bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Old and New Perspectives on Peritoneal Dialysis in Italy Emerging from the Peritoneal Dialysis Study Group Census
Authors: Marinangeli Giancarlo , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Neri Loris , Viglino Giusto , Russo Roberto , Teatini Ugo 
Published: March 2012

Background To understand how peritoneal dialysis (PD) was being used in Italy in 2005 and 2008, a census of all centers was carried out. Methods In 2005 and 2008, data were collected from, respectively, 222 and 223 centers, with respect to 4432 and 4094 prevalent patients. Results In the two periods, the PD incidence remained stable (24.3% vs 22.9%), varying from center to center. Continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) was the main initial method (55%), but APD was more widespread among prevalent patients (53%). Among patients returning to dialysis from transplantation (Tx), PD was used in 10%. The use of incremental CAPD increased significantly from 2005 to 2008, in terms both of the number of centers (27.0% vs 40.9%) and of patients (13.6% vs 25.7%). Late referrals remained stable at 28%, with less use of PD. The overall drop-out rate (episodes/100 patient–years) remained unchanged (31.0 vs 32.8), with 13.1 and 12.9 being the result of death, and 11.8 and 12.4 being the result of a switch to hemodialysis, mainly after peritonitis. A dialysis partner was required by 21.8% of the PD patients. The incidence of peritonitis was 1 episode in 36.5 and 41.1 patient–months, with negative cultures occurring in 17.1% of cases in both periods. The incidence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (episodes/100 patient–years) was 0.70, representing 1.26% of patients treated. The catheter types used and the sites and methods of insertion varied widely from center to center. Conclusions These censuses confirm the good results of PD in Italy, and provide insight into little-known aspects such as the use of incremental PD, the presence of a dialysis partner, and the incidence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.
Two-in-One Protocol: Simultaneous Small-Pore and Ultrasmall-Pore Peritoneal Transport Quantification
Authors: Bernardo Ana Paula , Bajo M. Auxiliadora , Santos Olivia , Del Peso Gloria , Carvalho Maria João , Cabrita António , Selgas Rafael , Rodrigues Anabela 
Published: March 2012

Background Reduced free water transport (FWT) through ultrasmall pores contributes to net ultrafiltration failure (UFF) and should be seen as a sign of more severe functional deterioration of the peritoneal membrane. The modified peritoneal equilibration test (PET), measuring the dip in dialysate Na concentration, estimates only FWT. Our aim was to simultaneously quantify small-solute transport, FWT, and small-pore ultrafiltration (SPUF) during a single PET procedure. Methods We performed a 4-hour, 3.86% glucose PET, with additional measurement of ultrafiltration (UF) at 60 minutes, in 70 peritoneal dialysis patients (mean age: 50 ± 16 years; 61% women; PD vintage: 26 ± 23 months). We calculated the dialysate-to-plasma ratios (D/P) of creatinine and Na at 0 and 60 minutes, and the Na dip (DipD/PNa60,), the delta dialysate Na 0–60 (ΔDNa0–60), FWT, and SPUF. Results Sodium sieving (as measured by ΔDNa0–60) correlated strongly with the corrected DipD/PNa60, ( r = 0.85, p < 0.0001) and the corrected FWT ( r = 0.41, p = 0.005). Total UF showed better correlation with FWT than with indirect measurements of Na sieving ( r = 0.46, p < 0.0001 for FWT; r = 0.360, p < 0.0001 for DipD/PNa60,). Corrected FWT fraction was 0.45 ± 0.16. A negative correlation was found between time on PD and both total UF and FWT ( r = -0.253, p = 0.035 and r = -0.272, p = 0.023 respectively). The 11 patients (15.7%) diagnosed with UFF had lower FWT (89 mL vs 164 mL, p < 0.05) and higher D/P creatinine (0.75 vs 0.70, p < 0.05) than did the group with normal UF. The SPUF correlated positively with FWT in the normal UF group, but negatively in UFF patients ( r = -0.709, p = 0.015). Among UFF patients on PD for a longer period, 44.4% had a FWT percentage below 45%. Conclusions Measurement of FWT and SPUF is feasible by simultaneous quantification during a modified 3.86% glucose PET, and FWT is a decisive parameter for detecting causes of UFF in addition to increased effective capillary surface.
Are Cognitive and Olfactory Dysfunctions in Neuropsychiatric Lupus Erythematosus Dependent on Anxiety or Depression?
Authors: CAVACO SARA , MARTINS da SILVA ANA , SANTOS ERNESTINA , COUTINHO ESTER , MARINHO ANTÓNIO , MOREIRA INÊS , GONÇALVES ALEXANDRA , PINTO CLÁUDIA , TEIXEIRA-PINTO ARMANDO , VASCONCELOS CARLOS 
Published: March 2012

Objective.Depressed mood and cognitive impairments are common findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and frequently coexist. We assessed the neuropsychological functioning of patients with SLE and investigated its association with psychopathological symptoms.Methods.A total of 85 patients with SLE (28 with neuropsychiatric syndromes: NPSLE) and 85 healthy control subjects with similar demographic characteristics were asked to perform a series of neuropsychological tests. A self-report questionnaire (the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was used to screen for psychopathology symptoms. Patients with SLE underwent a neurological examination.Results.Patients with NPSLE were more depressed and were more frequently impaired in cognitive and olfactory functions than controls or non-NPSLE patients. The NPSLE group remained statistically different from the other 2 groups on a series of neuropsychological measures (the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test – Part A, Nine-Hole Peg Test, and Brief Smell Identification Test) even after control for elevated anxiety and depressed mood. Non-NPSLE and control groups were not significantly different regarding either psychopathological symptoms or neuropsychological functioning.Conclusion.Verbal memory, psychomotor speed, and olfaction are particularly vulnerable to dysfunction in NPSLE; impairment in these neuropsychological domains is not completely explained by psychopathology symptoms.
Occupational Risk Factors for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Study Based on Hospitalizations in Sweden
Authors: LI XINJUN , SUNDQUIST JAN , SUNDQUIST KRISTINA , ZÖLLER BENGT 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To investigate possible associations between occupation and hospitalization for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a nationwide study.Methods.A nationwide database was constructed in Sweden by linking the Swedish Census to the Hospital Discharge Register to obtain data on all first hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE in adults during the study period (1970 to 2008). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% CI were calculated for different occupations. Two cohorts were defined based on occupational titles recorded in Swedish census data in 1970 and 1980.Results.A total of 8921 male and 42290 female hospitalizations for SLE were retrieved in individuals aged over 15 years. High education (> 12 yrs) was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for SLE among both women (SIR = 0.73) and men (SIR = 0.72). Among men with the same occupation in 2 consecutive censuses, increased risks (SIR) > 2.0 were present among artistic workers (2.52); shop managers and assistants (3.63); miners and quarry workers (6.04); shoe and leather workers (6.93); plumbers (2.21); other construction workers (2.08); glass, ceramic and tile workers (4.43); chimney sweeps (4.54); and military personnel (3.01). Among women with the same occupation in 2 consecutive censuses, no occupation was associated with SIR > 2.0.Conclusion.Occupation may carry significantly increased risk of hospital admission for SLE. Especially among men, several occupations were associated with increased risks for SLE.
Efficacy and Safety of CE-224,535, an Antagonist of P2X7Receptor, in Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Inadequately Controlled by Methotrexate
Authors: STOCK THOMAS C. , BLOOM BRADLEY J. , WEI NATHAN , ISHAQ SALIHA , PARK WON , WANG XIN , GUPTA PANKAJ , MEBUS CHARLES A. 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To evaluate efficacy and safety of CE-224,535, a selective P2X7receptor antagonist, versus placebo, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX).Methods.In our phase IIA study (ClinicalTrials.govno.NCT00628095; A6341009), patients aged ≥ 18 years with active RA were randomized to receive either CE-224,535 (500 mg bid) or placebo for 12 weeks; all patients continued a stable background dose of ≥ 7.5 mg MTX.Results.The American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response rate (primary efficacy endpoint) was not significantly different from placebo for CE-224,535 (34.0% vs 36.2%; p = 0.591) at Week 12, or at any timepoint over the 12-week treatment period. There was no significant difference at Week 12 for the ACR20 response rate following subgroup analyses by age, sex, baseline disease activity, baseline duration of disease, geographic region, or concomitant use of steroids. ACR50/ACR70 response rates and change from baseline in Disease Activity Score 28-joint C-reactive protein (DAS28-3-CRP) and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index for CE-224,535 were not significant at Week 12 versus placebo. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) were reported by 62.3% (CE-224,535) and 55.3% (placebo) of patients; the most common AE were nausea (11.3%, CE-224,535; 4.3%, placebo) and diarrhea (7.5%, CE-224,535; 4.3%, placebo). The proportion of patients discontinuing due to an AE was 9.4% (CE-224,535) and 6.4% (placebo); no deaths were reported. Serious AE occurred in 3.8% (CE-224,535) and 2.1% (placebo) of patients; none was considered treatment-related.Conclusion.CE-224,535 was not efficacious, compared with placebo, for the treatment of RA in patients with an inadequate response to MTX. CE-224,535 demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
Anticitrullinated Protein Antibodies and Radiological Progression in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: LIPIŃSKA JOANNA , BRÓZIK HENRYKA , STAŃCZYK JERZY , SMOLEWSKA ELZBIETA 
Published: March 2012

Objective.The aim of the study was to investigate whether determination of anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) provides predictive information on severity of disease course and joint destruction in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods.Sera from 74 children with JIA were examined for ACPA using the ELISA test. To assess joint destruction, plain radiographs of both hands were scored twice according to the Steinbrocker scale: at the beginning of observation and after 8.9 to 15.2 months (median 11.5 months) of the followup. Correlations between ACPA serum levels and the disease characteristics (type of JIA onset, disease activity, disease duration, radiological status) were investigated.Results.Twenty-six out of 74 examined children with JIA (35.0%) were ACPA-positive [> 5 relative units (RU)/ml]. ACPA were present in all types of JIA onset, including 36.6% of children with early stage JIA (disease duration < 6 months). All of the IgM-rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive children with polyarticular type of JIA onset were simultaneously positive for ACPA. ACPA levels correlated positively with disease activity at the beginning of the study (rho = 0.7196; p < 0.0001) and after followup (rho = 0.2485; p = 0.0486). Disease duration did not significantly affect ACPA serum levels. ACPA levels correlated positively with radiological joint destruction in children with JIA, both at the beginning of the study (rho = 0.4599; p = 0.0004) and after the followup period (rho = 0.5523; p < 0.0001).Conclusion.ACPA were superior to IgM-RF in diagnosing JIA and provided predictive information on severity of disease course and radiological outcome.
Home Parenteral Nutrition in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Retrospective Review of 12 Cases
Authors: JAWA HANI , FERNANDES GAIL , SAQUI OLIVIA , ALLARD JOHANNE P. 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To evaluate the effect of home total parenteral nutrition (HTPN) on the nutritional and functional status of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods.Retrospective review of SSc patients from the HTPN database at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, from 1998 to 2010.Results:In total 12 subjects (9 females, 3 males) with SSc were identified. At initiation of HTPN, the age was 48.75 ± 3.94 years and the median body mass index was 16.8 kg/m2 (range 12.3–21.3). This significantly increased to 18.3 kg/m2 (17.0–21.7) at 6 months and to 19.7 kg/m2 (17.0–24.6) at 12 months. The mean Karnofsky score at baseline was 58.00 ± 3.27, and the score at 12 months of 39.00 ± 13.29 did not change significantly.Conclusion.HTPN improved the nutritional status of these patients with SSc but it did not improve their functional status.
Progression of Esophageal Dysmotility in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: VISCHIO JOHN , SAEED FAHD , KARIMEDDINI MOZAFAREDDIN , MUBASHIR ASIA , FEINN RICHARD , CALDITO GLORIA , STRIEGEL KIM , ROTHFIELD NAOMI 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To longitudinally evaluate esophageal dysmotility (ED) in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).Methods.We performed a retrospective review of all adult patients with SSc seen between 1995 and 2008. Patients were included if they had undergone 2 or more esophageal transit scintigraphy (ETS) studies at least 1 year apart. Data from 382 ETS studies of 102 patients with SSc were analyzed. Eighty patients had lcSSc and 22 patients had dcSSc. A grading system was used to quantify the degree of esophageal dysfunction, ranging from grade 0 (normal) to grade 3 (severe hypomotility). Change in esophageal motility over time was evaluated and compared between the limited and diffuse subtypes.Results.Sixty-eight patients (66.7%) had an abnormal ETS study at any time. Of patients with dcSSc, 95.4% had an abnormal ETS study, compared to 58.5% of patients with lcSSc. dcSSc and regurgitation were independent risk factors for ED. There was no association between the presence of anticentromere antibodies or antitopoisomerase (anti-Scl-70) antibodies and an abnormal ETS study. Esophageal motility in patients with dcSSc worsened in 96% of cases compared with only 58.8% in those with lcSSc.Conclusion.ED is more frequent in patients with dcSSc than in those with lcSSc, and is more likely to deteriorate over time. Given the potential associated risks of erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer in patients with SSc, routine screening and monitoring for ED is advised.
Short-term Risk of Total Malignancy and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers with Certolizumab and Golimumab in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Metaanalysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: LE BLAY PIERRE , MOUTERDE GAEL , BARNETCHE THOMAS , MOREL JACQUES , COMBE BERNARD 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To assess the risk of total malignancy and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving certolizumab and golimumab through a metaanalysis of data from randomized control trials (RCT).Methods.We systematically reviewed the literature up to May 2011 in Medline databases, as well as abstracts from the 2009 and 2010 annual meetings of the European League Against Rheumatism and the American College of Rheumatology. Mantel-Haenszel method was used to determine a common odds ratio (OR). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by chi-square Q test. We selected only RCT including more than 30 RA subjects randomly assigned to an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or a nonbiological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) control group.Results.The literature search identified 793 articles; 6 (2 with certolizumab and 4 with golimumab) were selected for metaanalysis. A total of 2710 patients received at least 1 dose of certolizumab or golimumab. For anti-TNF-treated patients, 18 cancers (excluding NMSC) and 9 NMSC were observed versus 4 cases of total malignancy and 3 NMSC in control groups. Metaanalysis revealed a pooled OR of 1.06 (95% CI 0.39–2.85) for risk of total malignancy and 0.69 (95% CI 0.23–2.11) for risk of NMSC with certolizumab and golimumab versus DMARD. Heterogeneity was not significant.Conclusion.Metaanalysis of RCT of golimumab and certolizumab did not find an increased risk of total malignancy and NMSC. These results must be confirmed with longterm extension studies and registry studies, and careful monitoring remains mandatory.
Differences between Male and Female Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Multiethnic Population
Authors: TAN TZE CHIN , FANG HONG , MAGDER LAURENCE S. , PETRI MICHELLE A. 
Published: March 2012

Objective.Male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are thought to be similar to female patients with SLE, but key clinical characteristics may differ. Comparisons were made between male and female patients with SLE in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort.Methods.A total of 1979 patients in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort were included in the analysis.Results.The cohort consisted of 157 men (66.2% white, 33.8% African American) and 1822 women (59.8% white, 40.2% African American). The mean followup was 6.02 years (range 0–23.73). Men were more likely than women to have disability, hypertension, thrombosis, and renal, hematological, and serological manifestations. Men were more likely to be diagnosed at an older age and to have a lower education level. Women were more likely to have malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, alopecia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or arthralgia. Men were more likely than women to have experienced end organ damage including neuropsychiatric, renal, cardiovascular, peripheral vascular disease, and myocardial infarction, and to have died. In general, differences between males and females were more numerous and striking in whites, especially with respect to lupus nephritis, abnormal serologies, and thrombosis.Conclusion.Our study suggests that there are major clinical differences between male and female patients with SLE. Differences between male and female patients also depend on ethnicity. Future SLE studies will need to consider both ethnicity and gender to understand these differences.
Epidemiology of Systemic Sclerosis in a Large US Managed Care Population
Authors: FURST DANIEL E. , FERNANDES ANCILLA W. , IORGA ŞERBAN R. , GRETH WARREN , BANCROFT TIM 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To estimate the incidence and prevalence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a large US managed care organization (MCO) database.Methods.Subjects with claims-based evidence of SSc (ICD-9-CM code 710.1x) were identified from a health plan database. Incidence and prevalence for the period 2003–2008 were calculated.Results.The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate (2003–2008) for SSc was 5.6 cases per 100,000 person-years. The annual prevalence of SSc ranged from 13.5 in 2003 to 18.4 (per 100,000) in 2008.Conclusion.This analysis suggests a higher incidence and lower prevalence of SSc in this MCO than those previously reported for the United States.
Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody, But Not Its Titer, Is a Predictor of Radiographic Progression and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SHIOZAWA KAZUKO , KAWASAKI YOSHIKO , YAMANE TAKASHI , YOSHIHARA RYOSUKE , TANAKA YASUSHI , UTO KENICHI , SHIOZAWA SHUNICHI 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To study the contribution of anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), and especially of its titer, to radiographic progression and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Patients with RA (n = 396) who attended a Japanese clinic within 2 years after disease onset were divided into the following groups according to second-generation (ACPA-2) ACPA titer on their first visit: negative (0–4.4 U/ml; n = 115), low-positive (4.5–121 U/ml; n = 141), and high-positive (> 121 U/ml; n = 140). The ACPA-2-positive groups were further subdivided into lowest (4.5–32 U/ml), low (33–121 U/ml), high (122–277 U/ml), and highest (> 278 U/ml) quartiles. All patients were treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) including methotrexate, but not biologics. Subsequent radiographic progression and disease activity for 2 years were prospectively evaluated using the van der Heijde-modified Sharp score (SHS) and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28).Results.After treatment with DMARD, the disease activity (including number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, duration of morning stiffness, DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and DAS28-C-reactive protein) was significantly decreased in all patient groups. Disease activity and radiographic progression as revealed by the change in SHS remained relatively higher in the ACPA-2 low- and high-positive groups as compared with the ACPA-2-negative group. The relationship between the titer of ACPA-2 at baseline and subsequent radiographic progression was not exactly linear, and the extent of disease activity or radiographic progression was similar between ACPA-2 low- and high-positive groups and also between ACPA-2 lowest- and highest-positive quartile groups. The results were demonstrable in cumulative SHS probability plots, and also repeatable in seronegative patients, which indicated that the titer of ACPA-2 is not a predictor of disease activity or radiographic progression in RA, and ACPA-2-negative patients, especially those with < 3 U/ml, showed minimal radiographic progression.Conclusion.Presence of ACPA-2, but not its titer, at baseline is a predictor of radiographic progression or disease activity, where radiographic progression is minimal in ACPA-2-negative patients.
Challenges in Evaluating an Arthritis Self-management Program for People with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Real-world Clinical Settings
Authors: ACKERMAN ILANA N. , BUCHBINDER RACHELLE , OSBORNE RICHARD H. 
Published: March 2012

Objective.To evaluate the influence of a 6-week Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and self-management skills in clinical settings.Methods.Individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis referred to orthopedic surgeons or rheumatologists at 6 hospitals in Victoria, Australia, were recruited. In a randomized controlled trial, participants received the Stanford ASMP and self-help book (intervention) or book only (control). Assessments included the Assessment of Quality of Life instrument (AQoL; range −0.04 to 1.00) and Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ; range 1–6) at baseline and up to 12 months. The primary outcome was HRQOL at 12 months (assessed using the AQoL).Results.Recruitment was concluded early due to persistent challenges including infrequent referrals and patient inability or disinterest in participating. Of 1125 individuals screened, only 120 were randomized (control, n = 62; intervention, n = 58). Seven ASMP were conducted while 18 scheduled ASMP were cancelled. Forty-four of 58 intervention group participants received the intervention as allocated (76%); all control group participants were sent the book (100%). Ninety-four participants (78%) completed 12-month assessments (control, 90%; intervention, 66%). There was no difference in HRQOL at 12 months (adjusted mean difference −0.02, 95% CI −0.09 to 0.05). At 6 weeks, the intervention group reported higher heiQ skill and technique acquisition scores (adjusted mean difference 0.29, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.55); however, this dissipated by 3 months.Conclusion.Significant challenges hampered this evaluation of the ASMP. The observed lack of enthusiasm from potential referrers and patients raises doubts about the practicality of this intervention in real-world settings. (ANZCTR Clinical Trials Registry no. ACTRN12606000174583)