bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenging the Diagnosis of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: NÉEL ANTOINE , AUFFRAY-CALVIER ELISABETH , GUILLON BENOIT , FONTENOY ANNE-MAELLE , LOUSSOUARN DELPHINE , PAGNOUX CHRISTIAN , HAMIDOU MOHAMED A. 
Published: April 2012

Objective.(1) To describe a series of adults assessed for suspected primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) and their final diagnosis; (2) to describe and compare presenting features of PACNS and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS); and (3) to evaluate the specificity of the presenting features of RCVS.Methods.Patients evaluated at our institution between 2000 and 2008 for a possible CNS vasculitis and investigated by conventional angiography and/or brain biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were a clinicoradiological presentation and cerebral angiography and/or brain biopsy raising the hypothesis of isolated cerebral vasculitis; and absence of identifiable etiology at the time of conventional angiogram and/or brain biopsy.Results.Among 58 cases evaluated, 37 met the inclusion criteria and 33 were included in the study. Thirteen patients had RCVS. Thunderclap headaches, the absence of a focal neurological deficit, a convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage and/or normal brain parenchyma on magnetic resonance imaging, and “string of beads” appearance on conventional angiography had high diagnostic value. Six patients had other noninflammatory vascular disorders (intracranial atherosclerosis, cryptogenic embolism, and genetic vasculopathy). Six patients had infection or malignancy. Eight patients were diagnosed with PACNS; their clinical presentation and disease course were heterogeneous. Brain biopsy was performed in 3 cases (positive in 1).Conclusion.RCVS is an important differential diagnosis of CNS vasculitis. Its particular presentation should allow rapid identification in order to avoid pointless investigations and treatment. The frequent lack of histological proof and heterogeneous presentation of PACNS illustrated the nosological uncertainties of this label.
Effect of Gastrointestinal Manifestations on Quality of Life in 87 Consecutive Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: OMAIR MOHAMMED A. , LEE PETER 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To assess the effect of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestation on the quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods.The University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2 questionnaire was completed by 87 consecutive patients with SSc attending the scleroderma clinic at a single center. Their clinical features and current therapies were recorded; 100 patients with rheumatologic disorders other than SSc were used as controls. Individual scores were compared between SSc and controls, and between SSc subgroups.Results.Of 87 patients, 76 (90%) were women. Median age was 55 years and disease duration 105 months. Thirty-three (38%) had diffuse and 54 (62%) had limited SSc. Patients with SSc had a higher score than controls in all domains (p < 0.05). Numbers of patients who responded positively to individual questionnaire components are as follows: any GI symptom 86 (99%), reflux 77 (89%), distension 73 (84%), soilage 19 (22%), diarrhea 44 (51%), constipation 51 (59%), well-being 43 (49%), and social 43 (49%). There was no difference between the scores of patients with diffuse and limited disease subtypes. The use of calcium channel blockers did not significantly increase the constipation score (p = 0.99). Patients who responded positively to the reflux, distension, diarrhea, and constipation domains had lower scores in the well-being and social domains.Conclusion.GI manifestations, especially fecal incontinence (affecting 22% of patients), have a negative influence on the quality of life of patients with SSc. There was no difference between SSc disease subtypes.
Validity and Responsiveness of the Dutch McMaster Toronto Arthritis Patient Preference Questionnaire (MACTAR) in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee
Authors: BARTEN DI-JANNE J.A. , PISTERS MARTIJN F. , TAKKEN TIM , VEENHOF CINDY 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To determine the content validity, the construct validity, and the responsiveness of the Dutch McMaster Toronto Arthritis Patient Preference Questionnaire (MACTAR) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee.Methods.The MACTAR comprises 2 parts: a transitional part and a status part. Content validity was investigated by comparing patient-elicited activities to items on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Construct validity was determined by correlating MACTAR outcomes with WOMAC/SF-36 outcomes. Responsiveness was investigated by correlating MACTAR, WOMAC, and SF-36 change scores with patient global assessment (PGA) scores and plotting a receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve.Results.Eleven percent of the 894 impaired activities, identified by 192 patients, were not represented in either the WOMAC or the SF-36. The correlations (rs) investigated for the MACTAR transitional part varied between 0.27 and −0.40; the status part correlated moderately with the general health scale of the SF-36 (rs = 0.44). MACTAR change scores correlated better with PGA than with WOMAC/SF-36 change scores. The area under the ROC curve amounted to 0.90.Conclusion.Our results suggest that the MACTAR exhibits moderate construct validity and good responsiveness in a population of patients with OA of the hip or knee. The MACTAR is potentially better able to detect changes over time in activities that are important to individual patients compared to other tools measuring physical function (WOMAC, SF-36). Clinicians could use the MACTAR to evaluate clinically relevant changes over time in patient-specific physical functioning.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor Use Is Not Associated with Lipid Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: BILI ANDRONIKI , MORRIS STEPHANIE J. , SARTORIUS JENNIFER A. , KIRCHNER H. LES , ANTOHE JANA L. , DANCEA SORINA , WASKO MARY CHESTER 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To determine the association of use of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors with differences in lipid levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.We studied 807 patients with incident RA to compare differences in lipid levels in TNF-α inhibitor users versus nonusers, with adjustment for relevant covariables.Results.TNF-α inhibitor use was not associated with differences in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, LDL:HDL, or TC:HDL compared to nonusers.Conclusion.Use of TNF-α inhibitor was not associated with differences in lipid levels in patients with RA.
Longterm Retention of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitor Therapy in a Large Italian Cohort of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis from the GISEA Registry: An Appraisal of Predictors
Authors: IANNONE FLORENZO , GREMESE ELISA , ATZENI FABIOLA , BIASI DOMENICO , BOTSIOS COSTANTINO , CIPRIANI PAOLA , FERRI CLODOVEO , FOSCHI VALENTINA , GALEAZZI MAURO , GERLI ROBERTO , GIARDINA ANNARITA , MARCHESONI ANTONIO , SALAFFI FAUSTO , ZIGLIOLI TAMARA , LAPADULA GIOVANNI ,   Gruppo Italiano di Studio sulle Early Arthritides (GISEA)
Published: April 2012

Objective.To evaluate 4-year retention rates of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab among patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as derived from an Italian national registry.Methods.The clinical records of 853 adult patients with RA in the GISEA (Gruppo Italiano Studio Early Arthritis) registry were prospectively analyzed to compare drug survival rates and the baseline factors that may predict adherence to therapy.Results.In 2003 and 2004, 324 patients started treatment with adalimumab, 311 with etanercept, and 218 with infliximab. After 4 years, the global retention rate of anti-TNF-α therapy was 42%. Etanercept survival (51.4%) was significantly better than that of infliximab (37.6%) or adalimumab (36.4%; p < 0.0001). Accordingly, the mean duration of therapy was significantly longer for etanercept (3.1 ± 2 yrs) than for adalimumab (2.6 ± 2 yrs) or infliximab (2.7 ± 2 yrs; p < 0.05). The use of concomitant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, mainly methotrexate, and the presence of comorbidities significantly predicted drug continuation (p < 0.01), whereas a high Disease Activity Score did not.Conclusion.The 4-year global drug survival of adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab was lower than 50%, with etanercept having the best retention rate. The main positive predictor of adherence to anti-TNF-α therapy was the concomitant use of methotrexate. Our study provides further evidence that the real-life treatment of patients with RA may be different from that of randomized clinical trials.
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis to Target: A Canadian Physician Survey
Authors: HARAOUI BOULOS , BENSEN WILLIAM , BESSETTE LOUIS , LE CLERCQ SHARON , THORNE CARTER , WADE JOHN 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To assess agreement and application of Treat to Target (T2T) recommendations in Canadian practice.Methods.A survey of Canadian rheumatologists was conducted on the recommendations of T2T, an international initiative toward reaching specific therapeutic goals in rheumatoid arthritis. Agreement with each recommendation was measured on a 10-point Likert scale (1 = fully disagree, 10 = fully agree). A 4-point Likert scale (never, not very often, very often, always) assessed application of each recommendation in current practice. Responders who answered “never” or “not very often” were asked whether they were willing to change their practice according to the particular recommendation.Results.Seventy-eight rheumatologists responded (24% of the 330 who were contacted). The average agreement scores ranged from 6.92 for recommendation #5 (the frequency of measures of disease activity) to 9.10 for recommendation #10 (the patient needs to be involved in the decision-making process). A majority of participants indicated that they apply the T2T recommendations in their practice. Recommendations dealing with frequency of visits and the use of composite measures received the highest number of “never” or “not very often” responses. Busy practices and lack of confidence in composite outcome measures were the main reasons for objections to certain components of the recommendations.Conclusion.Although a majority of Canadian rheumatologists agreed with and supported the T2T recommendations, there was resistance toward specific aspects of these recommendations. Efforts are needed to better understand the reasons behind identified disagreements. Action plans to encourage the application of T2T recommendations in Canada are in development.
Interreader Reliability in Assessment of Nailfold Capillary Abnormalities by Beginners: Pilot Study of an Intensive Videocapillaroscopy Training Program
Authors: GUTIERREZ MARWIN , BERTOLAZZI CHIARA , TARDELLA MARIKA , BECCIOLINI ANDREA , DI CARLO MARCO , DOTTORI MARTA , GRASSI WALTER , De ANGELIS ROSSELLA 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To test the learning curve of rheumatologists with different experience in videocapillaroscopy (VCP) attending an intensive training program focused on interpretation of the main capillary nailfold abnormalities, the scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc) pattern, and the normal pattern, and to determine their interreader agreement with an experienced investigator.Methods.Five investigators (1 senior, 1 junior, and 3 beginners) participated in the exercise. The study was composed of 2 steps. First, an independent investigator selected representative VCP images of normal patterns and capillary abnormalities. The second step included the training program, which ran 4 hours per day for 7 days. The senior rheumatologist taught investigators to recognize and interpret the normal pattern, the capillary abnormalities, and the different types of SSc pattern. These abnormalities were considered: homogeneously enlarged capillaries, giant capillaries, irregularly enlarged capillaries, microhemorrhages, neoangiogenesis, avascular areas, and capillary density.Results.A total of 300 VCP images were read from all the investigators. Both κ values and overall agreement percentages of qualitative and quantitative assessments showed progressive improvement from poor to excellent from the beginning to the end of the exercise. The sensitivity and specificity of the participants in the assessment of SSc pattern at the last lecture session were high.Conclusion.Our pilot study suggests that after an intensive 1-week training program, novice investigators with little or no experience in VCP are able to interpret the main capillary abnormalities and SSc pattern and to achieve good interreader agreement rates.
Heterogeneity of Anticitrullinated Peptide Antibodies and Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: FISHER BENJAMIN A. , PLANT DARREN , LUNDBERG KARIN , CHARLES PETER , BARTON ANNE , VENABLES PATRICK J. ,   The Biologics in Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics and Genomics Study Syndicate (BRAGGSS)
Published: April 2012

Objective.To examine fine specificity of anticitrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) in relation to responsiveness to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Samples from 450 patients with RA treated with anti-TNF agents were analyzed for antibodies to citrullinated α-enolase, vimentin, and fibrinogen peptides. The Disease Activity Score-28 was measured at baseline and 6 months.Results.Both anti-cFib antibodies and the number of citrullinated peptides recognized were associated with a poorer response. These findings were not significant following stratification for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 antibodies.Conclusion.The presence of any ACPA rather than individual ACPA specificities was associated with a poorer response to anti-TNF agents. We suggest that this reflects distinctive differences in the pathogenesis of ACPA-positive and negative RA.
Clinical Correlates of CENP-A and CENP-B Antibodies in a Large Cohort of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: HUDSON MARIE , MAHLER MICHAEL , POPE JANET , YOU DANIEL , TATIBOUET SOLENE , STEELE RUSSELL , BARON MURRAY ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, FRITZLER MARVIN 
Published: April 2012

Objective.To study the clinical phenotypes of centromeric proteins (CENP)-A- and CENP-B-positive patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to compare them to anticentromere antibody (ACA)-positive and negative SSc patients.Methods.Sera samples were collected from 802 patients with SSc enrolled in a multicenter cohort study. Antibodies to CENP-A and B were detected by ELISA, and ACA by indirect immunofluorescence. Associations with clinical and other serological manifestations of SSc were investigated.Results.CENP-A antibodies were detected in 276 (34%), CENP-B in 286 (36%), and ACA in 279 (35%) patients. Patients having ACA, CENP-A, and/or CENP-B resembled each other and differed from the remainder of the cohort in the following respects: older chronologically and at disease onset; more commonly women; more likely to have limited disease and lower skin scores; less likely to have finger ulcers, digital tuft resorption, or finger contractures; more likely to have pulmonary hypertension; less likely to have interstitial lung disease, scleroderma renal crisis, inflammatory arthritis, and inflammatory myositis; and having lower overall disease severity. CENP-A and/or B status was predictive of the extent of skin involvement over time. Patients with limited disease who were CENP-A-negative at baseline were more likely to progress to diffuse disease compared to CENP-A-positive patients (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.37, 4.85, p = 0.004).Conclusion.Clinical immunology laboratories are increasingly using high-throughput ELISA tests for CENP antibodies, with or without ACA detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The phenotype of CENP-A and/or B-positive patients is generally similar to that associated with ACA.
Factors affected decarboxylation activity of Enterococcus faecium isolated from rabbit
Authors: Pleva Pavel , Buňková Leona , Lauková Andrea , Lorencová Eva , Kubáň Vlastimil , Buňka František 
Published: April 2012

Biogenic amines (BA) are basic nitrogenous compounds formed mainly by decarboxylation of amino acids. There are generated in course of microbial, vegetable and animal metabolisms. The aim of the study was to monitor factors affected production of biogenic amines by Enterococcus faecium, which is found in rabbit meat. Biogenic amines were analyzed by means of UPLC (ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography) equipped with a UV/VIS DAD detector. Decarboxylation activity of E. faecium was mainly influenced by the cultivation temperature and the amount of NaCl in this study. E. faecium produced most of the monitored biogenic amines levels: tyramine ˂2500 mg.l-1; putrescine ˂30 mg.l-1; spermidine ˂10 mg.l-1 and cadaverine ˂5 mg.l-1.
The viscosity of processed cheese sauces depending on addition type and concentration of 1-monoglycerides
Authors: Hanáková Zuzana , Buňka František , Weiserová Eva , Janiš Rahula 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this work was to study viscosity of processed cheese sauces with 1-monoglycerides (MAG) addition. Six types of 1-monoglycerides (1-monocaprin, C10:0; 1-monolaurin, C12:0; 1-monomyristin, C14:0; 1-monopalmitin, C16:0; 1-monostearin, C18:0; 1-monoolein, C18:1) in concentration of 0.25 and 0.50% w/w were used. Control samples were prepared without MAG but with lecithin. The lowest values of viscosity were found in control samples. The viscosity increased with extending of chain fatty acid in the molecule of monoglycerides. The highest viscosity was found in samples with 1-monomyristin.
Contamination of propolis used as a dietary supplement
Authors: Roman Adam , Popiela-Pleban Ewa 
Published: April 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the extent of chosen toxic elements (zinc, copper, lead, arsenic and cadmium) bioaccumulation in propolis collected in Opole area. The present study demonstrates that propolis can be used as a dietary supplement. The research material were samples of propolis originated from 3 bee colonies in 30 apiaries (n=3x30=90). Quantitative analysis of studied elements were conducted using Varian ICP-AES plasma spectrometer with mass detection controlled, and CETAC-5000 AT ultrasonic nebulizer. The presence of toxic elements was determined in an examined biological materials. The sequence of accumulation level of studied elements in propolis was as follows: Zn>>Cu>Pb>As>Cd. An average concentration of zinc, copper, lead, arsenic and cadmium amounted to 56.28, 7.12, 6.91, 0.745, 0.218 mg.kg-1, respectively. Only the copper average content in propolis was within acceptable standards, whereas the mean contents of other elements greatly exceed these standards. All portions of propolis should be subjected to toxicological testing before applying these samples for internal use.
Effect of chickpea and pea flour addition on the qualitative and sensory parameters of bakery products
Authors: Magala Michal , Kohajdová Zlatica , Karovičová Jolana , Kuchtová Veronika 
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine chemical composition and functional properties of legume flours (chickpea, pea) and fine wheat flour. The effect of chickpea and pea flour incorporation at different levels (10, 20, 30 % w/w) on the qualitative parameters and sensory characteristics of bakery product was also investigated. It can be concluded, that incorporation of leguminous flours led to changes of the investigated qualitative and sensory parameters, especially in samples with higher amount of leguminous flour (20 and 30 %). Results showed, that a proper alternative to standard bakery products are products with 10 % portion of leguminous flour.
Occurrence of some pathogenity factors in coagulase negative Staphylococci isolated from mastitis milk in dairy cows
Authors: Vasiľ Milan , Elečko Juraj , Zigo František , Farkašová Zuzana 
Published: April 2012

Experiment we carried out on the herd of 115 Slovak Pied dairy cows. Were realized three collections of individual milk samples for isolation and identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). We collected 341 milk samples. Coagulase - negative staphylococci were isolated in 18.8 % (64). Highest number of CNS we isolated from acute, subclinical, subacute and latent forms of mastitis, respectively. S. warneri (2.88 %), S. chromogenes (17.19 %), S. cohnii (15.63 %) and S. xylosus (14.06 %) was isolated in highest percentage. Was detected presence of 7 virulence factors, include production of staphylococcal enterotoxins, and resistance for antibiotics. S. chromogenes, S. warneri and S. xylosus were detected as most virulent species carrying most virulence factors, and were resistant for most species of tested antibiotics (S. xylosus resistant for N, NV, L, P, E; S. chromogenes, S. sciuri for 4 species of antibiotics). There pathogens were isolated from acute forms of mastitis.
Chemical composition of muscle after pollen application in nutrition of broiler chickens
Authors: Haščí­k Peter , Elimam Ibrahim Omer Elamin , Garlí­k Jozef , Kačániová Miroslava , Bobko Marek , Kňazovická Vladimí­ra , Vavrišinová Klára , Arpášová Henrieta , Bučko Ondřej 
Published: April 2012

Principle purpose of this study was to monitor the chemical composition of breast and thigh muscular part of chickens of hybrid combination Ross 308 and to verify the differences due to use of pollen extract in feed mixture at a dose of 400 and 800 mg.kg-1 during the feeding of 42 days. We did not find significant differences (P≥0.05) in followed chemical compounds of thigh muscle with the skin and subcutaneous fat between the groups with and without application of pollen extract: in contents of water (68.49-70.12 g.100g-1), protein (18.82-18.98 g.100g-1), fat (9.96-11.53 g.100g-1) and in energy value (692.20-752.36 kJ.100g-1). Significant differences (P≤0.05) were found only in protein content of breast muscle between the control group (23.96 g.100g-1) and experimental group I (23.28 g.100g-1). Values of water content (73.97-74.32 g.100g-1), fat content (1.07-1.40 g.100g-1) and energy (441.65-446.64 kJ.100g-1) in breast muscle between the evaluated groups were balanced (P≥0.05). The results show that pollen extract at the concentration used in feed mixture did not effect basic chemical composition of the most valuable parts of the chicken Ross 308 carcass and we can apply it in their nutrition. Application at a dose of 800 mg.kg-1 seems to be more positive.