bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging of the meniscus of the knee: What about equivocal errors?
Authors: Van Dyck Pieter , Vanhoenacker Filip M. , Gielen Jan L. , Dossche Lieven , Weyler Joost , Parizel Paul M. 
Published: January 2010

Background: The significance of borderline magnetic resonance (MR) findings that are equivocal for a tear of the knee meniscus remains uncertain. Given their higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and greater spatial resolution, these equivocal meniscal tears could be expected to be less frequent using a 3.0T MR system. Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of equivocal meniscal tears using 3.0T MR, and to study their impact on MR accuracy compared with arthroscopy in the detection of meniscal tears. Material and Methods: The medical records of 100 patients who underwent 3.0T MR imaging and subsequent arthroscopy of the knee were retrospectively reviewed. Two observers interpreted MR images in consensus, and menisci were diagnosed as torn (abnormality on two or more images), equivocal for a tear (abnormality on one image), or intact, using arthroscopy as the standard of reference. The prevalence of equivocal meniscal tears was assessed, and MR accuracy was calculated as follows: first, considering both torn menisci and equivocal diagnoses as positive for a tear; and second, considering only torn menisci as positive for a tear. Results: Evidence of meniscal tears on MR images was equivocal in 12 medial (12%) and three lateral (3%) menisci. Of these equivocal MR diagnoses, tears were found at arthroscopy in eight medial and one lateral meniscus. In our study, the specificity and positive predictive value increased for both the medial and lateral meniscus when only menisci with two or more abnormal images were considered to be torn: from 80% and 89% to 91% and 94% for the medial meniscus, and from 91% and 73% to 93% and 78% for the lateral meniscus, respectively. Conclusion: Subtle findings that are equivocal for a tear of the knee meniscus still make MR diagnosis difficult, even at 3.0T. We recommend that radiologists should rather be descriptive in reporting subtle or equivocal MR findings, alerting the clinician of possible meniscal tear.
Breast tomosynthesis: Accuracy of tumor measurement compared with digital mammography and ultrasonography
Authors: Förnvik Daniel , Zackrisson Sophia , Ljungberg Otto , Svahn Tony , Timberg Pontus , Tingberg Anders , Andersson Ingvar 
Published: January 2010

Background: Mammographic tumor size measurement can be difficult because breast structures are superimposed onto a two-dimensional (2D) plane, potentially obscuring the tumor outline. Breast tomosynthesis (BT) is a 3D X-ray imaging technique in which low-dose images are acquired over a limited angular range at a total dose comparable to digital mammography (DM). These low-dose images are used to mathematically reconstruct a 3D image volume of the breast, thus reducing the problem of superimposed tissue. Purpose: To investigate whether breast cancer size can be more accurately assessed with breast tomosynthesis than with digital mammography and ultrasonography (US), by reducing the disturbance effect of the projected anatomy. Material and Methods: A prototype BT system was used. The main inclusion criterion for BT examination was subtle but suspicious findings of breast cancer on 2D mammography. Sixty-two women with 73 breast cancers were included. BT, DM, and US sizes were measured independently by experienced radiologists without knowledge of the pathology results, which were used as reference. Results: The tumor outline could be determined in significantly more cases with BT (63) and US (60) than DM (49). BT and US size correlated well with pathology ( R=0.86 and R=0.85, respectively), and significantly better than DM size ( R=0.71). Accordingly, staging was significantly more accurate with BT than with DM. Conclusion: The study indicates that BT is superior to DM in the assessment of breast tumor size and stage.
Causes and Predictive Factors of Mortality in a Cohort of Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-related Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis Treated with Antiviral Therapy
Authors: LANDAU DAN-AVI , SCERRA SAMY , SENE DAMIEN , RESCHE-RIGON MATHIEU , SAADOUN DAVID , CACOUB PATRICE 
Published: January 2010

Objective.Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) vasculitis is an autoimmune disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Renal involvement was associated with an increased mortality, and was the most common cause of death; these data were obtained before effective antiviral treatment was available. We studied causes of death and predictive factors in patients with HCV-associated MC vasculitis treated with antivirals.Methods.Case histories of 85 patients with HCV-associated MC vasculitis treated in a single center between 1990 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Prognostic factors affecting mortality were studied by comparing 23 patients who died with 62 survivors, using the Cox model regression analysis.Results.The most common cause of death was infection, accounting for 34.7%, followed by endstage liver disease in 30.4% (including 4 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma), and cardiovascular disease in 17.4% of patients. Endstage renal disease accounted for only 8.7% of deaths, as did central nervous system vasculitis and nonhepatic malignancy. Increased mortality was strongly associated with immunosuppressive treatment [hazard ratio (HR) 6.51, 95% CI 2.75–15.37], cutaneous ulcers (HR 5.37, 95% CI 1.79–16.14), and renal insufficiency (HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.37–7.72). A 2 log10 decrease in HCV viral load at month 3 after starting antiviral treatment was associated with decreased mortality (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.95).Conclusion.While renal involvement is still associated with poorer prognosis, infectious processes are now the most common cause of death in HCV cryoglobulinemia vasculitis. Immunosuppressive treatment is associated with an increased risk of death, independently from disease severity. Response to antiviral treatment is associated with significantly reduced mortality risk.
Prevalence of Autoantibodies in SAPHO Syndrome: A Single-center Study of 90 Patients
Authors: GROSJEAN CÉLINE , HURTADO-NEDELEC MARGARITA , NICAISE-ROLAND PASCALE , FERREYRA-DILLON RODRIGO , BOLLET CAROLINE , QUINTIN EMILIE , DIEUDE PHILIPPE , PALAZZO ELISABETH , WATTIAUX MARIE-JOSÉ , KAHN MARCEL-FRANCIS , MEYER OLIVIER , CHOLLET-MARTIN SYLVIE , HAYEM GILLES 
Published: January 2010

Objective.To determine the prevalence of the most often tested autoantibodies in synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome.Methods.We identified 90 patients seen in our unit between June 2002 and June 2009, and diagnosed according to the proposed criteria for SAPHO syndrome. Demographic and clinical data were collected as well as immunological results, including antinuclear, antithyroid peroxydase (TPO), antithyroid globulin (Tg), antigastric parietal cell, antismooth muscle, antimitochondria, and anti-liver-kidney microsome (LKM) antibodies. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies were analyzed in 69 patients, antibodies to soluble extractable nuclear antigens in 43, anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies in 22 [depending on the type of fluorescence of antinuclear antibody (ANA)], and antiendomysium antibodies in 55.ResultsAutoantibodies were found in 20 patients (22.2%): 14 patients (15.5%) had positive ANA (titer ≥ 1/160); among them, 10 (11%) patients never took a lupus-inducing drug. Antithyroid antibodies (anti-TPO and/or anti-Tg antibodies) were found in only 3 patients (3.3%). Three patients (3.3%) were positive for antigastric parietal cell antibodies and 4 (4.4%) were weakly positive for antismooth muscle antibodies. Antimitochondria and LKM antibodies were negative in all 90 patients. Anti-CCP and anti-dsDNA antibodies were negative in the 69 and 22 patients tested, respectively. One out of 43 patients (2.3%) had anti-SSA antibodies. Antiendomysium antibodies were negative in the 55 patients tested.Conclusion.Our study indicates an increased prevalence of autoantibodies in SAPHO syndrome, with no specific profile. We failed to confirm the reports of an increased prevalence of antithyroid antibodies. These results tend to support a link between autoimmunity and SAPHO syndrome.
Elevated Cardiac Troponin I and Functional Recovery and Disability in Patients After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Miketic Joyce K. , Hravnak Marilyn , Sereika Susan M. , Crago Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2010

Background
Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage experience myocardial injury at the time of rupture, but its effect on functional recovery and disability is unclear.

Objective
To describe the prevalence of myocardial injury, as indicated by high serum levels of cardiac troponin I (≥0.3 ng/mL), within the first 5 days after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and the effect of the injury on 3-month functional recovery and disability.

Methods
In a prospective longitudinal study, 239 patients with Hunt/Hess grade 3 or greater and/or Fisher grade 2 or greater at admission had serum level of troponin I measured on days 0 to 5. Patients were interviewed at 3 months to evaluate functional recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale) and functional disability (Modified Rankin Scale). Statistics included χ2 analysis, t tests, and binary logistic regression.

Results
Troponin values were elevated in 33.5% of the patients, and few patients in either group had a history of coronary artery disease (7.4% with troponin levels ≤ 0.3 ng/mL vs 2.7% with levels &lt;0.3 ng/mL, P = .12). Higher troponin levels were significantly related to age and Hunt/Hess and Fisher grades, but not race, and were significantly associated with poorer functional recovery (P &lt; .001) and more functional disability (P &lt; .001). Even after controls for age, race, and more severe Hunt/Hess grades, higher levels remained a significant predictor of poorer functional recovery (P = .04) and disability (P = .01).

Conclusion
Elevated levels of cardiac troponin I after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are common in patients with no cardiac history, are associated with severity of the hemorrhage, and are independently predictive of poorer functional recovery and increased disability.
Synthetic Cationic Peptide IDR-1002 Provides Protection against Bacterial Infections through Chemokine Induction and Enhanced Leukocyte Recruitment
Authors: Nijnik Anastasia , Madera Laurence , Ma Shuhua , Waldbrook Matthew , Elliott Melissa R. , Easton Donna M. , Mayer Matthew L. , Mullaly Sarah C. , Kindrachuk Jason , Jenssen Håvard , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
With the rapid rise in the incidence of multidrug resistant infections, there is substantial interest in host defense peptides as templates for production of new antimicrobial therapeutics. Natural peptides are multifunctional mediators of the innate immune response, with some direct antimicrobial activity and diverse immunomodulatory properties. We have previously developed an innate defense regulator (IDR) 1, with protective activity against bacterial infection mediated entirely through its effects on the immunity of the host, as a novel approach to anti-infective therapy. In this study, an immunomodulatory peptide IDR-1002 was selected from a library of bactenecin derivatives based on its substantially more potent ability to induce chemokines in human PBMCs. The enhanced chemokine induction activity of the peptide in vitro correlated with stronger protective activity in vivo in the Staphylococcus aureus-invasive infection model, with a &gt;5-fold reduction in the protective dose in direct comparison with IDR-1. IDR-1002 also afforded protection against the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Escherichia coli. Chemokine induction by IDR-1002 was found to be mediated through a Gi-coupled receptor and the PI3K, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. The protective activity of the peptide was associated with in vivo augmentation of chemokine production and recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes to the site of infection. These results highlight the importance of the chemokine induction activity of host defense peptides and demonstrate that the optimization of the ex vivo chemokine-induction properties of peptides is a promising method for the rational development of immunomodulatory IDR peptides with enhanced anti-infective activity.
RAPID3 (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data) on an MDHAQ (Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire): Agreement with DAS28 (Disease Activity Score) and CDAI (Clinical Disease Activity Index) activity categories, scored in five versus more than ninety seconds
Authors: Pincus Theodore , Swearingen Christopher J. , Bergman Martin J. , Colglazier C. Lee , Kaell Alan T. , Kunath Arthur M. , Siegel Evan L. , Yazici Yusuf 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) on a Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) with the Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and individual core data set measures for correlations, agreement of activity levels, and time to score.MethodsFour rheumatologists each assessed 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in “real‐time” clinical care. Patients completed an MDHAQ. The rheumatologist then calculated RAPID3 (physical function, pain, patient global estimate), performed a 28‐joint count, assigned a physician global estimate, and scored a CDAI, each timed by an observer. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was tested on the same date, and the DAS28‐ESR was computed later, again timed by an observer. Spearman's rank‐order correlations and comparisons of patients classified as high activity, moderate activity, low activity, and remission according to the DAS28, CDAI, and RAPID3 were computed and compared with kappa statistics. A second study of 25 “paper patients” was also performed to compare time to score the DAS28, CDAI, and RAPID3 on a 0–10 versus 0–30 scale. Mean and median times to score each index were computed.ResultsThe 3 indices were correlated significantly, including agreement for >80% of patients for high/moderate activity. The mean time to perform a 28‐joint count was 94 seconds, and the mean times to score the DAS28, CDAI, RAPID3 on a 0–10 scale, and RAPID3 on a 0–30 scale were 114, 106, 9.6, and 4.6 seconds, respectively.ConclusionRAPID3 scores provide similar quantitative information to DAS28 and CDAI, while calculated on a 0–30 scale in about 5% of the time.
Low physical activity is associated with proinflammatory high‐density lipoprotein and increased subclinical atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Grossman Jennifer M. , Sahakian Lori J. , Skaggs Brian J. , FitzGerald John , Ragavendra Nagesh , Charles‐Schoeman Christina , Chen Weiling , Gorn Alan , Karpouzas George , Weisman Michael , Wallace Daniel J. , Hahn Bevra H. , McMahon Maureen 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between physical activity, functional activity of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsA total of 242 SLE patients (all women) participated in this cross‐sectional study from February 2004 to February 2008. Carotid plaque and intima‐media thickness (IMT), antioxidant function of HDL, and traditional cardiac risk factors were measured. Physical activity was assessed from self‐reports by calculating the metabolic equivalents (METS) per week and by the physical function domain of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36). Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsNumber of METS per week spent performing strenuous exercise was negatively correlated with IMT (r = −0.4, P = 0.002) and number of plaques (r = −0.30, P = 0.0001). Physical function as assessed by the SF‐36 was also negatively correlated with IMT (r = −0.14, P = 0.03) and number of plaques (r = −0.14, P = 0.04). In multivariate analyses, number of strenuous exercise METS was significantly associated with IMT (t = −2.2, P = 0.028) and number of plaques (t = −2.5, P = 0.014) when controlling for markers of SLE disease activity and damage, but not after controlling for traditional cardiac risk factors. Low physical activity, defined as <225 total METS per week, was associated with the presence of proinflammatory HDL (P = 0.03).ConclusionLow physical activity is associated with increased subclinical atherosclerosis and proinflammatory HDL in patients with SLE. Increased strenuous exercise may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis in SLE.
Incidence of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus in French Guiana: A retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Deligny Christophe , Clyti Emmanuel , Sainte‐Marie Dominique , Couppie Pierre , Huong Du Lê Thi , Piette Jean Charles , Arfi Serge , Pradinaud Roger 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo retrospectively study the incidence of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) in French Guiana (FG), South America, during the period 1995–1999.MethodsPrivate and public physicians specializing in dermatology, rheumatology, and internal medicine were asked during the year 2000 about lupus cases. We reviewed hospitals' files in data‐processing departments.ResultsTwenty new cases of CCLE, mostly discoid form, were identified during this 5‐year period in this population of predominantly African descent. The average annual incidence of the disease was 2.59 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval 1.5–4). However, our methodology could introduce underestimation of the incidence of the disease.ConclusionThe average annual incidence of CCLE in FG appears to be low in this retrospective study, but is very similar to the only previously published data in the US.
IgG4‐related systemic disease accounts for a significant proportion of thoracic lymphoplasmacytic aortitis cases
Authors: Stone John H. , Khosroshahi Arezou , Deshpande Vikram , Stone James R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveIgG4‐related systemic disease, a disorder recognized only recently, can cause lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in the thoracic aorta. The percentage of cases caused by IgG4‐related systemic disease is not known. We aimed to determine the percentage of noninfectious thoracic aortitis cases that are associated with IgG4‐related systemic disease and to establish pathologic criteria for identifying involvement of the thoracic aorta by this disorder.MethodsWe searched our Pathology Service database to identify patients with noninfectious thoracic aortitis who underwent resection over a 5‐year time span. The histologic features of these cases were reviewed. All cases of lymphoplasmacytic aortitis and representative cases of giant cell aortitis and atherosclerosis were stained by immunohistochemistry for IgG4 and for the plasma cell marker CD138. We determined the fraction of plasma cells that stained for IgG4.ResultsOf 638 resected thoracic aortas, 33 (5.2%) contained noninfectious aortitis. Four of these cases (12% of all patients with noninfectious aortitis) had histologic features of lymphoplasmacytic aortitis. Three of those 4 cases (9% of the noninfectious aortitis cases) demonstrated pathologic involvement by IgG4‐related systemic disease, with an elevated proportion of plasma cells staining for IgG4 (mean ± SD 0.82 ± 0.08) compared with cases of giant cell aortitis (0.18 ± 0.13) and atherosclerosis (0.19 ± 0.08; P < 0.00001).ConclusionIgG4‐related systemic disease accounted for 75% of lymphoplasmacytic aortitis cases and 9% of all cases of noninfectious thoracic aortitis in our institution during a 5‐year period. Immunohistochemical assessment of the percentage of plasma cells that stained for IgG4 in resected aortas was helpful in identifying patients with IgG4‐related systemic disease.
Possible protective effect of hydroxychloroquine on delaying the occurrence of integument damage in lupus: LXXI, data from a multiethnic cohort
Authors: Pons‐Estel Guillermo J. , Alarcón Graciela S. , González Luis A. , Zhang Jie , Vilá Luis M. , Reveille John D. , McGwin Gerald ,   Lumina Study Group
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the features predictive of time to integument damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from a multiethnic cohort (LUpus in MInorities, NAture versus nurture [LUMINA]).MethodsLUMINA SLE patients (n = 580) age ≥16 years, with a disease duration of ≤5 years at baseline (T0), of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian ethnicity were studied. Integument damage was defined per the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (scarring alopecia, extensive skin scarring, and skin ulcers lasting at least 6 months); factors associated with time to its occurrence were examined by Cox proportional univariable and multivariable (main model) hazards regression analyses. Two alternative models were also examined: in model 1, all patients, regardless of when integument damage occurred (n = 94), were included; in model 2, a time‐varying approach (generalized estimating equation) was employed.ResultsThirty‐nine (6.7%) of 580 patients developed integument damage over a mean ± SD total disease duration of 5.9 ± 3.7 years, and were included in the main multivariable regression model. After adjusting for discoid rash, nailfold infarcts, photosensitivity, and Raynaud's phenomenon (significant in the univariable analyses), disease activity over time (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.09–1.26) was associated with a shorter time to integument damage, whereas hydroxychloroquine use (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.12–0.47) and Texan‐Hispanic (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.87) and Caucasian ethnicities (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.99) were associated with a longer time. Results of the alternative models were consistent with those of the main model, although in model 2, the association with hydroxychloroquine was not significant.ConclusionOur data indicate that hydroxychloroquine use is possibly associated with a delay in integument damage development in patients with SLE.
Arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitations in the United States and Canada: A cross‐border comparison
Authors: Badley Elizabeth M. , Ansari Hina 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo compare directly the prevalence and risk factors for arthritis and arthritis‐attributable activity limitations (AAL) between the US and Canada, and to estimate the population attributable risk percentage (PAR%) for obesity and leisure time physical inactivity.MethodsWe conducted analyses of the 2002–2003 Joint Canada/US Health Survey, which asked about health professional–diagnosed arthritis, and arthritis reported as a cause of disability in specified activities of daily living. We used log‐Poisson regression to obtain prevalence ratios for arthritis and AAL, adjusting for education, income, having a regular doctor, physical inactivity, and obesity. PAR% for obesity and physical inactivity were calculated.ResultsThe estimated crude prevalence of arthritis and AAL were 18.7% and 9.3%, respectively, in the US and 16.9% and 7.4%, respectively, in Canada. Being American was a significant bivariate predictor of arthritis and AAL, but not after adjustment for obesity and physical inactivity. PAR% for obesity were 14% and 20% for arthritis and AAL, respectively, for Americans and 13% and 17%, respectively, for Canadians, and for physical inactivity were 15% and 21%, respectively, for Americans and 4% and 5%, respectively, for Canadians, with estimates being higher among women.ConclusionThe higher prevalence of arthritis and AAL in the US may be accounted for by the higher prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity, particularly in women. The high PAR% related to obesity in both countries, and physical inactivity in the US, point to the importance of public health initiatives to reduce obesity and increase physical activity to reduce the prevalence of arthritis and AAL.