under treatment for at least one year.Result: reliability analysis showed the internal consistency and correlation coefficient of the scale to be acceptable values. Construct validity analysis showed moderate positive correlation between the scores obtained using Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale and those obtained using Mental Components Scale of SF36. There is a weak correlation between the score obtained from SCSES and that of Physical Components Scale of SF36.Conclusion: this scale can be used in the future for future studies on self-efficacy and also to find the relationship between this component and other components.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i4.10931
Inheritance and reproductive consequences of floral anthocyanin deficiency inSilene dioica (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Rahmé Joelle , Suter Léonie , Widmer Alex , Karrenberg Sophie 
Published: August 2014

•Premise of the study:Flower color is one of the most important traits for pollinator attraction. However, natural plant populations often harbor rare flower color variants resulting from mutations in biochemical pathways for floral pigment production. It is unclear how such mutations can persist because they can affect not only pollinator visitation but also plant fertility and performance.•Methods:We collected rare white‐flowered (anthocyanin‐deficient) and common pink‐flowered morphs ofSilene dioicafrom natural populations in Switzerland. First‐ and second‐generation hybrids between pink and white morphs, as well as backcrosses toward white morphs were produced, and the proportion of white‐flowered offspring was determined. We compared seed siring ability and seed production between morphs using hand pollination experiments. Moreover, we scored the transfer of pollen analogues (fluorescent dyes) in a 50:50 array of the two morphs.•Key results:The proportions of white‐flowered plants in the offspring of our crosses were consistent with more than one recessive mutation as the cause of floral anthocyanin deficiency and further suggested a role of maternal effects for flower color. Seed siring ability and seed set did not differ significantly between pink and white morphs. Pollen transfer occurred preferentially within morphs.•Conclusions:Overall, our results imply that the white morph ofS. dioicalikely is caused by recessive mutations that do not impair reproduction. However, as this flower color polymorphism led to assortative mating in our experiment, it may represent standing genetic variation with the potential to contribute to evolutionary divergence.
Genetic variation in horizontally transmitted fungal endophytes of pine needles reveals population structure in cryptic species
Authors: Oono Ryoko , Lutzoni François , Arnold A. Elizabeth , Kaye Laurel , U’Ren Jana M. , May Georgiana , Carbone Ignazio 
Published: August 2014

• Premise of the study: Fungal endophytes comprise one of the most ubiquitous groups of plant symbionts, inhabiting healthy leaves and stems of all major lineages of plants. Together, they comprise immense species richness, but little is known about the fundamental processes that generate their diversity. Exploration of their population structure is needed, especially with regard to geographic distributions and host affiliations.• Methods: We take a multilocus approach to examine genetic variation within and among populations of Lophodermium australe, an endophytic fungus commonly associated with healthy foliage of pines in the southeastern United States. Sampling focused on two pine species ranging from montane to coastal regions of North Carolina and Virginia.• Key results: Our sampling revealed two genetically distinct groups within Lophodermium australe. Our analysis detected less than one migrant per generation between them, indicating that they are distinct species. The species comprising the majority of isolates (major species) demonstrated a panmictic structure, whereas the species comprising the minority of isolates (cryptic species) demonstrated isolation by distance. Distantly related pine species hosted the same Lophodermium species, and host species did not influence genetic structure.• Conclusions: We present the first evidence for isolation by distance in a foliar fungal endophyte that is horizontally transmitted. Cryptic species may be common among microbial symbionts and are important to delimit when exploring their genetic structure and microevolutionary processes. The hyperdiversity of endophytic fungi may be explained in part by cryptic species without apparent ecological and morphological differences as well as genetic diversification within rare fungal species across large spatial scales.
Attracting mutualists and antagonists: Plant trait variation explains the distribution of specialist floral herbivores and pollinators on crops and wild gourds
Authors: Theis Nina , Barber Nicholas A. , Gillespie Sandra D. , Hazzard Ruth V. , Adler Lynn S. 
Published: August 2014

•Premise of the study:Floral traits play important roles in pollinator attraction and defense against floral herbivory. However, plants may experience trade‐offs between conspicuousness to pollinators and herbivore attraction. Comparative studies provide an excellent framework to examine the role of multiple traits shaping mutualist and antagonist interactions.•Methods:To assess whether putative defensive and attractive traits predict species interactions, we grew 20 different Cucurbitaceae species and varieties in the field to measure interactions with pollinators and herbivores and in the greenhouse to assess trait variation. Cucurbits are characterized by the production of cucurbitacins, bitter nonvolatile terpenoids that are effective against generalist herbivores but can attract specialist beetles. We determined whether plant traits such as cucurbitacins predict herbivore resistance and pollinator attraction using an information‐theoretic approach.•Key results:Mutualists and floral antagonists were attracted to the same cucurbit varieties once they flowered. However, rather than cucurbitacin concentration, we found that the size of the flower and volatile emissions of floral sesquiterpenoids explained both pollinator and floral herbivore visitation preference across cucurbit taxa. This pattern held across cucurbit taxa and within theCucurbitagenus.•Conclusions:Surprisingly, floral sesquiterpenoid volatiles, which are associated with direct defense, indirect defense, and attraction, rather than defense traits such as cucurbitacins, appeared to drive interactions with both pollinators and floral herbivores across cucurbit taxa. Identifying the relevant plant traits for attraction and deterrence is important in this economically valuable crop, particularly if pollinators and floral herbivores use the same plant traits as cues.
Responsiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Measures Over 2.7 Years
Authors: Aitken Dawn , Ding Changhai , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Grame 
Published: August 2014

Objective.To compare the responsiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived measures of knee osteoarthritis over 2.7 years.Methods.There were 430 community-based participants (mean age 63.0 yrs, range 51–79 yrs; 51% female) measured at baseline and 2.7 years later. MRI of the right knee at both timepoints was performed to assess cartilage volume, cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BML), meniscal pathology, and tibial bone area. Global measurements were calculated as the sum of tibial and femoral measures. Standardized response mean (SRM) was calculated as the mean of change divided by the SD of change.Results.Global tibiofemoral cartilage volume and cartilage defects had the best SRM of −0.80 and 0.62, respectively. Site-specific measurements were lower (SRM range for cartilage volume −0.48 to −0.54 and cartilage defects 0.33 to 0.49). The SRM for BML was 0.12, meniscal pathology 0.39, and tibial bone area −0.09. Cartilage volume and/or defects tended to be more responsive in those with knee pain, those who were obese, those who were older, and those with radiographic osteoarthritis.Conclusion.Global cartilage volume demonstrated the best sensitivity to change, suggesting that if we relied solely on SRM to optimize clinical trial design, then cartilage volume would be the best outcome measure. However, clinical trials have shown that cartilage volume may be less responsive to treatment compared to other measures that have lower SRM (such as BML). Therefore, although one can optimize trial efficiency by finding more responsive endpoints, both sensitivity to change and magnitude of benefit should be considered.
When to Adjust Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis After Initiation of Etanercept plus Methotrexate or Methotrexate Alone: Findings from a Randomized Study (COMET)
Authors: Dougados Maxime R. , van der Heijde Désirée M. , Brault Yves , Koenig Andrew S. , Logeart Isabelle S. 
Published: August 2014

Objective.The objective of these posthoc analyses was to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes as predictors of poor response after 1 year of treatment with combination etanercept/methotrexate (ETN/MTX) therapy versus MTX monotherapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Participants with moderate to severe RA [28-joint Disease Activity Score-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) ≥ 3.2] of 3–24 months’ duration received ETN 50 mg weekly plus MTX or MTX monotherapy for 52 weeks. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the likelihood of remission (DAS28-ESR < 2.6) after 1 year despite poor clinical short-term treatment effects (e.g., absolute or changes from baseline in DAS28-ESR after 4, 8, 12, 20, and 24 weeks of therapy).Results.The magnitude of disease activity and its improvement and timing influenced remission probability in both treatment groups; remission rate was diminished with higher disease activity levels and lower response levels over time from weeks 4 to 24. The rate of DAS28-ESR remission at 1 year was generally greater with ETN/MTX than with MTX alone at most timepoints from weeks 4 to 24. Despite persistent high disease activity (DAS28-ESR > 5.1) after 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of therapy, 35%, 27%, 25%, and 22% of patients, respectively, in the ETN/MTX group achieved DAS28-ESR remission after 1 year of continuous treatment; the respective proportions were 33%, 27%, 8%, and 13% in the MTX group.Conclusion.High disease activity and less improvement with treatment over time in the initial 24 weeks of treatment, particularly after 12 weeks, were predictive of a lower remission rate after 1 year.
The Effect of Exercise on Sleep and Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Durcan Laura , Wilson Fiona , Cunnane Gaye 
Published: August 2014

Objective.Sleep disturbance and chronic fatigue are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and contribute to disability, symptomatology, and healthcare use. It has long been recognized in other populations that exercise can improve sleep and diminish fatigue. The effect of exercise on sleep quality and fatigue in RA has not been evaluated.Methods.Ours is a randomized controlled study in RA to determine the effect of an exercise program on sleep quality and fatigue. These were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Patients were randomized to either a 12-week, home-based exercise intervention or usual care. The exercise program consisted of specific exercises to target individual deficiencies identified using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) with cardiovascular work as per the guidelines. The intervention group was evaluated on a 3-week basis. Full evaluation was carried out at baseline and at 12 weeks.Results.Forty patients were randomized to the intervention with 38 controls. In the exercise intervention group, there was a statistically significant improvement in HAQ (p = 0.00), pain (p = 0.05), stiffness (p = 0.05), sleep quality (p = 0.04), and fatigue (p = 0.04). In our control group, there was a statistically significant improvement demonstrated in their overall perceptions of the benefits of exercise, but none of the other variables.Conclusion.Our study demonstrates that an exercise program resulted in significant improvement in sleep quality and fatigue. This is particularly interesting given the importance of fatigue as an outcome measure in RA and gives us yet another reason to prescribe exercise in this population.
Reduced Ovarian Reserve in Patients with Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Mont’Alverne Andrea Rocha S. , Pereira Rosa Maria R. , Yamakami Lucas Yugo S. , Viana Vilma Santos T. , Baracat Edmund Chada , Bonfá Eloisa , Silva Clovis Artur 
Published: August 2014

Objective.To assess ovarian reserve markers in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA).Methods.Twenty patients with TA and 24 healthy controls were evaluated for ovarian reserve by follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol, and antral follicle count (AFC). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured by ELISA using 2 different kits. Demographical data, menstrual abnormalities, disease variables, and treatment were also analyzed.Results.The median current age was similar in patients with TA and controls (31.2 ± 6.1 vs 30.4 ± 6.9 yrs, p = 0.69). The frequencies of decreased levels of AMH in patients with TA were identical using both kits and higher when compared to controls (50% vs 17%, p = 0.02; 50% vs 19%, p = 0.048). A positive correlation was observed between the 2 kits in patients with TA (r = +0.93, p < 0.0001) and in healthy controls (r = +0.93, p < 0.0001). The apparent lower AFC (11 vs 16, p = 0.13) and the higher frequency of low AFC (41% vs 22%, p = 0.29) in TA compared to controls did not reach statistical significance. Other hormones were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Further evaluation of patients with TA with low AMH levels (< 1.0 ng/ml) versus normal AMH levels (> 1.0 ng/ml) revealed that the frequency of current disease activity (p = 1.0) and the median of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.6), C-reactive protein (p = 0.4), prednisone cumulative dose (p = 0.8), and methotrexate cumulative dose (p = 0.8) were comparable in both groups. Cyclophosphamide use was reported in only 1 patient with reduced ovarian reserve, whereas none of the remaining patients received gonadotoxic drugs.Conclusion.To the best of our knowledge, our present study was the first to suggest that patients with TA may have diminished ovarian reserve.
A Multibiomarker Disease Activity Score for Rheumatoid Arthritis Predicts Radiographic Joint Damage in the BeSt Study
Authors: Markusse Iris M. , Dirven Linda , van den Broek Marianne , Bijkerk Casper , Han K. Huub , Ronday H. Karel , Bolce Rebecca , Sasso Eric H. , Kerstens Pit J.S.M. , Lems Willem F. , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Allaart Cornelia F. 
Published: August 2014

Objective.To determine whether a multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score predicts radiographic damage progression in the subsequent year in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.Methods.There were 180 serum samples available in the BeSt study (trial numbers NTR262, NTR 265): 91 at baseline (84 with radiographs available) and 89 at 1-year followup (81 with radiographs available). Radiographs were assessed using the Sharp/van der Heijde Score (SvdH). Twelve serum biomarkers were measured to determine MBDA scores using a validated algorithm. Receiver-operating curves and Poisson regression analyses were performed, with Disease Activity Score (DAS) and MBDA score as independent variables, and radiographic progression as dependent variable.Results.At baseline, MBDA scores discriminated more between patients who developed radiographic progression (increase in SvdH ≥ 5 points) and patients who did not [area under the curve (AUC) 0.767, 95% CI 0.639–0.896] than did DAS (AUC 0.521, 95% CI 0.358–0.684). At 1 year, MBDA score had an AUC of 0.691 (95% CI 0.453–0.929) and DAS had an AUC of 0.649 (95% CI 0.417–0.880). Adjusted for anticitrullinated protein antibody status and DAS, higher MBDA scores were associated with an increased risk for SvdH progression [relative risk (RR) 1.039, 95% CI 1.018–1.059 for baseline MBDA score; 1.037, 95% CI 1.009–1.065 for Year 1 MBDA score]. Categorized high MBDA scores were also correlated with SvdH progression (RR for high MBDA score at baseline 3.7; low or moderate MBDA score as reference). At 1 year, high MBDA score gave a RR of 4.6 compared to low MBDA score.Conclusion.MBDA scores predict radiographic damage progression at baseline and during disease course.
Serum 14-3-3η is a Novel Marker that Complements Current Serological Measurements to Enhance Detection of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Naides Stanley J. , Bykerk Vivian , Siminovitch Katherine A. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Boers Maarten , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Désirée , Tak Paul-P. , Genovese Mark C. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Keystone Edward C. , Zhukov Olga S. , Abolhosn Rania W. , Popov Joanna M. , Britsemmer Karin , van Kuijk Arno W. , Marotta Anthony 
Published: August 2014

Objective.Serum 14-3-3η is a novel joint-derived proinflammatory mediator implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In our study, we assessed the diagnostic utility of 14-3-3η and its association with standard clinical and serological measures.Methods.A quantitative ELISA was used to assess 14-3-3η levels. Early (n = 99) and established patients with RA (n = 135) were compared to all controls (n = 385), including healthy subjects (n = 189). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 14-3-3η, and the likelihood ratios (LR) for RA were determined through receiver-operator curve analysis. The incremental value of adding 14-3-3η to anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in diagnosing early and established RA was assessed.Results.Serum 14-3-3η differentiated established patients with RA from healthy individuals and all controls (p < 0.0001). A serum 14-3-3η cutoff of ≥ 0.19 ng/ml delivered a sensitivity and specificity of 77% and 93%, respectively, with corresponding LR positivity of 10.4. At this cutoff in early RA, 64% of patients with early RA were positive for 14-3-3η, with a corresponding specificity of 93% (LR+ of 8.6), while 59% and 57% were positive for ACPA or RF, respectively. When ACPA, RF, and 14-3-3η positivity were used in combination, 77 of the 99 patients (78%) with early RA were positive for any 1 of the 3 markers. Serum 14-3-3η did not correlate with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or Disease Activity Score, but patients who were 14-3-3η-positive had significantly worse disease.Conclusion.Serum 14-3-3η is a novel RA mechanistic marker that is highly specific, associated with worse disease, and complements current markers, enabling a more accurate diagnosis of RA.
Predictors of Incident Depression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Huang Xiangyang , Magder Laurence S. , Petri Michelle 
Published: August 2014

Objective.Findings from previous studies of predictors of depression among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been inconsistent. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors that preceded incident depression based on a large, closely followed longitudinal cohort.Methods.Data regarding 1609 patients with SLE in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort who had no history of depression prior to cohort entry were analyzed. Demographic variables, SLE manifestations, laboratory tests, physician’s global assessment, Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI), cumulative organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index), and onset of depression were recorded at enrollment and each quarterly visit. Rates of incident depression were calculated overall, and in subgroups defined by demographic and clinical variables. Adjusted estimates of association were derived using pooled logistic regression.Results.The incidence of depression was 29.7 episodes per 1000 person-years. In the multivariable analysis, these variables remained as independent predictors of incident depression: recent SLE diagnosis, non-Asian ethnicity, disability, cutaneous activity, longitudinal myelitis, and current prednisone use of 20 mg/day or higher. Global disease activity (SELENA-SLEDAI) was not a significant predictor after controlling for prednisone use.Conclusion.Depression in SLE is multifactorial. Higher-dose prednisone (≥ 20 mg daily) is 1 important independent risk factor. Global disease activity is not a risk factor, but cutaneous activity and certain types of neurologic activity (myelitis) are predictive of depression. The independent effect of prednisone provides clinicians with an additional incentive to avoid and reduce high-dose prednisone exposure in SLE.
Tubular Urate Transporter Gene Polymorphisms Differentiate Patients with Gout Who Have Normal and Decreased Urinary Uric Acid Excretion
Authors: Torres Rosa J. , de Miguel Eugenio , Bailén Rebeca , Banegas José R. , Puig Juan G. 
Published: August 2014

Objective.Primary gout has been associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in several tubular urate transporter genes. No study has assessed the association of reabsorption and secretion urate transporter gene SNP with gout in a single cohort of documented primary patients with gout carefully subclassified as normoexcretors or underexcretors.Methods.Three reabsorption SNP (SLC22A12/URAT1, SLC2A9/GLUT9, and SLC22A11/OAT4) and 2 secretion transporter SNP (SLC17A1/NPT1 and ABCG2/BRCP) were studied in 104 patients with primary gout and in 300 control subjects. The patients were subclassified into normoexcretors and underexcretors according to their serum and 24-h urinary uric acid levels under strict conditions of dietary control.Results.Compared with control subjects, patients with gout showed different allele distributions of the 5 SNP analyzed. However, the diagnosis of underexcretor was only positively associated with the presence of the T allele of URAT1 rs11231825, the G allele of GLUT9 rs16890979, and the A allele of ABCG2 rs2231142. The association of the A allele of ABCG2 rs2231142 in normoexcretors was 10 times higher than in underexcretors. The C allele of NPT1 rs1165196 was only significantly associated with gout in patients with normal uric acid excretion.Conclusion.Gout with uric acid underexcretion is associated with transporter gene SNP related mainly to tubular reabsorption, whereas uric acid normoexcretion is associated only with tubular secretion SNP. This finding supports the concept of distinctive mechanisms to account for hyperuricemia in patients with gout with reduced or normal uric acid excretion.